For three decades, WISA-Trans birch plywood has been a top choice for vehicle flooring and other end uses that require strength and long-lived, wear-resistant coating. Now, the WISA classic has been updated with a new pattern under the name WISA-Trans Mk2. The excellent technical properties remain the same.
The WISA-Trans Mk2 launch is part of a significant strategic investment at the UPM Joensuu plywood mill.
Over the years, WISA-Trans’ good reputation has meant that manufacturers from around the world began to sell similar-looking products. “We understood that we must act to ensure that the original WISA product stands out with a fresh design that makes it easily recognisable,” says Susanna Rinne, Vice President, Strategy & Business Development at UPM Plywood.
The 10-million-euro investment, bringing further processing lines into operation, increases capacity and secures the long-term supply of coated products for vehicle flooring. It also enables the production of the upgraded WISA-Trans Mk2 panels with a new slate stone pattern.
“Vehicle flooring is one of our primary end use areas and WISA-Trans is an important product. So, when we decided to invest in the processing lines at the plywood mill in Joensuu, we understood that we had to utilise the momentum and update the surface pattern from the 1990s to fit the 2020s,” Rinne explains.
Recognise genuine WISA quality
Since the investment decision was made, the importance of recognising original WISA products has only grown. Despite sanctions banning imports of Russian plywood, Russian plywood is still illegally imported to Europe through third countries.
“In the current business environment, it is reassuring to know that the plywood you purchase is made of 100% European birch, is responsibly produced, and that you can trust that it will perform as promised,” says Rinne.
Trailer manufacturers can now point to the slate stone pattern on the floor to assure their customers that their trailer is fitted with genuine WISA quality.