France: EGGER is investing in the future September 21, 2007
The EGGER group, one of the leading European manufacturers of chipboard, MDF and OSB boards, is continuing its extensive investment programme. EGGER is investing around 70 million euro in the modernisation of its two production sites in France. This summer, the raw chipboard press at the Rambervillers (production capacity +20%) plant has been completely overhauled. The Rion plant has begun work on installing a biomass boiler, and has ordered a new, continuous raw chipboard press and a new lamination line for finishing décor boards.
By early 2008 the 50-megawatt biomass boiler should be fully installed at the Rion site. Installation of the new offcuts furnace will further upgrade the energy and environmental equipment level. 60,000 tonnes of offcuts can be recycled in the new combined heat and power (CHP) station as an ecological fuel. With an output of 50 megawatts, the consumption of natural gas can be reduced by 75%. In total, around 10 million euro have been invested in the new environmental energy system.
By the third quarter of 2008 EGGER intends to have installed a new continuous press measuring 2.1 x 42.1m which will replace both the current press and two single-daylight presses. In addition, an extra lamination line is being built, which should increase the finishing capacity of boards for interior design and the furniture industry by 30%. This investment will secure the long-term future of the site and its 400 jobs.
