All posts by Jo English

OneFortyOne

Australia – OneFortyOne replants more than 5.5 million trees

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Imagine planting by hand more than 5.5 million trees. That’s exactly what the team at OneFortyOne have just done with the replanting season finishing last week across its Green Triangle forests. For one man, OFO’s Terry Higgins, this season marked an important milestone as it was the second time he has replanted trees on this land. The first time was following the devastating 1983 Ash Wednesday fire.

“Like most people who were part of our industry and community in the 1980s, my colleagues and I will never forget Ash Wednesday. 35 years later, we’re proud to still have people working for OFO who fought the fires, supervised the log salvage operations, or worked in the local mills in the fire’s aftermath”, said Terry.

The impact on the Green Triangle forests was significant with 18,094ha of the State’s pine forests destroyed in the fire. Putting that in perspective, OFO’s forests today span approximately 93,000ha (81,000ha of pine trees) meaning 22% of OFO’s forest was replanted out of its usual cycle during the 1980s.

“I think sometimes people forget the impact Ash Wednesday had on this region’s harvesting programs. The trees we replanted in 1983 started reaching their optimal age over the past few years, we harvested them, and now we are replanting the forests again. Forestry is the same as any other farming crop. Each year we have a cycle of harvest, sow, nurture and regrow.” said Terry.

Terry himself joined the industry in 1971, following in his father’s footsteps working in the Penola Forest. Throughout his 40-year career in these forests he has undertaken nearly every task, at nearly every location, and is now responsible for managing OFO’s replanting program. This year he estimates his planting crews walked a total of 13,372 kms replanting the trees in the ground.

Terry’s reason for working in the forestry industry is simple, “What’s not to love about working in this industry? We are sustainable, replanting everything we harvest. We grow people’s future homes, and we do it in some of the best forests in the world”.

Timberlink

AU$100m for Timberlink ’s Australian sawmills

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Timberlink has approved an AU$100 million upgrade program to its Australian sawmills. This generational investment will see the total processing capacity of the Australasian sawmilling company increase by more than 15%. The investment will secure more than 1350 direct and indirect jobs in regional Australia for years to come while supporting the residential housing sector with increased timber supply.

Timberlink’s chairman and CEO of investment management firm New Forests, David Brand, expressed his support for the mill upgrade program. “This is a substantial re-investment in the Timberlink mill facilities and continues to demonstrate the strong recovery of the Australian forestry sector under institutional investor ownership,” he said.

“Timberlink has become a leading wood products business, and I expect it will continue to innovate and grow, creating new manufacturing jobs in regional areas, while increasing the supply of timber in Australia.”

A total of 290 additional jobs are anticipated during the construction phase of the AU$100 million program. In Tarpeena, South Australia, the investment will lead to the installation of a completely new saw line, stacker and edger, all with the latest leading-edge technology, coupled with additional contraflow and batch kilns for drying timber. Major site infrastructure changes including upgrades to roads and storage facilities will also be undertaken.

At Timberlink’s Bell Bay site in Tasmania, new planer mill equipment will be installed along with a state-of-the-art contraflow kiln. Site infrastructure will be improved, including a new internal road system designed to improve safety outcomes and support the increase in site activity.

The AU$100 million investment program will take place in stages over the next three years and will build on previous capex investments that have taken place in both mills over the past five years. Timberlink will continue discussions with the Tasmanian, South Australian, and Federal Governments, seeking their funding support for further enhancements related to these business expansion programs.

“This is a great day for Australian manufacturing,” Timberlink CEO, Ian Tyson said. “We are ensuring that all aspects of the business are internationally competitive to secure our long- term future, and this significant investment will secure Timberlink’s position as one of Australasia’s leading softwood sawmillers.

“Our integrated business model allows us to optimise and guarantee our supply from the forest all the way to our customer’s door, and at its core, this program is about increasing and securing that supply of timber.”

The new capital also enables the ongoing investment in training and upskilling of Timberlink’s employees. With 87% of their workforce living in regional areas, these investments build stronger local economies that can support regional communities. Due to careful planning, the sawmills will be able to continue to operate normally during the building process. This will ensure that the supply of timber to customers will continue as usual.

Source & Photo: Timberlink

investing

US tariffs on Canadian newsprint cancelled

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The United States Commission on International Trade on Wednesday cancelled tariffs on Canadian newsprint.

The five Commissioners unanimously held that imports from Canada of uncoated sawn paper used for newspapers, commercial printing and book publishing were not prejudicial to the US industry.

The US Department of Commerce imposed anti-dumping and countervailing duties at various levels earlier this year on Canadian producers, including Resolute Forest Products, Catalyst Paper, Kruger and White Birch Paper.

The vote of the US Trade Commission (USITC) overrides Commerce’s findings.

Ponsse's products

Ponsse’s Products – New Solutions For Profitable Harvesting

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Ponsse’s products launched at FinnMETKO 2018

PONSSE’S products and services that improve productivity and profitability will have an exceptionally strong presence at the FinnMETKO trade fair in Jämsä, Finland. The PONSSE Bison forwarder and PONSSE Cobra and Fox harvesters will be launched at the fair. These products will complement Ponsse´s already extensive machine range.

The new products are part of the Boost/Save philosophy enabling customers to improve the productivity and cost efficiency of harvesting through the right products, information systems, training and service. Apart from forest machines, Ponsse will be presenting at the FinnMETKO fair new features, products and solutions for environmentally friendly and responsible harvesting.

PONSSE BISON Active Frame – unprecedented forwarder productivity
The PONSSE Bison Active Frame is a ground-breaking innovative forwarder. The PONSSE Bison Active Frame is a next-generation forwarder at its best over long transport distances. Featuring a modern Mercedes-Benz/MTU engine, powerful loader and robust CVT gearbox the Bison Active Frame is an unbeatable powerhouse for timber transport.

The PONSSE Bison Active Frame is equipped with Active Frame cabin suspension system. The structurally simple, yet effective system ensures that lateral swings affecting the driver is eliminated in an efficient and unnoticeable fashion.

PONSSE COBRA – an efficient harvester for varying conditions
The PONSSE Cobra is an eight-wheel all-round harvester with an extensive range of options. The Cobra’s strengths include a powerful six-cylinder engine, a high-performance hydraulics system powered by a large 210cm3 working pump, and a robust and thoroughly tested structure. Thanks to the high quality of its basic solutions, the Cobra is a reliable and fuel-economic package. The accurate and easy-to-use crane, great balance and powerful six-cylinder engine make it an excellent solution for varying conditions.

PONSSE Fox – bringing agility and efficiency to thinning
Thanks to the latest technology and reliable basic solutions, the PONSSE Fox is an economical and efficient harvester. Suitable for demanding conditions and soft terrain, the Fox can easily tackle harvesting challenges thanks to its accurate and powerful crane, good visibility, great stability and low surface pressure. The eight-wheel PONSSE Fox is right at home at thinning sites and on soft terrain. The crane is powerful, easy-to-use and located near the cabin, with excellent visibility to the work area.

PONSSE Active Crane – smooth loader control
The PONSSE Active Crane offers a new way of controlling the loader and boosting work performance. Active Crane is a new method the driver uses to control the grapple movement instead of individual functions. This allows the driver to concentrate on loading. The Active Crane is easy to control using two control levers, one of which controls the grapple height from the ground and the other the direction. What is essential is that the driver does not need to control all the functions simultaneously. When the desired grapple location is specified for the machine, the system performs the lifting, folding and extending operations automatically.

Cleaner operation with the new Stage V engines
The new Mercedes-Benz/MTU Stage V emission-level engines feature state-of-the-art engine technology, which makes them perfect for forest machines requiring an environmentally friendly approach and reliability combined with productive and fuel-economical work. The new Mercedes-Benz/MTU Stage V emission-level engines are efficient and economical.

Longer forwarder bogie – new option ensures lower surface pressure
A new, long bogie option is available for the eight-wheel PONSSE Wisent, Elk and Buffalo forwarder models, intended for loading in soft conditions. With a hub distance of up to 1,890 mm (6.2 feet), the longer bogie reduces the surface pressure of a machine equipped with tracks by up to 17% compared to a standard bogie.

PONSSE Manager Features improved harvesting productivity
Ponsse present new features for Ponsse Manager. The easy-to-use tool offers assistance in harvesting equipment maintenance and work planning, along with providing access to extensive reporting functions. PONSSE Manager provides comprehensive real-time information on equipment performance and work site status. The solution can be easily used via a smartphone, tablet or computer.
PONSSE Manager’s latest feature, hydraulic-pump condition monitoring, enables remote monitoring of the harvester’s working pumps from the office or using a smart device. The state of the working pumps can easily be monitored in the PONSSE Manager’s machine card along with other information. The data produced by condition monitoring improves the utilisation rate of the equipment. Now, condition monitoring provides information about the status and performance of crane and harvester pumps.

Efficient load handling with the PONSSE K121 loader
Ponsse’s new loader offers power and speed for load handling in demanding conditions. The K121 loader is available for the Elephant and ElephantKing forwarder models. The new loader combines high slewing power and lifting capacity, increased reach, new loader geometry and great handling.

PONSSE Seat – new technology for ergonomics
An innovation for improving the driver’s work ergonomics, the PONSSE Seat is the first seat designed specifically for forest machines. The new seat is easy to adjust and has an extra-strong base structure to provide the forest machine driver the best possible work comfort. The new PONSSE Seat dampens swinging motions and vibrations more efficiently than previous models.

Modern tools ensure high-quality training 
PONSSE’s range of training simulators has expanded with two new models. The PONSSE Compact simulator includes full Opti4G control system features for harvesters and forwarders, including harvester head/tracked machine controls as an option. The PONSSE Compact simulator is light and can easily be transported because of its wheelbase. Aimed for operators, the PONSSE Basic simulator makes it possible to practice the main motions of a forwarder and harvester with authentic PONSSE Comfort Grip Controls. The Basic simulator includes a computer and controls attached to a conventional table but no control system. The SimTrainer training environment is also available for both simulators to support planned and controlled training.

Ponsse Service Supports Forest Machine Entrepreneurs 24/7
Ponsse’s international service network consists of more than 180 service and spare parts centres staffed with over 550 experts serving customers. The network features service centres operated by Ponsse, its partners and contracted service providers; service vehicles used for field maintenance; and PONSSE Full Service projects. At FinnMETKO, service will present a wider selection of new solutions than ever before.

Extended warranty for original PONSSE parts
Ponsse now offers the choice between two types of warranty for original spare parts.  Ponsse’s warranty for original spare parts can now be 6 months/1,200 hours or 12 months/2,000 hours. The extension of the warranty only applies to Ponsse’s original spare parts and excludes remanufactured parts.  Parts installed by a Ponsse authorized service shop are eligible for the extended 12 month/2000 hour warranty. In these cases, normal labor rates apply for initial installation.  If the customer installs a part, the spare part warranty remains the normal 6 months or 1,200 hours, whichever occurs first. Labor for subsequent installation of parts claimed to warranty in the 12month/2000 hour time frame is covered by Ponsse.

The PONSSE Parts Online service has already gained 350 users
Through PONSSE Parts Online service, customers can find and order spare parts for their machines. In addition to the ordering functions, PONSSE Parts Online displays the prices and availability of parts in real-time. Through PONSSE Parts Online service, you can order parts from the desired service centre. The service also has spare parts lists and operating manuals as well as the opportunity to record machine-specific notes. The service can be accessed via a PC or a mobile device.

PONSSE Active Manual
The PONSSE Active Manual is a new visual solution to assist drivers with the operation and day-to-day maintenance of their machines. The service utilizes new technology, such as AR (Augmented Reality) and 3D modelling. The Active Manual’s advantages include ease of use and speed. All information is presented in a manner that best suits the machine’s service point in question, enabling easy and fast implementation. The service will be available for the PONSSE Scorpion machines in early 2019.

More information
Jarmo Vidgrén, Sales and Marketing Director, Ponsse Plc, tel. +358 40 519 1486, jarmo.vidgren@ponsse.com
Juha-Matti Raatikainen, Marketing Manager, Ponsse Plc, tel. +358 40 482 8166  juha-matti.raatikainen@ponsse.com

PHOTOS
https://www.ponsse.com/media-archive/images/products/harvesters/cobra
https://www.ponsse.com/media-archive/images/products/forwarders/bison-active-frame
https://www.ponsse.com/media-archive/images/products/cranes-and-loaders/loaders/k121

 

electrification

Danfoss expands electrification capability with acquisition of AXCO-Motors

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With the acquisition of AXCO-Motors, a technology leader in large electric solutions (from 250 kW and up to 6 MW) for applications like maritime vessels and off-highway vehicles, Danfoss has strengthened its global position within mobile electrification. Danfoss is responding to the growing customer demand for electric solutions to reduce emissions and benefit from the efficiency and productivity gains that these solutions bring.

“Electrification is a global megatrend and holds very strong potential in fighting pollution and climate change. This acquisition is another commitment to broaden our mobile electrification capability as a core competency for Danfoss. It gives us the total package for serving our global markets with optimal solutions, and fully supports our customers’ needs — regardless of the chosen technologies. This will enable further growth in the markets we serve, and I’m really looking forward to welcoming the highly experienced and knowledgeable team from AXCO-Motors,” says Eric Alström, President, Danfoss Power Solutions.

AXCO-Motors, headquartered in Lappeenranta, Finland, will be integrated into Danfoss Editron — a business within the Danfoss Power Solutions segment.

Kimmo Rauma, Vice President, Danfoss Editron, comments: “Several of our markets, such as off-highway, marine and distribution, are being challenged to reduce emissions and pollution. Mobile electric solutions are a highly relevant technology to this challenge, and AXCO-Motors is the leading expert in the large-scale power range up to 6 MW and thus an important and complementary technology to our current product range, and our mission to end pollution.”

“We have a passion for quality and for customer-focused products that fully meet the needs and requirements of each particular client, so joining Danfoss is great for us, because we have the same focus,” says Juhana Ylikojola, CEO at AXCO-Motors. “Being part of Danfoss means bigger capacity, a broader client base and possibilities for investment in innovation and market opportunities.”

For media information and photos:
Danfoss Media Relations, Tel: + 45 70 20 44 88
AXCO-Motors Press Contact, Tel: +358 400 48 0674 or +358 50 520 6163

BID Group

BID Group founder receives B.C. honours

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BID Group founder Brian Fehr has been named to the Order of British Columbia. He will be among 14 people who will receive the province’s highest honour during a ceremony at Government House in Victoria on Sept. 20.

His biography, as provided by the Honours and Awards Secretariat, tells a story of stunning achievement while also overcoming considerable adversity. It also shows a deep commitment to rural B.C. and an ability to make the most of innovation.

Although having only a Grade 12 education, he has built BID Group into a billion-dollar concern that provides innovative technical systems and construction services for wood products industries in B.C., across Canada and into the United States.

The companies employ 400 people in B.C. and 1,400 more throughout North America. Always with an eye to innovation and through its subsidiary, DelTech, the BID Group has developed biomass energy systems that lower energy costs and greenhouse emissions, using wood waste that was formerly burned by the forest industry.

Following the Babine and Lakeland sawmill explosions, Fehr developed a dust-mitigation system that prevents recurrence of these disasters. BID retrofitted all of the 15 Canfor sawmills with the system.

He foresaw the potential of artificial intelligence and the potential for machinery to make decisions that would improve productivity. His ‘profiling’ technology allows a log to be processed into lumber with a single pass, cutting labour costs.

Auto grading, which uses computers to optimize the value of each piece of lumber by making decisions at a much higher production rate than manually grading lumber, has revolutionized the industry through minimizing loss in process, improvements in the value of finished products and cost reduction.

“His predictive maintenance processes for sawmills means equipment can be fixed before a breakdown occurs, increasing worker safety and improving efficiency.

Source: www.princegeorgecitizen.com
photo: BID Group founder Brian Fehr

Swire shipping

Swire Shipping pulling out of Tasmania

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The operator of southern Tasmania’s only direct freight service has announced it is pulling out of the state in two weeks, forcing customers to transport goods to northern ports by road or rail. Singapore-based company Swire Shipping has been operating out of Hobart every nine days since 2015, but are stopping the service due to charter and bunker costs making the service “commercially unviable”.

The end of the service is expected to seriously affect the forestry sector, with one industry leader saying “a number of communities would be holding their collective breath knowing this will have a significant impact”.

Chief executive of the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Michael Bailey said the biggest loser from the move was the southern Tasmanian forest industry, which had been using Swire’s service to export to international markets.

“We know that for our Southern forest industries, this is a really important way of getting their residues into a profitable market, so this is a problem,” he said. “There’s really no other option but for the southern industries to freight their products now north. We know the impact that has on their bottom line, and that’s going to be a problem for them.”

Forest Industries Association of Tasmania chief executive Craig Jones said the decision would be “a problem for the Swire’s customers who are using that and then also the customers for the wood overseas”. Mr Jones said the Tasmanian timber industry was sustainable into the future, but was in need of proper coordination. “It’s another illustration of the issue around residues in the southern forestry estate. Unless we find a manageable solution for that, it’s always going to be difficult,” he said.

A State Government spokesperson said logs could still be exported from Hobart through bulk shipments, and the loss of Swire would only affect containerised shipping. She said the Government would work with Swire customers to discuss the impact and alternative freight solutions and had engaged Evan Rolley to examine all forest residue options as a priority.

But Labor’s shadow minister David O’Byrne said forestry companies that relied on the Swire service to ship their product to Melbourne would be significantly affected. “It will mean they have significant extra costs to get their product to the northern ports or they’ll need to seek another exporter to move their products,” he said.

Source: ABC News

Photo: Chief executive of the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Michael Bailey

Hiab

Hiab has big presence at FinnMETKO 2018

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Cargotec’s Hiab introduces a spectacular range of LOGLIFT and JONSERED timber cranes at #FinnMETKO2018 at Jämsä, and offers the opportunity to experience the most modern crane control systems in a genuine environment.

“We are again strongly involved in FinnMETKO for the entire product line, with over 14 major bodybuilding units, we present extensive LOGLIFT and JONSERED products as well as versatile HIAB and MULTILIFT assemblies, and we have the opportunity to get acquainted with the highly attracted HiVisionTM control system in our test area. In addition, the traditional timber loading tour culminates at the fair in the finals, “says sales manager Jani Koskinen Hiabilta.

Hiab Finland will present at exhibition stand nr. 74 extensively for their services and solutions. Service Services is involved in presenting a comprehensive range of services and a new ProCare service agreement solution. The brochures also offer Hiab Finland’s extensive bodybuilding service solutions for HIAB and MULTILIFT.

“The department introduces our customers with ready-made timber transport solutions, with a wide range of boom models and lifting ranges, as well as control versions, including a test drive field where customers can access the electrically operated LOGLIFT 150Z crane and the LOGLIFT 118S HiVisionTM timber crane which gives the whole family the chance to get to the crane, “says Koskinen.

And Woodcutting 2018 is …?
On Friday, August 31, 2018, who will be the Finnish master of timber loading in 2018. A traditional competition will be held for the 33rd time. This year, a new element is the women’s finals, which starts on Friday at 13.00 and the official final of the men’s at 15.00. “In the opening competition there are again fast times and new challengers, so this year’s final is expected to be a very high level of competition”, says Jani Koskinen.

birch

Industrial production started at Metsä Wood’s Pärnu birch plant

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The birch plywood factory Metsä Wood in Pärnu has been officially launched on August 27, 2018.

“The factory project has made full progress on schedule both in Finland and in Estonia. We are now in an important stage in which we are launching a factory production. Until now, the factory has been producing experimental production, the quality of which we have received excellent feedback. I am glad that we have received in Estonia highly motivated and skilled people to work with us in this demanding project, and now also in the production of the factory “, Metsä Wood’s Senior Vice President  Esa Kaikkonen  says.

There are currently about 65 employees and 10 staff members in Pärnu’s production plant. Production runs in three shifts five days a week. In September, another 12 new employees will be launched. The plywood production plant in Finland will be moved from the Suolahti plywood mill to Pärnu by the end of January, and then the need for labor will increase again by 30 people and the training will continue.

“This year has been a very intense work cycle for Pärnu. In addition to the factory ramp-up, many systems and operating models have been introduced in a very short time. I’m really proud of our highly motivated, skilled and well-trained personnel “, the Pärnu plant director  Kaarel Tali  says.

“A training program for new employees combining theory and practice has proved successful. Security issues are well-received here and we can say that we have been doing the best. There have been no accidents or accidents at the factory, and sickness absences have remained low, “continues Tali.

The veneers used by the Pärnu plant are manufactured in Äänekoski. The new veneer mill is intended to serve Pärnu’s production as efficiently as possible.

The Pärnu birch plywood mill is part of the EUR 100 million investment program implemented by Metsä Wood in 2017-2018, which was published in June 2016. The new plant will create some 200 jobs in Pärnu. Birch veneers are manufactured in Finland and processed into plywood at the Pärnu plant. The annual production capacity of birch plywood at the Pärnu plant is 50,000 cubic meters. The plant will achieve its full production capacity by the end of 2019.

Veho

VEHO Utility Vehicles at FinnMETKO

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In the Veho Commercial Vehicle Department you will find spectacular customer cars and a leisurely Connectivity Café where you can rest with a coffee pot and explore, among other things, Mercedes-Benz Uptim, bringing your productivity to a new level.

We are part of Finland’s largest machine event at FinnMETKO. The fair will be held in Jämsä from 30 August to 1 September 2018 and you will find us at the ballroom in department 302-306. The exhibition is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Heavy-side equipments introducing wood chips, wood and the hook car. New cars for vans: new Sprinter and new X series.

Come to our department to visit the trucks of our Finnish customers. Introducing:

  • Mechanical Engineering Aki Sammalisto Oy’s Actros 3563 (photo)
  • Trolleybus T A Myllykoski Ky’s Arocs 3758
  • Transport Särmäharju Ky’s Arocs 3258 car

Presentation of our vans in our department is:

  • New Sprinter hiking car launched in June
  • New X-series lorry car presented in Finland at the end of last year
  • Cita equipped with VebaBox mobile refrigerated transport solution.

Special vehicles exhibited are:

  • Unimog
  • Fuso Canter 4×4 with awning

Explore pioneer connectivity services and rest at our Connectivity Café.

In addition to the exhibition cars, our computing department presents information technology solutions:

  • Mercedes-Benz Uptime, which improves the usability and design of your truck
  • Mercedes PRO Connect, which improves the efficiency of your VW car business with connectivity and driving solution