FORESTRY manufacturer Malwa, best known for its focus on small-scale machinery, has reported a "record year" for sales and turnover. 

The Sweden-based firm says it made SEK 162 million (approximately £12 m) in 2023, a growth of almost 30 per cent year-on-year. Officials at the company put this down to "consistent and successful export investment", with exports now 70 per cent of its total turnover; itself a 10 per cent increase on 2022. 

Hans Lindberg, Malwa's CEO, said: “It was a really good year for Malwa, we continue to set records for delivered machines and are particularly proud of how well they are being received by contractors in both existing and new markets. 

Forestry Journal: Hans Lindberg said Malwa had enjoyed a record year Hans Lindberg said Malwa had enjoyed a record year (Image: Supplied)

"After a somewhat sluggish autumn, we have started 2024 with a strong order intake and I expect double-digit growth this year as well."

While the export success continues, Malwa has carried out extensive thinning studies in collaboration with research institutes and industrial partners in key markets in Europe.

"These studies aim to clearly demonstrate the advantages of compact thinning machines and are an important part of Malwa's long-term work to further strengthen our position as a standard bearer for low-impact forestry, both nationally and internationally," Hans added. 

After series production of the new eight-wheeled Malwa 980 harvester began in 2023, the plan is now to increase the production rate of the model significantly in 2024. 

Hans added: "The fact that the new Malwa 980 is already in high demand and directly contributes to our growth is proof that the machine size is long-awaited by the market.

"To meet the increasing demand, we continue to strengthen and develop our organisation."