16/07/2007 Finnforest will supply the Finnforest roof elements with Kerto® LVL structure in the IKEA store to be opened in Raisio, Finland in the summer of 2008. This contract opens up excellent opportunities to market large roof panels for store chains. On-site installation is included in the contract. The main contractor for the IKEA Raisio is Peab Seicon Oy. "The Finnforest roof elements are an economical total solution. They meet the criteria and administrative orders set for roof panels. In addition, the delivery time for the panels is short," tells Martin Bonekamp, IKEA Project Manager. The Finnforest roof elements made of Kerto LVL (laminated veneer lumber) are extremely suitable for industrial and commercial buildings thanks to their cost-efficiency, light weight and fire safety. They are also quick to install: the panelling of the lower surface, insulation and roof covering are installed in the factory. "The competitive advantage of the Finnforest roof elements compared with structures made of reinforced concrete is their light weight. An additional benefit when using roof elements is the fact that you get a water-resistant roof immediately. This is remarkable because the roof for the Raisio IKEA store will be implemented in late autumn in demanding weather conditions. We also want to give priority to Finnish wood, as this can be considered an important image factor," explains Raimo Heinonen, District Manager of Peab Seicon Oy. As for industrial construction materials, wood is the most environmentally-friendly and sustainable material. As nature's own raw material, wood is the only construction material that is completely renewable. The wood of the Finnforest roof elements comes from sustainably managed certified forests owned by the forest owner members of the Metsäliitto Cooperative. Furthermore, wood products are carbon stores, so using wood in construction does not accelerate climate change. Wood can also be recycled and used as a source of energy. The roof will be made of 16-metre long roof elements. Approximately 900 m3 of Kerto S beams and 900 m3 of Kerto Q panels will be used. The lightweight Finnforest roof elements help save in piling and foundation costs when building on soft ground. The roof elements are in the 60 minute fire resistance class, and the building will be in the P1 fire class. The construction of the Raisio IKEA store roof elements will begin at the end of August. The installation will be completed by Christmas. Raisio is located near Turku, the fifth biggest city in Finland. The Finnforest roof elements have achieved the European technical acceptance ETA-07/0029 and a CE marking. This year Finnforest has also supplied building solutions for the structures of two British stores of one of the world's leading international retail chains, Tesco. Product photos Finnforest roof elements: http://databank.metsaliitto.com/metsaliitto/finnforest.jsp?x=6040678&i=159172772 48937720316172190292321331344265 Further information: Marko Kallunki, Director, Building projects, Finnforest, tel. +358 50 598 9831