Kronospan has announced the acquisition of ZG Timber’s Sebes plant from Ziegler. The agreement, signed on 1 Mar 2025, aims to ensure the continuity of operations at the Sebes facility, securing 500 local jobs following the insolvency of Ziegler at the end of 2024. The transaction is expected to be finalised by mid-year, pending regulatory approvals, according to Panels Furniture Asia.
Operating in Romania since 1998, Kronospan has invested over £600m in the country and currently runs two production plants in Brasov (OSB boards) and Sebes (PB and MDF boards), a logistics centre in Constanta, and several wood collection and recycling centres. Its Romanian-made products are sold domestically and exported to 75 countries, including Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. The recent undertaking of the Sebes sawmill has expanded its product range with sawn timber, reinforcing Romania’s position in the wood processing industry worldwide.
Preserving jobs and supporting regional impact
The acquisition highlights Kronospan’s resolve to strengthen both its local economy and global operations. By maintaining the continued operation of the Sebes plant, Kronospan seeks to preserve the jobs of a skilled workforce while contributing to positive social, environmental, and economic impact in the region. This move will also protect indirect employment across suppliers, subcontractors, and other businesses linked to the sawmill’s activities.
Expanding product portfolio with sawn timber
As part of its strategy to expand and diversify its product offerings, Kronospan will introduce sawn timber products into its global portfolio. This new addition will complement the company’s existing production of wood-based panels, including particleboard (PB), medium-density fibreboard (MDF), and oriented strand board (OSB), which are manufactured at its facilities in Sebes and Brasov, Romania. Furthermore, Kronospan plans to invest in modernising the Sebes sawmill to enhance production capabilities.
Kronospan’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and quality
Amid ongoing economic challenges, this acquisition emphasises Kronospan’s continued commitment to Romania as a competitive hub for wood products production. The company remains dedicated to expanding its operations, driving innovation, advancing sustainability initiatives through the development of products with a negative carbon footprint, and delivering high-quality products to customers globally.
Kronospan is a global leader in the manufacturing and distribution of wood-based panels and related products. Established in 1897 as an Austrian family business, the company has grown to become one of the most significant players in the wood-processing industry, with operations spanning over 40 production sites worldwide.
Products and Innovation
Kronospan specialises in producing a wide range of wood-based products, including:
- Particleboard (PB) and Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF): Essential materials for furniture and construction industries.
- Laminate Flooring: Known for its durability and aesthetic appeal.
- Oriented Strand Board (OSB): A versatile material used in construction.
- Decorative and Speciality Papers: Used for enhancing the appearance of wood-based panels.
- Melamine-Faced Panels and High-Pressure Laminates (HPL): Popular for their strength and design versatility.
The company is also a pioneer in sustainable production, using recycled wood and residues from the sawmill industry to minimise environmental impact. Kronospan continuously invests in research and development to improve efficiency and reduce waste, ensuring that its operations align with high environmental standards.
Global Presence
With a strong presence in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, Kronospan serves a diverse range of markets. Its decentralised approach allows the company to adapt to local needs while maintaining consistent quality across its products. In Romania, Kronospan operates a significant production facility in Sebeș, contributing to the local economy and providing employment opportunities.
