Cordes, a German company, buys sawn timber from around the world and is a major importer of Nordic wood. Having grown through acquisitions, the company had operations in 19 locations at the beginning of 2023. “We are now one of the largest wood processing companies in Germany,” says Andreas Cordes , the company’s second- generation Managing Director. Cordes’ growth can be seen most clearly in Bremerhaven, Germany, where its location on the coastline of the North Sea guarantees good logistical connections. In Bremerhaven, where Cordes is headquartered, it also has an import warehouse and container terminal as well as production facilities. In recent years, the premises have tripled in size and now cover 450,000 square metres. A steady stream of vessels arrive at the port. The company’s annual imports total around 2,500 containers of wood products including plywood, wood for garden structures, and 600,000 cubic metres of softwood sawn timber. “Bremerhaven is our gateway to the world for exports and imports alike,” says Cordes.
The company has invested in modern machinery for a wide product portfolio. It has a glulam line, three structural solid wood (KVH®) lines, eight planing lines and two edge-glued panel presses that produce external cladding, deck wood, furniture panels, matchboard, and so on. Among its customers are construction companies and makers of prefabricated buildings and saunas, as well as suppliers of garden structures, wood and construction materials, and packaging. In line with its goal to be an international leader in the wood products industry, the company greatly increased its sales in neighbouring European countries in 2022 and plans to continue doing so through strategic partners.
Metsä Fibre is an important supplier
Cordes procures spruce and pine sawn timber from Metsä Fibre. The companies have been working together for decades. “I have been with the company for 20 years, and we have been buying sawn timber from Metsä Fibre all this time. It was my father who signed the first agreement,” says Andreas Cordes. Spruce sawn timber arrives at Bremerhaven from Vilppula and Renko sawmills in Finland. Pine is supplied from Merikarvia or Lappeenranta and from the new Rauma sawmill. “We want to increase our exports, and Spain and the UK are especially promising pine markets This is why Rauma sawmill is so important to us. In the future, it may also pro-
An international leader in wood products
In its home country, Cordes has a strong presence in the DIY market, the wood industry, and the wood products sector. In this very competitive market, Cordes relies on investments, premium Nordic raw material and reliable partners to grow and differentiate from the competition.
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