Latvijas Finieris, Latvia

Challenge

“Our customers come from around 32 industries. The main ones include heavy building, road transport, sea transport, light building, and rail transport,” says Talivaldis Silenieks, Head of Marketing at Latvijas Finieris.

At the same time, birch plywood products are handled and transported in different conditions before reaching the customer.

“One of the key aspects of packaging is protection – protecting the product from environmental effects and damage and ensuring safe delivery,” Silenieks explains.

Traditional packaging methods were no longer the best fit for growing production volumes. To improve efficiency and support future growth, Latvijas Finieris gradually introduced Cross Wrap packaging solutions in its mills to meet its production needs.

Solution

The solution was developed in close cooperation between the companies to ensure it met the specific requirements of each production site.

“We have actively collaborated with Cross Wrap to introduce packaging equipment, and based on previous experience, we have adapted the equipment to our needs. Cross Wrap has been very helpful and assisted us in preparing the best possible equipment needed for our specific production,” says Edgars Eidmanis, Technologist at Latvijas Finieris.

Automation improves efficiency and consistency

Cross Wrap packaging lines combine multiple steps into a single automated process. This reduces manual work, increases efficiency, and helps ensure consistent results throughout production.

“We have provided three packing lines for plywood to Latvijas Finieris. They are complete lines with infeed conveyors, a wrapping unit, weighing and labeling, and outfeed conveyors”, says Vesa Jauhiainen, CEO of Cross Wrap.

The system is easy to use and works reliably. Automation takes care of most of the packaging process, allowing operators to focus on their main tasks.

“The packaging line itself is quite simple from an operational perspective. One operator is required, and their main tasks are placing the required beams on the feeding table and printing the label. Everything else is handled automatically by the machine,” Eidmanis says.

Automation also improves packaging quality and reduces the risk of errors. Standardized processes create more predictable results while helping optimize material usage and lower costs.

“Eliminating the human factor reduces errors and ensures consistent packaging quality,” Eidmanis notes. 

Better protection, better customer experience

Birch plywood products are often handled multiple times and transported through demanding conditions before reaching the end customer. As a result, product protection is one of the most important functions of packaging.

Cross Wrap’s solution creates tightly wrapped and stable packages that protect products from moisture and external impacts, particularly during sea transport.

“The biggest benefits of using the Cross Wrap machine and the film are that this machine can provide very stable, hermetically sealed packaging, which is very useful in sea transport, and customers highly appreciate this factor,” Eidmanis says.

Packaging also plays an important role for customers. Easy handling and opening help improve efficiency throughout the supply chain and make products easier to use upon delivery.

The combination of protection, ease of use, and consistent quality has made the solution an important part of Latvijas Finieris’ operations. The close cooperation between the companies has also contributed to the successful implementation of the technology.

Key takeaway