The merger of the two cooperatives has resulted in the creation of a new business project that aims to be the largest and most efficient sawmill in southern Europe. This project is expected to significantly increase competitiveness and production capacity, allowing access to new clients and markets.
The new center in Murgako (Aiaraldea, Araba) covers an area of 95,000 m² and has received an investment of 67 million euros. The facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to quickly and cleanly process logs up to 4.5 meters long and 60 centimeters in diameter. It will have the capacity to saw 300,000 m³ of wood annually and dry another 60,000 m³. The plant is expected to reach its maximum operational capacity next June.
“"We will be a stronger cooperative, which will allow us to reach many clients and markets that were previously out of our reach."
The new cooperative will employ over 300 people and anticipates a turnover of 150 million euros. The project is committed to local forests and raw materials, with the cooperative itself managing the origin of the wood by purchasing forests and using its own exploitation equipment. Furthermore, inter-cooperation between cooperatives and public-private collaboration have been highlighted as key elements for the success of this initiative.
