A provenance trial studying Norway spruce trees growing from seeds sourced from 16 different European locations has got underway in a long-term project to identify trees likely to be resilient to climate conditions 50 years from now. Forestry England, a partner in the Conifer Breeding Co-operative, has recently planted 2,300 trees in Delamere Forest, Cheshire, as part of a total 17,200 trees planted across five sites in England, Scotland and Wales by co-op members.

The trees were grown in Scotland from orchard seeds from Sweden, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany and France, and a Forestry England selected-quality seed stand near the Forest of Dean. Used extensively for construction, Norway Spruce produces strong timber with a straight grain and fine texture, as well as being used for paper milling.

The provenance trial will compare trees from the 16 different sources as they grow to identify which have the best overall performance and show the strongest growth and good form. The trees will be monitored at different times over the next 25 years with the first two years assessing survival rates at each site. After that the height, diameter, stem form and density of plants from each of the 16 seed provenances will be compared. Co-op members involved in the trial will do additional assessments on their planting sites after extreme events like flooding, drought, or pest invasions to see how the trees have fared.

Norway spruce was chosen for the trial because it has high drought tolerance compared to Sitka spruce, and can cope with upland acid soils making it ideally suited to a more uncertain future climate in the UK. Some areas where Sitka spruce thrives now are predicted to become too dry for it to be a suitable species as they won’t provide its high demand for soil moisture.

The Conifer Breeding Co-operative has a long-term ambition to develop an improved domestic population of Norway spruce to meet national demand and is working to a 30-year timescale carrying out selection and testing. This 25-year Norway spruce provenance trial is running alongside as an interim project to see which existing widely available European orchard and UK select seed sources are the best to grow before the domestic improved seed becomes available.

Nicola Rivett, Forestry England Seed Resource Manager spokesperson said:

“Being able to compare Norway spruce trees growing from such a diverse range of seed sources in this provenance trial will give valuable information about which seed is genetically best suited for future soil and climate conditions, and help Forestry England and partner organisations focus seed and plant supply on those varieties. We’re working long-term on this, and it will be 2046before the trees we’ve all planted this spring reach maturity. But the information they give us along the way will be crucial in helping steer the right course in adapting and planning our future Norway spruce growth and supply.”

As well as focusing on Norway spruce, The Conifer Breeding Co-operative is also looking at Douglas fir, Sitka spruce, Scots pine and hybrid spruce, identifying the best genetic planting material, and selecting trees growing in good quality stands to create new seed orchards for future planting stock.

Visitors to Forestry England’s planting site in Delamere Forest will have the chance to see the trial progress over the coming years as the trees mature.

The Keravanjoki Community Centre, commissioned by the City of Kerava, is to be completed in the autumn of 2021. The construction of the building was realised with the alliance model and adaptability, health factors and low energy costs were key considerations in its design. Wood is used in both the building’s facade and interior spaces.

In the alliance model the property developer, designers and builders join together to form the project organisation. In addition to the City of Kerava, the project involved Lukkaroinen Architects, YIT and WSP Finland, among other partners. The fire-protected spruce panels and support structures of the facades were supplied by Koskisen Oy.

The thicker than usual 28 x 95 mm UTS panels with grooved and tongued ends were fire protected at Koskinen’s factory using translucently toned NT DECO fire retardant. The fire-protected support structures required by the panels were also treated and delivered by Koskisen. The products fulfil the requirements of the fire class B-s1, d0 in accordance with the SFS EN 13501-1 standard.

“The quality of our products is crucial for our competitive edge. Our fire-protected products have a Euroclass fire rating and CE certification. This was the first target that we supplied with products that were fire-protected using NT DECO. Nordtreat’s precise consumption counter was very accurate, and we received excellent on-site technical support for our first time using this product.”

Argo Vinkman, Department Manager, Saw and Log Sorting, Koskisen

The demand for wood products is constantly on the rise, which also increases the demand for fire-protected products. Koskisen’s fire-protected wood products are currently shipped to public building projects in Finland as target-specific deliveries.

“We like to develop new surface-treated products and their industrial processing methods in cooperation with production and sales departments and product manufacturers. We have been in communication and cooperation with Nordtreat for a good while now and everything is very smooth.”

Argo Vinkman, Department Manager, Saw and Log Sorting, Koskisen

Read the original article from:
https://www.nordtreat.com/en/references/keravanjoki-community-centre

For work on roadways, bridges, urban areas, or anywhere space is limited, contractors need an excavator designed for confined spaces. Komatsu’s tight tail PC78US-11 provides an ideal combination of performance and versatility in a compact and easy-to-transport package.

Efficiency and versatility come standard

With standard high flow auxiliary hydraulics and proportional joysticks that offer incredible job versatility, the 67.7 HP (50.6 kW) PC78US-11 provides precise attachment control. Its standard grading blade with new moldboard profile improves backfilling and light grading efficiency. The conventional boom design has a greater raising angle to reduce front bucket swing radius.

Faster cycles and custom modes

Its faster boom up/swing speed, combined with responsive quick arm speed, is designed to make excavating and leveling work easier and more efficient with the PC78US-11. The six working modes allow operators to tailor the machine to the required tasks, whether for fuel savings or performance.

Fuel efficient, low-cost power

The new high-efficiency power package and viscous fan clutch on the PC78US-11 work to lower overall fuel consumption by up to 13%. Its smart, simplified catalytic system removes soot without a diesel particulate filter, lowering maintenance costs and cost of ownership.

Quick and easy maintenance

Large service access doors and grouped service points with ground-level access make periodic maintenance accessible and efficient.

Maximum operator comfort

Operators work in a quiet, climate-controlled cab featuring an air suspension seat, Bluetooth radio, and high-resolution monitor with rearview camera. The sliding cab door of the PC78US-11 makes entry and exit easier in confined spaces and LED lights provide excellent vision at night.

Note: All comparisons and claims of improved performance made herein are made with respect to the prior Komatsu model unless otherwise specifically stated. Materials and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Growing a productive forest requires work and commitment. Correctly timed thinning operations improve the forest’s growth conditions and make trees grow sturdier more quickly.

Register now to the online PONSSE Studio event to hear more about their solutions for thinning sites.

At the online event, their customers and specialists will discuss why the smaller sized Ponsse harvesters and forwarders are popular for effective thinning operations.

• The Finnish-spoken online event held on 29 September at 10 am (EEST) will be subtitled in Swedish, English, and Russian.

VANCOUVER, BC, August 30, 2021 – GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. (TSXV: GFP) (“GreenFirst” or the “Purchaser”) has announced that on August 28, 2021 it closed the previously announced purchase of a portfolio of forest and paper product assets (the “Purchased Assets”) from Rayonier A.M. Canada G.P. (“RYAM GP”), Rayonier A.M. Canada Industries Inc. (“RYAM Industries”) and Rayonier A.M. Canada Enterprises Inc. (collectively with RYAM GP and RYAM Industries, “RYAM”), each a subsidiary of Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. (NYSE: RYAM).

GreenFirst acquired the Purchased Assets for an aggregate purchase price of approximately US$234 million (the “Purchase Price”) which was comprised of a base amount of US$140 million plus approximately US$87.5 million which reflected the value of the inventory on-hand at the time of closing (the “Closing”) and other adjustments. Approximately US$193 million of the Purchase Price was paid in cash (the “Cash Purchase Price”), approximately US$34 million was paid in common shares in the capital of GreenFirst (each a “Common Share”) and C$7.9 million was paid through the issuance of a chip offset credit note (the “Set-off Note”).

Strategic Benefits to GreenFirst

The acquisition of the Purchased Assets establishes GreenFirst as a significant player in the Canadian forest products industry. The Purchased Assets include six lumber mills which are located in Chapleau, Cochrane, Hearst and Kapuskasing in Ontario and in Béarn and La Sarre in Québec as well as one newsprint mill located in Kapuskasing, Ontario. The Purchased Assets have an annual production capacity of 755 MMFbm and are capable of producing a wide range of forest products used in residential and commercial construction, including SPF lumber, wood chips and by-products. The newsprint mill has an annual production capacity of 205,000 MT/year. Collectively, the Purchased Assets rank as a top ten producer of lumber in Canada, based on recent publicly available industry rankings.

GreenFirst believes that there are significant operational efficiencies to be gained by optimizing operations and making capital investments, in the future, in the Purchased Assets. The Purchased Assets also include the rights to access approximately 3.29 million m³ of guaranteed fiber supply in Ontario and Québec and include a twenty year chip supply agreement with RYAM (the “Chip Purchase Agreement”) and established chip supply agreements which will provide steady support and demand for the chips produced by the lumber operations.

Management Commentary

“We are excited to announce the closing of this transaction and to begin working to invest in and optimize the lumber mills,” said Rick Doman, Chief Executive Officer of GreenFirst. “Our experienced management team has developed a plan which we believe will allow us to significantly reduce cash costs and potentially increase lumber capacity. We also intend to make improvements to the mills’ management structure, sales processes and supply chains which we expect will generate meaningful operational improvements.”

Paul Rivett, Chairman of GreenFirst, commented that “The closing of this transaction is a significant milestone for GreenFirst representing the culmination of a year of hard work and tremendous effort by all those involved. GreenFirst is now well capitalized to begin the first chapter of its plan to become a premier lumber producer in North America. We would also like to thank our financial partners, Senvest and Blue Torch, and our external advisors, KPMG, Norton Rose Fulbright, NordStar Capital and RBC, for supporting us in this transformative acquisition”

Sustainability Commitment

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is central to everything GreenFirst does.

GreenFirst makes environmental stewardship a priority through leading sustainable forest management practices, while promoting energy efficiency and carbon reduction through the production of lumber. GreenFirst is also committed to sustainable forest management and to maximizing biodiversity and forest health as part of its operations. GreenFirst’s operations are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council^® (FSC^®) (FSC-C167905)..

Mr. Doman added, “GreenFirst is focused on being a responsible steward of forests and on playing a positive role in the communities that we operate in, through our commitments to sustainability and inclusivity.”

Asset Purchase Agreement

The Common Shares issued to RYAM GP pursuant to the transaction are subject to a four month hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. RYAM GP has agreed not to sell its Common Shares for a period of six months following the Closing.

The Set-off Note issued pursuant to the transaction is non-interest bearing and has a principal amount of C$7.9 million. The principal amount is payable in five equal annual installments on the anniversary of the Closing and GreenFirst may elect to set-off the principal amount of the Set-off Note against amounts owing by RYAM under the Chip Purchase Agreement.

Conversion of Subscription Receipts

On July 30, 2021, the Company completed its offering of rights and issued 111,665,880 subscription receipts (the “Subscription Receipts”) at an exercise price of C$1.50 per right for gross proceeds of C$167,498,820. In connection with the Closing, the Company delivered the release notice to Computershare Trust Company of Canada constituting confirmation of the satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions to the completion of the transactions. As a result, each Subscription Receipt was automatically exchanged, without payment of additional consideration or further action by the holders thereof, for one Common Share on the Closing. The gross proceeds of the offering of rights less the expenses and costs relating to the offering of rights, and all interest thereon, was released to the Company with a portion directed to RYAM to pay a portion of the Purchase Price.

Following the exchange of the Subscription Receipts for Common Shares and the issuance of 28,684,433 Common Shares to RYAM G.P., GreenFirst has a total of 177,737,061 Common Shares issued and outstanding (or 209,489,679 on a fully-diluted basis, assuming the exercise of all outstanding options, warrants and other convertible, exchangeable or exercisable securities).

This press release is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy Common Shares or other securities of GreenFirst. Such securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements.

Debt Financing

Concurrently with the Closing, a wholly owned subsidiary of GreenFirst (the “Borrower”) entered into a financing agreement among the subsidiary, as borrower, GreenFirst and its subsidiaries as guarantors, Blue Torch Finance LLC, as administrative agent and collateral agent and the lenders party thereto, pursuant to which the lenders made available to the Borrower a term loan in an aggregate principal amount of US$100 million. On Closing, the Borrower drew down the full amount of the senior secured term credit facility, less fees and expenses, to pay a portion of the Cash Purchase Price and certain related expenses.

The Borrower also entered into a credit agreement, among the Borrower and Lumber Assets Holdings LP, as borrowers, GreenFirst and its subsidiaries as guarantors, Royal Bank of Canada (“RBC”), as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders from time to time party thereto. on Closing pursuant to which the lenders made available to the borrowers a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility in the aggregate principal amount of C$65 million. The proceeds of the revolving credit facility are expected to be used to provide working capital, for capital expenditures and permitted investments and acquisitions from time to time and for other general corporate purposes (including the payment of fees and expenses related to the acquisition).

About GreenFirst

GreenFirst is a forest-first business, focused on environmentally sustainable forest management and lumber production. We believe that sustainable forest planting and harvesting, coupled with the long-term green advantage of lumber, provide GreenFirst with significant cyclical and secular advantages in building products. GreenFirst’s long-term pursuit is to be a global leader in environmentally sustainable lumber. For more information, please visit: www.gffp.ca.

Advisors

Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP acted as legal counsel to GreenFirst, RBC Capital Markets acted as financial advisor to GreenFirst, NordStar Capital acted as transaction advisor to GreenFirst and KPMG Transaction Services provided due diligence assistance to GreenFirst.

For further information: Larry G. Swets, Jr., 630-824-8199

Södra’s investment in circularity continues. Through a new partnership with Swedish company Trioworld, Södra’s timber packaging will now contain 30 percent recycled plastic, which will reduce annual emissions from the packaging by around 23 percent.

“With the new packaging, we are ensuring high-quality deliveries for our customers, while also taking an additional step towards a more circular business model with lower emissions. This is a trend we will continue to pursue. On the challenges with sustainability, there is no finish line to pass and we are constantly working to be the market leader and develop our processes. This will help Södra and our customers contribute to a sustainable climate transition,” said Andreas Jonasson, Sales & Marketing Director at Södra Wood.

Reduce emissions by 23 percent

The new timber packaging is called Trioworld Loop and will be used for all Södra’s timber deliveries – both domestic and exported. The material contains at least 30 percent Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Plastics. As a result, Södra expects to cut its emissions by nearly 385 tonnes of CO₂ equivalents per year, corresponding to 23 percent of annual emissions from the packaging.

Södra is first to offer timber packaging with PCR plastic in larger scale. The development is in line with Södra’s targets for reducing its emissions and building a climate-positive business.

“Trioworld believes in long-term partnerships. When developing sustainable solutions for tomorrow, ambitious partners such as Södra are a key lever for minimising the environmental impact of packaging without compromising on transport safety or the protection of the timber. Our solution with 30 percent post-consumer recycled content will significantly reduce the environmental impact of the packaging – and that’s just the beginning of sustainable packaging for the forest industry from Trioworld,” said Adam Fransson, Senior Account Manager, Trioworld.

Södra’s timber products will be delivered with the new Trioworld Loop packaging from September.

For more information, please contact:

Andreas Jonasson, Sales & Marketing Director, Södra Wood
E-mail: andreas.jonasson@sodra.com
Tel: +46 (0)470-892 77

Adam Fransson, Senior Account Manager, Trioworld
E-mail: Adam.Fransson@trioworld.com
Tel: +46 (0)76 130 3106

Casper Danielsson, Press Officer, Södra
E-mail: casper.danielsson@sodra.com
Tel: +46 (0)470 890 90

Woodgrain Inc., a manufacturer of wood moulding and trim, will invest nearly $9 million to expand its operations in Smyth County and invest more than $8 million to purchase and expand the former Independence Lumber sawmill in Grayson County reports Augusta Free Press.

These projects will create 100 new jobs, save 80 existing jobs, and increase purchases of Virginia-grown forest products.

“Forestry is the Commonwealth’s third-largest private industry, supporting more than 107,000 jobs in our rural communities and providing an economic impact of $21 billion annually,” Gov. Ralph Northam said. “Woodgrain continues to bring welcomed employment opportunities and capital investment to Southwest Virginia, supporting my administration’s goal to bring economic vitality to all corners of the Commonwealth. I’m thankful to Woodgrain for their commitment to Virginia forest products and look forward to continued partnership in the future.”

These two projects will lead to the creation of 100 new jobs in the region and will save 80 jobs at Independence Lumber, which is Grayson County’s largest private employer. When the sawmill upgrades in Grayson County are complete, it will become the primary supplier for the company’s Smyth County operation.

This will allow Woodgrain to source 90 percent of its new forest products needs from the Commonwealth, leading to the purchase of an additional nine million board feet of Virginia-grown forest products over the next three years.

Woodgrain, a family-owned business based in Idaho, is one of the largest millwork companies in the world. They produce and distribute high-quality lumber, mouldings, doors, and windows at 27 facilities employing more than 3,500 individuals nationwide. In addition to millwork manufacturing, Woodgrain owns and manages forestlands and several sawmills in the Pacific Northwest.

The dimensional sawmill in Grayson County will be the company’s first sawmill on the East Coast. Woodgrain plans to retain the sawmill’s existing employees and create 20 new jobs at the facility. In Smyth County, Woodgrain will improve its existing manufacturing facility and expand into another building, creating 80 new jobs and increasing that facility’s purchases of Virginia-grown forest products by nearly 20 percent.

“New and expanding markets for Virginia forest products are vital to the sustainable management of the Commonwealth’s 16 million acres of forestland,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring. “These major expansions by Woodgrain will not only retain and create new high-paying jobs in Southwest Virginia, but also expand important market opportunities for our landowners, leading to a healthier forest resource.”

“For nearly thirty years, Woodgrain has been a valued contributor to the Commonwealth’s forest products industry,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “The company’s additional investment in Southwest Virginia reflects the strength of Virginia’s workforce and favorable business environment, two of the many reasons why the Commonwealth was just named America’s Top State for Business by CNBC. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Woodgrain.”

“We are excited about expanding our operations and furthering our commitment to Southwest Virginia,” said Woodgrain Eastern Region Millwork Manager Robb Hitch. “We believe this will have a significant, positive impact on the local economy and allow us to further leverage our vertical integration by supplying lumber to our millwork location in Smyth County and throughout the Southwest. It’s a win-win situation that will allow us to continue to provide best-in-class service and product.”

“We are very pleased to see this sawmill continue to grow and thrive in Grayson County,” said Grayson County Administrator William L. Shepley. “We look forward to working with Woodgrain and to the growth of employment opportunities for our citizens.”

“Independence Lumber has been a good partner with Grayson County for many years,” said Grayson County Board of Supervisors Chair Kenneth R. Belton. “And we welcome Woodgrain for many years to come.”

“Woodgrain’s continued investment at their Atkins facility shows how much they believe in their employees and our community as a whole,” said Smyth County Administrator Shawn Utt. “We want the company to know how much we believe in them, as well, and appreciate those investments. They have long served our County as a prime employer, and we look forward to many more years of progress and growth.”

“The Board of Supervisors are thrilled Woodgrain continues to show faith in Smyth County,” said Smyth County Board of Supervisors Chair Charles Atkins. “With Woodgrain’s expansion bringing 80 new jobs to our area, it will continue to support our citizens and grow our County. We look forward to continuing to work with such a strong employer in our community and wish them a long future of success.”

“Virginia’s Industrial Advancement Alliance is extremely excited to help finalize both expansions of Woodgrain Millwork in Grayson and Smyth Counties,” said Virginia’s Industrial Advancement Alliance Executive Director Josh Lewis. “These expansions will strengthen the supply chain in the region. Congratulations to Grayson County, Smyth County, VIAA Business Retention and Expansion staff, Virginia Economic Development Partnership project managers, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Tobacco Commission for helping deliver another big win for the region.”

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and Virginia’s Industrial Advancement Alliance worked with Grayson and Smyth Counties to secure the project for the Commonwealth.

Northam approved $350,000 in awards from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development program to secure these projects for the Commonwealth. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“This is an exciting day for Southwest Virginia,” said Tobacco Commission member Sandy Ratliff. “Woodgrain is an industry leader, and I am pleased that the Tobacco Commission was able to support their expansion in Smyth County that will bring new jobs and millions of dollars of investment to our region. I wish Woodgrain the best as they get their project underway, and I know they will continue to find success here in Southwest Virginia for many years to come.”

“Southwest Virginia is a great place to live, work, and raise a family because of companies like Woodgrain,” said State Sen. Todd Pillion. “This investment demonstrates a special commitment to the region that will add value to Virginia’s forestry industry while saving existing jobs and creating new opportunities. The local economy and entire community will benefit from this exciting expansion.”

“This investment by Woodgrain in Grayson County will have a tremendous impact on the County and all of Southwest Virginia,” said Del. Israel O’Quinn. “Independence Lumber has been a wonderful business partner in our area, and this purchase by Woodgrain will ensure that it provides more great jobs and economic benefit for our region.”

“I am pleased to take part in the announcement of Woodgrain’s second expansion in five years here in Smyth County,” said Del. Jeffrey Campbell. “Woodgrain has been an integral part of this community for many years, and is poised to continue to grow and prosper. The addition of 80 new jobs with this investment is welcomed as our economy continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic and I am truly thankful for the men and women who have worked very hard, every day, at Woodgrain to make this into reality.”

Segezha Group PJSC (‘Segezha Group’ or the ‘Company’, MOEX: SGZH), a Sistema company and one of Russia’s leading vertically integrated timber holding companies with a full cycle of logging and deep wood processing, has reported increased pellet production and export to EU countries.

In the first half of 2021, KsyloTech-Siberia, the Company’s pellet asset in Krasnoyarsk Krai at the Lesosibirsk Sawmills and Woodworking Plant (LLDK No. 1), produced 43,400 tons of pellets, a 17% year-on-year increase. Between January and June 2021, 40,200 tons of pellets were shipped to Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, the UK and France from the port of St. Petersburg. In comparison, in 1H 2020, the total volume shipped amounted to 36,400 tons. Pellets are exported in 20-foot-long containers and transported to New Port station (St. Petersburg) by container trains holding a minimum of 114 containers each (an average of three-four trains per month). From there, they are transported to ships en route to destination countries.

“Denmark, the UK and the Netherlands remain our core long-term consumers in Europe. There is also a demand for Siberian biofuel in France, Ireland, Sweden and Finland. In 2020, EU pellet exports amounted to almost 90,000 tons, and in 2021, we plan to further increase this volume”, said Julia Shevlyakova, Sales Director at LLDK No. 1.

The Lesosibirsk plant uses sawdust and fine chips, the by-products of coniferous sawn timber production, as raw material to produce pellets. Product quality complies with the rigorous SBP and ENPlus A1 European standards. Driven by the increase in biofuel orders and enabled by a third processing line commissioned in 2020, KsyloTech-Siberia has increased its production output from 70,000 to 110,500 tons. In 2023 the Company plans to build a second pellet plant with a 100,000-tonne capacity. With the opening of yet another pellet production unit, the Company will boost its product portfolio margins and increase environmentally friendly outputs.

Biofuel is an important focus of Segezha Group’s environmental policy. Fuel pellets are produced under high pressure without the use of chemical binding agents. Pellets are a green renewable energy source. Their heating efficiency is comparable to that of hard coal. At the same time, pellets emit less sulfide when combusted. Boiler conversion to biofuel facilitates reduced GHG emissions and improves environmental conditions.

Segezha Group, (“Segezha Group” or “the Company”, MOEX:SGZH, a Sistema Company), a leading Russian vertically integrated holding company in the forest industry performing a full cycle of operations from logging to advanced wood processing, produced almost 98,000 m³ of plywood in the first half of 2021 at its Vyatka Plywood Mill, up 2,000 m³ YoY. The premium birch plywood segment saw the highest increase in production volumes – up 38% to 7,500 m³.

Within this segment, a new addition to the Segezha ClearPly product range demonstrated the most significant production growth – laminated plywood offered in two coating options: transparent and semi-transparent. The second option features a hint of opal white guaranteed to brighten any interior. This product was developed and launched in 2019. In 1H 2021, Vyatka Plywood increased its production of laminated plywood by a factor of 11.6 YoY.

Segezha ClearPly’s protective film will neither blister nor flake, deform when drilled or cut, nor change colour when exposed to moisture or sunlight. ClearPly can be used to make furniture or wall plates without needing any additional treatment. Distinguished by its enhanced durability, the product is not only ideal for interior finishing but also for outdoor solutions, be it external cladding, or decorating a street café, recreational area, or children’s playground.

The company supplies its high-quality plywood to Russia, Europe, Asia and the United States, while sales in China, India, Japan and South Korea are growing. The company exports nearly 80% of its products. The mill is equipped to produce 193,000 m³ of plywood.

Large-size sheet plywood is ideal for use in construction, furniture making, the automotive and shipbuilding industries, and as a flooring or decking material. Birch plywood also performs excellently as a finishing material, thanks to its moisture resistance nature, durability, lightness, and resistance to abrasion and rot.

Alexey Stepanov, Vice President of Segezha Group, Plywood and Panels: “Vyatka Plywood Mill aims to increase the production of premium plywood products, making quality assurance its top priority across the entire production process, from raw birchwood to finished products. Before plywood is shipped to customers, it undergoes ultrasound scanning using state-of-the-art equipment, as well as sheet-by-sheet surface quality control. We value the reputation Vyatka Plywood’s products have earned and approach every order with the utmost attention to detail.”

In addition to the ClearPly product line, Vyatka Plywood Mill also produces Segezha Creative (laminated plywood with tinted film coatings), Segezha Art (paint-ready plywood with no priming needed), Segezha PlyForm (improved plywood for decking applications) and Segezha Anthracite (plywood for flooring in light commercial vehicles).

The 17,000th PONSSE forest machine has rolled off the production line in Vieremä. The milestone machine, a PONSSE Elk built in mid-August, will start its career in the sure hands of Kuusmoto Oy.  

“It is a special privilege to hand over the 17,000th PONSSE machine to the Finnish Kuusmoto Oy. I wish to thank Kuusmoto for their trust and fantastic cooperation as we continue our journey together,” says Sales, Service and Marketing Director Marko Mattila.

Founded in 2014 and hailing from Posio in Finland, Kuusmoto Oy currently employs 17 people. They operate in seven municipalities in Finnish Lapland. The company has a total of nine PONSSE machines.

“We are happy to receive this excellent machine and its plaque. Our current plan is to put the birthday boy to work in Posio or Ranua. It will be a fine addition to our fleet,” says Tomi Kuusela, managing director of Kuusmoto Oy. 

PONSSE Elk – compact and agile

The PONSSE Elk is a smaller midsize machine, a highly versatile size class. The Elk is an excellent choice when you need an economical but powerful workhorse for thinning-oriented harvesting. Its compact design makes the Elk very agile, while its components, shared with larger machines, make it a powerful and durable tool with a first-rate load carrying capacity. The responsive engine, impressive torque and sturdy loader make working comfortable, especially when the operator can enjoy the most spacious cabin on the market, including ergonomic controls.

Introduced into production in 2005, Ponsse has manufactured a total of 947 PONSSE Elk forwarders and delivered them to over 20 countries.

Milestone machine completed in challenging circumstances

Ponsse’s 17,000th forest machine was built to completion at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, plagued by global challenges in component availability and delivery. The company’s operations and growth have continued with success in spite of the exceptional circumstances. The Ponsse way has always been to work together, which is a great boon in difficult times and operating environments.

Starting as the dream of Einari Vidgrén, Ponsse is a family-owned business that now operates in the harvesting markets of over 40 countries. All PONSSE forest machines are still made in Vieremä in Finland. Environmentally friendly harvesting and customer-driven R&D are strongly emphasised in Ponsse’s business.

Contact : Marko Mattila, Sales, Marketing and Service Director, Ponsse Plc, +358 400 596 297, marko.mattila@ponsse.com