The Norwegian sawmilling industry consists of about 200 mills, spread all over Norway. Most of them are located in rural areas, close to the raw material sources and with an important role in local economy and employment. The total number of employees is aprox. 5.000. The sawmilling industry is highly developed regarding technology and computerisation of the production process.

The total annual production of sawnwood is approx. 2,3 mill. cum. and the total turnover amounts to 8 billion NOK (1 billion Euro). The main products are building materials for the construction industry. All building materials are graded according to Norwegian standards and a great proportion of materials for construction is machine stress graded. Furthermore a major part of the building materials is kiln dried. Wood panelling and flooring are available in spruce and pine in a great number of dimensions and styles. Other products are impregnated wood, gluelam, components for joinery, furniture and carcassing.

Norway has long traditions in international trade and Norwegian timber products are distributed all over the world. The main export markets are Germany, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium and Japan. The Norwegian sawmilling industry is engaged in international cooperation through several international institutions and organizations, of which the two major are the Nordic Timber Council (NTC) and The European Organization for the Sawmill Industry (EOS).

The sawmilling industry is heavily engaged in research and education. The industry has its own research institute, the Norwegian Institute of Wood Technology, and its own school, Norges Byggskole. In addition there are strong links to major research institutes and universities.

The raw material has its origin in a resource base consisting of 47% spruce, 33% pine and 20% hardwood. The Norwegian forests are well managed and forest practices are continuously developed to ensure environmental friendliness and sustainability. The total standing volume is approx. 700 mill. cbm. The annual increment of the volume is approx. 24 mill. cbm, and well below 50% of this is harvested. This means a steadily growing forest resource. Because of the climate and topography the forests are growing slowly, securing sawnwood with good strength properties.