Fuqing Vietnam Opens Second LVL Plant, 30,000 m3 for Japan

Fuqing Vietnam Adds 30,000 Cubic Meters of LVL Capacity

Fuqing Vietnam Wood Industry, a subsidiary of China's Jiangsu Fuqing Wood Industry (Fuqing Group), has finalized equipment installation at its second laminated veneer lumber (LVL) plant in Vietnam. The new facility, spanning approximately 22,000 sq m, is currently in trial production.

It is designed to produce up to 30,000 cubic meters of LVL annually, primarily to meet demand in the Japanese market. This expansion complements the company's existing Vietnamese plant, which commenced operations in 2024 and produces around 3,000 cubic meters per month.

With the second plant's output, Fuqing Vietnam's total annual LVL production capacity is set to reach 66,000 cubic meters.

Targeting Japanese Agricultural Standard Certification for Studs

The new plant's output will focus on non-structural laminated veneer lumber studs, predominantly made from Styrax timber, intended for use in residential construction. Fuqing Vietnam is actively pursuing Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS) certification for these non-structural LVL products.

This certification is a key step to ensure market acceptance and compliance for its products destined for Japan. The expansion is a direct response to growing demand for Fuqing's LVL products, particularly within the Japanese construction sector.

New Plant Features Upgraded Sanding for Precision

Alongside the increased production capacity, Fuqing Vietnam is also emphasizing manufacturing precision and quality management at the new facility. While much of the production equipment mirrors that of the first plant, the second facility incorporates an upgraded sanding system from the same manufacturer.

This system is engineered to enhance thickness accuracy, supporting applications that require tighter dimensional tolerances, such as LVL core materials for joinery. The company has also prepared its workforce by training 20 production employees, who are now mentoring new hires to ensure consistent quality control during the production ramp-up.

Japanese Buyers Gain Expanded LVL Supply Options

Sojitz Building Materials Corporation, a significant Japanese import partner for Fuqing, foresees potential for expanding the LVL market.

Yoshinori Gondo, general manager of the wood materials department within Sojitz Building Materials' wood business division, stated that the company aims to address demand for alternative wood species while also developing new applications for LVL in Japan. Sojitz intends to increase its sourcing volume of LVL from both Fuqing’s operations in Vietnam and Jiangsu Fuqing in China.

Japanese buyers can anticipate an increased and more consistent availability of JAS-certified non-structural LVL studs from Fuqing Vietnam, offering a reliable supply stream for residential construction projects. The planned increase in sourcing by Sojitz suggests a broader range of product options and stable supply for the Japanese market.