Company that builds wooden houses invests 18.7 million in new factory in Esposende

The Kozowood Group, which builds wooden houses, will invest 18.7 million euros in the construction of a new factory in Esposende, Otiima Industries, SA, an investment worth 18.7 million euros and which envisages the creation of “dozens of new jobs”.

In a statement sent to O MINHO, the municipality of Esposende explains that this new project gives “continuity to the investment plan of the Kozowood Group which, after the inauguration in February of the first industrial unit, is now moving towards the construction of this second industrial unit”.

The Chamber approved, in an executive meeting, the proposal to recognize interest in the local development proposed by the company, resulting in a set of incentives, namely exemption and reduction of fees and taxes.

In order to improve and optimize production capacity and respond to new market demands, Otiima Industries, SA will move forward with the construction of a state-of-the-art factory for the manufacture of CLT panels – Cross Laminated Timber with CLT processing capacity.

These are prefabricated solid panels, suitable for structural wooden construction.

“The project aims to develop and implement an advanced industrial solution, applying the best technological and process practices available, for the production of CLT panels, using mainly wood available in Portuguese territory. The company, established in 2013, thus intends to position itself as a reference player in this area of ​​high technological demand, on a European scale”, says the municipality’s statement.

With this investment in the creation of a unit in Esposende, the company plans to increase its direct workforce, with the creation of dozens of jobs.

Furthermore, highlights the Esposende Chamber, the construction of the building and its infrastructure will encourage the creation of new jobs indirectly, as well as the acquisition of goods from local suppliers.

“The attraction of new companies to the municipality of Esposende, as well as the growth of those already established, is synonymous with the creation of more jobs and greater wealth, which naturally translates into better living conditions for the entire community”, says the president of the Chamber, Benjamim Pereira, mentioned in the statement.

In this context, the mayor expresses satisfaction with the installation of Otiima Industries, SA, noting that “it is imperative that companies have infrastructures that allow them to respond and have efficient management of production processes, at a time when the construction sector is undergoing transformation, new construction methodologies are necessary, the reduction of the ecological footprint, the evolution of construction processes, innovation resulting from the use of new materials and construction processes, with special emphasis on the use of wood in construction, innovation in the development of construction systems of easy assembly, and the regulatory requirements proposed by the European Commission from 2030 onwards”.

The Esposende Chamber emphasizes that “it provides the tools and conditions that facilitate the capture of investment relevant to the economic development of the municipality, whether through the creation of wealth or through the creation of jobs”.

“Tools such as the Investment Incentive Granting Regulation provide investors with effective support in accordance with their business area and investment strategy and allow the Municipality to contribute to the installation and capture of added value, which will come from the creation of jobs, of the added value generated, namely in taxes paid, as well as the promotion of the territory of Esposende. This support capable of attracting private investment brings more wealth and more jobs to the municipality of Esposende, thus supporting the entire community”, concludes the statement.