Recognised as a leader in innovative wood processing, Barrus remains steadfast in its pursuit of excellence and uncompromising commitment to quality. In this exclusive interview, Morten Glinvad, Sales Director and Member of the Board at Barrus AS, shares insights into the company’s achievements, industry influence, and dedication to sustainability. Excerpts.
WPE: Let’s start with your company introduction and advancements. How can BARRUS be beneficial for the woodworking industry?
Morten Glinvad: Barrus is a leading Estonian wood processing company specializing in finger-jointed and laminated components for the window, door, stair and furniture industries across Europe and the U.S. In total, we export to more than 20 countries worldwide. We combine a long Nordic timber tradition with modern, high-tech production and continuous innovation.
Over the past four to five years, Barrus has invested more than 45 million euros in new technology, automation and capacity expansion. This includes our new component factory, lamination press, profiling and sanding lines for panels, as well as upgrades to our sawmill with a state-of-the-art X-ray scanner for saw logs in January 2026.
More investments are already planned. In 2026, a new finger-jointing line will increase our total capacity to more than 185 000 m³ of finger-jointed and laminated material. This expansion will further consolidate Barrus as one of Europe’s leading suppliers of engineered components for the joinery industry. However, our ambition has never been to be the biggest, but to remain our customers’ first choice — the partner they trust for consistent quality, reliability and technical expertise. These investments strengthen our ability to deliver high-precision components with the flexibility and service our customers expect.
Our integrated sawmill and lamination facilities ensure full control over the entire value chain, from log to finished product, providing unique supply reliability and complete traceability.
WPE: ‘Sustainability’ is now the buzzword of the woodworking industry. Tell us, what sustainability means to you and how do you implement the strategy efficiently when it comes to innovative solutions?
Morten Glinvad: For Barrus, sustainability is not a buzzword but a mindset deeply rooted in how we operate. All our raw materials come from certified Nordic and Baltic forests, and we make use of every part of the log. Production waste is recycled into green energy, and all side products are used in construction, packaging or other product groups where our materials add value.
Barrus holds one of the strongest Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in the market, documenting a very low environmental footprint throughout the product life cycle. We also work actively to reduce CO₂ emissions through energy optimization, smarter logistics and continuous efficiency improvements.
In short, sustainability for Barrus means producing smarter, cleaner and more resource-efficient products, creating long-term value for our customers and for the planet.
WPE: Finger-jointed and edge-glued timber are the key components in the industry today. How do you believe these elements can effectively shape and lead the industry in the future?
Morten Glinvad: Finger-jointed and laminated timber form the backbone of our business. These technologies allow us to utilize wood resources more efficiently while achieving superior dimensional stability, strength and aesthetic quality — whether for windows, doors, stairs, furniture or other high-end wood products.
In addition to our main engineered pine production, Barrus has also developed expertise in thermally modified finger-jointed and laminated pine. This product combines the structural precision of engineered wood with the natural durability of thermal treatment, making it suitable for exterior applications such as windows, doors and façades.
Thermally modified timber provides improved resistance to moisture, decay and dimensional movement — all achieved without chemical treatment. For customers, this means longer-lasting products and a more sustainable alternative to tropical hardwoods.
While thermal modification is an exciting addition to our range, our main focus remains on the continuous development and refinement of our core engineered pine products, which are the foundation of Barrus’ success.
WPE: Recently, BARRUS has celebrated their milestone – the ‘business software’. Can you enlighten us on this ?
Morten Glinvad: Yes, we have recently implemented a new ERP and production control system. The platform integrates sales, production planning, logistics and customer communication into one transparent workflow.
It enables real-time tracking of every order, optimized raw-material flow and improved delivery accuracy. Although still new, we already see great potential for further development and digitalization in this area, helping us respond faster to customer needs and improve internal coordination.
WPE: What will be your marketing strategies for the coming years? Also, beyond Europe, how is your market presence in the U.S.?
Morten Glinvad: Our marketing strategy focuses on strengthening partnerships and proximity to customers, especially in the Nordic markets where Barrus already has a long and solid presence. We aim to grow in markets that value quality, precision and reliability, because Barrus is much more than just a supplier of finger-jointed and laminated pine.
In the coming years, we will put greater emphasis on expanding into Central Europe and MENA countries, building on our strong Nordic foundation. Beyond Europe, Barrus already supplies customers in the U.S., where we see growing interest in both standard and thermally modified laminated pine for high-performance window and door systems.
WPE: Last but not the least, what are your thoughts on introducing any new upcoming project of BARRUS?
Morten Glinvad: Several important projects are already underway. Our new sanding line, designed for the stair and furniture industries, is fully operational from October. A new X-ray scanning system will be installed in January 2026, further enhancing log optimization and quality control. The new finger-jointing line planned for 2026 will also boost both capacity and flexibility.
Barrus will continue investing in product development, technology and process optimization. While thermally modified laminated pine remains an exciting innovation area, our main focus is to keep strengthening our capabilities within engineered softwood, improving efficiency, precision and sustainability across all product lines.
Our overall mission is to combine advanced technology with deep woodworking expertise to anticipate market needs and maintain our position as one of Europe’s most trusted partners in engineered softwood solutions.