By Dan Radu, Romania
August 13, 2025
In the commune of Mălin, Suceava County—where the forests of Romania reveal their full richness—lies a remarkable story of perseverance, technological progress, and unwavering trust in quality. Ionică Ștefănoaia, the driving force behind Lăcusta Prodcom SRL, has spent years building a business that perfectly illustrates how Wood-Mizer technology can turn an entrepreneurial vision into reality.
"Our main activity is primary wood processing. We also carry out forest exploitation. We bid for standing timber, harvest it, bring it to the factory, and process it," explains Ionică Ștefănoaia, with the calm confidence of someone who knows both his craft and purpose.
The Beginning: When Vision Meets Opportunity
The journey with Wood-Mizer began in 2006 at the BIFE trade fair in Bucharest—an event that would set the direction for the business.
"Companies from all over Europe came to present their wood processing equipment. I looked at many different machines, but Wood-Mizer stood out as the most efficient. It was the LT300 sawmill," recalls Ștefănoaia.
The decision wasn't rushed. It came after thorough market research and careful thought: "I spoke to the Wood-Mizer representatives and I told myself: I have to get this machine. I made it my goal. And I succeeded."
Entrepreneurial courage manifested quickly. Even before securing financing, he placed the order: "I didn’t have enough money at the time, so I worked with the bank until the loan was approved. The machine was delivered directly to our factory. That’s how we got started."
Step-by-Step Growth: A Model of Sustainable Development
What followed is a textbook example of organic growth—where each new investment marks a strategic leap forward. After the first LT300 sawmill, other Wood-Mizer machines soon followed:
- 2013: LT70 sawmill – boosting efficiency
- 2018: LT10 sawmill – diversifying capabilities
- 2020: WM4000 industrial sawmill line – stepping into industrial production
- 2022: A second LT70 sawmill – expanding operations even further
What’s striking in Ștefănoaia’s story isn’t just the scale of growth, but the consistency of choosing quality solutions: "From the very beginning, with the first LT300, I knew I would stick with Wood-Mizer. Their machines are more efficient—lower electricity consumption, smaller motors, excellent blades."
Productivity that Speaks for Itself
The results speak volumes. Lăcusta Prodcom now processes around 2,000 cubic meters of round timber per month—a testament to both advanced machinery and decades of know-how.
And the loyalty extends beyond sawmills: "We only use original Wood-Mizer blades and spare parts. They’re safer and more reliable. We even bought the blade-sharpening machine from Wood-Mizer."
A Complete Range: From Entry-Level to Industrial
Ștefănoaia’s story is also a case study in how Wood-Mizer can support long-term business evolution across its full product portfolio: "Over time, we acquired almost the entire range—from the smallest LT10 to the industrial WM4000. We also bought two resaws. I think we have them all by now."
The reason is simple: "Whatever new machines they bring, if they’re better, we’ll buy them."
A Trusted Voice in the Community
Over the years, Ștefănoaia has become something of an unofficial Wood-Mizer ambassador in Romania: "I’ve recommended them to so many people. They’ve called me from all over the country, asking how the machines work and if they could come see them."
And he always welcomes them: "Of course, I told them to come. I gave them all the details."
His advice is based on first-hand experience: "People asked if it’s worth it. I told them the truth: yes, it is."
"Visitors came from Timișoara, Caraș-Severin, Brașov—just to see a specific Wood-Mizer machine."
Why Wood-Mizer Machines Are Popular in Romania
Ștefănoaia sees the reasons for Wood-Mizer's popularity in Romania clearly: "First of all, they’re accessible. There’s a local representative, and we have access to spare parts."
And it’s not just sawmills: "They offer everything—blades, four-side planers, circular saws, sharpening machines. You buy a machine, and you get the whole ecosystem."
A True Success Story
With more than 30 years in the business, Ștefănoaia has a deep understanding of the industry: "Wood has been in my life since childhood. I was born here in Suceava, where forests are everywhere. It’s what we know."
His motivation is long-term: "I have two sons working with me—that’s what motivated me to keep investing."
The story of Ionică Ștefănoaia and Lăcusta Prodcom SRL is one of authentic, sustainable success—rooted in perseverance, quality, and trust in the right partners. From the first LT300 sawmill in 2006 to today’s industrial setup, every step has been strategic, and every investment justified.
In Romania’s evolving wood industry—where tradition meets modern technology—stories like this show that success is built through smart decisions, hard work, and belief in quality.
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