All posts by Jo English

Kalle Rovanperä

Kalle Rovanperä And John Deere To Join Forces

Uncategorised

Finnish rally driver Kalle Rovanperä and forest machine manufacturer John Deere Forestry Oy have signed a collaboration agreement. Rovanperä has risen to prominence in motorsports at an exceptionally young age and secured a World Rally Championship-2 (WRC2) series bronze medal in the 2018 season by winning the WRC2 events in Wales and Catalunya. In the 2019 season, Rovanperä and his co-driver Jonne Halttunen will continue as part of the Škoda Motorsport team challenging for the WRC2 series championship.

Kalle Rovanperä became a phenomenon at the age of 8 when he showed off his rally driving skills at full competition speed on a YouTube video. He has competed since the age of 10 in the Baltics, where a driver’s license is not a requirement to take part in rallying. Due to his young age, stretches between the stages were driven by his co-driver Risto Pietiläinen. Kalle Rovanperä has won a total of three Latvian rallying championships. In the 2016 season, he won the Latvian open class rallying championship and became the youngest ever driver to win a national open class rallying championship.

In the 2017 season, Kalle Rovanperä was given special permission to take part in Finnish races and the national championship series. Rovanperä participated in his first WRC rally in Wales in late 2017 and was drafted into the Škoda Motorsport team for the 2018 season. The World Rally Championship-2 series is driven with production-based four-wheel-drive cars on exactly the same stages as the WRC series.

In October, Kalle Rovanperä, who is a second-generation rallying star, reached the legal driving age in Finland. The Rovanperä family live in the legendary rallying village of Puuppola in Jyväskylä, Finland, and Kalle’s father Harri Rovanperä drove a total of 111 WRC events during his career between 1993 and 2006 and finished on the podium 17 times.

“Rallying is a favourite sport for Finns and collaboration with Kalle will give our customers interesting rallying moments to follow. Kalle has a unique story, he has convinced us with his fabulous driving skills and he is an excellent personality to collaborate with John Deere. In addition, we will continue our collaboration with Finland’s most popular athlete, biathlete Kaisa Mäkäräinen, the Tappara and Ilves Hockey Finland teams and the Joensuun Kataja basketball team,” says Janne Märkälä, Sales Director, John Deere Forestry.

John Deere Forestry Oy has been manufacturing forest machines in Joensuu, Eastern Finland, since 1972. Formerly known as Timberjack, the company has approximately 700 employees. The company’s forestry machinery product development is located in Tampere. More than 90% of wheeled John Deere harvesters and forwarders are exported.

 

Further information:
Elina Suuriniemi
Communication Specialist
John Deere Forestry Oy
Lokomonkatu 21, FI-33900 Tampere, Finland
Tel. +358 400 466 476
SuuriniemiElina@JohnDeere.com
Images: Fanny Saarelainen

Sawlog

Swedish sawlog prices rise in 3Q

Uncategorised

The delivery prices on Swedish sawlog and pulpwood prices rose by 5.5% and 3.4% respectively in the 3Q 2018, compared to the 2Q 2018, reports the Swedish Forest Agency.

The prices are increasing in all of Sweden. The price of sawlog increased the most in the region Central with 8.4%, while prices rose by 7.5% in the region South and by 2.6% in the region North.

The pulpwood prices rose most in the region South by 7.5%, 3.4% in the region North and by 2.5% in the region Central.

In comparison to the 3Q 2017 the prices on sawlog have increased by 11.3% while the prices on pulpwood have increased by 15.6%. The single largest price increase is 19.6%, on pulpwood of pine in the region South.

The delivery price statistics are also based on sold volumes, that are used for the volume weighted average delivery price. These volumes have dropped by 17% in comparison to the 3Q 2017.

Interfor

Interfor increased 3Q sales to $570.5 million

Uncategorised

Interfor Corporation (“Interfor”) recorded net earnings in 3Q 2018 of $28.1 million, or $0.40 per share, compared to $63.8 million, or $0.91 per share in 2Q 2018 and $16.8 million, or $0.24 per share in 3Q 2017. Interfor increased 3Q 2018 sales to $570.5 million, compared to $489.2 million in the 3Q 2017.

Adjusted net earnings in 3Q 2018 were $28.2 million or $0.40 per share, compared to $68.9 million, or $0.98 per share in 2Q 2018 and $20 million, or $0.29 per share in 3Q 2017.

Adjusted EBITDA was $69.4 million on sales of $570.5 million in 3Q 2018 versus $123.8 million on sales of $619.9 million in 2Q 2018. In comparison to the 3Q 2017, Interfor posted improved results across most key metrics, including an $8.9 million or 15% improvement in Adjusted EBITDA, an $11.3 million or 67% increase in net earnings and a 29 million board foot rise in lumber production.

Interfor is a growth-oriented lumber company with operations in Canada and the United States. The Company has annual production capacity of approximately 3.1 billion board feet and offers one of the most diverse lines of lumber products.

Western Forest Products

Western Forest Products to acquire Columbia Vista for $30.5 million

Uncategorised,

Western Forest Products Inc. (“Western”) announced that a wholly owned subsidiary of Western has entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of Columbia Vista Corporation and certain related entities (collectively “Columbia Vista”) located in Vancouver, Washington for consideration of $30.5 million, including working capital of $6.7 million.

Working capital to be acquired is subject to a final determination at closing. Columbia Vista is a lumber manufacturer that focuses production on Douglas Fir specialty products for the Japanese and U.S. markets. Columbia Vista operates a sawmill business in Washington State and has been in business for over 60 years. The operations employ approximately 90 employees and produced approximately 60 million board feet of lumber in 2017.

The transaction will be financed with cash on hand and available credit facilities, and is expected to close in the 1Q 2019. Completion of the transaction is subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Western is an integrated Canadian forest products company and the largest coastal British Columbia timberlands operator and lumber producer.

XR

Indexator is expanding the XR rotator range

Uncategorised

Indexator from Vindeln in Sweden – the world’s largest manufacturer of hydraulic rotators – is expanding their XR compact rotator range with the small and powerful XR 300.

The XR range comprises compact, powerful rotators with heavy-duty bearings. They are designed for extreme applications where rotator function requirements and load capacities are especially high. Optimally designed for both rigid and dangle mounting. Slew bearings, high performance and long service life make the XR series the rotators to rely on when it really counts. Wherever you need to handle large loads, XR rotators come into their own. Indexator is now launching a smaller model, the XR 300.

The XR 300 is designed to handle both positive and negative axial loads up to 9 tonnes. The model is also built for a radial load tolerance of 7 tonnes and is thus ideal for applications with high side loads such as rigid mounting sorting grapples on excavators, or dangle mounting for e.g. scrap or timber handling applications.

Patented torque transfer solution, long-life vane motor and easy maintenance
In common with other models in the XR series, the XR 300 has a patented torque transfer design.

“In a nutshell, the technology means the swivel and motor are not affected by external forces, which provides major service life benefits compared to competing solutions,” says Johnny Karlsson, Area Sales Manager at Indexator.

Another feature that benefits service life is Indexator’s tried-and-tested vane motor – the only compact rotator on the market using this principle. While the vane motor provides high torque, it is also very forgiving in case of forced roation and large slewing masses. The modular design with slew bearings, motor and swivel in separate modules, makes service and maintenance easy.

Eagerly-awaited rotator
“There’s never room for unscheduled downtime anywhere rotators are used. Because they simply have to keep on working, hour after hour, high reliability is just as important as high-performance,” says Johnny Karlsson.

To make sure the XR 300 can do the job, it has been rigorously tested, both in a test environment and in the real-world scenario’s machines and tools encounter. The result is a rotator with long service life that delivers performance every day.

The XR 300 is a rotator size eagerly awaited by customers, and market demand is high, especially from the customers who saw the rotator’s benefits when they participated in the prototype tests. Indexator will begin series production at the end of the year and as of January 2019, the XR 300 will be in full production.

“There is great demand from machine manufacturers and every possibility that this size segment will be the largest in the entire XR series in terms of volume,” says Johnny Karlsson.

The XR range
The XR range is available in several sizes and models with different bolt patterns and extra channels for central lubrication and cable pass through.

To see the new XR 300 and other XR-rotators working in this video click here.

 

For further information, contact Area Sales Manager Johnny Karlsson on +46 73 038 93 26 or at johnny.karlsson@indexator.com.

Indexator Rotator Systems AB is a global leader in the manufacture of rotators, swivels and accessories. Today, Indexator is an extremely strong brand in the forestry, material handling and recycling industries all over the world. The company conducts world-class R&D that includes a dedicated, in-house test lab upon which international equipment manufacturers also rely when developing new products and functions.

Indexator currently has around 140 employees and annual sales of approx SEK 260 million. A high proportion of their sales goes for export, with around 80 per cent of production being sold to more than 40 markets around the world.

NZ

Taranaki NZ : Agreements secure industry future

Uncategorised

China Forestry Group NZ (CFGNZ) is once again backing local wood processing with a ground-breaking agreement on harvesting and processing wood from Taranaki’s largest forest.

China Forestry Group NZ and Taranakipine sawmill in New Plymouth have signed a supply agreement that supports long term wood processing in New Plymouth and employment for the 170 workers at Taranakipine. It’s another initiative that demonstrates China Forestry Group NZ’s ongoing commitment to New Zealand.

Forestry Minister Shane Jones – who strongly supports the private forestry sector collaborating for the benefit of New Zealand – was also in attendance.

“This is exactly the sort of cooperation we need to see between our overseas- owned forestry companies and New Zealand sawmills,” Shane Jones says. “I’m pleased that China Forestry Group NZ and Taranakipine have been able to reach this agreement and I commend both parties for their commitment to our forestry sector – for regional development and employment benefits.”

The agreement will see China Forestry Group NZ supply minimum monthly volumes to Taranakipine over the long term and at agreed pricing.

Te Wera forest is very steep in parts, requiring specialist equipment and personnel. So, to help with harvesting, China Forestry Group NZ negotiated an agreement with Northland harvesting company Stokes Logging to relocate part of their crew capacity and business to Te Wera.

“The partnerships with Taranakipine and Stokes Logging are a material demonstration of China Forestry Group NZ’s ongoing commitment to New Zealand and how forestry owners and local processors can better work together,” says Steve Walker, Chief Operations Officer of China Forestry Group NZ.

China Forestry Group NZ will underwrite the cost of Stokes Logging relocating with a take-or-pay commitment to 100,000 tonnes per year for seven years, to December 2026. This commitment will see a number of families move to Taranaki with their moving costs covered by China Forestry Group NZ.

“These agreements are based on mutually beneficial commercial outcomes. At the same time, we appreciate that we have an important role to play in the New Zealand forestry industry as a supportive and understanding partner to local operators and as kaitiaki of the natural and cultural resources entrusted to us,” Steve Walker says.

As part of China Forestry Group NZ’s commitment to achieve Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for all its forests, the Te Wera forest is now fully certified under the PF Olsen Group Scheme for FSC certification. This certifies that the forest management meets the principles of sustainable forest management, including management of social and environmental characteristics of value.

The FSC certification of the forest also has commercial benefits, as many consumers now insist on sustainable sourcing.

Tom Boon, CEO of Taranakipine, says securing supply from an FSC certified forest was a key concern for Taranakipine.

“This agreement with China Forestry Group NZ will secure FSC log supply. Now we can grow our markets in New Zealand, Australia, Europe and the US with wood products from sustainably managed, renewable plantation forests,” says Boon.

“Locally, it means secure employment for our 170 staff. And, of course, the new agreement re-establishes our historic commercial relationship with Te Wera forest.”

Taranakipine was specifically founded in 1982 to process the first commercial harvest from Te Wera and had a strong ongoing supply from the forest for many decades.

Photo:  Steve Walker, Chief Operations Officer of China Forestry Group NZ.

Expo

Robust exhibit sales for 2019 Forest Products Expo

Uncategorised

Nearly 100 companies have contracted fully 80% of the available exhibit space for the 35th Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition – Expo 2019 – to be held June 26-28, 2019 at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center.

“Participation in Expo is reaching an early sell-out; most of the larger exhibit spaces are already occupied. Many of the exhibiting companies are determining the equipment they’ll bring for display in Atlanta.  And some have expanded their exhibit space based on strong, pre-show orders,” commented Eric Gee, SFPA’s exposition director. “Expo 2019 is the best place to be for companies wanting to showcase the latest equipment, products and services for the wood industry,” he added.

Sponsored and conducted by the Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA) every two years since 1950, this event has traditionally included many of the biggest names in the business displaying everything from sawmill machinery to materials handling equipment, attracting key representatives from the nation’s largest wood products manufacturers. Expo 2017 featured 183 exhibitors, with a total attendance of just over 2,000.

An online sales kit and exhibit space application is now available at www.sfpaexpo.com. “We have also rolled out new event management software that streamlines the exhibit space selection and confirmation process,” Eric noted.

For questions about Expo 2019, contact Eric at 504/443-4464 (option 3), or e-mail him at egee@sfpa.org.

Photo:  Eric Gee, SFPA’s exposition director
NOTE to Editors: The EXPO 2019 logo and photos from Expo 2017 are available upon request; contact Cameron Goodreau, cgoodreau@sfpa.org.

The Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition has been sponsored since 1950 by the Southern Forest Products Association, a trade association representing Southern Pine lumber manufacturers from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.

SFPA’s member companies produce about 45 percent of the nation’s Southern Pine lumber.

6660 Riverside Drive, Suite 212, Metairie, LA  70003 • 504/443-4464  FAX: 504/443-6612 •  www.SFPA.org

tariff

US timber tariff: Who will benefit?

Uncategorised

China announced a 25% tariff on US imports, on a value of $16 billion from 23 August. The taxed products include $1.83 billion of wood products and logs.

A large range of wood products are listed in the tariff list, including oak logs, birch logs, OSB, spruce, larch, teak, wooden window frames, shelves, furniture etc.

China is the biggest importer for American wood products. The United States exported 6.14 million m3 logs to China, accounting for 53.9% of US logs, and 3.27 m3 lumber, accounting for 38% of US sawn timber exports, according to the U.S Bureau of Statistics. The China market represents half of total US log exports, and one third of its sawn timber exports.

The US tariffs will increase the cost of US wood imports, which will make America timber gradually lose its competitiveness and market position in China.

China Timber has forecast that Chinese buyers may turn to other countries such as Russia and Europe as the properties of timber from those countries are very similar to that of the US.

Source: ITTO MIS Report (October)

Gough CAT

Gough CAT signs with Weiler

Uncategorised,

Gough Cat have announced they have an agreement with United States company Weiler Incorporated to distribute its forestry product line in New Zealand.

Founded in 2000, Weiler has a long history of successfully manufacturing equipment distributed through the global Cat dealer network, says Gough Cat Executive General Manager Chris Heaton.

“These products complement the Caterpillar forestry machines that Gough Cat will continue to offer and we are excited about continuing to supply our customers a wide range of products.”

Gough Cat will distribute and service Weiler forestry products, including wheel skidders and track feller bunchers, while continuing to provide and service Cat’s forestry 500 series purpose-built forestry machines designed for log loading, harvesting and other New Zealand forestry applications.

“Gough Cat and Weiler look forward to growing our relationship further through distributing this portfolio of products for the forestry industry through our extensive dealer network throughout New Zealand,” says Chris Heaton.

“We are excited to have Gough Cat as the exclusive Weiler dealer for New Zealand, their great history of product support and taking care of customers fits our needs to continue to grow the Weiler brand,” says Pat Weiler, owner and founder of Weiler.

“We remain strongly committed to our forestry business and expect Weiler’s forestry customers will benefit greatly from the exceptional sales and service that Gough Cat are proud to be known for,” says Chris Heaton.

The new agreement follows an announcement by Caterpillar Inc in August that it had entered into a preliminary agreement to sell some of its forestry business to Weiler.

Weiler paving and drill products will be available in New Zealand later this year, with forestry products becoming available early in 2019, as Caterpillar transitions these forest products.

“This is a positive move and a smooth transition is well underway, supported by Weiler’s proven track record of working with Cat dealers all over the world,” says Chris Heaton.

Photo: Gough Cat Executive General Manager Chris Heaton

Timberlink

Australia – Timberlink announces new appointments

Uncategorised

Timberlink has announced the appointment of Jason Wilson (photo) to the newly created position of Chief Operations Officer (COO) to support its growth and development strategy. In addition, Duncan Mayes has joined the Timberlink team, taking up the position of EGM Innovation and Emerging Business.

Previously, Jason has been the General Manager of Auswest Timbers, leading a business that has seven manufacturing sites. Prior to that he spent 7 years with Carter Holt Harvey and was Strategic Development Manager during his last four and a half years with the company.

The role of EGM Innovation and Emerging Business has a mission to support the strategic commitment to grow and expand the business in sustainably relevant sectors, further leveraging the strong material base with a greater focus on value adding with advanced technology and business models.

Duncan Mayes brings with him a wealth of experience, having worked with global wood products company Stora Enso over the last 20 years in a wide variety of operational and development roles, including leading the Wood Product Division’s Strategy, R&D and Innovation and Operational Business Management.

Timberlink CEO Ian Tyson welcomed both to the business, “this is an exciting time for Timberlink and I am delighted to be able to welcome these two experienced executives to the team.”

Source: Timberlink