As we approach the Christmas and New Year holidays, it is a good opportunity to pause and reflect on the year from our perspective.
2025 has been a year characterized by meetings between people—meetings that have created perspective, knowledge, and confidence in the future during a time often described as uncertain, both in terms of raw material supply and market development. Throughout the year, we have gathered at events such as Ligna in Hannover, the Forest Product Expo in Nashville, and the Jyväskylä Fair in Finland. We have also met Maritime Kiln Dryers Association in North America, at the Deutsche Holzkongress in Germany, and during training sessions in Sweden. Each location has had its own conditions, yet the discussions have centered on the same fundamental questions: efficiency, quality, and the future.
We are particularly pleased with the continued success of the Kiln Operators Society. During 2025, we have held meetings in Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Germany, once again confirming the value of this forum—an invaluable setting where kiln operators meet, share experiences, and learn from one another.
Meeting in person has always been important. Perhaps it is even more important in times like these. Through dialogue and the exchange of experience, a deeper understanding is created of the challenges facing sawmills—technical, economic, and human. And despite everything happening around us, the picture is clear: confidence in the future of our industry remains strong.
Internally, we have invested significant resources during the year in development aimed at further optimizing the drying process. This has resulted, among other things, in our patent-pending solution, "Closed Loop Drying", which enables energy savings of up to 50 percent—without affecting the drying process or end product quality.
When we at Valutec talk about optimizing the drying process, we mean taking a holistic approach that balances economics, sustainability, and quality. Features such as adaptation to current energy prices, optimized energy use, and new adaptive solutions that enhance final product quality are important steps in making wood drying an even more distinct quality creator in the sawmill value chain.
This is something we are proud to contribute to—and it would not have been possible without the close collaboration we have with you at the sawmills.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
