The Kinský sawmill is entering a new chapter in its operational life. We are responding to changes in the timber market, shifts in forestry management, and the technical needs of our operations. “We are launching an extensive project to modernize the site and build a new sawmill hall, which will allow us to increase the added value we give to the wood coming from our forests. The new samill will process hardwoods more effectively, while increasing efficiency and environmental sustainability,” says Miloš Čáslavský, head of Pila Kinský.
The Road to a More Modern and Efficient Sawmill
Current technologies, including the band saw and related equipment, are approaching the end of their service life. Maintaining their operation in the near future would mean disproportionately high costs as well as risks of failures. But broader circumstances also led us to invest in the new technology:
- Market changes after Covid – slowdown in construction activity and a decline in demand for construction timber.
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Impact of bark beetle infestation and climate change – in recent years, the number of (old) coniferous trees in our forests has dropped significantly, while oak and other hardwoods are still abundant.
Looking ahead, we expect an increase in the share of hardwoods coming from our forests, and we are adapting our forest management plan accordingly. This will bring higher demands on the performance and robustness of the sawmill technology. At the same time, demands for cutting precision and final product quality are rising. The new technological base will enable us to meet these challenges and demands.
What Will Change at the Sawmill
After thorough preparation, including an independent feasability study, detailed planning, design, and negotiations, we selected the following sawmill technology suppliers:
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Bicoupe, inclined Brenta band saw – a top-tier solution from a renowned French manufacturer, which will allow us to saw in both directions (bicoupe technology).
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PAUL edger, ripsaw and resaw machines – technology with which we already have good experience. The new machines will allow us to proces higher volumes faster.
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Baljer-Zembrod debarking machine and metal detector – for thorough preparation of logs before processing. – pro důkladnou přípravu kulatiny před zpracováním.
A completely new sawmill hall will be built for the new technology, optimizing the material flow and related operations—such as managing sawdust, bark, and wood chips. The old sawmill hall will continue to serve for the storage and pre-drying of timber.
The project will also include:
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a new parking lot in front of the sawmill offices,
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a raw material handling warehouse,
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modernization of security and infrastructure in both facilities.
Timeline – When We Begin and What Awaits
The first steps are already underway. During the previous winter months, the construction site was prepared. The actual construction of the new sawmill hall and technological facilities will begin during the autumn of 2025. Completion and commissioning are expected by the end of 2026.
The new technologies and modern facilities will increase production efficiency and improve working conditions. Although the expansion of operations will lead to higher energy consumption, the project plans to partially cover this with renewable sources. The construction includes the installation of a photovoltaic power plant and other measures to reduce long-term dependence on external energy supplies and increase the site’s energy self-sufficiency.
We also place an emphasis on the efficient use of by-products, such as sawdust, bark, and wood chips. The modernization will also strengthen the long-term stability and competitiveness of Kinský dal Borgo a.s., under which our sawmill operates.
Our goal is to continue producing high-quality timber—now with greater efficiency, and with respect for the current needs of both the market and our forests.
