"We have been producing them since 1995 based on the know-how of Canadian experts from the province of Quebec, and we were the first in Central Europe to gain their trust.

Initially, we produced five log houses per year, but today we produce 50 to 60, and their share in the overall production of the company is nearly 75%. The remaining production consists of traditional timber, pallets, or wood chips," says Miloš Bronček, the owner of Zruby Rajec.

The log houses are made from solid roundwood, with a lifespan of 150 to 200 years. They withstand weather conditions and fires well. "Wooden log houses have much better properties than brick houses and are cost-effective from this perspective. Our log houses serve not only as cottages but are also suitable for year-round use. They feature modern architecture, which we also adapt to our marketing," emphasizes Bronček. Approximately 60% of the annual log house production is sold in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, while the rest is exported mainly to France, Italy, Croatia, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands. Bronček believes that over time, they will sell more log houses outside of Slovakia and the Czech Republic because the original countries offer better conditions for it. "It is a matter of certification and more assertive business on our part," adds Bronček. Drevodom holds certifications from the Research and Development Institute of Wood Industry in Prague, the Technical Testing Institute of Construction in Bratislava, and is preparing for a European ETA certificate.

This year, the Rajec-based Drevodom is investing 10 million SKK in technology and machinery, primarily to improve the parameters and labor productivity of log house production. For example, the company is the only one in Europe to have technology for drying wood, resulting in lighter log houses with tight walls. Drevodom has also invested money from EU funds in new wood drying facilities, handling equipment, and a new production area.

TASR © :: October 29, 2006