OREANDA-NEWS Construction of the first Russian plant CLT-panels (cross-glued plywood) will begin in 2019 immediately after receiving the status of a priority investment project in the field of forest development. This was reported in an interview during the Russian investment forum in Sochi, the Governor of the Vologda region Oleg Kuvshinnikov.

CLT-panels-modern environmentally friendly building material, cross-glued layers of coniferous wood, which are not inferior in strength to traditional concrete, steel and brick, and environmental, performance and cost are far superior. The decision to build in Sokol was made in May 2018, supported by the Federal government. The project worth 1.5 billion rubles is implemented by Segezha Group (Sistema).

"Now, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Rosleskhoz, it is necessary to obtain confirmation of obtaining the status of a priority investment project in the field of forest development, and we expect that this decision will be made just next week. Then immediately proceed to the implementation of this largest investment project in the monocity Sokol", - said Governor.

Earlier, the project received a positive conclusion of the investment Council under the Governor, it was given the status of a priority at the regional level. The plant is planned to produce up to 35 thousand cubic meters of CLT panels up to 24 meters long, up to 3.5 meters wide and 6 to 40 centimeters thick-products of this format are not yet produced in the country.

This will allow to build multi-storey and individual houses,industrial and social facilities up to 14 floors. Today it is planned that 80% of the products will be exported, because this type of wall panels is in demand in Europe, traditionally high demand in Austria, Germany and the UK.

"We, unfortunately, have not yet made changes to the state standards for multi-storey housing [no more than three floors for wooden housing], now we are working with the Ministry of industry and trade to address this issue," the Governor added.

According to him, forest areas on the area of 259 thousand hectares in four districts were selected for future production. Production is planned to be placed on the territory of "Sokolsky DOCK", also included in the Segezha Group. Now pre-project works are conducted, issues with allocation of the land plot are resolved.

Giving the project a priority status in the field of forest development will allow the investor to obtain forest plots for rent without an auction and enjoy a 50% discount on the payment of rent for the forest Fund for five years. The investor has developed the concept of the project in the field of forest.