Södra has chosen technical consulting company Sweco for construction design work relating to the expansion of the Värö pulp mill.

"Sweco was selected for this assignment on the basis of its extensive expertise and experience of the forestry industry and because they have the resources to deliver all the construction consulting services we require," explained Jonas Eriksson, Mill Manager at Södra Cell Värö.

"This is one of the biggest investments taking place in the forestry industry right now. For Sweco, the contract means that we will be able to contribute to important growth opportunities for a pulp mill that has long been a forerunner with regard to environmental consideration and renewable energy," says Sören Hed, President of Sweco Structures. 

At the start of 2014, Södra took the decision to invest over SEK 4 billion to increase capacity at Värö. The expansion will increase production capacity from 425,000 tonnes to 700,000 tonnes of pulp per year. The mill will be one of the largest in the world producing softwood sulphate pulp, with state-of-the-art technology and vastly improved energy efficiency.

Södra has already commissioned NCC to carry out groundwork, installation and construction for the Värö expansion. Valmet has been appointed process equipment supplier. Raumaster is another major supplier and will be supplying storage and transportation equipment for wood chips and bark.

Sweco is among Europe's ten largest technical consulting companies and carries out assignments in 80 countries every year all over the world. The company has a turnover in the region of SEK 9 billion and is listed on Nasdaq OMX Stockholm AB.