The 2024 edition of the Sawmill Productivity & Efficiency will co-locate with the Timber Processing & Energy Expo to be held in Portland, Oregon on Thursday, September 26. And in the afternoon, it’s all about AI.
Confirmed Speakers:
To read other Timber Processing & Energy Expo posts click here.
Combilift gains further global recognition as it secures awards in 2 categories at the recent UK Materials Handling Association Awards in Birmingham on Saturday the 14th of September. Up against some of the biggest names in Material handling, they walked away with the coveted ‘Ergonomic Innovation of the Year’ and the ‘Manufacturer Product Innovation of the Year’.
The Combi-CB70E was celebrated for its groundbreaking ergonomic design. The 7-ton electric-powered, multidirectional counterbalance forklift is the shortest 7-ton capacity truck on the market, making it highly efficient with long loads in tight spaces. The truck’s surprisingly spacious cab, with floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass, provides operators with excellent visibility and enhanced safety.
One of its standout features is the Auto Swivel Seat, which automatically swivels 15 degrees to the left or right, depending on the direction of travel. This feature significantly reduces driver strain, particularly when reversing.
The CB70E also incorporates a gas strut suspension system, typically found in larger industrial machinery. This advanced suspension and large super-elastic tyres ensure a smooth ride, even across rough or uneven terrain or during extended shifts. Combilift’s independent electric traction system -previous Red Dot award winner- provides 100% traction control for all front and rear drive wheels. This system eliminates the need for a differential lock on slippery surfaces, reduces load swing, and enhances safety and precision when transporting long, heavy loads particularly when navigating sideways, regardless of ground conditions.
Combilift’s second award, the ‘Manufacturer Product Innovation of the Year’, went to the Combi LC Blade, a cutting-edge machine designed specifically to address the growing challenges of transporting offshore wind turbine blades from the manufacturing plant to storage or transportation facilities.
These blades, which can reach up to 115 metres in length and weigh up to 70 tonnes, have long posed logistical challenges due to their size, fragility and complexity.
Combilift’s Heavy Equipment Design Team, known for developing pioneering solutions like the Combi-SC Straddle Carrier and Combi-MG Mobile Gantry worked hand in hand with Siemens Gamesa, a leading supplier of offshore wind turbines, the LC Blade ensures unparalleled stability and safety during transport.
Now implemented in manufacturing sites across the world, Combilift has transformed the logistics of handling wind turbine blades and set a new industry standard.
Combilift CEO and Co-Founder Martin McVicar; “We are more than delighted to have won not just one, but two prestigious accolades at this years Archies 2024, making this our 12th Archies to date. Competing against such high-calibre competitors highlights what a fantastic team we have, which are willing to push the boundaries of the material handling industry.”
These awards solidify Combilift’s winning momentum after taking home ‘Design Team of the Year’ for the LC Blade and the ‘Industry Leader Award’ – recognising McVicar’s transformative leadership at the UK EMA Awards in London, bringing a total of 4 awards for the Irish manufacture within two weeks!
As Archimedes once said, “Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.” Combilift embodies this spirit of innovation, continuously pushing the boundaries of material handling solutions.
To read previous Combilift related posts click here.
Gatineau, Quebec – The Canadian Woodlands Forum’s flagship event, DEMO International®, is set to take place in the Venosta, Quebec forest region from September 19 to 21, 2024. This renowned event is one of North America’s largest LIVE in-woods forest equipment expos, with this year marking its 14th edition.
DEMO International promises excellent photo and video opportunities, featuring hundreds of pieces of live-action forestry equipment in operation. Attendees can witness cutting-edge technology and innovative machinery in action over a 3.2 km route, showcasing equipment for forest harvesting, forwarding, biomass processing, and more. Interactive Site Map
The event will showcase over $100 million worth of forestry machinery from top global manufacturers. In addition, visitors can watch or participate in the Log Loader Competition, presented by Barko and Équipments Marquis, which will run throughout the 3-day event.
Public Registration: Available online. Pre-registration is $40+tax for a one-day pass. Tickets at the door will be $60 for a one-day pass, or $80 for a three-day pass.
This event promises to offer some of the most impressive forest machinery demonstrations and exclusive insight into the future of forestry technology. Don’t miss this unique opportunity!
To read about previous Demo International® events click here.
Norra Timber recently announced a three-phase upgrade of its Hissmofors, Sweden, sawmill with an investment of up to SEK 150 million (US$14.8 million). Approximately 70 people are currently employed at the sawmill and the associated planning mill.
Henrik Jönsson, Industrial Manager at Norra Timber, said, “The sawmill contributes to both local jobs and smart climate products. For us, it is important to invest here and thus balance the technical degree and competitiveness of our sawmills.”
Norra Skog’s Board of Directors has previously made a policy decision regarding the investments in Hissmofors. The planned investments will take place in three stages and will begin with new post-processing along the saw line. The new machine equipment will have significantly higher capacity than the previous one and therefore enable production increases.
The sawmill in Hissmofors currently has an annual production of approximately 170,000 m3, with the goal of increasing production to 200,000 m3 within the next two years. The mill currently produces spruce and pine rough sawn and planned into boards and planks, and the wood products are sent on to customers both in Sweden and abroad.
The investment in the new machine equipment amounts to approximately SEK 40 million (US$3.9 million) and will mean a production increase of 10,000 m3sv annually. The next two investment steps that are planned involve upgrades in the sawmill line and comprise approximately SEK 100 million ($9.8 million).
“Of course, the investments feel great for us at Hissmofors. We secure jobs and get a receipt that Norra Skog believes in us here in Jämtland. This announcement inspires confidence in the future,” says Thomas Haiduga, sawmill manager in Hissmofors.
Facts Hissmofors saw
The sawmill in Hissmofors currently has an annual production of approximately 170,000 cubic meters, with the goal of increasing production to 200,000 cubic meters within the next two years. Here, spruce and pine are sawn and planed into boards and planks, and the wooden products are sent on to customers both in Sweden and abroad. To make use of all parts of the forest’s raw material, Stallströ and Agricultural litter are made from the chippings from the planer. It becomes a litter product that is clean and free of dust, which creates a healthy environment for both animals and people. Today, around 70 people work at the saw and planer, which is located just outside Krokom.
To read previous Norra Timber posts click here.
Combilift, a leading global innovator in material handling solutions, has achieved dual recognition at this year’s UK Engineering & Manufacturing Awards 2024, securing two highly prestigious awards.
Design Team of the Year
The ‘Design Team of the Year’ award was presented to Combilift’s Heavy Equipment Team for their exceptional work on the groundbreaking 12-Wheel “Combi-LC Blade.” This cutting-edge machine has been specifically engineered to handle offshore wind turbine blades, which can reach up to 115 meters in length and weigh as much as 70 tonnes. The design significantly enhances the ability to transport these large, non-uniform loads safely and efficiently from manufacturing sites to storage and deployment locations.
This innovative solution addresses the growing needs of the renewable energy sector, where the demand for efficient logistics systems is increasing as the size and scale of offshore wind turbines continue to grow. Prior to the development of the Combi-LC Blade, existing transportation methods were often inadequate and posed logistical challenges. Combilift’s Heavy Equipment Design Team drew upon their extensive experience in engineering complex transport systems, previously creating the renowned Combi-SC Straddle Carrier and Combi-MG Mobile Gantry ranges.
In collaboration with Siemens Gamesa, one of the world’s largest suppliers of offshore wind turbine technology, Combilift designed a transport system that offers unparalleled stability and safety in moving these massive turbine blades. The Combi-LC Blade has now been successfully deployed at manufacturing sites across the globe, demonstrating its effectiveness and transforming the way wind turbine blades are handled and transported. Combilift is renowned for its customer-centric approach and ability to develop customized material handling solutions specifically tailored to meet customers’ needs. This award, sponsored by *Eureka Magazine*, not only recognizes the team’s exceptional skill, collaboration, and dedication to solving one of the most pressing challenges in renewable energy logistics, but also highlights the company’s commitment to providing innovative customer-led solutions.
Industry Leader Award
In addition to this remarkable team achievement, Combilift’s co-founder and CEO, Martin McVicar, received the coveted ‘Industry Leader Award’, sponsored by *Menzies*. This accolade honors McVicar’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to innovation, which have played a pivotal role in transforming Combilift from a small Irish manufacturer into a global leader in the material handling sector.
Martin McVicar’s leadership has been instrumental in Combilift’s success. Since co-founding the company, McVicar has overseen its rapid growth, transforming it into one of Ireland’s top exporters, with a projected turnover of €500 million this year. His approach to leadership combines technical expertise with a hands-on, inclusive management style. Known for his engineering prowess, McVicar has a background as Chief Engineer at Moffett Engineering, a role he held at the young age of 19.
Under his guidance, Combilift has become synonymous with innovative problem-solving in material handling, consistently delivering tailored solutions for complex logistical challenges. The judges highlighted McVicar’s ability to navigate the company through a range of external challenges, from the impacts of the pandemic to global supply chain disruptions, while maintaining a forward-thinking approach that identifies opportunities for growth and transformation.
Beyond business success, McVicar is deeply committed to fostering a strong corporate culture. Combilift’s headquarters, the largest factory under one roof in Ireland, serves not only as a manufacturing hub but also as ambassadors for corporate social responsibility. The company regularly hosts apprenticeship schemes, charity events, family days, and educational visits, further solidifying its role within the local community. Combilift also sponsors the local Ladies GAA team, demonstrating McVicar’s commitment to supporting gender equality in sports.
Combilift’s double win at the UK Engineering & Manufacturing Awards 2024 is a testament to the company’s innovative spirit and visionary leadership, reinforcing its position as a global leader in the material handling industry.
For further information about the UK Engineering & Manufacturing Awards 2024, please visit www.engineeringmanufacturingawards.com
To read previous Combilift related posts click here.
BID Group, a leader in the wood processing industry for over a century, has announced its new identity as Comact.
This transition marks a significant evolution in the company’s journey and reflects its commitment to innovation and excellence. From its origins as an OEM, Comact has been instrumental in transforming the wood processing industry.
The company has consistently invested in research and development, addressed customer challenges, and adapted to their evolving needs. Through strategic alliances and acquisitions of leading brands, Comact has established itself as a world-class leader and pioneer renowned for its high-performance technology and equipment and its exceptional customer engagement.
“The decision to transition to Comact aligns with our strategic plan to expand as a high-tech OEM with key customers worldwide,” explained Alistair Cook, president and CEO. “This new identity signifies the beginning of a transformative phase for us. We are reaffirming our commitment to being the premier OEM in the industry by delivering cutting-edge technologies, world-class project services, and unparalleled dedication—qualities that have cemented Comact’s reputation as a market leader in high-performance, innovative solutions.”
As Comact, the company will continue to focus on what matters most to its clients: optimizing operational performance, leveraging advanced technologies, and delivering exceptional field support. Our comprehensive project services, including construction and installation, will continue without interruption.
The company has also unveiled its new brand identity and logo, which embody its customer-centric approach and the robustness and high performance of its equipment.
The company will gradually implement the new brand across all touchpoints starting now. Customers, partners, and stakeholders can expect a seamless transition with no disruption to its operations. Further details will be shared soon.
ABOUT COMACT
For over 100 years, Comact has been a leading OEM in high-caliber wood processing equipment, digital technologies, cutting solutions, project services, and aftermarket support. Driven by innovation and excellence, we are dedicated to helping our customers address their most pressing operational and business challenges in today’s industry.
Whether for brownfield or greenfield projects, Comact’s expertise provides wood processing facilities with the confidence that their investments will yield superior performance, throughput, and ROI. This ensures they remain competitive and achieve sustained growth in an ever-evolving market. Trust Comact to deliver exceptional performance every time. For more information, click here.
To read previous BID Group posts click here.
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Transformation needs flexibility: ZF invests in hybrid drivetrain technologies and introduces TraXon 2 Hybrid to further support the decarbonization of commercial vehicles
Decarbonization beyond the drivetrain: trailer and power take-off technologies also in focus
Electrification portfolio: ZF anticipates global demand
Friedrichshafen, Germany. ZF continues to lead the charge towards developing innovative technologies to make commercial vehicles more sustainable. As the industry undergoes its greatest transformation since the invention of the internal combustion engine, ZF will continue to set the pace of innovation by actively responding to customer needs with a full-flex portfolio.
The company will showcase as such during this year’s IAA Transportation in Hanover, Germany, from September 17th-22nd.
As the world’s largest component and system supplier with the broadest portfolio to the commercial vehicle industry, ZF is well positioned to provide the technical expertise, manufacturing flexibility and cross-divisional technology transfer needed to provide cost-effective solutions. ZF anticipates that customer demand for e-mobility to grow over the next few years.
Hybrid technologies
ZF is investing in hybrid drivetrain technologies as a rapid solution to reduce commercial vehicle emissions. ZF’s latest variant of its successful TraXon 2 transmission, the TraXon 2 Hybrid, is a new concept that effectively enables OEMs to incorporate hybrid technology into their existing design platforms with reduced effort and complexity. The system facilitates clean, safe and efficient mobility, while bringing total cost of ownership (TCO) benefits.
Hybrid technologies offer significant emissions reduction potential while retaining many of the advantages terms of range and refilling capabilities. With its extensive experience in developing hybrid technologies for passenger cars, ZF is able to leverage its technical and industrial capabilities to develop viable, cost-effective hybrid solutions.
Zero emissions technologies: ZF’s E-Mobility Kit
ZF’s family of next generation electric drives provides all the elements manufacturers need to electrify their vehicles. ZF’s E-Mobility Kit employs a unique modular approach, seamlessly integrating components to create a compact, lightweight and powerful system. ZF’s in-house development of key components, including inverters, e-motors, transmissions, e-actuators, and electronic control units including software, allows them to tailor e-drive solutions to the unique specifications of OEM customers across various vehicle applications.
Catering to a wide range of customer requirements, ZF’s kit includes a central drive platform – the CeTrax 2 dual and CeTrax 2 – which can slot into the same space as a conventional transmission, as well as an axle drive platform – the AxTrax 2 dual and AxTrax 2 – which sits closer to the wheels, providing greater design flexibility.
OEMs have the flexibility to use complete e-drive systems from ZF or integrate individual components, software, or subsystems. This versatility facilitates a smooth transition to electric mobility, offering electric drive solutions that can either be easily integrated into existing vehicle platforms or provide additional design flexibility to meet various applications.
Electrified Trailers
The trailer will play an increasingly significant role in helping to decarbonize road freight transport, whether hauled by an ICE or electric truck. ZF’s electric trailer concept, which integrates its in-house developed AxTrax 2 e-Axle together with its trailer EBS and battery system box into a trailer, effectively converts an ICE powered truck into a hybrid. In the case of an electric vehicle, the electric trailer concept effectively extends the vehicle’s range.
When pulled by an ICE, the technology can help reduce CO2 emissions by up to 16% through recuperation, while up to 40% with the plug-in-hybrid solution. The concept is possible thanks to the development of ZF’s latest electrified traction axle, the AxTrax 2, which was originally designed for trucks, buses and coaches. Integrating its e-mobility technologies such as the AxTrax 2 combined with ZF´s leading expertise in braking control systems demonstrates how ZF applies its technical-transfer capabilities to meet a wide range of applications effectively.
eWorX
ZF also excels in the domain of electrified power-take off solutions (ePTO). ZF’s eWorX integrates components including a 50-kW e-motor, inverter and electronic control unit with application-specific software. eWorX powers a range of equipment including hook lifters, skip loaders or loading cranes installed on electric commercial vehicles. Developed in close collaboration with OEMs and body manufacturers, the concept is proving highly successful with demand for eWorX products expected to double over the next few years.
ZF’s latest version of eWorX is integrated into the frame of the truck and uses the truck’s cooling system. The innovative design reduces installation space and allows the system to be used in a wider range of vehicle applications. Additionally, ZF will soon introduce a next generation to the ZF eWorX family with a 70 kW, 800 V, cyber security capable drive for electric power take-off solutions as well as a multifunctional, bidirectional I/O device to power applications on electrified commercial vehicles.
Photo: World premiere: Speeding up decarbonization with the new TraXon 2 Hybrid transmission system for heavy commercial vehicles.
To read previous ZF posts click here.
Gatineau, Quebec – The Canadian Woodlands Forum flagship event, DEMO International will be moving into the Venosta, Quebec forest region later this month. DEMO International is one of North America’s largest and unique LIVE in-woods forest equipment expos. 2024 will mark the event’s 14th edition and will be taking place September 19th through 21st.
“We can’t be more thrilled to get this event off the ground.” Said National Show Manager, Mark Cusack. “The planning process has been extensive so it’s exciting to see some of the larger equipment finally start to roll in.”
Visitors can look forward to seeing over $100 million in forestry equipment and machines on display from top manufacturers and suppliers internationally. The DEMO route is over 3.2 kms long and will showcase both large- and small-scale equipment including forest harvesting, forwarding, biomass, firewood processors and more.
Registration is available now online for those interested in attending. Pre-registration is just $40+tax per person for a one-day pass (one day pass will be $60 at the door, three-day pass will be $80 at the door)
There will also be a Log Loader competition presented by Barko and Équipments Marquis. Guests wanting to test their skills will have the opportunity to compete over the 3-day event.
There will also be a 2-day technical conference in conjunction with the event held at the Delta Ottawa City Centre. Organized by the Canadian Woodlands Forum in collaboration with the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre, FP Innovations, and Université Laval, the DEMO International conference’s theme is “Adapting to New Forestry: Unlocking Innovative Solutions.” Register HERE to be part of the conference.
For complete details and updates on DEMO International, please visit the show’s website at www.demointernational.com or find the show on Facebook or Instagram.
SHOW INFORMATION
Thursday, Sept. 19: 9 am – 5 pm
Friday, Sept. 20: 9 am – 5 pm
Saturday, Sept. 21: 9 am – 4 pm
Social Media:
To read previous DEMO International posts click here.
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Ce mois, DEMO International s’installe à Vénosta, au Québec
Gatineau, Québec – L’évènement phare du Forum canadien des opérations forestières, DEMO International, prendra en charge la région forestière de Vénosta, Québec plus tard ce mois-ci. DEMO® International est l’un des salons d’équipement forestier LIVE et en forêt les plus impressionnant et uniques en Amérique du Nord. 2024 marquera la 14ème édition et se déroulera du 19 au 21 septembre.
« Nous ne pourrions pas être plus enthousiastes pour le démarrage de cet évènement. » A dit Mark Cusack, Directeur national de salon. « Le processus de planification a été long donc nous sommes ravis de voir certains des plus gros équipements commencer enfin à arriver. »
Les visiteurs peuvent s’attendre à voir plus de 100 millions de dollars en équipement de foresterie et des machines en expositions provenant de fabricants et fournisseurs au premier rang de l’industrie international. La route DEMO s’étend sur plus de 3.2 kms et présentera des équipements à petite et grande échelle, notamment pour l’abattage, la transportation, la biomasse, la transformation de bois de chauffage, etc.
Pour ceux qui sont intéressés, l’inscription en ligne est disponible maintenant . Le coût de préinscription est de 40$ + taxes par personne pour un laissez-passer d’une journée (le laissez-passer d’une journée sera 60$ à l’entrée, le laissez-passer de trois jours sera de 80$ à l’entrée).
Il y aura également une compétition de chargeuse à bois présentée par Barko et Équipments Marquis. Les invités qui souhaitent mettre leurs habiletés à l’épreuve auront l’occasion de participer à la compétition lors de l’évènement de 3 jours.
De plus, il y aura une conférence technique de deux jours précédant le salon qui se tiendra au Delta Ottawa City Centre. Organisée par le Forum canadien des forêts en collaboration avec le Centre canadien sur la fibre de bois, FP Innovations et l’Université Laval, la conférence DEMO International a pour thème « Adaptation à la nouvelle Foresterie : Débloquer des solutions innovantes ». Inscrivez-vous ICI pour participer à la conférence.
Pour obtenir tous les détails et toutes les mises à jour concernant DEMO International, veuillez consulter le site web du salon à www.demointernational.com ou retrouvez le salon sur Facebook ou Instagram.
INFORMATIONS POUR LE SALON
Jeudi le 19 sept: 9h – 17h
Vendredi le 20 sept: 9h – 17h
Samedi le 21 sept: 9h – 16h
Médias Sociaux:
As their old equipment started to lag behind what was needed for the business, Bright Wood turned to USNR’s AddVantage scanners for a solution. Bright Wood purchased eight systems with the plan to replace existing scanners and to add more locations.
The goal was to utilize the system’s AI defect programming to help reduce the amount of waste, create fewer cutbacks, and produce an overall better product for their customers.
An outdated scanning system can be severely detrimental to any facility. From slow processing time to misallocated manpower to excess waste, it can be the weak link that costs a mill thousands of dollars every year. This is exactly what led Bright Wood to search for alternative scanner options.
The AddVantage uses AI-driven defecting technology that provides industry-leading detection and classification of defects. But finding the AddVantage was just the beginning. Upgrading and refining their process has now led Bright Wood to new ventures and better product.
Read the full article here.
To read other USNR related posts click here.
New for 2024, the Timber Processing & Energy Expo will host a morning session on current panel manufacturing best practices and industry trends, Thursday, September 26.
With speakers continuing to be added, confirmed presentations include George Harmati from Westmill and Connor Easton from Raute.
In his talk, “Modernizing the Plywood and LVL Industry,” Connor Easton with Raute leads off the morning. Modernization in the plywood and LVL industry is now widely considered essential in order to stay competitive in the market.
The growing shortage of labour coupled with increasing wages and insurance premiums necessitate mills to turn to automation in order to meet their output, efficiency and budgetary goals. Raute, a global manufacturer of veneer, plywood and LVL solutions, has responded to the need by offering a greater range of automated equipment that solves these pressure points and more.
He’ll share performance features of several automated lines as well as real statistics from clients who have modernized their mills.
To read other TP&EE posts click here.