Lauvverket from Hægebostad wins award

Jan Petter Gysland and Trond Hamran have established Lauvverket AS in Snartemo, Hægebostad. The sawmill specialises in hardwood.

'Receiving the Business Development Award in Agriculture was a tremendous vote of confidence. After investing many years, time and money in developing Lauvverket, it felt wonderful to have our efforts recognised,' say the award winners, who also thank us for our support:

'We would like to thank Innovation Norway for our excellent partnership. Together, we have recognised – and continue to recognise – the potential to turn Norway's deciduous timber resources into durable products. This award motivates us to continue developing Lauvverket.'

Their core business is the production, marketing, processing, sale and distribution of hardwood, particularly oak. Their product range extends from dried rough-sawn planks to finished laminated timber components. All raw materials must come from Norwegian forests, primarily from the local area. This is important to the company:

'Processing hardwood will increase the value of hardwood forests for forest owners, while giving consumers the opportunity to buy products made from Norwegian raw materials. Working together to create value is what motivates us,' they say.

At Gysland farm, they have set aside a plot of land for the sawmill. It has become a modern sawmill with:

• band saw
• sorting facility
• edging saw
• logistics solutions
• storage and drying

Our Regional Director in Agder, Sveinung Hovstad, is impressed by the sawmill from Hægebostad:

- Lauvverket is the clear winner of this year's Rural Development Award in Agder. Starting from a traditional farm in Southern Norway, they have developed an exciting wood-processing business. Their direct link to Hamran Snekkerverksted ensures a reliable market and creates value at every stage. It also secures stable supplies and high quality for the joinery workshop.

- It has created many jobs and is delivering strong profitability. Lauvverket embodies the purpose of the award and is a good example of business development in practice, says Hovstad.

The award winners have created several jobs, and the company now employs eight people in total. Some work part-time, but together they account for five full-time equivalent positions. The company also has an apprentice.