The roots of Wacker Neuson date back to the year 1848. Innovative solutions have revolutionized the industry time and again. The focus has been on the customer and his requirements for 175 years.

The foundation for Wacker Neuson’s success story was laid by Johann Christian Wacker in 1848, when he set up a blacksmith’s shop in Dresden. Since then, the company has introduced innovations time and again, which have revolutionized work on the construction site. In 1930, for example, Hermann Wacker set new standards in the construction industry of the time with an innovative electric rammer. The vibratory rammers are used for soil compaction to this day. This was followed, among other things, by the internal vibrator for concrete consolidation, which captured the market from 1934 onwards, or the first reversible vibratory plate, which set a milestone in soil compaction.

Wacker Neuson also kept coming up with new developments in the compact machines segment. The Vertical Digging System VDS is an innovation in the field of compact excavators. Since 1988, the VDS has made work more efficient, faster and more pleasant for the operator: This system, which tips up the superstructure, allows exact vertical digging even on uneven ground surfaces, on curbs and slopes. Since 2005, articulated wheel loaders, and later even compact telehandlers have been part of Wacker Neuson’s portfolio, in order to offer customers everything from a single source. The first Dual View Dumper was also a real innovation in 2019: Thanks to the wheel dumper’s 180° rotating seat and control panel, the operator always keeps an overview, which ensures greater safety and flexibility on the construction site. This way, hazards are minimized on the construction site.

The zero emission success story

With the introduction of the zero emission series, Wacker Neuson broke new ground in 2014 and took on a pioneering role once again: The first electrically powered machines and equipment were two battery-powered rammers and the WL20e battery-powered electric wheel loader. Since then, the portfolio has been steadily expanded. It now includes electric vibratory plates, excavators, wheel and track dumpers, and in the near future also electric telehandlers. This means that, already today, a typical inner-city construction site can be operated without direct exhaust emissions and with extremely low noise levels. For Wacker Neuson, however, in addition to its diverse product portfolio, this means handling the entire zero emission ecosystem: from charging infrastructure to service performances, financing offers and different usage models, right through to a life cycle view of the battery. One example is the Charging Box – a “power bank for the construction site”. This mobile energy storage device based on lithium-ion batteries enables a continuous supply of energy – even if no power supply is available on site.

Digital solutions for efficient work

Innovation is part of the Wacker Neuson DNA – then and now. With digital solutions, Wacker Neuson is bringing greater efficiency and transparency to the construction site. One example is the ConcreTec assistance system for concrete consolidation. It enables concrete components to be compacted easily and transparently and in high quality in a reproducible manner. In the service area, the mixed reality glasses “smart glasses” make work more efficient: They have already been in use since the beginning of last year at Wacker Neuson in South Africa. Digitization also plays an important role in the development of machines: The new EW100 wheeled excavators include an intelligent Attachment Management System and a Human Machine Interface, which assist the operator in changing attachments via the 10-inch touchscreen display. In the future, Wacker Neuson will continue to focus on digitization. This will simplify, and make more efficient, work on construction sites and also collaboration between all the parties involved through intelligent networking, digital solutions, products and business models.

You can find more milestones in the history of Wacker Neuson here.

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How much money is needed to save the rainforests?

Estimating the exact amount of money needed to save the rainforests is challenging due to the complex and diverse nature of rainforest conservation efforts across different regions. The costs involved can vary significantly based on factors such as the size of the rainforest area, the level of deforestation and degradation, the implementation of conservation strategies, and the involvement of local communities.

However, it is widely recognized that significant financial investments are required to effectively address the threats facing rainforests and implement conservation measures. Some of the key areas that require financial support include:

Forest Protection and Law Enforcement: Adequate funding is needed to strengthen law enforcement efforts against illegal logging, land encroachment, and other activities leading to deforestation. This includes supporting ranger programs, surveillance technologies, and the implementation of stricter regulations.

Sustainable Livelihoods and Community Engagement: Engaging local and indigenous communities and providing sustainable livelihood alternatives are critical for effective rainforest conservation. Supporting community-led initiatives, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and providing economic incentives for forest conservation can help reduce pressure on rainforest resources.

Research and Monitoring: Investing in scientific research and monitoring programs is essential to understand the dynamics of rainforest ecosystems, assess the impacts of human activities, and develop evidencebased conservation strategies. This includes funding for biodiversity surveys, ecosystem monitoring, and technological advancements in remote sensing and data analysis.

Restoration and Reforestation: Restoring degraded rainforest areas through reforestation and restoration projects requires significant financial resources. This includes efforts to plant native tree species, restore wildlife habitats, and rehabilitate degraded land.

International Cooperation and Funding Mechanisms: Global initiatives, partnerships, and funding mechanisms are crucial for supporting rainforest conservation efforts. International organizations, governments, and philanthropic institutions play a vital role in providing financial assistance and coordinating efforts across countries and regions.

While an exact figure is difficult to determine, a study published in the journal Science Advances in 2018 estimated that an annual investment of around $35 billion could be needed to halt deforestation in tropical regions worldwide. However, it’s important to note that this estimate includes broader tropical forests beyond just rainforests.

Ultimately, the financial resources required to save the rainforests depend on various factors and the scale of conservation efforts undertaken. Continued support and increased funding commitments from governments, private sector entities, and international organizations are crucial for achieving long-term rainforest conservation goals.

Also visit:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/12-billion-donor-support-tohalt-and-reverse-forestloss-and-protect-land-rights

Illegal cattle farming in the Brazilian Amazon

Illegal cattle farming has been a significant issue in the Brazilian Amazon for many years. The expansion of cattle ranching has been a leading cause of deforestation and environmental degradation in the region. While not all cattle farming in the Amazon is illegal, there are illegal practices associated with the industry that contribute to deforestation and other environmental problems.

Here are some key points about illegal cattle farming in the Brazilian Amazon: Deforestation: The expansion of cattle ranching has been a major driver of deforestation in the Amazon. Forests are often cleared illegally to make way for pastureland for cattle. This not only leads to the loss of valuable ecosystems but also contributes to climate change by releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Land Grabbing: Illegal land grabbing is a common practice associated with cattle farming in the Amazon. People encroach upon protected areas, indigenous lands, or public lands, illegally claiming ownership and converting them into cattle ranches. This further exacerbates deforestation and undermines the rights of indigenous communities.

Violation of Environmental Laws: Illegal cattle ranching often involves the violation of environmental laws and regulations. These include clearing forests without proper permits, operating in protected areas, and using illegal means to obtain land titles.

Supply Chain Issues: The beef produced through illegal cattle farming can enter the formal supply chain, making it difficult to trace the origin of the meat. This creates challenges for companies and consumers who seek to avoid supporting deforestation and human rights abuses associated with illegal practices.

The Brazilian government has made efforts to address illegal cattle farming and reduce deforestation rates. Initiatives such as increased law enforcement, satellite monitoring, and the expansion of protected areas have been implemented. Additionally, consumer awareness and pressure have led some companies to commit to sourcing only deforestation free beef. However, tackling illegal cattle farming requires a comprehensive approach that includes stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, land tenure regularization, support for sustainable land use alternatives, and addressing the underlying socio-economic factors driving deforestation.

Also Read: Andrew Wasley, Elisângela Mendonça, Youssr Youssef and Robert Soutar in the Guardian

www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/02/more-than-800m-amazontrees-felled-in-six-years-tomeet-beef-demand

 Action urgently needed

The global warming crisis is increasing at an alarming rate. Rising temperatures are fuelling environmental degradation, natural disasters, weather extremes, food and water insecurity, economic disruption, conflict, and terrorism. Sea levels are rising, the Arctic and Antarctica are melting, coral reefs are dying, oceans are acidifying, and forests are burning.

Create a World Fighting force

Now is the time for the United Nations to make a radical decision. Create a fighting force that has to be adopted by Brazil, The Congo Basin countries and others to step up policing and putting an end to illegal logging, illegal cattle farming etc or face the dire consequences of intense global warming.

Glaring World Cost Anomalies

Positive: Glasgow COP 26

$12 billion donor support pledged to halt and reverse forest loss and protect land rights.

A new public finance pledge from 12 countries to support ambitious forest-related climate action in developing countries.

Negative:

During a recent visit by President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President Biden pledged 1 Billion pounds towards Rainforest conservation. Da Silva went on to China but it is reported President Xi Jinping was unwilling to pledge any amount

• Consider the cost of a nuclear submarine $3.45 billion

• The war in Afghanistan is estimated to have cost upwards of 2.2 trillion dollars.

• The HS2 UK rail extension is likely to cost upwards of 100 billion pounds.

• The 2023 US defence budget is Circa $770 billion.

• The 2023 Chinese defence budget is $224 billion dollars.

• That’s around 1 Trillion dollars from 2 countries in 2023!

How much is needed to save the Amazon and The Congo basin et al?

Hardly anything in comparison.

Photo: Robin Peach

To read more Editors comments click here.

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Finsilva plc, one of Finland’s largest forest owners, will adopt the Metsä Group Plus forest management model for measures carried out in its forests. The Metsä Group Plus model calls for more retention trees, burned wood, high biodiversity stumps and protective thickets in the forest and wider buffer zones along waterways than conventional models.

“Finsilva aims to continuously develop forestry in a more sustainable and profitable direction. The development of technology and planning systems allows even more precise and detailed nurturing and promotion of nature values, along with profitability. The new Metsä Group Plus management model, which safeguards the biodiversity and vitality of our forests, follows this principle excellently, which is why we will adopt it in all our new operations as of 30.6.2023,” says Juha Hakkarainen, Finsilva’s CEO.

Finsilva’s 130,000 hectares of forests are doubly certified, and the Metsä Group Plus management measures will be carried out in addition to those required by the certificates.

In practice, the Metsä Group Plus model implements the principles of regenerative forestry, to which Metsä Group is committed. The goal of regenerative forestry is to measurably improve forest biodiversity and vitality from the current state.

“Metsä Group’s parent company, Metsä Cooperative, has more than 90,000 forest owners. It is in our joint interest to take care of Finnish forests in a changing climate. The Metsä Group Plus model, combined with the diversification of tree species in our forests, are key measures in all this. We are very satisfied with Finsilva’s decision,” says Jani Riissanen, SVP, Wood Trade and Forest Services at Metsä Group.

Under the Metsä Group Plus management model, the number of retention trees and high biodiversity stumps left per hectare in the forest during harvesting is higher than that used to date and that required by forest certification schemes. To accelerate the creation of decaying wood and to secure the living conditions of species that inhabit burned environments, more retention trees will be burned. As concerns valuable habitats and littoral forests, the model represents the highest level of requirements currently in use.

Finsilva’s largest owners, the funds managed by Dasos Capital Oy, have also decided to use the Metsä Group Plus model in its other forests in Finland where it cooperates with Metsä Group. In all, Dasos Capital owns approximately 180,000 hectares of forest in Finland.

“The Metsä Group Plus management model has been very well received among forest owners. We recommend its use extensively to our forest owner-members,” says Riissanen.

Read more:

Metsä Group Plus

Principles of regenerative forestry

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Wood Technologies International (“Wood Technologies” or “the Company”), a comprehensive supplier of modern lumber processing equipment, technology, and essential tooling, has announced President Dale Brown has been appointed CEO of the Company, effective June 30, 2023. Outgoing CEO Craig Tompkins will serve as a Strategic Advisor to the Board of Directors of Wood Technologies to help continue to guide the company.

“We are proud to have Dale step into this role after eight years of leadership at the Company,” said Rob Sivitilli, Chairman of the Board of Wood Technologies. “We thank Craig for his efforts at leading the effective integration efforts after the merger of USNR and Wood Fiber Group and for helping drive two subsequent complementary acquisitions, all which built Wood Technologies into an industry leader today.”

Brown has had a 37-year tenure with Wood Technologies and predecessor company USNR, starting his career there in 1986 as an accounting data entry clerk, working his way up through various roles in USNR’s accounting, sales and executive operations departments. Past positions included Chief Accountant, Controller, Vice President, Senior Vice President, and CEO of USNR in 2018. Brown was named President of Wood Technologies upon the USNR/Wood Fiber Group merger in 2021.

“I thank the Board for entrusting me as the next leader of Wood Technologies, and I look forward to working with our great team whose hard work has contributed to our success,” said Brown. “Craig has been a first-rate colleague over the last year as we’ve built an industry leader with tremendous potential. I thank him for his efforts and wish him well in retirement.”

Tompkins helped spearhead the merger of Wood Technologies’ predecessor companies: mill automation, equipment supplier and technology system integrator USNR, and sawmill parts supplier/manufacturer Wood Fiber Group, in November 2021. This combination of highly complementary product offerings and customer bases enabled Wood Technologies to become a leading supplier in the industry, with 1,500 employees and 30 operating sites.

Tompkins also helped lead and integrate Wood Technologies’ July 2022 acquisitions of Timber Automation, a provider of custom engineered equipment, aftermarket parts, controls and optimization systems; and The Knife Source, a manufacturer of machine knives used in waste wood chipper machines and brush chipper equipment.

“Craig’s skill in uniting Wood Technologies’ predecessor businesses created a leading wood processing brand well positioned for future growth,” said Brown. “Craig fostered a positive business culture enabling strong performance, evidenced by strong revenue growth and record levels of backlog over the last few years. He leaves a great legacy at Wood Technologies that we will work steadfastly to maintain.”

“I am immensely proud of my time at Wood Technologies, where I got to work with fantastic people— including Dale—over the past eight years,” Tompkins said. “With Dale at the helm, I can walk away confident that the company is in great hands and that it will achieve even greater success.”

About Wood Technologies

International Wood Technologies International was created through the transformational combination of USNR with Wood Fiber Group. Wood Technologies International is a leading engineered automation equipment and solutions platform, delivering sophisticated systems, consumable products, parts, and services to wood processors. From saws and machinery to automation and engineering consultation, industry professionals can turn to Wood Technologies International for their wood processing needs.

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