Holmen Wood Products CEO Reviews 2025
Holmen Wood Products CEO Johan Padel reflects on 2025, detailing industry challenges from inflation and global conflicts to raw material availability, alongside company investments and strategic adjustments.
Johan Padel, CEO of Holmen Wood Products, has summarized 2025 as a year of significant change and uncertainty for the wood products industry. Factors including the ongoing impact of the pandemic, inflation, global conflicts, and geopolitical uncertainties have increased market volatility.
Raw material availability, particularly in southern Sweden and internationally, has presented a considerable challenge, influenced by issues such as bark beetle infestations and evolving forest management discussions. Despite these hurdles, Holmen has continued its investment strategy, notably expanding operations at Iggesund Sawmill to process spruce and lodgepole pine in addition to Scots pine, which remains the primary volume source. A new planing mill has also been commissioned, and finishing capacities have been enhanced across all sawmills.
The company prioritized health and safety, investing in workplace improvements. Production volumes were adjusted based on raw material supply, leading to reductions at the Braviken and Linghem sawmills in southern Sweden, while sawmills in northern Sweden experienced positive development.
Wood is highlighted as an increasingly attractive and sustainable building material, especially in construction framing. Holmen's Martinsons Building System supplied glulam for a new lounge at Arlanda Airport's Terminal 5. Padel expressed gratitude to employees, customers, and partners for their efforts and wished everyone a peaceful holiday season and a successful 2026.