On May 21, 2021, for the first time in its history, the Arkhangelsk Region-based Onega Sawmills (Segezha Group PJSC, a subsidiary of Sistema PJSFC) has sent a high-speed container train along the Onega—Grodekovo—Ganzhou Guojigang (China) route. Sixty-two forty-foot containers, carrying a total of 2,850 cubic meters of export lumber, were shipped to the Chinese customers. Haulage is organized by Swift-Rus Ltd. Once the containers reach the border, they will be loaded onto Chinese rail cars which will take them to their destination. The transportation time will take 15–20 days, which is 4–5 times faster than by sea. The plant has further plans for the route, intending to ship two freight trains per month.
“The dispatch of the first container train to China by Onega Sawmills is an important step, which allows to switch part of the cargo traffic to direct railway communication and remove the corresponding cargo volumes from the traditional sea route through St. Petersburg”, comments Andrey Yudin, Director of Logistics of Segezha Group PJSC. “The container train to China consists of several batches of lumber for different customers at different destinations in China. This logistic scheme allows for more efficient and faster dispatch of the train from the plant. This type of transportation is also quite competitive in comparison with sea routе and can become regular“.
“The launch of container shipping is always interesting because the equipment for dispatching freight trains must be built up from scratch. And ultimately, what we get in the end is not just a whole new form of logistics for the enterprise but also, in a way, a whole new type of product, as the product cost changes, new sales models emerge, our consumer outreach expands, and our product range gets an update,” notesIlya Mezhevoy, Deputy Development Officer at Swift-Rus Ltd.
Segezha Group, an international timber holding company (a subsidiary of Sistema PJSFC), became an official partner of the VII regional qualifying competition Siberian Logger. The championship took place on 3–4 June this year in Divnogorsk, Krasnoyarsk Krai.
Divnogorsk Technical School of Forestry Technologies held the competition for logging machine operators (harvesters, forwarders, fork loaders) and wood fellers. More than 30 logging specialists took part in the competition. The Mayor of Divnogorsk expressed his gratitude to Segezha Group for providing sponsorship support for the championship.
‘Support for the Siberian Logger by major woodworking enterprises of the Krasnoyarsk Krai in tandem with the Ministry of Forestry will contribute greatly to the development of the human resources in the timber industry,’ says Olga Shirman, Head of the Forest Industry Department of the Ministry of Forestry of the Krasnoyarsk Krai. ‘Demonstrating professional skills, exchanging experience and assessing participants’ skills and competencies at the regional level all enhance the prestige of the logging industry. It also helps improve the main business processes of the industry.’
The winners of the regional competition will represent the Krasnoyarsk Krai at the VI Russian Championship ‘Logger XXI century’ this August.
It is the busiest time of the year, when forests are being regenerated by planting or seeding. This year, Stora Enso will plant a total of more than 48 million tree seedlings in Finland, Sweden, Russia and Estonia. In northern forests, the planting season is typically about 150 days long, which means that, during this year’s planting season, about 320 000 seedlings are planted every day.
Using cultivated plants and seeds, forests can grow as much as 20% faster than they would naturally. This means added value for forest owners and Stora Enso, as well as for nature and the climate. In 2020, Stora Enso invested 68 million euros in forest growth.
In 2021, Stora Enso and Tornator are, together, planting 14 million seedlings in Finland. In Sweden, where Stora Enso owns approximately 1.4 million hectares of forest and where seedlings are delivered from Stora Enso’s own nurseries, the company is planting 33 million seedlings. Russia follows, with approximately 850 000 plants in Carelia and 250 000 in Novgorod. In Estonia, Stora Enso is planting around 31 000 seedlings in private forests.
Healthy and growing forests mitigate climate change impacts, and with sustainable forest management, including planting, the role of forests in this can be enhanced further. Only growing forests absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store carbon throughout their lifetime. Carbon stays in the fibers when the tree is used in wood-based products, such as building elements, books and packaging – and it stays there even when these products are recycled.
“Planting and following forestry work are the most important climate actions that can be carried out in the forest. The more trees grow, the more they absorb carbon dioxide,” says Kari Kuusniemi, Forest Service Manager at Wood Supply Finland.
“Properly timed and implemented forest management measures increase the growth and vitality of the forest. Therefore we always strive to keep forests healthy while promoting biodiversity and other aspects of sustainable forestry. We want to ensure that our forests are fit for the future,” says Jari Suominen, Executive Vice President, Forest Division.
Delivering a Formidable Solution for Demanding Forestry Equipment
Adding two new sizes to its forestry lineup, the 73×44.00-32 and 73×50.00-32, MAXAM debut the complete range of the MS933 LOGXTRA, high flotation tire. Engineered from the inside out to provide demanding forestry equipment with a formidable solution, the MS933 delivers unparalleled performance, enhanced traction, and superior flotation in severe logging applications.
The MS933 LOGXTRA was designed with a high-strength, belt-stabilized construction to tackle the harshest terrains. Featuring the signature LOGXTRA compounding technology and manufacturing, the MS933 provides maximum protection from cuts and impacts in the toughest working environment. Additionally, the heavy-duty shoulder and sidewall allow users to take on the extreme without worrying about punctures.
Manufactured with an extra-wide footprint that delivers exceptional flotation in muddy and wet ground conditions, the MS933 increases productivity on all sites. To prevent common bead winding and mounting defects, the MS933’s bead is designed with a thick and short cross-section for added stability and strength. The cutting-edge bead package is also nylon-wrapped, allowing the MS933 to outlast alternative options in extreme conditions.
The MS933 LOGXTRA delivers maximum performance, extreme traction, and increased productivity at an undeniable value. The MS933 is available for skidder fitment in sizes to meet the needs of each application.
The Environmental Impact Assessment Delegation has granted the sawmill group Bergkvist Siljan permission to increase the production of sawn wood products at the Insjön sawmill by approximately 60%, from 400 000 to 650 000 m3 per year.
This a very positive decision, says Anders Nilsson, CEO of Bergkvist Siljan. The decision means that Bergkvist Siljan gradually will increase the production in a first phase from 400 000 to 500 000 m3 sawn wood products.
We see a significant increase in global demand of sawn wood products. The demand is driven by consumers choosing sustainable materials to a larger extent. In addition, the technology to build tall buildings in wood has developed, says Anders Nilsson.
Contacts:
Anders Nilsson, CEO Bergkvist Siljan 070 574 19 17
Ulf Bergkvist, Chairman Bergkvist Siljan 070 594 02 20
Fully automated progressive kiln for Poujoulat Group’s BF70 plant now in successful operation.
The Poujoulat Group has been producing high-quality wood fuels (pellets, firewood …) at 6 locations across Europe (3 of them in France) since 2008. At the new Bois Factory 70 in Demangevelle, the company is now using a Mühlböck progressive kiln with fully automated feed system for drying its firewood.
Besides its two production facilities for high-quality firewood in Indre and Loire, the Poujoulat Group has recently taken into operation its newest plant in Demangevelle in the North of the Departement Haut-Saône. Built on the premises of a former spinning plant, the new factory is responsible for producing high-quality beech firewood using state-of-the-art and mostly fully automated technology from renowned equipment manufactures. In the mid-term the plant is supposed to process up to 150,000 m3 of round timber from the surrounding region annually.
First fully automated progressive kiln used for drying firewood In order to maximally automate the entire production process, a progressive kiln FLOW was adapted to the drying of firewood together with Austrian drying specialist Mühlböck.
While the firewood used to be placed in the drying systems with forklifts, dried and retrieved, the entire feed and drying process is now fully automated and continuous. The firewood is transported through the drying system on a rail system in specially developed lattice boxes and optimally dried to the target moisture content of approx. 18 % in individually controlled drying zones.
Optimal solution 5 years in the making
“We informed Mühlböck about our plans for this plant several years ago,” says Plant Manager Pierre Jean Dexample. “Now, they have presented us with a system that precisely meets our requirements: A concept involving the multi-zone progressive kiln FLOW, combined with a rail transport system using lattice boxes.
”The project’s challenges lay in the special drying requirements of firewood and the high air resistance created by the logs of wood stacked in the boxes. “Separating the system into smaller drying zones and the possibility of individually equipping every zone with a matching ventilation and heating power creates an efficient and energy-optimised drying process,” report Mühlböck’s drying experts. “The newly developed progressive kiln FLOW was the perfect basis for Bois Factory 70.”
Extension decided – trust confirmed
Due to the positive experience with the drying system that was taken into service in 2020, Mühlböck received an order for yet another FLOW model progressive kiln in the Spring of 2021. With this 2nd investment tranche the plant in Demangevelle – with its some 40 staff – will contribute to the economic development of its region and create additional jobs in said region.
The fact that the company has decided to purchase a second Mühlböck drying system also shows that this system achieves and maintains the anticipated performance and consumption figures. The Austrian manufacturer is proud of the trust extended to them: “This also highlights Bois Factory 70’s satisfaction with the entire order process and Mühlböck’s after sales service.”
Canfor Corporation (TSX:CFP) is excited to announce it will invest approximately $160 million USD to build a new, state-of-the-art sawmill near DeRidder, Louisiana. The Company is pleased to be receiving significant state and local incentives in support of the project. The facility will have an annual production capacity of 250 million board feet on a two-shift basis and will directly employ about 130 people plus create significant additional indirect jobs.
The Louisiana facility will have manufacturing capacity and flexibility to produce a wide variety of highvalue wood products for our customers. Startup is expected to commence late in the third quarter of 2022.
The investment in Louisiana is in addition to the approximately $300 million of 2021 capital spending, including about $200 million for the solid wood and pulp operations in Western Canada and $100 million for the solid wood operations in the U.S. South. “We are excited to grow our operating footprint with the greenfield project in Louisiana, which will increase our production capacity and allow us to meet the growing demands of our customers. We also continue to invest significant capital in our British Columbia and U.S. South facilities to ensure we sustain our top quartile operations and strategically grow our global operating platform,” said Don Kayne, President and CEO, Canfor.
“Agribusiness remains one of our key industries for growing Louisiana’s economy, and our state offers unique advantages that attracted Canfor here,” said Governor John Bel Edwards, State of Louisiana. “This major new manufacturing project can resonate across the region’s economy in a variety of ways. We welcome plans for this foreign direct investment in Louisiana by this industry leader, and we look forward to the good jobs this project is expected to create in Beauregard Parish for the region’s skilled workforce.”
Given the decision to build a new facility in Louisiana, Canfor will not be proceeding with the greenfield project in Washington, Georgia that was previously announced on February 22, 2018.
About Canfor Corporation
Canfor is a leading integrated forest products company based in Vancouver, British Columbia (“BC”) with interests in BC, Alberta, North and South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Arkansas, as well as in Sweden with its majority acquisition of Vida Group. Canfor produces primarily softwood lumber and also owns a 54.8% interest in Canfor Pulp Products Inc., which is one of the largest global producers of market Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp and a leading producer of high performance kraft paper. Canfor shares are traded on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol CFP. For more information visit canfor.com.
Media Contact: Michelle Ward Senior Director, Communications & Government Relations (604) 661-5225 communications@canfor.com
Investor Contact: Pat Elliott Senior Vice President, Corporate Finance and Sustainability (604) 661-5441 Patrick.Elliott@canfor.com
WoodTECH21 – 3-4 August 2021, Rotorua, NEW ZEALAND Virtual Online, AUSTRALIA & INTERNATIONAL
Two years ago – over two weeks – the FIEA WoodTECH technology series achieved a record turnout of local sawmilling companies. Over 350 delegates from all major sawmilling companies in addition to leading tech providers from throughout Australasia, North America and Europe converged on Melbourne, Australia and Rotorua, New Zealand.
Two years later, after huge disruptions worldwide, WoodTECH 2021 will again be running in this region. In fact, it’s likely to be one of very few major sawmilling events run – anywhere in the world – this year.
What’s been covered?
The list is comprehensive. It’s again going to be one of the largest gatherings of sawmillers, saw-doctors and tech and equipment providers seen in two years.
This year, in addition to a raft of exciting new innovations around sawmilling and saw maintenance, a feature of this year’s event will be the number of practical workshops being given, including:
Saw guides and lubrication
Fine-tuning your circular and band saws
Making use of machine data in the mill
Real-time data collection for machine diagnosis and troubleshooting
A focus this year has also been given to one of the major constraints to increased production, how we can retain and attract younger skills into the industry. A series of presentations around new timber treatment and wood modification technologies have also been built into the event.
For a full programme of presentations and workshops planned as part of this year’s WoodTECH 2021, check out the website, www.woodtech.events.
If you have any questions about the programme or are interested in speaking, please contact Brent Apthorp on brent.apthorp@fiea.org.nz.
At the beginning of May, construction work started on the new Tschopp Holzindustrie AG sawmill in Buttisholz on the 20,000 m2 area reserved especially for the plant. If everything goes according to schedule, Switzerland’s most modern sawmill will start operations in spring 2023.
Photo: From l/r: Roland Birrer, Head of Sawmill; Daniel Tschopp, Ronald Tschopp
In the new method, trees removed by thinning are paid a trunk price based on their severity. The method has been developed to be able to optimize the value added of wood in all end product market situations.
The steepness trunk price means that the trees to be thinned are purchased as complete trunks and the price received by the forest owner is determined by the average severity of the trees to be removed. The way the logs are cut into fibers and supports does not affect the forest owner’s timber trade income.
Because the wood can be cut into suitable pieces according to need and the market situation, the price frame price is also competitive compared to traditional log-fiber pricing.
“Our forest expert uses a modern measurement tool to assess the severity of the stand and the quality of the stand. Based on this information, we determine the frame price for the stand by tree species, ” says Juha Jumppanen , Metsä Group’s Director of Timber Trade and Forest Services.
The forest owner receives from the forest expert an estimate of the average stiffness of the felled spruce trunks and pine trunks and the trunk price per cubic meter to be paid for each tree species.
“In connection with the timber trade, the forest owner also receives a table from which he can see how the cubic price changes if the steepness changes from the estimated one,” Jumppanen says.
After harvesting, the exact result measured by the harvester on the average roughness of the removed trees is obtained. If the average severity is higher than the average severity estimated by the forest expert, the price to be paid for the wood will increase and otherwise the price will decrease.
“The most common way of thinning is to remove low-quality and low-growing trees so that the best trees have room to be turned into decent logs. If heavier trees are removed during felling, it will also increase the price, ”says Jumppanen.
Until now, Metsä Group has purchased renewal stands at a fixed frame price. In them, it is easier to assess the severity of the trees to be removed than with thinnings. In regeneration felling, timber harvesting also has no effect on the average rutting of the exit, as all trunks, with the exception of thrift trees and valuable natural sites, are felled.
“We want to increase the use of frame pricing and free up interruptions so that we can optimize the value added of the frame in all end-product market situations,” says Jumppanen.
“Rigid frame pricing was piloted in the autumn of 2020, and received very good feedback from forest owners. Everyone involved was ready to sell their next thinning stock with a new pricing method. ”
The rigid frame price will be introduced in June in Metsä Group’s supply districts in Lohja, Oulu, Jyväskylä and Joensuu. It will expand to the entire country by the end of the year.
Metsä Group’s wood procurement and forest services are responsible for the services provided to Metsä Group’s parent company, Metsäliitto Cooperative, and their development. Metsäliitto Cooperative has about 100,000 forest owners, who own a total of about half of Finland’s private forests. They provide owner members with all the necessary forest management services for sustainable forestry and increasing the value of forest assets.
They source all the wood used by Metsä Group from sustainably managed forests in the Baltic Sea region, most of it from owner members in Finland. They also supply a significant amount of energy wood, bark and sawdust for further processing.
In 2020, turnover was EUR 1.8 billion employing about 840 people.
The steepness frame price means that the price received by the forest owner from the wood is determined by the average severity of the trees to be removed.
