THERE is light at the end of the tunnel for Rottne, with the forest machinery manufacturer reporting a rise in orders after a rocky period last year.

The upswing accelerated at the start of 2021 and the company is now looking to recruit new employees in several departments.

“We can see a clear upward trend in incoming orders,” said Arne Isaksson, sales and marketing manager at Rottne. “2020 was difficult for many, with great uncertainty in many different markets. This was also true for Rottne, which last year saw its chance to focus on investments, improvements and profitability.

“It was a gigantic challenge for us when everything was swinging between hope and despair,” said Arne. “Since August last year, however, we have had an upward trend that has increased month by month thereafter.”

READ MORE: Rottne: Bringing the blues

There are many reasons behind the increase of orders. A cold winter in Sweden resulted in the district heating plants working at full capacity and great quantities of insect-damaged forest have been felled to provide biofuel. Another aspect of Rottne’s tailwind is that previously dormant markets have awakened and are gathering speed.

“This includes Russia, which has seen a really excellent felling season and now needs machinery. In addition, we are making great efforts in the transatlantic market where, above all in Canada, we have had a real upturn again”, Arne said. Rottne is counting on a 30 per cent increase in production compared to last year. This means that the company is fully occupied, with new staff being recruited both in the office and on the factory floor.

Tobias Johansson, CEO, added: “We reckon that we will recruit between 10 and 15 people during the year, and we must replace those who retire, so there will be a large increase in staff. It is quite clear that we are facing an adjustment process, but the target of delivering 200 forestry machines during 2022 remains firm.”

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