USNR and Wood Fiber Group have announced their merger in a transaction that will create one of the world’s most comprehensive supplier of the equipment, technology, and essential tooling used in modern wood processing facilities.

USNR is an industry-leading global supplier of sawmill and plywood mill machinery, aftermarket parts, and technical and engineering services.

Wood Fiber Group is the largest supplier of cutting tools, filing room equipment, and critical consumable products to the wood products industry, serving the North American market with well-known brands including Simonds International, Burton Saw & Supply, BGR Saws, Global Tooling, and U.S. Blades.

This merger will create a single company with a vast product range, capable of delivering complete solutions from project conception, to building/installing processing lines, to supplying the spare parts, technical services, ancillary equipment, and custom-engineered cutting tools that their customers rely on to operate their mills at peak performance.

The complementary nature of the two businesses presents the opportunity to offer new products and services to customers – enabling a ‘win’ for the Wood Fiber Group, a ‘win’ for USNR, and a ‘win’ for their customers.

The milestone in forest machine technology, John Deere’s Intelligent Boom Control (IBC), is available for all John Deere WCTL forest machines. The new IBC 3.0 version is again a technology milestone because it enables the rollout of also future smart functions to facilitate the operator’s work and improve productivity.

The latest IBC, version 3.0, introduces operator-assist features that guide operators to the correct work methods, increase productivity, and improve the machine’s resale value.

 Harvester head’s over-rotation prevention protects against hose damage.
 Feeding assistant guides the operator to avoid feeding stems towards the machine or the cabin.
 Sawing assistant guides the operator to avoid sawing towards the cabin.

The feed function significantly slows down when feeding stems towards the machine and stops when encountering a defined safety zone. A pop-up window appearing on the control system display provides guidance in the correct work method. Sawing assistant helps to prevent sawing towards the cabin. The harvester head’s over-rotation prevention protects against hose damage. All features above enable the operator to focus on work planning. The operator-assist features and the functions that guide operators to the correct work methods not only protect the machine from external damage, they also lower maintenance costs and improve the machine’s resale value. IBC 3.0 is available for the 1270G (H425, H425HD and H424) and 1470G (H425 and H425HD) harvester models.

John Deere’s advanced IBC

A boom equipped with the IBC is fast, easy to use, and precise. Sensors in the IBC detect the position of the harvester head and the algorithms adjust the boom’s trajectories into one easily controlled motion.

In harvester work, IBC adjusts to the machine’s work cycle. The trajectory and function of the boom automatically adjust as the boom is taken to a tree and to the load in the harvester head.

The operator doesn’t have to manoeuvre the different sections of the boom individually. IBC ensures precise and efficient work methods. The electronic end dampening makes the work smooth and efficient, and reduces stress on the entire boom. IBC improves work ergonomics and guides the operator in the correct use of the boom, which is directly reflected in the increased productivity of the machine and in the daily working capacity of the operator.

Further information:

Sakari Suuriniemi
Product Marketing Manager
John Deere Forestry Oy
Tel. +358 40 8475 443
SuuriniemiSakari@JohnDeere.com

Growing a productive forest requires hard work and commitment. Correctly timed thinning improves the forest’s growth conditions and makes trees grow sturdier more quickly. Thinning supports forest biodiversity when part of the forest is always in the growth phase.

“Thinning can also be called improvement felling, as it ensures the productivity of the forest, and the high quality and health of trees,” says Tuomo Moilanen, forest specialist at Ponsse. “The better a forest grows, the better it sequesters carbon. Thinning ensures that trees can be processed into high-quality products that sequester carbon for dozens or even hundreds of years,” says Moilanen.

In cut-to-length (CTL) harvesting, trees are already processed up to the intended length in the forest, enabling thinning to be ecological. When the harvester operator plans trails so that they can also be driven by the forwarder, trees can be both felled and transported without needing to move around unnecessarily in the forest.

“At thinning sites, the distance between trails is roughly 20 metres, and trees remaining by the side of the trail will grow in Finnish conditions 20–25 per cent more quickly, because they will have room to grow, both above and below,” Moilanen says.

Ponsse’s harvesters, forwarders and harvester heads have also been designed for thinning sites

The six-wheeled PONSSE Beaver and the eight-wheeled PONSSE Fox, Ponsse’s harvesters in the smaller size category, are ideal solutions for first thinning. PONSSE Fox is an excellent choice, especially when operating in soft terrain. High-flotation tracks should be selected as optional equipment for softer terrain to prevent surface damage.

At heavier thinning sites, the PONSSE Cobra and Scorpion harvesters, combined with the H5 or H6 harvester head, are the best choices in terms of productivity. In PONSSE Scorpion, the unobstructed visibility in all directions, together with cabin and crane levelling, makes working smooth even at dense thinning sites. As eight-wheeler machines, both models are also excellent in soft terrain.

While Elk and Wisent are the most popular PONSSE forwarders for thinning sites, Buffalo is also an excellent choice, especially when distances are longer, and the aim is to improve productivity. The forwarder can easily pick up trees from thinning sites when trails are properly protected (with branches) and as straight as possible; the fewer sharp bends there are, the less surface damage is caused.

At thinning sites, the harvester head should be selected according to the dominant tree species. However, it should be considered that damaged trees and other trees in poor condition must also be removed from thinning sites, calling for sawing and feed force from the harvester head. The harvester head must be reliable at thinning sites because a large number of trees are produced quickly during each shift.

At thinning sites, much rests on the forest machine operator – the operator decides what trees are removed and what are left standing. The forest owner hands over their assets to a professional forest machine operator to receive the highest possible profit, also in the future.

During September Ponsse organized an online event where its customers and specialists explained more about their solutions for thinning sites.

Watch the web event recording subtitled in English, Swedish, French, German, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese and learn more: https://youtu.be/SR-4a6fKxPE

Documents

PONSSE Thinning aerial

Canfor Corporation (TSX:CFP) announces bold ambition to become a leader in sustainability, a vision that includes commitments to sustainable forestry, a stronger focus on safety, health, wellness, inclusion and diversity amongst their employees, and strengthening partnerships with Indigenous communities. Canfor is also announcing its positive final investment decision in support of the construction of the first phase of Arbios Biotech’s (Arbios) innovative biomass to low carbon biofuel plant in Prince George, British Columbia. The plant will use first-of-a-kind technology to convert sawmill residues, primarily bark, into high value renewable biocrude which can be further processed in refineries to produce low-carbon transportation fuels. Arbios is a joint venture between Canfor and Licella Holdings Ltd.

“Today, we begin an ambitious sustainability journey that will change how we work and the impact we have on our communities and the planet. We imagine a future as sustainable as our forests,” said Don Kayne, President and CEO, Canfor. “This is an opportunity as much as it is our responsibility. Sustainable solutions are in demand around the world. Customers consider environmental and social impact a priority when making their buying decisions. Employees want to work for a company that’s protecting and nurturing their environment and communities. Together we will frame the future.”

Media Contact Michelle Ward Senior Director, Communications & GR (604) 661-5225 communications@canfor.com

Canfor Corporation (TSX:CFP) is announcing changes to the senior leadership team. Pat Elliott has been appointed to the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Canfor and Canfor Pulp and will also retain his responsibilities as Senior Vice President, Sustainability. Alan Nicholl has been appointed to the role of Executive Vice President, Bio-Based Solutions & Pulp Operations. In addition, Arbios Biotech (Arbios), a joint venture between Canfor and Licella Holdings Ltd. that is focused on converting biomass to low carbon biofuel, has appointed Nicholl to the role of President & CEO.

“Canfor is committed to our sustainability journey and advancing our investment and resources in bio-innovation is core to our strategy. In Alan’s new role he will build a Bio-Innovation team that will unlock the full value of each log by diversifying our business into bio-based solutions as low carbon, renewable products become increasingly valued,” said Don Kayne, President & CEO, Canfor.

See full press release here>>

Photo : Don Kayne, President & CEO, Canfor.

Millar Western at Fox Creek, AB is adding vision and Deep Learning AI technology to its existing trimmer optimizer. The trimmer optimizer was originally installed in 2010 outfitted with laser profile sensors. Now the mill wants to improve the value recovery of its output to the planer mill. The optimization platform will be updated, and new BioLuma 2900LV sensors installed in the scan frame.

Technology has improved substantially from the 2010 timeframe, with the advent of much more powerful computing, ultra high density geometric scanning, vision technology, more precise and improved optimization algorithms, and now Deep Learning AI. This new technology is scheduled to be installed in mid-2022.

Jartek Invest Oy delivers a modern green sorting machinery to Pölkky Oy’s Kajaani production facility. The delivery consists of both green sorting and sticker stacker machinery with peripherals. Automation installation for the sorting system is delivered by Jartek AI Oy. The delivery is the biggest green sorting line ever built in Finland.

The Kajaani green sorting project has been put together for quite some time by both parties. “It is truly great that Pölkky Oy chose local partners and have confidence in Finnish expertise. Jartek would like to thank Pölkky Oy for the trust”, says Kari Puustinen, Sales Director of Jartek.

“We wanted to continue the cooperation with Jartek on this project. Kajaani production facility has a demanding concept because the new line will be installed in the existing building with the shortest possible production shutdown. We think that the local partners will serve our needs for the best in this case”, says Petteri Virranniemi, the CEO of Pölkky Oy.

The investment is a continuation of the well-started cooperation between Jartek and Pölkky. Jartek AI Oy has recently delivered automation solutions to Pölkky’s planing mill and dry sorting plant.

Preparation work for the Kajaani production facility development project is already in action. The installations will begin in autumn 2022 and production trial run will start immediately at the end of 2022.

Additional information: Kari Puustinen
Photo: Kari Puustinen, Sales Director of Jartek

With an investment program at its own location in Incukalns (Latvia), the Rettenmeier Group will expand the plant significantly over the next few years, increase the depth of added value and create additional jobs.

In the course of 2022 a new log yard and a new sawing line with a capacity of more than 1 million cubic meters per year each will be installed, followed by two new sorting lines in early 2023 and a new planing line with an annual output of over 250,000 m³ in 2024.

The focus of the entire investment and the future direction of the company is the increase in resource efficiency with higher yield, productivity and added value of the raw material with a significantly improved energy balance. Taking ecological aspects into account, the company‘s entire vehicle fleet will be converted to electromobility as far as possible within the investment period. In addition, the plant will be connected to the European and Russian rail networks in order to shift considerable parts of the freight traffic onto the rails in the future.

EACOM Timber Corporation, has announced a $10 million dollars investment over 5 years to replace its existing housing facility in Gogama, Ontario. The investment will allow to replace the 12 housing units by a complex of 44 units including a food catering service for its employees.

EACOM is strongly committed to attract and recruit talent. As the housing situation in the Gogama area is limited, EACOM desire to stay at the forefront of human resources practices. Over the next 12 months, EACOM will be welcoming over 12 international employees and their families at its facility. The housing facility will also accommodate corporate and regional employees while travelling for business in the area.

“This is the achievement of an idea that started two years ago”, says Eric Larouche, EACOM Vice-President Human Resources. “EACOM appointed internally a dedicated task force group to work on this project and they worked countless hours to make it happen. We are extremely happy to offer our employees a housing alternative to better their life at work, as we always strive for the best for our employees.”

For this Project EACOM has partnered with IVEY Group, based out of Sudbury, Ontario. IVEY Group will have the responsibility of the operations of the facility from food service to house keeping to maintenance and upkeep.

“Our team at IVEY Group is pleased and extremely proud to partner with EACOM on this exciting project. Further, our organization has partnered with First Nation Industrial Systems, out of Timmins, Ontario, to bring this project to fruition. From the very beginning of the process, EACOM made it clear that they wanted to support local businesses in an effort to stimulate the local economy. This is in direct alignment with the vision at IVEY Group which is to continue to support the development of Northern Ontario, creating high-value jobs and promoting the north as a great place to work and live. EACOM is a great partner that demonstrates high levels of social responsibility and is an excellent corporate and community citizen”, says Anthony Lawley, president and founder of IVEY.

About EACOM Timber Corporation

EACOM Timber Corporation is a major Eastern Canadian wood products company. Operations include the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of lumber and wood-based value-added products, and the management of forest resources. EACOM owns seven sawmills, a remanufacturing facility, and an engineered I-joist plant with over 1,200 employees. The Company is committed to investing in strong assets, including healthy forests, advanced technology, and talented people.

Visit our website at www.EACOM.ca and follow us on Twitter @EACOMTimberCo.

Treaty 6 Territory, SK — Pelican Lake First Nation, Witchekan Lake First Nation, and Tolko Industries Ltd. (Tolko) have announced the launch of Kitaskinaw Enterprises Ltd. (Kitaskinaw), which enhances the ability for Pelican Lake and Witchekan Lake First Nations to further their expertise as a logging contractor and develop future business opportunities in sustainable forestry. Kitaskinaw, meaning “our land” in Cree, affirms the importance of the tie to the land of the Pelican Lake and Witchekan Lake First Nations.

Kitaskinaw will initially focus on the development of a logging company with long-term growth in harvesting, biomass, and silviculture. This includes training for Indigenous youth and women, both on-reserve and off-reserve, in both forestry and mill positions as well as other future business opportunities such as trucking. The Limited Partnership corporation is co-owned by Pelican Lake First Nation, by Witchekan Lake First Nation and by Tolko.

“We’re pleased to launch Kitaskinaw with Pelican Lake and Witchekan Lake First Nations,” said Brad Thorlakson, President and CEO of Tolko. “The Nations have a strong vision that will strengthen Tolko in the Meadow Lake region and help ensure long-term business success and sustainability.”

Chief Peter Bill of the Pelican Lake First Nation said, “Our land has sustained many generations and this partnership helps ensure our continued influence today and in the future. Land protection, culture, reforestation, renewable energy, and jobs for our land and people is critical. This partnership with Witchekan Lake and Tolko will help with achieving those goals.”

Chief Anne Thomas of the Witchekan Lake First Nation added, “Building businesses helps ensure the long-term success of our people in jobs and in guiding future developments. We are pleased to make this investment with Tolko and Pelican Lake.”

About Pelican Lake First Nation

Pelican Lake First Nation is a Cree First Nation that signed Treaty 6, in northern Saskatchewan, in 1889. Today, their economic base includes forestry, tourism, agriculture, fishing, trapping, and several businesses. Additionally, the Nation manages community infrastructure including schools, a firehall, and a health clinic.

About Witchekan Lake First Nation

Witchekan Lake First Nation is a Cree First Nation that signed Treaty 6, in northern Saskatchewan, in 1950. Today, their economic base includes forestry, tourism, agriculture, fishing, trapping, and a community pasture. Additionally, the Nation manages community infrastructure including a school, a firehall, and a health clinic.

Photo: (L to R) Kevin Jewett, Tolko VP Woodlands, Chief Anne Thomas, Tolko President and CEO Brad Thorlakson, Chief Peter Bill at an earlier signing ceremony in 2019

About Tolko

Tolko is a leading manufacturer of a wide range of forest products for customers around the world, including lumber, plywood and veneer-oriented strand board co-products, biomass power, and a growing number of specialty wood products. For more than 60 years, our family-owned company has delivered reliability, flexibility, efficiency, and quality. We hold third-party certification on the forestlands we sustainably manage in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, and we play an active role in the communities where our employees live and work.

For more information, contact:

Tolko:
Chris Downey, Communications Advisor
M: 250.306.0929
Chris.Downey@tolko.com