Brand story · 2025
From responsibility to caring: at Barrus AS we create much more than glued timber components
English translation of the original Estonian article. Original headline: Vastutustundlikkusest hoolivuseni: Barrus AS-is loome palju rohkem kui vaid liimpuitkomponente
In today's world, which places ever more emphasis on growth, an environmentally conscious attitude to our shared present and future must be close to every company's heart. At Barrus AS, our goal is to be a leading manufacturer of glued timber components that at the same time cares for nature and people.
For us, sustainability is not merely an obligation, but a commitment to leave future generations vibrant forests and a clean environment as their heritage. We value the resources at our disposal and make maximum use of the timber. "At Barrus AS, our actions are aimed at avoiding waste while ensuring a safe and pleasant working environment," says Eva Ilves, the company's head of occupational safety and sustainability.
Our people are our greatest asset: we look after our employees' satisfaction.
At Barrus AS, our success is based on caring – the wellbeing of employees comes first, and the environment around them must be safe. We believe that by offering pleasant conditions we achieve high product quality and the best results. Besides professional development through training, we also support our employees and their families in the challenges of everyday life.
"We want to offer opportunities for self-realisation and encourage moving up the career ladder within the company. Many of our managers have developed within the organisation, for example as foreman, head of department and production manager," says HR manager Signe Ploom proudly. The average length of service in the company is 7 years. The aim is to keep overall satisfaction high so that cooperation is motivating and long-term. The latest satisfaction survey in 2024 confirmed this – the results exceeded previous figures, and our Net Promoter Score (NPS) remains very strong.
Employee wellbeing is supported by a number of well-thought-out activities. For example, an onboarding programme with dedicated mentors has been created to help new Barrus employees settle in smoothly, a training plan guarantees continuous development, and everyday comfort is added by the option of using public transport, free lunch in the new canteen and a 24/7 health room with both training equipment and relaxation facilities. We also contribute to the wellbeing of employees and their families through sports opportunities, health allowances and reimbursement of the cost of children's hobby groups.
We want to protect our employees' physical and mental health and balance work and private life.
We organise family bike orienteering competitions, go tree-planting together, support families in need in Võru County and more. Together we have created a close-knit team, celebrating our collective strength and joy at events.
Clear goals and big steps in protecting the environment.
Barrus AS intends to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% by the end of 2025 compared with 2022 and to be carbon neutral by 2050. In new projects we have made sure that the chosen technologies support achieving these goals. We monitor environmental indicators and have so far contributed to the development directions set out in the Green Roadmap to improve environmental performance.
At Barrus AS we actively work on reducing energy costs, which is greatly helped by investing in new and more economical machines. We continue to invest in modern technological solutions that ensure even greater efficiency and maximum use of raw materials. For example, in 2021 a new modern glued timber factory costing 10 million was built, and in 2023 a cutting plant costing 5 million for processing sawn timber.
In recent years Barrus has taken targeted steps to make its production processes more efficient and environmentally friendly. The factories have switched to LED lighting, and in several rooms, such as warehouses and staff facilities, lights with motion sensors are used to reduce unnecessary energy consumption. Heat exchangers installed on the roofs of the dryers allow one unit to save up to a quarter of its energy, and a solar panel system produces electricity on the roof of one factory building.
The company also pays attention to reducing the environmental impact of transport. In cooperation with the town of Võru, a bus stop has been built on the factory grounds to encourage employees to use public transport. A weatherproof bicycle parking area with charging for electric bikes has also been completed. In future, there are plans to test an electric truck, for which charging infrastructure is being prepared.
Besides environmental investments, Barrus consistently invests in employee wellbeing. In 2024 a new modern canteen was completed, and in 2025 the production workers' break rooms are being renovated. In total, the company has invested 25 million euros in recent years in new technologies, expanding production, environmental protection and improving working conditions.
With heart in Võru County – supporting the local community matters.
At Barrus AS we believe true success is achieved through caring – the development of the people, life and environment of Võru County has also become close to our hearts. We are not merely an employer, but an active member of the community who listens, contributes and involves others.
We are passionate sports fans, through financial support, cheering and taking part ourselves. Whether sponsoring the Barrus Võru Volleyball Club, investing in a football pitch, supporting individual athletes or getting actively involved in other ways – we believe in the power of movement and shared goals.
As title sponsor of the Barrus Võru Volleyball Club, our team cheers along as fans at almost every game. It brings together both employees and the community, and the results often speak for themselves.
Sincere commitment creates a better future: Barrus AS contributes to developing sustainability.
Caring for both the environment and people is close to our company's heart. For Barrus AS, the wise management of forest resources and avoiding waste are important. At the same time, we constantly invest in creating a pleasant working environment where every employee's safety and wellbeing come first. We are proud of our contribution to the local Võru County community, creating a sense of unity. Our efforts have borne fruit, as the results prove: in 2025 we achieved the gold level in the Responsible Business Index.
Above all, we see that our greatest contribution to protecting the environment is making and selling quality products. Long-lasting glued timber components, including energy-efficient window frames, save energy and benefit everyone in the long run.
"Barrus's first sustainability report is ready and will soon be available on our website. The report gives a thorough overview of our steps so far, our goals and our further plans in the field of sustainability," confirms Eva Ilves. We want to be among the best employers in Võru County, taking care of our people and contributing to our home region, so that together we can create a brighter future.