EXHIBITORS RELY ON LIGNA AS AN ECONOMIC DRIVER

Hanover, Germany. LIGNA in Hanover from 26 to 30 May 2025 will be one of the most important milestones for the woodworking and wood processing industry on the way to the hoped-for industry turnaround. Three months before the trade show opens its gates in its 50th anniversary year, more than 1,200 exhibitors from all over the world occupy around 112,000 square metres of exhibition space, sending a strong signal in a challenging industry situation.

“LIGNA is currently almost at the same level as the previous event,” says Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Executive Board, Deutsche Messe AG. “In view of the economic conditions, we are very grateful to everyone involved for their confidence in LIGNA. We are convinced that the world’s leading trade fair for the industry will ensure greater productivity and sustainability through fantastic innovations and thus provide the much-needed motivation and confidence for investments.”

“Hardly any exhibitor skips LIGNA – and for good reason. Especially in challenging times, direct dialogue with customers is crucial to generating new investment momentum through innovative solutions. LIGNA is the platform where pioneering technologies are presented to an international audience of experts. And it’s not just manufacturers who cannot afford to miss this opportunity – customers, too, must be there, as the future course of the industry is set right here in Hanover,” says Dr. Bernhard Dirr, Managing Director of the VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association, Frankfurt am Main.

About LIGNA

The world’s leading trade fair for the woodworking and wood processing industry is jointly organized by Deutsche Messe and VDMA Woodworking Machinery in Hannover, and is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025. It showcases the entire range of products and services for the primary and secondary industries – tools, machines and systems for custom and mass production, surface technology, wood-based panel production, sawmill technology, energy from wood, machine components and automation technology, as well as machines and systems for forestry.

Further information on LIGNA is available at www.ligna.de

To read previous Ligna related posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

GLAD 2025: The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) has announced the return of Global Lifting Awareness Day (GLAD) 2025 on Thursday 12^th June 2025, with the theme “Lifting Careers, Building Futures.” This year, GLAD is dedicated to tackling the growing skills shortages across the lifting industry, promoting practical tools to attract new talent, and using the day as a launchpad to inspire the next generation to explore careers in lifting.

The lifting industry plays a crucial role in global infrastructure, construction, manufacturing, logistics, and more, yet many employers are struggling to recruit and retain skilled professionals. As recruitment challenges intensify, GLAD 2025 aims to provide practical solutions to help businesses identify, develop, and retain top talent.

What to Expect on GLAD 2025

Throughout the day, LEEA and its industry partners will roll out a series of activities, resources, and discussions designed to:

✅ Support Employers – Providing insights into recruitment best practices, apprenticeships, military resettlement programs, and effective interview techniques to help businesses attract and retain the best talent.

✅ Empower Job Seekers – Showcasing why the lifting industry is a fantastic career choice, highlighting career pathways, training opportunities, and advice on how to enter and progress in the field.

✅ Promote Industry-Wide Engagement – Encouraging all stakeholders, from business leaders to training providers, to collaborate and invest in the workforce of tomorrow.

A Special Industry Report & Webinar

As part of GLAD 2025, LEEA CEO, Dr. Ross Moloney and Matt Barber, LEEA Director of Membership, will host a special webinar launching an exclusive industry report that highlights the most pressing issues related to skills shortages, skills gaps, and recruitment across the lifting sector. This report will provide valuable insights into the challenges facing businesses today and actionable strategies to ensure a sustainable and skilled workforce for the future.

A Launchpad for the Next Generation

GLAD 2025 is not just about today’s challenges—it’s about securing the industry’s future. By raising awareness of the diverse and rewarding careers available, GLAD will serve as a springboard for young people, career changers, and underrepresented groups to explore opportunities in lifting. Dr. Ross Moloney, CEO of LEEA, commented: “The skills shortage in our industry is a challenge that we must address together. GLAD 2025 provides a platform for businesses, educators, and job seekers to come together, share solutions, and shape the future of lifting. It’s time to lift careers and build futures.”

Get Involved

LEEA invites industry professionals, businesses, and training providers to join the conversation on GLAD 2025 by sharing success stories, promoting career opportunities, and engaging with the wealth of resources available. Follow the campaign and share your stories using #GLAD2025.

For more information, visit globalliftingawarenessday.com

To read previous GLAD posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

USNR’s Automated Lineal Grading System is a cutting-edge solution for planer mills, offering advanced lineal optimization and grading capabilities. Its compact design allows for easy installation and seamless integration into existing production lines.

Leveraging precise measurements and AI-driven technology, this system delivers exceptional accuracy while handling both standard and custom grades, all of which are fully configurable. Additionally, a specialized configuration for hardwood grading, based on USNR’s renowned NHLA-grade rules, is also available.

This elegant AI-driven system accurately and efficiently grades lumber at mill speeds. Its simple design throughout the hardware, software, and mechanical frame makes this system easy to use and maintain.

With over 70 units installed in North America, this grading system’s proven results speak for themselves.

To join the list of planer mills that have benefited from USNR’s Automated Lineal Grading System, contact your USNR representative today.

To read previous USNR related posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

Komatsu has introduced its newest log loader, the TimberPro TN230D. The new machine was built from the ground up based on customer and distributor feedback and was carefully engineered to help improve productivity and provide additional operator benefits.

The 197-HP TN230D offers a 36-foot reach and 58,224 foot-pounds of swing torque. It also features Power Max, which temporarily increases engine horsepower and hydraulic flow to support tough forestry tasks.

The machine is built with proven, high-quality Komatsu components and its hydraulic system, powertrain, control valve and interior components are designed and manufactured in-house to help ensure performance and quality control.

The TN230D is the first machine in its class segment to feature dual service platforms with electrically actuated platforms on the left and right sides, offering improved access for service and cleaning.

New benefits include easy access via a large, rear entry cab with service walkways and safety railings, premium heated and cooled seats with adjustable armrests, an elevated cabin with large windows and a front view camera to improve visibility, LED lights and a large overhead skylight.

“We know how demanding forestry environments are – the tough work requires equipment capable of standing up to the job,” said Kyle Kovach, Product Planning Manager. “When we set out to develop a new log loader, we gathered feedback on customer needs then unleashed a team of talented engineers to design this product from the ground up. The result merges quality components with the latest technology to offer a range of productivity, safety and comfort benefits.”

The TN230D will be on display at the Oregon Logging Conference Feb. 20-22, 2025.

Photo:  The TN230D merges quality components with the latest technology.

To read other Komatsu related posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

Southeastern Timber Products announced this week it is investing $123.4 million to expand its operations in Ackerman, which could create as many as 40 jobs.

Southeastern Timber Products is a family-owned-and-operated manufacturer of southern yellow pine lumber, timber and decking products. The company is expanding its Ackerman sawmill to increase production capacity from 120 million board feet per year to 300 million board feet per year.

To facilitate the project, Southeastern Timber Products will install a new sawmill line, new dry kilns and storage facilities.
Southeastern Timber Products has a joint venture partnership with Tolko Industries Ltd., a company based in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada.

One of the largest Canadian investments in Mississippi, Tolko has embarked on what will ultimately be a $150 million investment in the STP lumber mill that was announced in 2022. Under the banner of Southeastern Timber Products LLC, the project is a joint venture with STP Holdings, LLC.

“Today’s announcement enables us to further invest in our people, customers and local community,” said David Manley, Tolko Industries U.S. Ltd. vice president. “We greatly appreciate the Mississippi government’s support of all strategic investments that will help us by continuing to grow STP’s capacity to 300 million board feet per year.”

The news comes at a time President Donald J. Trump wants to sign an executive order introducing a 25% tariff on all goods coming from Mexico and Canada and a 10% tariff on goods from China. The order on China went into effect on Tuesday, while the orders on Canada and and Mexico have been put on hold as of Wednesday.

Canada is Mississippi’s largest trading partner and Mississippi would likely feel negative impacts from a 25% tariff on all goods coming from Canada. There also would likely be some reactionary impacts on goods that are exported from Mississippi to Canada.

Reported by Ross Reily Mississippi Clarion Ledger

To see other Southeastern related posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

Valmet will deliver a chipper feeding line upgrade to the woodyard of Unilin Panels in Vielsalm, Belgium.

The order is included in Valmet’s orders received of the fourth quarter 2024. The value of the order will not be disclosed. The delivery will take place during the mill’s annual shutdown in the third quarter of 2025.

The mill’s current chipper feeding line is approaching the end of its lifecycle, leading to chip quality variation and limited production capacity. Mechanical wearing of inlet parts increases the risk of discharged metal parts in the chipper.

“The chipper feeding line upgrade with the new infeed chute, open top spout and durable chipper hood will extend the lifetime of our woodyard area and secure safe operation environment for our employees for the next years. We are looking forward to the upgrade and improvements in the chip consistency,” says Antoine Deparpe, Improvement Engineering Manager at Unilin Panels.

“We are thankful for this opportunity to deliver this customized solution to Unilin Panels, as it shows our expertise also in woodyard upgrades. We are looking forward to our skilled field service team taking care of the installation and helping the customer to take their performance to the next level,” says Nils Anspach, Product Sales Manager at Valmet.

Technical information about the delivery

The chipper feeding line upgrade includes the delivery of several parts such as infeed chute, spout, durable chipper hood, couplings, bearing assemblies as well as the installation of those parts.

Information about the customer

Unilin Panels produces innovative wood panel solutions for the construction and interior sectors. The production unit in Vielsalm, Belgium, produces MDF for the domestic and international customers. Unilin Panels is part of the Unilin Group.

Valmet has a global customer base across various process industries. They are a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries, and with their automation and flow control solutions they serve an even wider base of process industries

Photo : Valmet will deliver a chipper feeding line upgrade to the woodyard of Unilin Panels in Vielsalm, Belgium.

To read other Chipper related posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

Sawmill in Maine – Saint John, New Brunswick — Irving Forest Products, which owns and operates wood processing facilities in Maine and New York State, has acquired the Masardis Sawmill in Masardis, Maine. The sale closed January 5, 2025.

Previously owned by Groupe Lebel, the Masardis operation has a long history of producing random-length spruce and fir lumber. It currently employs 80 people and has the capacity to produce 115 million board feet annually.

The sawmill is located within close proximity to Irving’s 1.3 million acres of timberlands in Maine.

“We are excited to grow our lumber production capacity in the state of Maine,” said Jerome Pelletier, VP of Irving Forest Products. “The Masardis mill is well-located to access high-quality timber. It is also serviced by the Maine Northern Railway and benefits from having a team of highly skilled and dedicated employees who have worked together for decades to ensure the success of their operation.”

With the addition of the Masardis operation, J.D. Irving, Limited now operates 10 sawmills as part of its solid wood operations, with a total annual capacity of 1.3 billion board feet.

To read other Sawmill related posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

Koskisen is launching a comprehensive investment program in the plywood production of its Panel Industry business in Järvelä. The investment program extends until the end of Koskisen’s strategy period, i.e. 2027. The first phase of the investment program will be implemented during 2025 and the total value of the related investments is approximately EUR 12 million.

“In line with our strategy, we are creating sustainable growth and the focus of investments is now shifting strongly to the Panel Industry. In recent years, we have invested heavily in the Sawmill Industry: the total investment value of the new sawmill and related operations, such as the log yard to be put into operation in early 2025, is approximately EUR 75 million,” says Koskisen’s CEO Jukka Pahta .

According to Pahta, the demand outlook for Koskisen’s wood products is stable and will strengthen, driven by the green transition, urbanization, and the development of trade and transportation. Wood products that bind carbon for a long time are a key part of a more sustainable bio-circular economy.

The systematic investment program in the sheet Panel industry will enable volume growth, streamline production, and facilitate related internal logistics. The investments also include automation of production phases.

“The key objective of the investment program is to improve the productivity, quality and yield of plywood production. As a result of the program, the plywood production capacity will increase from the current 65,000 m3 to 85,000 m3. This requires significant development of the machinery and investment in it,” says Tom-Peter Helenius, Director of the Board Industry Business Unit .

The first phase of the investment program focuses on developing the veneer manufacturing processes.

The plywood factory produces customized, high-quality birch plywood products for light and heavy transport vehicles, stamping tools, interior design, fixtures and furniture. The largest customer groups are the automotive, transport, construction and furniture industries.

“The existing production line has been built in stages and currently places restrictions on production development and volume growth. It is great that with the investment program being launched now, we have the opportunity to think about things with new eyes by modernizing the different stages of production and their mutual relationships,” says Helenius.

Koskisen is an international wood processing specialist with over a century of experience. They utilize the valuable wood raw material carefully, down to the last sawdust. They manufacture high-quality and sustainable bio-circular economy products that bind carbon for decades.

To read more plywood related posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

Bruks Siwertell has received an order for a state-of-the-art Bruks Klöckner drum chipper from Bioena, a leading bioenergy company in Colombia. It will reliably deliver consistent quality wood chips and features a custom-designed knife and infeed configuration, supporting Bioena’s commitment to sustainable, high-capacity energy production.

Bioena is at the forefront of the renewable bioenergy industry. Its industrial plant, located in Santa Marta, produces biomass wood pellets from sustainably sourced wood, which play a vital role in the global move away from the use of fossil fuels.

Bruks Siwertell’s pioneering fiber- and wood-processing equipment and bulk handling technology is already playing a pivotal role in supporting renewable energy transitions worldwide.

“For Bioena, the choice was clear,” says Rafael Escamilla, Project Development Engineer, Bruks Siwertell. “Our Bruks Klöckner drum chippers have a proven track record for performance and reliability. With our strong presence in South America, we are excited to support Bioena in this project, and by fast-tracking the delivery, we are demonstrating our commitment to meeting its timeline and operational needs.”

Bruks Siwertell is able to offer unique equipment configurations depending on the needs of its customers. For Bioena, the horizontal-fed Bruks Klöckner drum chipper has a customized knife configuration to produce specifically sized wood chips, and its first two infeed rollers, closest to the drum, are segmented, enabling efficient and powerful material flows into the chipper. It also has a tailored infeed belt conveyor, while Hardox steel components, including the rotor, rotor hood, chip mantle, and chip pockets, enhance the chipper’s durability and performance.

“This partnership not only underscores Bruks Siwertell’s expertise in wood-processing technology but also celebrates our mutual commitment to environmental stewardship,” adds Escamilla. “Together, Bruks Siwertell and Bioena are proving that innovative solutions are able to drive meaningful change in renewable energy.”

Engineered to process whole eucalyptus logs at 50t/h, the new Bruks drum chipper will enable Bioena to expand its production capacity and keep pace with its growth and sustainability goals. The unit is planned for delivery from Germany in the first quarter of 2025.

To read other drum chipper related posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram