Sara takes the lead in business development

Article
17/03/2025

A few years ago, Sara Holappa Jonsson joined SCA as a trainee. Now, she steps into the role of Business Manager at one of Europe’s most advanced sawmills – SCA Bollsta Sawmill, Sweden. Her mission is clear – to work alongside her team to deliver premium-quality wood products in a profitable and sustainable way.

Sara’s journey at SCA began in the company’s Early Career program, an initiative designed to give young talents hands-on experience across different parts of the business. For Sara, this meant an introduction to logistics – but what truly drew her in was the opportunity to get closer to the core of the operations. Transitioning into a procurement role for SCA’s planing mills was a natural next step, ultimately leading her to business development at Tunadal sawmill.

“I’ve always been drawn to the role of Business Manager – it’s dynamic, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. My experience in purchasing gave me valuable insight into the customer perspective, while my time at Tunadal taught me a great deal about optimization, productivity, and quality. Now, I’m excited to take on this role at Bollsta, where the energy and commitment of the people stand out,” says Sara.

Innovation and business in perfect sync

Bollsta sawmill is one of Europe’s most modern facilities, where cutting-edge technology and digitalization drive continuous improvements. High levels of automation and advanced traceability ensure maximum raw material utilization while maintaining exceptional quality and efficiency.

Sustainability and resource efficiency are at the heart of the operation, with technology playing a key role in making the most of every log.

“Our product choices and how we utilize raw materials can make us even more sustainable. This ties directly to the technology we have now invested in. The earlier
we can determine how to make the best use of a log, the greater the chance that it aligns with our plan—ultimately leading to higher raw material utilization,” Sara explains.

As Business Manager, her focus is sharp: to drive the business forward while ensuring the sawmill delivers high-quality wood products in a way that is both profitable and sustainable.

“We have everything it takes to lead the way—both in optimizing raw material usage and in meeting the growing demand for sustainable, high-quality wood products. That’s an opportunity we won’t miss.