BID Group recently announced it has received an order from Georgia-Pacific to deliver a new sawmill at its Pineland, TX operation which will replace the existing stud mill. The investment will also include the addition of new debarking, log processing line, a continuous dry kiln, and a new high-speed planer. Through its industry-leading wood processing technologies and integrated solutions offering, BID will manage, design, build, equip, and provide full start-up services for the project.

“We are excited to partner with the BID team again to continue expanding our manufacturing capacity and modernizing our lumber facilities in the U.S. South,” Georgia-Pacific Lumber President Fritz Mason said. “This project will employ the best complement of modern technologies to meet our growing consumer demand for the highest quality product, in a facility that has been a premier operation since the early 1900’s. Working with an industry leader like BID provides the confidence that this major project to further enhance our vertical integration will be done right and delivered on time.”

The new operation will incorporate BID’s best-in-class wood processing technologies including equipment, software, automation systems, and AI-enabled optimization.  BID’s Integrated Solutions Team will provide the design, engineering, planning, fabrication, and installation services for this Turnkey project.

“We would like to thank Georgia-Pacific for their continuing trust in BID, gained through a series of ventures together, to deliver this project.  We are humbled and honored that they have chosen to partner with us for their next major growth investment and ongoing operational excellence” said Alistair Cook, President and CEO of BID Group.

Work on site will begin early in 2022 and startup of the sawmill is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2022.

Photo: Georgia-Pacific Lumber President Fritz Mason

• John Deere enhances Smooth Boom Control (SBC) system to M-Series Tracked Feller Bunchers, Harvesters, and Loggers.
• John Deere also implements improved seat and new optional features including Heated Ventilated Seats (HVS) and a Premium XM radio option.

John Deere introduces new options and updates to the M-Series Tracked Feller Bunchers, Harvesters, and Shovel Logger. Enhancements have been made to the previously released Smooth Boom Control (SBC), as well as Improved Seat and Heated-Ventilated Seat (HVS) and Premium Radio that is XM ready.

Updated Smooth Boom Control (SBC) improves the amount of pressure needed to operate a function, giving the operator more feel and control of the movement, especially during fine metering. This allows for a wider tuning range for individual functions and improves the set-up for multiple Operator preferences and skill levels.

“A machine’s ability to adapt to any operator using equipment for extended periods is vital to productivity,” said Jim O’Halloran, product marketing manager, John Deere. ”Continuous improvement is always top of mind when it comes to our equipment, and enhancing the machine control and operator comfort levels are prime examples of offering a greater customizable functionality to operators.”

The new dual density foam seat provides more support and comfort during operation. With improved seat cushioning, built-in contoured lumbar and thigh support and additional clearance for their thighs, all sizes of operators can feel comfortable in any desired seating position.

Additionally, John Deere has added adjustable suspension dampers to reduce vibration and provide more variable dampening. Lastly, for improved overall comfort, a heated and ventilated seat option has been made available. All seat configurations come with either a standard wide lap belt, or optional four-point harness.

For more information about John Deere M-Series Tracked Feller Bunchers, Harvesters, and Shovel Loggers, as well as the full range of forestry equipment and technology solutions, visit https://www.deere.com/en/forestry/.

“Komatsu Forest would like to inform about changes in top management of Komatsu Forest Ltda Brazil.

The company’s current managing director (MD), Mr Felipe Viera has decided to leave the company in pursuit of other professional challenges in a different business segment. Mr Juergen Munz is temporarily taking on the role as MD for Komatsu Forest Brazil.

Mr Munz comes from Germany and has worked for Komatsu Forest since 2007, since 2018 he is MD for the German sales company.  Mr Munz assignment in Brazil is an interim solution until the company has recruited a new managing director locally.

“I look forward to work together with our Brazilian team. The Brazilian market has a strong, sustainable growth and Komatsu Forest has strong, long-term partnerships with our customers. My main focus will be to find the new MD for the company, and I will do my best to make the transition between Mr Viera and the future MD as seamless as possible,” Munz explains.

Komatsu Forest is also reinforcing its local product planning function. The range of forest machine models based on Komatsu crawler base machines, like PC200, PC350 and D61, increases and becomes more and more purpose built for forestry applications. Komatsu Forest will therefor reinforce the product planning function for Komatsu Crawler based products sold in South America.

Mr. Sandro Soares will be the new Product Manager, starting from 1 December 2021, based in Brazil. Sandro will work together with the Product Planning team of Komatsu Forest head office in Sweden.

“Sandro has many years of experience working for Komatsu Forest Ltda, as a Service Manager and with Design engineering. This, in combination with his large network of market contacts will be valuable in the new role,” Munz continues.

Mr Viera who is leaving the company concludes “I’m extremely grateful to Komatsu for the opportunity given to me and honored to have served alongside a such committed team. I’m proud of Komatsu’s trajectory and certain that the company’s future will look bright. Komatsu has an inquisitive team that are restless to keep pushing for improvement and innovation. I wish Mr. Munz and all Komatsu’s team member all the best. Same feeling and thoughts to the forest market colleagues and friends.”

Mr Felipe Vieira left  the company on November 30 2021. Mr Juergen Munz has been on site in Brazil from December 6.

The Board and wider team at Timberwolf recently announced the Alamo Group had acquired Timberwolf Ltd.

Based at Seguin, Texas, the Alamo Group, known for its leadership in technology and production innovation, owns many of the world’s leading brands in the agricultural equipment and forestry sector.
Timberwolf’s established position as a leading designer and manufacturer of wood chippers makes this acquisition an excellent fit into Alamo Group’s newly formed Vegetation Management Division (which includes forestry and tree care operations).

“The completion of the sale provides enormous opportunity for the business,” said Timberwolf Managing Director, Chris Perry. “Joining such a prestigious organisation will allow Timberwolf to accelerate many of the strategic projects we have already identified. Alamo Group have a clear approach to sustainability which aligns to our own existing business values so we’re very excited about the opportunities that this acquisition will bring”.

Alamo Group is a leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and service of high quality equipment for infrastructure maintenance, agriculture and other applications.

“Cascade Hardwoods recently invested in Microtec’s CT X-ray Log Scanning and Logeye 900 Stereo Carriage Scanners for their Chehalis, WA facility.

“The CT X-ray scanner utilizes Computed Tomography X-ray reconstruction to detect internal defects including knots, cracks, rot, and bruising. This information is then passed to the Logeye 900 Stereo Carriage scanners where each segment will be recognized via fingerprint technology, optimized for best rotation and breakdown, then sawn to achieve the most value-added solution.

““Microtec is very excited to partner with Cascade Hardwoods on this project, as it showcases cutting-edge CT technology in combination with Headrig sawing’s flexible breakdown capabilities. Even smaller sawmills are able to justify and take advantage of the considerable advancements in Microtec’s X-ray technology”, explains Norvin Laudon, CT Application Specialist at Microtec.

“Microtec’s Vancouver, Canada location specializes in delivering advanced Log Scanning and Optimization solutions to the North American Market, from bucking through to primary and secondary breakdown. Microtec, headquartered in Italy, is the world’s most trusted scanning and optimization provider for the sawmilling and wood processing industry.

BID Group, the North American leader in sawmill equipment manufacturing, installation, and life cycle service announces it will invest over $1.5 million dollars at its existing facility in Mirabel to grow production capacity. The company will add 5,000 ft2 to its existing footprint, increasing production capacity over 50%.

“Digital Technologies continue to be a key driver in the transformation of the Wood Processing Industry and a differentiator in the performance of Comact equipment. This investment will allow us to expand production capabilities to continue providing our customers the assurance of leading-edge solutions built with the highest quality workmanship in the industry. This project is part of our long-term manufacturing strategy and we are pleased to announce this investment in our future.”  Simon Potvin, President, Wood Processing.

Småland’s JGA invests in a lumber kiln from Valutec for its sawmill in Linneryd. It is a TC continuous kiln with an annual capacity of 80,000 cubic meters (33,900 MBF) that will be used for the entire board production of the sawmill. In the future, JGA plans to increase today’s annual production of 250,000 cubic meters (105,900 MBF) to 400,000 cubic meters (169,500 MBF), which is made possible by the new TC dryer.

“With the TC dryer, we are well equipped for the future,” says Magnus Ragnarsson, HR manager at JGA. “At the same time as it gives us high capacity, it also delivers a good drying result that lives up to the quality requirements of the future.”

JGA has been active in sawn and processed wood products since 1928 and produces 250,000 cubic meters (105,900 MBF) of sawn lumber per year. About 70 percent of the production is exported, mainly to Denmark, England, the Netherlands and Poland.

In 2018, they invested in four batch kilns from Valutec and at the same time took the opportunity to invest in Valutec’s control system Valmatics 4.0 for the entire drying fleet. Valmatics 4.0 is packed with intelligence that senses and adapts the drying process accordingly. Integrated in the system is the Valusim simulator, which optimizes new drying programs with regard to capacity, quality and electrical energy consumption, in order to avoid costly running-in times.

“We are very satisfied with Valmatics 4.0. The built-in simulator is fantastic and makes everything a lot easier. As long as I know the incoming moisture ratio and the desired final moisture ratio, it calculates the rest,” says Leif Gustafsson, drying manager at JGA.

“It’s an honor to be chosen by JGA once again. We know each other well and have had a good collaboration for many years,” says Jon Lindberg, sales manager at Valutec. “They are knowledgeable and provide useful feedback, not least in drying control, which contributes to our development work.”

The TC dryer to be delivered to JGA has eight drying zones and will be used exclusively for drying side boards. The annual capacity will reach approximately 80,000 cubic meters (33,900 MBF). It’s made of stainless steel and will be delivered with pressure frames for minimal deformation of the upper lumber layers and heat recovery.

“In the end, it was an obvious choice for us. We have good experience of Valutec both in terms of quality of the lumber dryer and the lumber that comes out. It’s also a security to be able to continue with the same control system,” says Magnus.

Installation of the new lumber dryer will begin in August 2022

For more information, contact:
Eric Johansson
Marketing Manager
Valutec
Phone: +46 76 767 6968
eric.johansson@valutec.se

OneFortyOne, Mount Gambier’s largest private employer, has committed to investing over $11 million in its Jubilee Sawmill over the next two years.

Jubilee Sawmill General Manager Paul Hartung said the modern manufacturing investment was a continuation of the re-investment program that started in 2016.

“OneFortyOne has invested close to $40 million since purchasing the mill in 2018, on state-of-the-art technology projects such as Sorter Bins, a Lucidyne Scanning System, reducing boiler emissions and upgrading to Continuous Drying Kilns,” Paul said.

“This most recent commitment will extend to an equipment and technology upgrade for Drymill A, replacing and modernising equipment as it reaches end of life.”

Paul said the new equipment will be manufactured in New South Wales under a licensing agreement, a first for Australia.

“We are really pleased we can be part of this initiative.”

“OneFortyOne is committed to ensuring we remain one of the most progressive and efficient mills in Australasia. By investing in new technology, we are continuing towards our objective of valuing every strand of wood fibre that we process.”

OneFortyOne estimates that through this upgrade Jubilee Sawmill will reduce its emissions by approximately 268 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually. These savings will be generated by reduced electricity consumption.

“It’s an exciting project for our team here at Jubilee,” Paul said.

“The innovative technology that will be installed at the mill presents an amazing opportunity to train and upskill our people in robotics and automation.”

“One of the motivating factors for this project was the chance it provided to shift the Drymill team to a 4-day week. This development means that both Drymill A and the Greenmill will operate on 4-day weeks.”

“We know this has been an important issue for our Drymill team and we are really pleased to support their wellbeing in this way.”

The project is scheduled to begin in 2022 and will take 2 years to complete.

Fast Facts

• OneFortyOne has invested $40 million since purchasing the Jubilee Sawmill in 2018.
• OneFortyOne estimates that this investment will result in approximately 268 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent savings annually will be generated due to reduced electricity consumption.
• Drymill team will transition to a 4-day work week after consultation has been completed.
• Jubilee Sawmill boilers run on biofuel. In FY2020, 78,000 tonnes of dry wood waste fuel was processed through two boilers, producing energy to dry every stick of timber that went through the kilns

Jubilee Sawmill General Manager Paul Hartung

Photo: The $11 million investment is a continuation of a modernisation program that started in 2016

Junnikkalan saha Oy is investing €75 million in building one of Finland’s largest and most modern sawmills in Oulu. When ready the sawmill will have a capacity of 350 000 cubic meters sawn timber and 70 jobs will be created directly and 200 indirectly in the Oulu region.
“We set the bar high for technic and process. Valutec has proven in previous deliveries that they can answer to our needs”, says Kalle Junnikkala, CEO Junnikkala Oy.

For Valutec, the Oulu order is the latest in a long line of deliveries to Junnikkala.
”We’ve worked together with Junnikkala very well for many years, and we see their choosing us again as a great honor” says Mikko Pitkänen, CEO Valutec Oy.

Valutec will deliver three TC-continuous kilns to Oulu including two traverse systems.
“We installed a TC kiln at our sawmill in Kalajoki 2019 and has good experiences from it. It offers high capacity and adapts well to the changes in production. It’s faster and more efficient way to dry wood with high quality and with lower energy consumption”, says Kalle Junnikkala.

“Today, we’re selling TC continuous kilns in markets all over the world. It’s the result of thousands of development hours during which we studied, evaluated, tested and reinvented every part of a type of lumber kiln which, in its original design, was first used back in 1927,” says Mikko Pitkänen.

The great technological leap forward in this new generation of TC continuous kilns is the individual temperature and air circulation control in different zones. Integrated simulator technology gives the user great freedom when choosing the dimensions of lumber for drying, thus optimizing processes and providing high capacity.

The TC dryers to be delivered to Junnikkala has ten drying zones and will handle all drying needs for the sawmill. The kilns are made of stainless steel and equipped with pressure frames for minimal deformation of the upper lumber layers and heat recovery. The delivery also includes Valutes´s control system for drying Valmatics 4.0. It is packed with intelligence that senses and adapts the drying process accordingly. Integrated in the system is the Valusim simulator, which optimizes new drying programs with regard to capacity, quality and electrical energy consumption, in order to avoid costly running-in times.

Sustainability is an important issue for Junnikkala who strives to minimize its´carbon footprint. One of the goals of the project is to minimize the environmental impact and secure bioenergy for the city of Oulu and industry.  As a part of it, the new sawmill will be using traverses instead of traditional fork-lifts.
“Junnikkala wants to be an example how the climate change can be restrained and by using an automatic traverse system we decrease our carbon footprint and production cost per manufactured cubic meter”, says Kalle Junnikkala.

Lumber drying is a quality-critical, energy intensive part of a sawmill’s processing operation, and as quality and environmental requirements increase, it is subject to ever greater attention.
“The new TC continuous kilns combine high capacity with continuity, which brings great advantages in terms of energy efficiency, adding heat recovery and a traverse system to that makes it a very energy efficient solution”, says Mikko Pitkänen.

After the investment, Junnikkala will have three sawmills with a total production close to almost 800,000 cubic meters of sawn timber and further processed products annually. About 80 percent of finished products are estimated to be exported. Production binds almost one million tonnes of carbon per year to sustainable wood products, making the company one of Finland’s most significant carbon sinks.

The assembly of the TC kilns will start in the spring of 2023.

Watch the video about Junnikkala’s investment in Finland’s first modern TC Continuous kiln to its sawmill in Kalajoki (youtube.com)

For more information, contact:  Mikko Pitkänen  CEO Valutec Oy  mikko.pitkanen@valutec.oy

China imported 30% of its total volume of softwood logs from Europe in 2020 and 2021, thus surpassing supply from Russia and North America.

European softwood logs were practically non-existent at Chinese ports five years ago. However, a combination of a never-ending hunger for more wood in the country, reductions in shipments from previously significant trading partners, and an oversupply of timber in Europe have altered the log flow into China over the past four years.

New Zealand, Russia, and the US accounted for almost 75% of the total import volume to China in 2017. However, throughout 2020 and 2021, there were sharp declines in supply from Russia and the US, while shipments from Europe and Latin America rose. During the first nine months of 2021, almost 80% of all imported logs came from New Zealand, Europe, and Latin America.

The European entrance into the Chinese market has been dramatic, increasing from less than 500,000 m3 of softwood logs in 2017 to an estimated 14 million m3 for the entire year in 2021, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly. Europe’s share of the total import volume is currently 30%, with Germany being the second-largest supplier to China, following New Zealand.

German shipments have surged from about 200,000 m3 of logs in 2018 to 3.8 million m3 in 2019, and estimates indicate import volumes may reach over 10 million m3 in 2021. Log imports from the Czech Republic grew rapidly in 2019 but have since levelled off, with the estimated volumes in 2021 likely to be substantially lower than in the two previous years.

Shipments from Germany and the Czech Republic have accounted for the vast majority of the European logs entering China. Several other countries have increased their presence in the past three years, including Poland, France, and Slovakia.

Europe’s oversupply of logs is beginning to diminish, and domestic demand is increasing. Thus, while the rise of European exports to China has been dramatic, the trend is unlikely to continue, making the high of almost five million m3 exported in the 4Q/20 a likely peak.

Source: Wood Resources International