Turning Market Needs into Production Reality

When Mantas arrived in Sweden in 2010, the circumstances were far from ideal. He held a degree in civil engineering but lacked both language skills and a professional network. That his career would take off in Rundvik – a small town just over an hour south of Umeå – was anything but obvious. Yet fifteen years later, the place has become an important part of his identity.

“Rundvik means a great deal to me,” Mantas says. “It was here I got my first real job in Sweden connected to my education. It was here I started learning about the Swedish wood industry, different building traditions, and the culture.”

Connecting Customer Needs with Mill Capabilities

For the past two years, Mantas has worked as a Business Developer at SCA’s sawmill in Rundvik. Simply put, his role is to bridge the gap between customer needs and what the operation can deliver. His work involves analyzing markets, following up on projects, improving processes, and identifying new business opportunities – a job that requires a broad understanding of many aspects of the business.

“What’s interesting about the role is being part of driving change and development,” Mantas explains. “I get to combine analysis and strategic thinking with hands-on work, and collaborate with many different parts of the organization.”

He also emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking, patience, and teamwork.

“One thing people may not realize is how much the job is about building long-term solutions together with the team. We’re constantly learning and evolving – by analyzing the market, understanding trends, and building relationships.”

A New Species, a New Strategy

A clear example of how this work plays out in practice is the collaboration with Masonite Beams – one of the sawmill’s most important customers, and perhaps one of the most significant in Sweden. It’s also where Mantas once worked himself. The company manufactures engineered wood I-beams for floors, walls, and roofs, and is located right next door to the sawmill.

Traditionally, both Masonite Beams and the Rundvik sawmill have worked exclusively with spruce. But as pine logs have become an increasingly common sight at the log yard, the need for technical adjustments and new business models has also emerged.

“Every wood species has its own characteristics. If we can develop equivalent products using pine, which we’ve previously produced in spruce, it’s a win-win. We can expand our offering, and Masonite Beams gains more flexibility in their production – which is becoming more and more important given today’s timber supply situation,” Mantas explains.

Turning Insight into Progress

One of the biggest insights in the role has been understanding the entire production chain – from log to finished delivery. Previously, Mantas worked with further processing, but through his role at the sawmill, he has developed a deeper respect for the craftsmanship and precision required in the early stages.

“It’s only when you get close to the production that you realize the level of complexity and planning involved. Many think it’s just about cutting wood, but it’s so much more. Precision, quality, and sustainability are crucial in every step,” Mantas explains.

That knowledge is also key to developing the business in the right way. A deep understanding of the process is essential for creating solutions that are viable – commercially, technically, and sustainably.

“The ability to work with data and make smart decisions is becoming increasingly important. The same goes for driving sustainability initiatives and finding intelligent ways to reduce climate impact. Communication and collaboration will be essential for continued progress.”

On paper, working at a sawmill may seem far from what Mantas once studied. But to him, it’s more of a continuation – a chance to truly understand the raw material and gain insight into how the entire chain works. From log to finished product. That understanding, he believes, makes him not only a more nuanced business developer, but also more passionate about the material at the heart of it all – wood.