EGGER lamination plant officially launches in Markt Bibart, Germany, signalling a transformative new chapter for the site under the Austrian wood-based materials group EGGER. Acquired in late 2023, this facility now becomes the 22nd in the group’s global network and a key pillar of its €200 million investment strategy focused on automation, sustainability, and capacity enhancement.
This latest milestone reflects EGGER’s strong confidence in the European wood-based materials market. With the first short-cycle press now operational, the EGGER lamination plant moves the site beyond raw particleboard manufacturing and into the value-added segment of decorative surface panels. The development is part of a broader plan to fully modernise the facility by autumn 2026.
Overview
EGGER’s investment in Markt Bibart redefines the role of the site within its industrial portfolio. Previously dedicated to the production of raw particleboard—with a yearly capacity of 650,000 m³—the site has now officially launched laminated panel production with the commissioning of its first short-cycle press.
This equipment allows EGGER to apply decorative surfaces to raw boards, producing melamine-faced particleboard (MF PB) for applications in furniture and interior design. The first laminated board was unveiled in the presence of company owners Michael and Fritz Egger, marking a symbolic and strategic turning point.
Strategic and Economic Context
The launch of the EGGER lamination plant forms part of a broader €200 million investment targeting key priorities: sustainability, advanced manufacturing, and regional job creation. EGGER’s choice to invest heavily in Markt Bibart demonstrates a long-term commitment to strengthening its footprint in the German and European markets.
This phased project aims to transition Markt Bibart into a fully integrated, future-proof facility. Key infrastructure upgrades are scheduled through 2026, including a second short-cycle press, a high-bay automated warehouse, and improvements to logistics and internal flow.
Impact on Wood Panel Industry
By entering the lamination segment, EGGER strengthens its ability to serve the growing demand for decorative wood-based materials. The EGGER lamination plant opens access to the group’s full catalogue of surfaces, offering local customers high-quality laminated boards with faster lead times.
The laminated panels produced in Markt Bibart will serve markets across furniture manufacturing and interior construction, expanding EGGER’s design capabilities and reinforcing its position among top European producers of finished panel products.
Supply, Materials or Cost Considerations
The first short-cycle press installed at the EGGER lamination plant can produce up to 8 million m² of laminated particleboard annually. This new capacity is not just a volume upgrade; it introduces process flexibility, enabling local production of multiple textures and decors aligned with market trends.
In parallel, EGGER has commissioned a new recycled wood processing facility at the site. Operational since September, it supports circular economy goals by integrating post-consumer wood into particleboard production, thus reducing dependency on virgin material while maintaining high quality.
Business and Industry Implications
The expansion of the EGGER lamination plant brings immediate and long-term benefits to the local economy and the broader panel industry. The project is expected to generate approximately 70 new jobs, reflecting EGGER’s dual focus on economic development and sustainable production.
Markus Scheran, Technical Director at Markt Bibart, emphasised the importance of this development: “The commissioning of our first short-cycle press marks the beginning of a new era for Markt Bibart. The speed of progress, while keeping operations stable, is a major achievement for the project team and the entire site.”
Outlook
EGGER’s roadmap for Markt Bibart continues with the next phases of expansion through 2026. Upcoming steps include:
- Installation of a second short-cycle press to increase output and product diversity
- Construction of an automated high-bay warehouse to optimise storage
- A new loading hall and upgrades to existing facilities for improved logistics and safety
These developments will further reinforce Markt Bibart’s role as a next-generation site for sustainable, design-forward wood-based materials. As the transformation continues, the EGGER lamination plant stands as a key milestone in the company’s industrial evolution and commitment to innovation in the panel sector.
