High-speed
sorting line
Two-line concept ensures maximum availability
High-capacity sorting line for over 1,000,000 m³ per year
With the expansion of the Inčukalns site near Riga, Rettenmeier Baltic Timber SIA is pursuing an ambitious goal: the Latvian operation is to develop into one of the most important locations within the entire Rettenmeier Group and in Northern Europe.
To achieve this, the existing sawmill was expanded with a new sawing line, including a log yard with a capacity of over 1,000,000 solid cubic metres per year – a large‑scale project with significant signalling effect for the region.
Task
To achieve the targeted production output, a high‑performance sorting system was required, capable of being continuously fed with the maximum number of logs. In addition to high capacity, the focus was placed on speed, availability and efficient infeed logistics.
Due to the planned throughput volume, Rettenmeier opted for a two‑line concept. The aim was to relieve pressure on truck unloading, increase log availability and ensure a stable and continuous feeding of the sorting line.
At the same time, the new system had to be implemented in an economically sound way—integrating existing machinery without accepting any loss in performance.
Solution
HOLTEC developed a high‑performance plant concept featuring two separate infeed lines. Right from delivery, the dual infeed ensures relaxed logistics and consistent material availability. Using step feeders and step unscramblers, the log piles are separated, aligned and fully rotated, enabling optimal quality assessment of the log surface.
Depending on condition, butt reduction is carried out before the logs are transferred to the debarking line. There, Logrunners accelerate the logs, which are measured using X‑ray technology and, if required, discharged prior to debarking. Both lines are equipped with single‑rotor Valon‑Kone debarkers – with one existing machine successfully integrated. This allowed investment costs to be reduced without compromising overall performance.
After debarking, the logs from both lines are merged and buffered using accumulating steps and an index feeder, before being synchronised onto the sorting line. Another Logrunner, in combination with GapControl, ensures minimal gaps and maximum utilisation over the 350‑metre conveyor section. Final sorting is performed via ejectors into a total of 108 boxes.
The result is a high‑performance log yard that combines maximum capacity, flexibility and availability – forming the foundation for one of the most powerful production sites within the Rettenmeier Group.
+ 1000000
m³ / year
Ceremonial Opening in Inčukalns
In September 2025, Rettenmeier Baltic Timber officially opened its site in Inčukalns, Latvia. At the “BALTIC OPENING”, employees, their families and members of the Executive Board – including General Manager Dr Stephan Lang – celebrated the launch of this forward-looking facility. The grand opening now marks the successful completion of a major project – and, at the same time, the start of a new chapter for Rettenmeier in the Baltic region.
The BALTIC OPENING stood not only for technical excellence, but also for a spirit of optimism, partnership and a strong shared future.
