The Grand Opening of the World’s Most Advanced Acoustic Panel Factory

From an ambitious vision to a fully operational manufacturing facility – the launch of the Sonablock factory marked a new chapter for Stiga RM and the future of sustainable acoustic panel manufacturing.

After years of planning, engineering and construction, the vision became reality. In 2026, Stiga RM officially opened the world’s most advanced wood wool acoustic panel factory in Tukums, Latvia. Designed around automation, robotics and artificial intelligence, the new manufacturing facility represents one of the largest investments in Latvia’s wood processing industry and introduces the Sonablock brand to international markets.

With a total investment of €34 million, the factory was created to manufacture high performance wood wool acoustic panels for modern architecture. Covering 15,000 square metres and equipped with fully automated production lines, the facility has an annual production capacity of 4.5 million m² of acoustic panels. Around 98% of production is destined for export, strengthening Latvia’s position as a producer of high value-added wood products.

The opening of the factory also marked an important milestone in Stiga RM’s long term strategy. For the first time, the company expanded beyond traditional wood products into finished acoustic solutions under the Sonablock brand. Manufactured from Latvian spruce wood wool and cement, Sonablock panels combine excellent sound absorption, high fire performance, durability and natural aesthetics for modern interior spaces.

The project reflects Stiga RM’s philosophy of controlling the entire value chain – from responsibly managed forests and timber harvesting to advanced manufacturing and the delivery of finished products to customers around the world. This vertically integrated approach ensures consistent quality, efficient use of natural resources and complete control over every stage of production.

“This factory represents the next stage in the development of Latvia’s timber industry, where modern technologies complement human intellectual capabilities. The future of the industry lies not in producing more, but in using resources more intelligently. By controlling the entire production cycle – from a planted tree to the finished acoustic panel – we can ensure consistently high quality, competitive pricing and reliable results for our customers.”— Andris Ramoliņš, Owner and Chairman of the Board of Stiga RM

Every production process inside the factory has been carefully designed to maximise precision and efficiency. Equipment supplied by leading European manufacturers works together with robotic handling systems and intelligent production technologies, while nearly 30% of the factory’s equipment was designed and manufactured by Stiga RM Metāls, combining international expertise with in-house engineering capabilities.

“This factory is unique because every production stage has been designed to achieve maximum efficiency and the highest possible productivity. Together with the world’s leading equipment manufacturers, we selected the best technological solution for each process. Today, that vision has become reality.”— Sandis Fogelmanis, Factory Manager

The opening of the Sonablock factory is more than the completion of a construction project. It is the beginning of a new manufacturing ecosystem where innovation, sustainable forestry and advanced engineering come together to create acoustic solutions for customers across Europe and beyond. What began as an empty site in the Smārde Industrial Park has become the world’s most advanced acoustic panel factory demonstrating what is possible when long-term vision is combined with technology, expertise and responsible use of natural resources.