The sawmill group Bergkvist Siljan generates around SEK 2 billion in revenue and employs 260 people at its sites in Blyberg, Mora, and on the grounds of the intermodal terminal in Insjön. From here, the company mainly transports sawn and planed timber products and energy products to the pulp and paper industry.

This year marks 100 years in Insjön - a testament to the company’s long-term outlook, according to CEO Niklas Båtelsson. For Bergkvist Siljan, sustainability is all about the long game and reinvesting in nature. A recurring question is how to add value as a timber producer.

“When thinking about sustainability, you have to consider what makes you relevant from that perspective. For us, it’s our core products. We turn natural raw materials into long-lasting products for homes and buildings. Wood replaces fossil-based materials – and that’s our key to sustainability,” says Niklas.

Transport is a vital link in the sustainable value chain, and owning a rail terminal on-site is a major advantage.

“The proximity creates a ticking clock – a rhythm to the business. The trains need to leave on time, and we need to fill them with finished products. It helps keep a steady flow across our three facilities.”

Timber is bulky and challenging to transport, so having tracks on the factory grounds is a game-changer. It’s also business-critical for efficiently moving volumes far beyond central Sweden, as most of the output is exported.

Bergkvist Siljan accounts for over half of the terminal’s 40,000 TEU volume and sees significant growth potential. This will require both internal investments and improved rail infrastructure, including meeting tracks and capacity for longer trains.

“The system has its challenges, but they’re offset by our close collaboration with terminal operator Vänerexpressen. Delays rarely impact our end customers. We’re good at absorbing shocks,” says Niklas.

Efficient rail logistics also benefits business operations – particularly cash flow. Shipments go directly from the planer to a sealed container, which stays closed until delivery in places like Tokyo.

“Compared to truck or bulk transport, it’s a much better product and higher quality for the end customer.”

Direct rail to the Port of Gothenburg and shipping routes to Asia simplify logistics and minimize delays.

“Direct trains to Gothenburg are a key reason why we have this stability in our flow.”

Niklas also calls for a new way of thinking about transport. He believes sustainable solutions are under-incentivized and come with few financial rewards.

“Choosing rail today often means higher costs due to track fees. But I believe we’ll soon see changes that reward those who choose smart, sustainable solutions.”

Around 40% of Bergkvist Siljan’s goods go to Asia, 20–25% to Scandinavia, 15–20% to North Africa and the Middle East, and 10–15% to the US.

“Being located this far from customers is a competitive disadvantage. That’s why we need an efficient logistics solution – and sea freight from Gothenburg is the answer.”

The key is system efficiency: from the planer, onto a direct shuttle to Gothenburg, and then straight to Asia.

“Our customer only sees one intermediate stop - the Port of Gothenburg. It’s a real advantage in terms of delivery reliability and precision, which are crucial when exporting from this far away.”

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