PONSSE Opti 8 is a state-of-the-art touchscreen computer designed for PONSSE forest machines. User-friendliness, a large high-resolution display, high ergonomics in the cabin and responsiveness form the basis of the technical and visual design of the PONSSE Opti 8 computer: all factors that improve the working conditions of forest machine operators.

The new Opti 8 computer offers more power and memory than the previous version, experienced by users in faster and smoother operations. The storage capacity of the hard disk has been doubled to ensure the operation of future applications.

“The design of PONSSE Opti 8 computer focuses, above all, on its use in a demanding forest machine environment. The computer is developed by Ponsse, together with the Group’s technology company Epec. Opti 8 computers are manufactured at Epec´s production facility in Seinäjoki”, says Markku Savolainen, Ponsse Plc´s Product Manager, equipment automation. “Opti 8 allows us to make the control systems of PONSSE forest machines more user-friendly than before”, Savolainen says.

The Opti 8 computer will come as standard in PONSSE harvesters and forwarders from the beginning of 2021.

The best properties for demanding conditions

• Enables the research and development of machine information systems far into the future.
• Designed to meet the high-quality requirements of PONSSE forest machines and forest companies.
• Larger 15.6” display with first-rate brightness, resolution and viewing angle. 
• Capacitive touchscreen used as on mobile devices.
• Starts immediately, also in extreme cold.
• Windows 10 operating system

Ponsse is an active developer of information systems for forest machines. The PONSSE Opti product range consists of machine control and measuring device systems for harvesters, forwarders and track-based applications.

Epec Oy is a system supplier that specialises in smart machine control systems and advanced electronics for electric machines. Epec Oy is responsible for the production planning and manufacturing of the Opti 8 computer. Epec Oy is a subsidiary of Ponsse Plc.

For the third year in succession, Ponsse has been selected as the most reputable company in Finland in the annual Reputation &Trust survey. In the top three, Ponsse was followed by game development company Supercell, while Fazer came in third. A total of 8,974 Finns participated in the survey.

“Ponsse has succeeded in maintaining its first place, and even in increasing its reputation during this challenging year. Ponsse received the highest individual score in the vital areas of leadership and modernisation. Especially during the coronavirus crisis, there is a demand for an ability to lead and modernise,” says Harri Leinikka, CEO of T-Media, which conducted the survey. The Reputation&Trust survey identifies the reputation of companies by analysing the greater public’s impressions of them in different dimensions.

Jarmo Vidgrén, Chairman of Ponsse’s Board of Directors, appreciates this year’s recognition more than ever. “This year has been challenging for us as well, and we humbly accept this recognition. We have succeeded together, for which I would like to thank our customers and employees as well as their families, and our stakeholders. Ponsse’s 50th anniversary has not gone as planned, and it feels great that we can thank everyone for our shared successes through this recognition too,” said Jarmo Vidgren, Chairman of Ponsse Plc’s Board of Directors at the award ceremony.

T-Media found this year’s survey extremely interesting due to the exceptional circumstances caused by the coronavirus situation. “Companies were forced to rapidly adapt to unexpected changes in their operating environments, and the spread of the pandemic has affected people’s expectations of companies.”

Reputation&Trust survey
The results are based on the Reputation&Trust survey, carried out in the summer of 2020 with the goal of investigating the reputation of companies operating in Finland among the general public. A total of 8,974 Finns responded to the survey, providing a total of 19,110 company evaluations.

The published most and least reputable companies were selected for the survey based on a preliminary study carried out in April 2020. In the preliminary study, 1,064 Finns spontaneously named two companies which they thought had a particularly good reputation and two that had a particularly poor reputation. The thirty most frequently mentioned companies were carefully studied with the Reputation&Trust model, in which the reputation score of a company is formed as the average of eight different dimensions: governance, financial performance, leadership, innovation, dialogue, products and services, workplace, and responsibility.

The survey’s target group consisted of Finns between 15 and 65 years of age. The sample has been weighted to be representative in terms of gender, age and the area where people live.

Vieremä, 22 October 2020
PONSSE PLC

FURTHER INFORMATION:
Jarmo Vidgren
Chairman of Ponsse’s Board of Directors
tel. +358 40 519 1486

The 16,000th PONSSE forest machine was completed in the end of September at Ponsse’s factory in Vieremä, Finland. The PONSSE Ergo harvester delivered to Celulose Nipo-Brasileira S.A. (CENIBRA) will operate at eucalyptus plantations in Brazil to meet the needs of local pulp production.

“Ponsse has worked in close cooperation with Cenibra since 2014 in extremely difficult slope conditions in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. This cooperation has given our R&D valuable information about wood harvesting needs in steep slope conditions. As a result of this co-operation we have been able to develop our products to meet the customer´s needs even better. I would like to thank Cenibra for the excellent partnership so far. I would also like to thank Ponsse personnel that have made all this possible in Brazil,” says Marko Mattila, Sales, Service and Marketing Director, Ponsse Plc

PONSSE ERGO HARVESTER FOR DEMANDING SLOPE CONDITIONS
PONSSE Ergo is the best-selling Ponsse forest machine globally. The eight-wheeled Ergo to be delivered to Cenibra in Brazil is equipped with a PONSSE C5 crane, a PONSSE H7 Euca harvester head and the PONSSE Synchrowinch solution. The machine is a powerful combination, enabling sustainable and effective harvesting in demanding slope environments.

PONSSE FULL SERVICE
“The PONSSE Full-Service concept is very well linked to our view to be close to our customers and develop our products together with our customers. We have developed strong PONSSE Full-Service concept for Brazil based on our customers feedback and internal benchmarking with Ponsse´s Uruguay, Russia and China operations, says Fernando Campos, Managing Director of Ponsse Latin America.

“Ponsse established a subsidiary in Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil, in 2006. Our team in Brazil consists of 248 people divided between five different locations in the country. During 2021, we will double our staff in Brazil with the new Full-Service agreement.  I would like to thank our customers for their confidence and loyalty, and special thanks to our local team,” Campos continues.

50 YEARS OF CTL SUCCESS
16,000^th forest machine was completed during Ponsse’s 50th anniversary. Ponsse has always worked together with its customers to develop the best forest machines in the world. The world’s best forest machines and supporting services are not only the more effective, flexible and reliable option, but also a powerful combination, enabling sustainable harvesting all over the world. We have dedicated five decades to the manufacturing, sale, maintenance and R&D of effective and environmentally friendly cut-to-length (CTL) forest machines.

For future information, please contact:
Marko Mattila, Sales, Service and Marketing Director, Ponsse Plc,
Tel. +358 40 0596297, marko.mattila@ponsse.com

Fernando Campos, Managing Director, Ponsse Latin America, Brazil
Tel.  +55 11 99425.8152, fernando.campos@ponsse.com

Resolute Forest Products Inc. (NYSE: RFP) (TSX: RFP) has announced that after a 39-year distinguished career with Resolute, Yves Laflamme will be stepping down, and retiring, as of March 1, 2021. The board of directors has unanimously selected and appointed Remi G. Lalonde as the company’s next president and chief executive officer, effective on the same date.  Mr. Lalonde, 44, currently serves as senior vice president and chief financial officer. Upon becoming president and CEO, Mr. Lalonde will be appointed to Resolute’s board of directors. The announcement today coincides with Resolute’s third quarter 2020 results.

“The Resolute board of directors enthusiastically supports Remi Lalonde’s selection as the company’s next president and CEO. He has an outstanding track record of success as well as strength of character and exemplary personal integrity. Remi’s superior leadership skills demonstrated on a range of strategic initiatives have consistently impressed the board,” stated Bradley P. Martin, chairman of the board of directors. “Remi has very good relationships with our stakeholders, sharp analytical skills, impressive credentials, and a strong business drive. We are confident he will guide the company through its ongoing strategic transformation, delivering improved shareholder value. Remi is the right person at the right time for Resolute.”

As president and CEO, Yves Laflamme advanced Resolute’s strategic transformation, divesting non-core assets and using the proceeds for debt repayment, organic growth in the company’s pulp business, and acquisition of three sawmills in the southern United States. Recent results in Resolute’s tissue business reflect Mr. Laflamme’s commitment to continuous improvement. He has been a steadfast supporter in the development of internal talent, building a strong crop of future company leaders. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Laflamme has guided the company in exceedingly difficult times while generously supporting the communities in which employees work and live. Mr. Laflamme invested in the development of sustainable biomaterials, highlighting the added value Resolute brings to fiber. He has also remained committed to expansion of the company’s state-of-the-art Toundra Greenhouse joint venture, doubling its future production capacity. Mr. Laflamme is expected to continue to support the company and Mr. Lalonde in an advisory capacity after March 1, 2021, working on specific mandates.

“The board of directors express their appreciation to Yves Laflamme for a job well done. Yves reinforced Resolute’s vision and values, focusing on safety, sustainability, profitability, accountability and teamwork. His commitment to continuous improvement, particularly in the area of costs, serves as a model to the entire organization, including the company’s leadership team and board,” added Mr. Martin. “His leadership of Resolute and support of our operating communities set the foundation for shared prosperity. Yves’ unwavering commitment to workplace safety and environmental stewardship earned Resolute extensive North American and global recognition.”

“I am honored to succeed Yves Laflamme as Resolute’s next president and CEO,” said Remi Lalonde. “I first want to thank the board and our shareholders for their confidence in offering me the opportunity to assume the leadership of this company. I also want to thank Yves for his support and guidance. In my capacity as CFO, I am fortunate to work in partnership with Yves, and I sincerely appreciate the trust he has placed in me with important projects and the leadership role he has had me play in our overall development. I wholeheartedly believe that Resolute has a bright future. I am excited to lead this talented team of 7,000+ dedicated people as we accelerate the evolution of our business to generate long-term value for our shareholders and to drive sustainable economic activity in the communities where we operate. The road ahead is certainly not without its obstacles, which will require some tough decisions, but we are up to the challenge. I am confident Resolute’s culture, one of dedication, rigor, teamwork and setting high expectations, is exactly what we need to build on our progress.”

Mr. Lalonde has been with Resolute for 11 years, rising through a series of successive roles in corporate, manufacturing and senior leadership. He has been serving as the company’s senior vice president and chief financial officer since November 2018, after serving briefly as vice president for strategy, M&A, business development and procurement. Before then he was general manager for two and a half years at Resolute’s Thunder Bay, Ontario, pulp, paper and power complex. He initially joined the company as senior counsel, securities in 2009, and took on the additional role of vice president, investor relations in 2011. In 2014, Mr. Lalonde was appointed vice president and treasurer, before moving into operations in Thunder Bay in early 2016. He began his legal career at the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell LLP in New York City as an associate in the financial institutions and corporate & finance groups, where he worked for over six years. He graduated with a bachelor of laws from the University of Ottawa in 2003 and a bachelor of applied sciences in civil engineering from the University of Ottawa in 1999. Mr. Lalonde has led a number of important mandates for the company, and has represented Resolute in major negotiations with governments, private counterparties, unions and stakeholders. He is admitted to practice law in New York and Ontario.

“Remi represents the best of our Resolute culture; he works hard, welcomes collaboration and ideas of others, and believes in truly sustainable outcomes,” said Yves Laflamme. “Remi consistently delivers superior results. He grew rapidly within the Resolute ranks, taking on one challenge after another, and each and every time, he hit the ball out of the park. As we pass the baton, I am pleased for Remi and for the entire Resolute organization who will benefit from his capable stewardship and drive to succeed.”

About Resolute Forest Products
Resolute Forest Products is a global leader in the forest products industry with a diverse range of products, including market pulp, tissue, wood products and papers, which are marketed in close to 70 countries. The company owns or operates some 40 facilities, as well as power generation assets, in the United States and Canada. Resolute has third-party certified 100% of its managed woodlands to internationally recognized sustainable forest management standards. The shares of Resolute Forest Products trade under the stock symbol RFP on both the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange.

For further information:
Contacts: Investors: Marianne Limoges, Treasurer and Vice President, Investor Relations, 514 394-2217, ir@resolutefp.com;
Media and Others: Seth Kursman, Vice President, Corporate Communications, Sustainability and Government Affairs, 514 394-2398, seth.kursman@resolutefp.com

Lignia Wood Company has signed a distribution agreement with Australian timber experts Hurford Wholesale, who will be distributing LIGNIA products to the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Neil Ryan, CEO of Lignia Wood Company said: “Lignia continues to go from strength to strength across the globe and we are now delighted to welcome Hurfords as a world-class distributor and partner of Lignia for Australasia. Hurfords has a track record of success going back nearly 90 years and an expertise that will help us take Lignia into a bright future, especially as they are close to the end users and can therefore provide solutions for specific projects.”

Hurfords was established in 1932 and is a leading Australian third-generation family business dedicated to the native hardwood timber industry. With its HQ in Stapylton in Queensland, it covers the entire supply chain from the management and harvesting of forest resources, processing, manufacturing, sales, and distribution of wood products in Australia and around the world.

Lignia Wood Company produces modified timber at its base in Barry, Wales. It uses real softwood from responsibly sourced FSC® certified plantations which is then modified through a unique process.

Main Image: Hurford’s main site in Stapylton, QLD, Australia (© Hurford’s)

Weyerhaeuser Company reported 3Q 2020 net earnings of $283 million, or 38 cents per diluted share, on net sales of $2.1 billion. This compares with net earnings of $99 million, or 13 cents per diluted share, on net sales of $1.7 billion for the same period last year.

3Q 2020 results include after-tax charges of $103 million for special items, primarily a non-cash timber casualty loss associated with Oregon fire damage. Excluding special items, the company reported 3Q net earnings of $386 million, or 52 cents per diluted share. This compares with net earnings before special items of $59 million for the same period last year and $77 million for the 2Q 2020.

Adjusted EBITDA for the 3Q 2020 was $745 million compared with $308 million for the same period last year and $386 million for the 2Q 2020.

“In the 3Q, each of our businesses delivered outstanding operational and financial results despite disruptions from severe weather, unprecedented forest fires and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” said Devin W. Stockfish, president and CEO. “We achieved record Wood Products Adjusted EBITDA, surpassing the previous high by nearly 60%. In addition, we redeemed $325 million of debt maturities and announced transactions to strategically upgrade our Oregon timberland holdings.”

Weyerhaeuser Company, one of the world’s largest private owners of timberlands, began operations in 1900. The company owns or controls approximately 11 million acres of timberlands in the U.S. and manages additional timberlands under long-term licenses in Canada.

The wood industry company Setra has entered into an agreement regarding the sale of Rolf’s sawmill in Kalix to Stockhult Holding. Stockhult is, among other things, the owner of a sawmill in Glommersträsk and intends to resume operations in Rolf’s sawmill.

In 2019, Setra closed down the sawmill operations in Rolfs. The company has now entered into an agreement with Stockhult Holding for a sale of the facility. Stockhult owns, among other things, a sawmill in Glommersträsk and intends to resume operations gradually in Rolfs.

– It is gratifying that we have found a buyer of Rolf’s saw who intends to run a business. We wish them all the best with the continued work, says Katarina Levin, Setra’s CEO.

– We are pleased to be able to supplement and expand our sawmill business through the purchase of Rolf’s sawmill, says Paul Björnsson, owner representative Stockhult Holding.

For further information, please contact:
Katarina Levin, President and CEO, telephone 08-705 03 10, mobile 070-594 92 54
Paul Björnsson, owner representative Stockhult Holding, mobile 070-23 777 59, e-mail paul.bjornsson@stockhult.com

Waratah Forestry Equipment has debuted a new model configuration of the HTH623C harvester head. The new HTH623C loader processor (LP) features a wide delimb opening for increased productivity while its short tilt frame improves reach for higher deck piles, making it more maneuverable and ideal for tight spaces.

“The HTH623C LP takes great features of the HTH623C harvester head and expands on those for loading and processing applications,” said Brent Fisher, product marketing manager for Waratah. “With a shorter tilt frame and a larger maximum delimb opening, the HTH623C LP delivers the productivity and efficiency Waratah customers have come to expect from each new innovation.”

Extra efficiency
One of the biggest differences from the HTH623C harvester head is the large delimb opening on the HTH623C LP, which allows for multiple logs. The maximum delimb opening on the new configuration is 939 mm (37 in.), which is 239 mm (9 in.) larger than the HTH623C’s opening. The new short tilt frame allows for better log control along with more flexibility working on high decks or sloped piles, and with the advantage of grabbing multiple logs, operators can clear the yarder chute or shovel more efficiently.

“The 623C LP is more stable and allows me to quickly get in and out of a pile when processing and loading,” said Jake Dailey, operator at C&C Logging in Kelso, Washington.

The larger delimb opening can also manipulate larger single logs. This increased efficiency helps operators quickly clear the chute and load trucks. As a stand-alone option, the wide opening delimb arms can also help improve log deck picking.

Workhorse in tight spaces
With a weight of 3,140 kg (6,923 lb.), the HTH623C LP is a multi-use tool for those working in tight spaces. When a landing doesn’t have the space for multiple pieces of equipment, the HTH623C LP is the right head for the job. The new configuration features a shorter tilt frame, which permits efficient loading of trucks, improved reach for higher deck piles and more compatibility with live heels – all while maintaining easy access to hoses and valve.

“With more than 45 years of innovation in the forestry industry, Waratah understands what customers need for their worksites,” Fisher said. “The HTH623C LP is another example of the Waratah team’s creativity in delivering the best machines.”

The Waratah HTH623C LP is currently available to customers in Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Asia Pacific, Brazil and Latin America.

For more information about Waratah, please visit Waratah.com or contact Sarah Larson at slarson@mindfirecomm.com.

Waratah Forestry Equipment has introduced two new models to its 200 Series line: the H219 and H219X harvester heads. Primarily built for late thinning or final felling, the new models have a variety of features for added uptime in harvesting, processing and debarking applications.

“The robust Waratah H219 and H219X heads define high capacity two-roller productivity,” said Brent Fisher, product marketing manager for Waratah. “Whether you’re in final felling or variable diameter late thinning in mixed stands, crooked hardwood or debarking applications, the new models deliver versatility with durability, performance and serviceability features our customers expect.”

Punched-up productivity
The H219, weighing in at 1,970 kg (4,343 lb.), or the H219X, at 2,050 kg (4,519 lb.), can efficiently handle large-size wood in final felling or late thinning applications – including hardwood or softwood – and eucalyptus debarking. The narrow head design lends itself to improved visibility in thinning applications, while the two-roller geometry design provides excellent handling of variable diameters and challenging tree forms up to 750 mm (29.5 in.) in diameter.

Available configuration options promote productivity in processing applications. These include longer upper-delimb arms, top saw and find-end sensor, which are available for faster processing of logs from the ground. Furthermore, the new length measuring unit has improved geometry and consistency for more precise measurements – reducing measuring loss and reversals.

Additionally, the H219 and H219X are equipped with the new SuperCut 100S saw unit which features new improvements to usability and serviceability. One highlight of the SuperCut 100S is the improved chain tensioning system, which extends saw bar and tip life while reducing chain jump-off. The saw also has new mechanical bar locking – making saw chain changes easier and providing more flexibility for motor sizing and wide-tail saw bars for broader application suitability.

“The H219 and H219X are such great heads for large wheeled or tracked machines – handling so many different large diameter applications,” Fisher said. “With their versatility and power, these really are great heads for tackling the tough jobs.”

Dependable durability
With uptime being critical to any operation, the H219 and H219X have a variety of improved features that enhance durability. The configurations include new optional HD feed roller guards for durability in thick understory or rough terrain. A heavy-duty (HD) tilt frame option is available for tracked applications, and it is standard on the H219X.

Improved hose routing along with new guarding protection on both the exterior and underside of the head help extend hose life. The new configuration helps reduce limb interference with hoses, cylinder and motor fittings, while feed motors have new anti-cavitation protection.

Likewise, the optional top saw now has a more integrated design improving durability and serviceability. The new design features guarding on the underside to keep splinters and debris away.

Additionally, the new measuring arm design features a larger cylinder and pins, higher contact force and increased shock resistance while a larger and more aggressive measuring wheel expertly handles trees with thick bark.

Increased uptime
Simplified servicing extends operational time to increase productivity on the job. Highlights of the H219 and H219X include a new valve cover and more easily accessible service points for quicker access – reducing servicing time.

Likewise, new hose bulk-heads improve access with hose connections externally accessible for quick changeouts.

The Waratah H219 and H219X are currently available to customers in Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Asia Pacific.