Pollmeier to start LVL production in February

Pollmeier is expected to start up his new beech LVL factory in Creuzburg/DE next February. The launch of sales is scheduled for March, says CEO Ralf Pollmeier. The main components (peeling line, drying tunnel, Conti-press) have already been installed. The investment volume has exceeded the € 100 million mark by now, says Pollmeier. The line has a production capacity of 150,000-180,000 m³/yr high-strength beech laminated veneer lumber. The product price will range from € 520 to € 750/m³ (ex works) – depending on quality and dimension, a company speaker says.

Pollmeier will market the new product under the name "Baubuche" (transl. construction beech) in German and export markets. As panel-shaped product Pollmeier will offer it in standard thicknesses 4, 6 and 8 cm, 1.85 m wide and up to 18 m long. On request, however, even greater lengths are possible as the product is manufactured on a Contiroll press as a continuous strand. Ripped up and with flat surfaces of the lamellae glued, Pollmeier produces beams of up to 18 m length. The flexural strength is said to be 35% higher than that of spruce glulam. The flexural strength of Baubuche is nearly three times, the tensile strength four times the values of spruce glulam (GL24h), they say. The German and European Technical Approvals have already been issued.

With its finely striped appearance, Pollmeier's beech LVL is primarily targeted at the aesthetic timber construction. Approximately 3.7 mm thick beech veneer layers alternate with dark phenolic resin. Baubuche will be available in sight and non-sight qualities. Pollmeier will present his product just before the start of production at the 19. International Wood Construction Conference IHF 2013 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen/DE on 4 to 6 December.

Main suppliers of the production line are Raute (veneer production and laying station), Siempelkamp (continuous press), Minda (high-bay storage), Paul (multi-blade circular saw), HIT (beam press) and Hanses (roundwood mechanization).