The negotiations will concern an adjustment of Epec Oy’s operations to the market situation and improving efficiency in order to ensure the company’s competitiveness and profitability. The aim of the negotiations is to achieve a minimum of EUR 1.5 million in savings through possible redundancies, changes to part-time employment and changes in work duties.

The co-operation negotiations concern all of Epec Oy’s Finland’s personnel groups and functions, 119 people in total. The negotiations will start on 13 March 2017.

The negotiations will not have any impact on Ponsse Plc’s personnel.

”Our costs have increased too much in proportion to our net sales, and without a change we will not be able to keep our operations profitable. Cyclical fluctuations are common in the sector and we have to be able to secure our operations in all situations so that we can easily react to our customers’ needs,” says Teemu Raitis, Managing Director of Epec Oy.

Based in Seinäjoki, Epec Oy designs and manufactures embedded control systems for mobile work machines. The company delivers control systems for agricultural, rock processing, forestry, mining and waste handling machines, among others. The company was established in 1978 and transferred to Ponsse’s ownership in 2004.

The John Deere commitment to production-class equipment continues with the introduction of the 950K Crawler Dozer. The 950K is the second production-class crawler dozer designed and manufactured by John Deere in Dubuque, Iowa, and is built specifically for customers needing reliability in road building, site development, the energy sector and other large-scale applications. This machine levels the playing field of what a dozer can accomplish in its size class with numerous enhancements that promise more power, productivity and uptime than ever before.

“The 950K crawler dozer is one example of how John Deere is listening and responding to our customers, and investing in the production-class dozer market,” said Nathan Horstman, crawler dozers product marketing manager, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “Contractors are demanding more precise grading on large projects, and the 950K is giving customers the power and control to be more successful than ever. The 950K is a Deere-designed machine that is fully supported by John Deere dealers and is a strong contender in its size class.”

The 950K incorporates an EPA Final Tier 4/EU Stage IV John Deere 9.0L engine with 265 horsepower. Contractors will quickly realize that the efficiently designed hydrostatic powertrain will get approximately 15 percent more power to the ground versus a conventional torque-converter powertrain. Available in standard and low ground pressure (LGP) configurations, this dual-path hydrostatic transmission allows an operator to push a full load through turns without losing material, unlike conventional torque-converter transmissions on competitor machines.

Equipped with standard electro-hydraulic (EH) controls, the 950K is gradecontrol ready, making adding a grade-control system as easy as plugging in the components, calibrating and going to work. John Deere’s “open-architecture” design lets customers easily employ their favorite brand of grade-control system — Trimble, Topcon or Leica. In the near future, the 950K will also have SmartGrade capabilities, with integration of a Topcon 3D-MC2 grade control system installed at the factory.

A hydraulic power-pitch option allows the operator to control blade pitch from the cab. The blade pitch is also adjustable to three mount locations for superior performance in a variety of applications and materials. The programmable returnto-pitch setting allows the operator to preset blade-pitch positions, which can be activated with the push of a button.

Like other John Deere K-Series dozers, the 950K features Eco mode, which optimizes fuel economy while maintaining ground speed by automatically adjusting engine speed and transmission settings based on load. This has the potential to reduce fuel consumption up to 20 percent with no loss in productivity in many applications.

Fleet managers looking to get the most out of their 950K can rely on their John Deere dealers to provide Ultimate Uptime, featuring John Deere WorkSight. With Ultimate Uptime, owners receive predelivery and follow-up inspections that include five years of JDLink™ telematics, machine health prognostics, remote diagnostics, programming capabilities and the ability to add dealer-provided uptime solutions to a customized package.

Later in 2017, a six-way power-angle-tilt (PAT) blade will be available, an industry first offering unprecedented grading performance.

For additional information and model-specific specifications, visit the John Deere booth at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017 (#N12525) or www.JohnDeere.com.

Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division

Mailing: P.O. Box 8806

Moline, IL 61266-8806

Kyle Rubeling

imre

Phone: 410-821-8220

E-mail: kyler@imre.com

John Deere Power Systems revealed its new 13.6L engine, the first of its next generation engines, at the 2017 CONEXPO-CON/AGG trade show. The engine is designed to meet the future needs of global markets by offering customers increased efficiency, installation flexibility and power in a more compact package.

As a leader in the design and manufacture of engines for off-highway applications, John Deere developed the 13.6L engine to meet the needs of both its internal applications and global OEMs. “Our engineers developed the new 13.6L engine to meet the power and packaging needs for a wide array of heavy-duty applications,” said John Piasecki, director of marketing, sales and customer support for John Deere Power Systems.

“The 13.6L engine demonstrates our ongoing commitment to recognizing and exceeding our customer’s expectations. John Deere dedicated extensive internal resources to the clean-sheet design of this engine to provide our customers with a power solution that surpasses standards in reliability and durability,” added Piasecki.

John Deere has long been recognized as an industry leader in fluid economy in the off-highway industrial engine market, and the 13.6L engine continues this tradition. Equipped with an integrated high-pressure common-rail fuel system, the 13.6L engine offers an impressive reduction in diesel fuel consumption at rated speed. In addition, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) consumption has been reduced through design enhancements that improved the combustion process resulting in an engine that offers world-class fluid economy.

John Deere made it a goal to increase the power of the 13.6L engine, but not the size, so it could offer customers a simpler, more compact package. The 13.6L engine offers a significant reduction in size and weight compared to other engines in this power range.

The 13.6L engine offers a maximum variable speed power rating over 500 kW (684 hp) and employs the same proven technologies as other engines in the John Deere lineup, particularly full-authority electronic controls, cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a high-pressure common-rail fuel system. Single and dual turbocharger configurations offer OEM customers improved packaging and greater application flexibility. “These technologies are the key to our ability to meet emission requirements and still live up to our customers’ power and packaging expectations,” said Piasecki.

Equipped with a rear gear train, the 13.6L engine offers a reduction in noise compared to previous models, combining robust power with exceptionally smooth, quiet operation. John Deere engineers were also able to enhance operational flexibility. The 13.6L engine offers full power from the front and rear of the engine while providing the capability to add more pumps with an integrated power take-off (PTO). It comes with multiple aux drive connections and is available in single- and dual-turbo configurations to maximize packaging flexibility.

Cost and ease of maintenance are also enhanced, with improvements in service cost and hours between servicing intervals. The 13.6L engine was designed with hydraulic lash adjusters (HLA) to offer optimum valve train performance, less noise and lower wear, while all but eliminating valve lash maintenance.

John Deere plans to offer two Integrated Emissions Control system sizes for the 13.6L engine, which can be mounted horizontally or vertically, providing greater packaging and integration flexibility to OEM customers. The inline packaging also provides improved integration, reduced connection points, resulting in robust thermal management. In addition, John Deere plans to offer future Integrated Emissions Control system configurations for the engine to help OEM customers meet different levels of global emissions standards.

Piasecki said John Deere is fully committed to supporting its customers around the world with solutions to meet their unique needs. “OEMs, regardless of location, are best served through timely and strategic preparation, and John Deere is ready to help them meet the increasingly challenging machine design goals they face.”

The 13.6L engine will be manufactured at the John Deere Engine Works plant in Waterloo, Iowa. Production of the 13.6L is planned to begin in 2020.

About John Deere

Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services and is committed to the success of customers whose work is linked to the land – those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich and build upon the land to meet the world’s dramatically increasing need for food, fuel, shelter and infrastructure. Since 1837, John Deere has delivered innovative products of superior quality built on a tradition of integrity. For more information, visit John Deere at its worldwide website at www.JohnDeere.com.

John Deere Power Systems manufactures and markets industrial, marine, and generator drive diesel engines, as well as drivetrain components for use in a variety of off-highway applications. For more information, visit John Deere Power Systems at www.JohnDeere.com/jdpower.

Editorial Contacts:

Nathan L. Huss

+1 515 557 2031

Fax: +1 515 557 2001

nathanh@2rm.com

Misti Hogan

+1 319 292 7246

Fax: +1 319 292 5075

HoganMistiD@JohnDeere.com

Global trade of softwood lumber has gone up 66% in seven years, while lumber prices have fallen substantially over the same time-period, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly.

This is an excerpt from the newly released market report Wood Resource Quarterly.

For subscription to the full 52-page report, please visit www.woodprices.com

Global Lumber Trade

Global softwood lumber trade increased 12 percent year-over-year to reach a new record high of 121 million m3 in 2016, per estimates by WRI. Since the global financial recession in 2009, there has been a steady climb in international trade of lumber, with shipments the past seven years having increased as much as 66 percent. While it is no surprise that China is a major driver for the dramatic rise in lumber shipments worldwide the past seven years, it is interesting to note that the US has actually increased softwood lumber imports more than China.

Lumber markets – North America

Lumber exports from British Columbia reached their highest levels since 2006 in 2016. Lumber shipments from the province to the US were up 25% year-over-year, while export volumes to Asia have fallen about eight percent. Shipments to China were up in the 4Q/16 after having reached a six-year low in the 3Q/16. Export volumes to the US in December 2016 accounted for 63% of BC exports, up from 55% two years ago.

Lumber markets – Northern Europe

Lumber prices in the Nordic countries have been at historically low levels during most of 2015 and 2016. Although prices increased in both Finland and Sweden during the spring and summer of 2016, this upward trend was short-lived and prices fell during the fall, and in the 4Q/16, were back down to about the same level as in the 4Q/15. During the first ten months of 2016, Finland increased lumber exports by ten percent as compared to the same period in 2015 and the country is on pace to reach a record high in 2016. It is interesting to note that the three biggest export markets for Finnish sawmills are all outside Europe; Egypt, Japan and China.

Lumber markets – China

China imported record high volumes of softwood lumber in 2016. Despite relatively pessimistic forecasts for wood demand early in 2016, China’s need for imported wood picked up during the summer and fall with import volumes in the 4Q/16 being up about 20 percent as compared to the 4Q/15, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ). Import values for lumber to China rose during most of 2016 with average prices in December 2016 being about six percent higher than in December 2015. The increases during 2016 came after two years of sharply declining prices.

Lumber market – Japan

Japanese softwood lumber imports in 2016 were the highest they have been in three years as total wood demand in the country picked up 3.6% from 2015. There has been a slow but steady shift in the sourcing of lumber away from North America to Europe and Eastern Russia the past few years. From 2015 to 2016, the North American market share fell from 39% to 35%, while the market share of lumber from Russia and the Nordic countries increased from 39% to 42% year-over-year. Both domestic and import prices (in US dollar terms) have fallen in Japan during the second half of 2016, mostly because of a weaker Yen.

Lumber market – Russia

The weak Ruble continued to be a boon for Russian lumber exporters during 2016, with shipments jumping over ten percent from 2015. During the past three years, export volumes have increased 26% with China being the destination for more than half of the shipments from Russia. China and Japan were the shining lights for Russian lumber exporters in 2016 as they were the only two markets of the top ten markets that imported more lumber in 2016 than in 2015.

Global lumber, sawlog and pulpwood market reporting is included in the 52-page quarterly publication Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ). The report, which was established in 1988 and has subscribers in over 30 countries, tracks sawlog, pulpwood, wood chip, lumber and pellet prices, trade and market developments in most key regions around the world. To subscribe to the WRQ, please go to www.woodprices.com

Contact Information

Wood Resources International LLC

Hakan Ekstrom

Seattle, USA

info@woodprices.com

www.woodprices.com

New Zealand’s Eastland Port achieved record log tonnage throughput in January, reaching 178,197 tonnes reports Woodweek. It’s an increase of 45% compared to last January when it reached 96,579 tonnes. Port General Manager Andrew Gaddum says it was the busiest January for wood export since Eastland Port was created in 2003.

“January can traditionally be a low volume month because of the Christmas and holiday breaks when forest operations stop, but this January’s throughput nearly doubled that of January 2016. Nine log vessels took away 178,197 tonnes of wood; three vessels departed with 4012 tonnes of squash; and three cruise ships arrived and left with just over 3000 people.

Eastland Port’s busiest months for log throughput are March and April, and September and October. In 2016, 2.3 million tonnes of logs were exported and this is expected to rise to 2.5 million tonnes for 2017.

Mr Gaddum says the port continues to grow side-by-side with the forestry industry and manage the huge volume of logs coming to the port. “While Eastland Port will be able to handle the 2.5m tonnes of wood predicted for this year, projections show the port will need to be able to handle 4 million tonnes over the next ten years.

During CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017, Vermeer will introduce the new HG6800TX horizontal grinder. Featuring 950 hp (708 kW) in a 92,000 lb (41,730.5 kg) class, and an infeed design to aid in feeding larger material such as whole trees, the new grinder is built to power through tough materials with less operator interaction. More information on the HG6800TX will be available on Vermeer.com in

Precise Design

“The HG6800TX is designed for large-scale land-clearing contractors to help maximize productivity and efficiency,” said Jeff Bradley, product manager for Recycling and Forestry equipment at Vermeer. “The feed roller on this machine can climb up to 50” (127 cm) to help tackle the tough material elements that land-clearing contractors often come across.”

The new infeed on the HG6800TX was designed with low sidewalls to help the operator more easily load material into the machine. This feature allows larger loads to be dropped on the infeed with less interaction and manipulation of the material, so the operator can drop the load and focus on the next one.

Exclusive Technology

Equipped with the latest technology from Vermeer, the HG6800TX features the patented Series III duplex hard-faced drum. In addition to providing long-lasting durability, maintenance time is decreased with the ability to remove and flip or replace single hammers, as well as being able to externally balance the drum

The remote control puts the machine control menu and machine operating information at the user’s fingertips so operators can monitor machine health from the loader cab.

With the optional Damage Defense system, contractors who deal with contaminated wood can help protect their equipment by reducing the likelihood of major machine damage caused by certain metal contaminants entering the hammermill. The system reacts to the initial contact of metal by reversing the feed system to allow for removal.

The HG6800TX also features proven Vermeer technologies like SmartFeed and the Thrown Object Deflector (TOD). SmartFeed optimizes machine performance and production electronically and allows the operator to focus on loading raw product and move finished product about the jobsite. The function stops and reverses material from feeding into the hammermill when engine rpm’s drop below efficient operating range.

The patented TOD decreases the quantity and distance of thrown objects, allowing the machine to be operated in a smaller “safe” work zone. The feature is hinged and can be raised or lowered depending upon grinding applications, simply with the remote control.

ABOUT VERMEER

Vermeer Corporation delivers a real impact in a progressing world through the manufacture of high-quality tree care, environmental, underground construction, surface mining, agricultural equipment. With a reputation for durability and reliability, that equipment is backed by localized customer service and support provided by independent dealers around the world. To learn more about Vermeer Corporation, products, the dealer network and financing options, visit vermeer.com.

Media Contact: Matt Eul Marketing Specialist Vermeer Corporation O: 641.629.0921

meul@vermeer.com

The Hancock Timber Resource Group has completed the acquisition of approximately 25,000 acres of timberlands in Alabama from Rayonier Inc. This transaction is a follow-on to another transaction completed in late 2016 where Hancock Timber acquired approximately 37,000 acres of timberlands in Mississippi and Alabama from Rayonier.

“We are very pleased to secure additional high quality timberlands for our clients,” said Hancock Timber Resource Group President Brent Keefer. “These properties are located in an area of the US South with deep and diverse markets for forest products. We will be able to supply solid wood and fiber to a variety of facilities in southern Alabama, western Georgia, and northern Florida. We look forward to managing them to their highest potential.”

As with the previous acquisition, the timberlands are stocked with well-managed southern pine plantations and hardwoods. The timberlands will be managed by Hancock Forest Management, the organization’s integrated property management group. Hancock Timber has approximately 280,000 acres of timberland under management in Mississippi and Alabama, 1.8 million acres in the US South and almost 6 million acres globally.

The Hancock Timber Resource Group, founded in 1985, is a division of Hancock Natural Resource Group, Inc., a unit of Manulife Asset Management Private Markets.

Proschek-Hauptmann will be responsible for strengthening the group’s compliance and sustainability agenda as well as for further engaging in dialogue with external stakeholders.

Prior to his engagement with the Schweighofer Group, Michael Proschek-Hauptmann was Managing Director of the Austrian Umbrella Association of Environmental NGOs (Umweltdachverband) for more than eight years and also served as a long-standing member of the Board of Directors of the forest certification label PEFC International.

He is a biologist by training and has been actively engaged in the environmental, NGO and sustainability fields ever since he embarked on his career.The Schweighofer Group is primarily active in the wood processing industry but also in dissolving pulp production, forest management, bioenergy production and real estate.

The industry division of the Schweighofer Group operates three sawmills and two wooden panel productions in Romania, one saw mill in Germany and a dissolving pulp production in Austria.

The Supervisory Board of Pfleiderer Group S.A. has appointed Thomas Schäbinger as President and CEO. Mr. Schäbinger succeeds Michael Wolff, Pfleiderer Group’s President and CEO, who does not wish to extend his contract which expires in December 2017 and who will therefore leave the Group. The changes are effective as of July 1, 2017.

Michael Wolff has been with the Group since 2004, firstly as CEO of the Western European segment and since 2013 as CEO of Pfleiderer Group. To lead the next stage of strategic development of the Pfleiderer Group, the Supervisory Board has selected Thomas Schäbinger. Michael Wolff will run the Company till end of June and will assist him in a smooth and successful transition.

Mr. Schäbinger has been working as CEO of Bundy Refrigeration Group, cooling technology provider since 2015. Between 1998 and 2014 he held several positions in Mondi Europe and International (formerly known as Frantschach) a packaging and paper group with global operations in more than 30 countries and 25,700 employees Previously, Mr. Schäbinger worked in various management positions including at Unilever and at Beiersdorf. He has hands on strategic and operative experience in international operations, sales and procurement based on Lean Six Sigma and Value Management approach.

The Pfleiderer Grajewo Group is a leading European manufacturer of wood-based products, specializing in the production of materials in the furniture industry, the interior industry and construction.

Annette Walter was appointed Director Marketing EMEA at Crown in January, one of the world’s largest material handling companies. Her responsibilities include managing all Crown’s European Marketing and Communications activities and liaising with the company’s Global Marketing operation in New Bremen, USA.

Annette Walter brings many years of B-to-B Marketing experience to the role. After holding managerial positions in the automotive and telecommunications industries, she most recently worked as Head of Marketing for an international supplier of electronic components.

She will assume the responsibilities of Martin Hainge who, after 22 years of service at Crown, will take a well-earned retirement.

About Crown Equipment Corporation – EMEA Crown is one of the world’s largest material handling companies with a reputation for award-winning product design, advanced engineering and technology supported by superior after-sales service. Crown’s business philosophy utilises vertically integrated processes to design, manufacture and distribute forward-thinking innovative solutions that improve customers’ productivity and operating efficiency. Crown develops, produces and sells a broad range of forklifts, as well as automation and fleet management technologies.

The company’s global headquarters is located in New Bremen, Ohio, USA, with regional headquarters in Germany, Australia, China and Singapore. Its employees number more than 13,000 worldwide. Crown operates a service and distribution network that exceeds 500 retail locations in over 80 countries.