In order to ensure the storage of saplings and to improve the overall infrastructure, Latvijas Finieris has started an ambitious development project of the Zābaki tree nursery in Sigulda Municipality. For the project, unique wooden construction solutions are planned to be used in close collaboration with Latvian scientists. On Friday, 24 May, a message for future generations was laid in the foundations of the building under construction.
“This is a meeting place of science and nature. The new technologies for storing saplings will strengthen forestry development. It will reduce the wastage of finished products and ensure that customers receive saplings at their preferred time in spring. The unique wooden building complex will, in turn, allow members of various scientific institutions to accumulate knowledge and data for a much broader application of wood as a material in the future. Such knowledge will definitely promote the use of wood in construction,” remarked Jānis Ciems, Chairman of the Board of Latvijas Finieris.
“Wood is being increasingly used in construction, but negative stereotypes about its durability and fire resistance still persist. To overcome them, we need examples confirmed by science and engineering. AS Latvijas Finieris has already provided such examples in large-scale wooden buildings, but this object offers something completely new. For the construction of the cold rooms for the saplings, solid wood panels will be used, where they will be exposed to very harsh climatic conditions. It is a big risk, because there is no experience of this kind, but it’s a very valuable experiment for gaining new knowledge. In addition, the study will be long term thanks to the built-in monitoring equipment. As the use of wood is now developing in completely new ways and composites, the availability of such experimental facilities should certainly be expanded”, said Andrejs Domkins, Director of the Forest and Wood Research Institute.
The investment project continues the Birch Programme initiated by Latvijas Finieris in 1996 to develop the production of premium birch saplings with higher added value for the Latvian economy.
The working environment for the tree nursery workers will also be improved.
“The development of the unique complex of wooden buildings at the Zābaki tree nursery of AS Latvijas Finieris has a noble goal – to produce tree saplings and continue to take care of Latvia’s forest stands, thereby strengthening the image of Latvia as a green country and ensuring the continuation of the forestry and timber industries at a new level of quality. Every day that such a new idea is put into practice is a significant step forward for the development of the company. Right now, what the Latvian state needs most are many steps like this forward. I wish smooth sailing for the project, and we hope to see it come to life and be put into practice soon.” the Minister of Agriculture, Armands Krauze, emphasized during the event.