All posts by Jo English

Stiga RM

Latvia’s Stiga Rm Plans To Expand Birch Plywood Production At Its Kuldīga Mill

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Stiga RM, one of Latvia’s leading timber companies, will significantly expand its birch plywood mill this year, adding production space of 2,900 square metres, and will further modernise it with new, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly equipment. Total investment in productivity and product quality promotion projects will exceed EUR 10.5 million this year.

The office building on the territory of the production plant will be dismantled this spring and replaced with a heat treatment pool with equipment. At the same time, work is underway to rebuild and expand the production site, build another production building, create a repair base for production machinery, and establish new office space to provide a more comfortable and pleasant working environment for employees. The development projects will significantly increase production capacity and promote energy efficiency while continuing to introduce sustainable operating principles into the production process.

“The rebuilding of the production building and the expansion of the production area are planned in two phases, this is an ambitious project that has been underway since last year. The modernisation activities started last year and the installation of new equipment using solutions from the world’s leading equipment manufacturers will continue throughout this year and will make the production process even more powerful, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly,” says Viesturs Krēvics, Director of Stiga RM Plywood Mill.

The construction of the boiler house is now nearing completion, with the installation of a new 12 MW Polytechnik boiler for steam production, which is necessary for the technological process and allows the use of lower-quality wood chips and bark from production residues. Polytechnik is an Austrian company; a leader in sustainable and CO2 neutral energy solutions.

Alongside the modernisation of the boiler house, the installation of a wood chipper and conveyors for processing wood residues, as well as a filling line, continues. A conveyor system for internal logistics is being developed and a Raute dryer sorting line equipped with Mecano cameras with computer vision functionality is being installed, optimising quality assessment and sorting processes. Upgrades are also expected for several other pieces of equipment and production lines before the end of the year.

The total cost of the Stiga RM plywood production plant development project will exceed EUR 22.4 million over two years. It started at the beginning of last year and will run until the end of this year, significantly increasing production volumes and export amounts.

The development of the factory will also create new jobs for highly skilled engineering professionals. The factory currently offers 278 well-paid jobs, and the number of positions is expected to grow after the completion of the expansion projects. In 2023, Stiga RM was Kuldīga’s largest employer and taxpayer.

 

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The European Panel Federation (EPF)

Pablo Figueroa López Succeeds Martin Brettenthaler As Chairman Of The European Panel Federation

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The European Panel Federation (EPF) announces the appointment of Pablo Figueroa López as its new Chairman, succeeding Martin Brettenthaler. On Wednesday 20 March, Mr Brettenthaler officially concluded his tenure as Chairman, intertwined with his previous role as SWISS KRONO Group CEO, leaving behind a legacy of transformative leadership and dedication to the industry.

Throughout his mandate, Martin Brettenthaler played a central role in steering EPF towards strategic development and impactful advocacy. Under his leadership, EPF expanded its strategic priorities, fostered inclusivity within the Managing Board, and above all actively engaged with policymakers and industry stakeholders to champion the collective interests of its members.

Reflecting on his departure, Mr Brettenthaler stated: “I am heartened by the progress we have made together in positioning our wood-based panel sector as a role model industry that will play a pivotal role in fighting climate change in European building. I wish my successor Pablo Figueroa wisdom and success in leading this important European trade organisation”.

Pablo Figueroa López will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role as Chairman of EPF. With an academic background in Economics (University of Santiago de Compostela, London Business School (LBS)) and leadership roles related to Exports, Markets and Sales at FINSA, and as a respected leader with the wood-based panel industry, Mr Figueroa López is eager to build upon EPF’s achievements and lead the federation towards a strong future.

In his inaugural statement, the new EPF Chairman expressed his commitment to advancing EPF’s strategic directions and strengthening its position as a key advocate for the industry: “I am honoured to assume this new role and look forward to further working closely with the Board and connecting with relevant stakeholders to drive sustainable growth, modernity, and innovation within the wood-based panel sector”.

 

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ANDRITZ

ANDRITZ to supply a pressurized refining system for production of sustainable insulation to Switzerland

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International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from Lignatherm AG to supply a pressurized refining system for a new insulation board production plant in Küssnacht am Rigi, Switzerland

This greenfield plant will use exclusively wood chips from local forests to produce eco-friendly insulation board.

Tobias Osterwalder, Bereichsleiter Weiterverarbeitung, Lignatherm AG, says: “’We are looking forward to offering insulation based entirely on natural building materials that bind CO2. This will significantly enhance our product range. Having an experienced partner like ANDRITZ on our side is crucial to making this important project a success.”

The new line, with a capacity of 10 bdmt/h, will comprise a pressurized refining system with a 44-1C(P) single-disc refiner and a pressurized digester with counter flow and steam regulation including a C-feeder at its core. A 14” ANDRITZ plug screw feeder will ensure excellent dewatering leading to improved fiber quality at reduced electrical and thermal energy consumption.

ANDRITZ will also be responsible for supervision of erection, commissioning, and start-up. The new production line is scheduled to commence operations in the third quarter of 2025.

With a track record of supplying 16 fiber preparation systems for insulation material production, this order further strengthens ANDRITZ’s position as a leading supplier to the global insulation board industry.

Lignatherm is a subsidiary of Schilliger Holz AG, a company operating sawmills and wood processing plants at three locations in Switzerland and France. The company’s products primarily serve the construction and packaging industry in Switzerland, France, and Italy.

International technology group ANDRITZ offers a broad portfolio of innovative plants, equipment, systems, services and digital solutions for a wide range of industries and end markets.

Photo: ANDRITZ 1CP single-disc refiner for superior fibre quality at reduced energy consumption
© ANDRITZ

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MiCROTEC’s Cutting-Edge Technology Across North America

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In the upcoming months, MiCROTEC is excited to showcase its latest technology at several conferences across North America. The journey begins with BC Council of Forest Industries’ Convention April 10-12 in in Vancouver, Canada, where you can find MiCROTEC’s solutions at booth 13, from log to final product.
In June, you can discover our Goldeneye and Lucidyne solutions for softwood at the Mississippi Lumber Manufacturers Association’s Annual Convention in Mississippi, June 20-23.
Another chance to learn more about MiCROTEC’s softwood solutions awaits in Marco Island, FL, at the Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association’s Annual Convention July 21-25. Take the opportunity to find out more about CT Log, Goldeneye, Lucidyne and Logeye Stereo.
Meet the MiCROTEC team on the following dates to discuss the newest innovations in scanning and optimization solutions.
COFI – Vancouver, CAN – April 10-12
MLMA – Mississippi, USA – June 20-23
SLMA – Marco Island, USA – July 21-25

forestry sector

Women in the Brazilian Forestry Sector

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By Fernanda Abíli,  Executive director Florestar São Paulo

My first professional experiences related to the forestry sector occurred during the early years of college, in the internship period. I was 18 years old, and I quickly realized that it wouldn’t be easy, starting with the commute to the workplace. Harassment was present on the bus, on the subway. I also had the opportunity to intern outside of Brazil, in the United States. And there, it was no different. Being a young woman, different from the profile of others in the same environment, seemed to condone any inappropriate behavior from colleagues.

Now, I am completing 15 years in the forestry market, and what I can confirm is that these instances of prejudice and harassment do not reflect the stance of a particular company or region but rather of individuals. I also perceive that this is something that is becoming a thing of the past. Today, we see female executives not only in the forestry sector but also in other areas. As the new generations take on leadership roles, the environment becomes more inclusive. Men assist women in combating harassment, understanding that opportunities should be given equally.

When I entered college, my class was almost 50% male and 50% female. However, in the workplace throughout my career, on average, only 5% were women, with rare exceptions in leadership positions.

Over the years, we have witnessed changes. We see women taking on roles of greater responsibility with great competence. I feel well-represented by the women who are reaching these positions. I feel honored, as a woman, to be in the executive direction of the Paulista Association of Producers, Suppliers, and Consumers of Planted Forests, an entity that brings together 11 important companies in the sector in São Paulo.

I can mention other women who are doing fantastic work, such as Tatiana Kalman, Senior Vice President and General Manager in Latin America at Sylvamo; Mariana Lisboa, responsible for the Corporate Relations department at Suzano and also president of the Bahian Association of Forest-Based Companies; Adriana Maugeri, CEO of the Minas Gerais Forestry Industry Association.

According to the Gender Panorama report from the Forestry Women’s Network, in 2021, only 4% of women held leadership positions in the Brazilian forestry sector. Last year, this number increased to 7%.

In an ideal scenario, the issue of gender equity wouldn’t need to be discussed. It could be something natural, where recruitment and decisions are made based on the professional and technical capacity of each person, regardless of gender. Questions directed at women about marriage, children, or family dynamics wouldn’t need to be part of a selection interview.

Much is changing, and women entering the workforce now find an environment less tainted than previous generations encountered. The persistence of women (and men) in seeking equality is yielding results, and I am optimistic that this will continue to evolve.

photo: Fernanda Abílio  Executive director Florestar São Paulo

 

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economic impact

Nova Scotia’s forestry sector generates $1.8 Billion in economic impact

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In 2022, Nova Scotia’s forestry sector generated $1.8 billion in economic impact, according to a new report authored by Gardner Pinfold.

The Forestry Economic Task Force – a collaboration of forestry sector stakeholders whose purpose is to design and implement a strategic economic roadmap for Nova Scotia,  commissioned the report with funding from the Forestry Innovation Transition Trust.

“Even after all the challenges our sector faced, it generates nearly $2 billion of economic impact every year,” said Forest Nova Scotia executive director Stephen Moore. “This shows that the forestry sector is still part of Nova Scotia’s engine.”

“We can generate this kind of economic impact while being the province’s greenest sector – we take more carbon out of the environment than we emit.”

Forestry employs over 6,400 Nova Scotians – 2,700 direct full-time positions and 3,700 spinoff jobs, including about 900 in wood supply and support services. These jobs generate $380 million in income:

  • The direct employees at the mills are well-paid, with an average income of $66,500.
  • The average income for those employed in indirect activities, including forestry and support services, is $58,200.
  • Nova Scotia’s average income is just over $43,000.

Additionally, the sector generates $171 million in tax revenue for the provincial and federal governments – $84 million provincially and $87 million federally.

“We employ thousands of people and pay them well above the provincial average,” said Moore. “The average pay cheque is $43,000 in Nova Scotia. We pay as much as 54 percent more than that.”

Northern Pulps’s closure in 2020 carried a substantial impact, resulting in multiple cases of job loss and financial hardship to those most closely tied to the mill’s operation.

“The closure of Northern Pulp was hard on many forestry families,” said Moore. “It also cost people their jobs, families their livelihoods, and the province revenue.”

Between 2018 and 2022, the sector’s GDP declined by 15 percent, exports by 18 percent, and employment by 14 percent.

“500 families lost their jobs and income because of the mill’s closure,” said Moore.

The Forestry Economic Task Force has created an economic roadmap that looks to sustain and unlock the significant growth potential of the forestry sector.

“We believe the forestry sector has immense potential for sustainable growth,” said the Forestry Economic Task Force executive director Harvey Gray. “Building upon the strength of our foundational manufacturing segments and supply chain, we are focused on finding and capitalizing on growth opportunities that will create green jobs and prosperity for generations.”

“An economic contribution that approaches $3 billion annually is within reach.”

The task force has identified several opportunities, including:

  • The replacement of petroleum-based products with wood-based products, including bio-fuels, bio-chemicals, and bio-coal, and
  • The expansion of residential, commercial, and industrial construction using mass timber

 

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Carbotech group

Carbotech Group grows with the acquisition of Sawquip

Acquisitions

Carbotech Group recently expanded its business with the acquisition of the Sawquip, a manufacturing company specializing in the design and manufacture of sawmill equipment for the primary and secondary breakdown of logs into lumber. Carbotech Group plans to further broaden its expand with the fresh inclusion of the range of products that came with the integration of the Sawquip’s products and services into its own.

An enhnaced product range

Sawquip’s innovative products include log turners and optimized log infeeds, chipping canters, twin and quad circular saw modules, as well as positive cant turners to allow for controlled curve sawing, among others. This strategic step of acquisition by Carbotech Group allows addition of new field of expertise, providing customers with innovative new solutions for lumber production.

To standardize procedures and presentation, Sawquip equipment will now be part of the Carbotech brand.

“Uniting Sawquip’s knowledge and products with our own will strengthen our expertise and allow us to expand our log solutions,” says Luc Houde, Executive Vice President of the Carbotech Group.

High-quality expertise

Sawquip has 35 years of experience and is a North American pioneer in the manufacture of curve sawing equipment. Carbotech’s facilities in Plessisville, Quebec will now help to manufacture the equipment for Sawquip. To ensure the continuity of this proven expertise, Carbotech Group has also appointed Pierre Lafond, Carbotech’s Vice President, Operations, to lead the transition and integration. Mr. Lafond already has extensive experience in manufacturing equipment similar to that produced by Sawquip. After-sales service and support will also be provided by Carbotech’s dedicated team.

“We are delighted to have concluded this transaction, which will undoubtedly result in a winning synergy that will drive Carbotech Group’s continued growth. On our end, this sale will allow us to devote 100% of our resources to Cardinal’s development and activities,” mentions Pascal Labranche, President of former Sawquip owner Équipements Cardinal Inc.

Carbotech Group

Carbotech Group was born of Carbotech’s acquisition of Autolog. Along with their new plant in the southern United States, the two specialists in their fields boast over 70 years of experience in comprehensive sawmill solutions for the wood industry.

Left: Luc Houde Vice-président exécutif chez Carbotech Right: Pierre Lafond Vice President Operations at Carbotech International

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MiCROTEC

MiCROTEC presents its best at EUROBOIS – Booth 5E36

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MiCROTEC is presenting its best at the ongoing EUROBOIS. The company is present at booth 5E36 from February 6-9. MiCROTEC is presenting its wide multi-sensor quality scanner for softwood (Goldeneye) and hardwood (Woodeye).

Goldeneye is one of the trusted multi-sensor quality scanner for softwood. The Goldeneye multi-sensor quality scanner family allows one to recognize wood features and defects reliably and accurately to automate, streamline and optimize your production. Combining lasers, cameras, X-ray technology, and Artificial Intelligence increases yield and achieves the most accurate scanning results assuring high and constant quality.

Woodeye that is also displayed in the ongoing event is the other trusted multi-sensor quality scanner for hardwood. Woodeye recognises wood defects reliably and accurately in order to automate, streamline and optimise production. The grading and optimising software considers customer specific grading, chopping and sorting rules to increase yield and final product quality.

Visitors can also experience MiCROTEC’s revolutionary Logeye Stereo stereoscopic imaging system and our quality control tool QC Assist.

Logeye Stereo is a revolutionary transverse stereoscopic real-shape scanner for logsMiCROTEC’s Logeye Stereo stereoscopic imaging system is the only worldwide scanner that provides a full 360-degree scan of a log as it’s rolling into your Carriage, Headrig, End Dogger, or from a transverse to lineal conveyor. Since the scanning takes place as it’s transferred into the position, the log is already fully optimised and ready for sawing the instant it is dogged or sent through a sawline.

QC Assist is a Quality control tool to maximize grading accuracy & recovery. QC Assist lumber evaluation and reporting system supports overall grading performance by improving the efficiency and quality of lumber evaluations. QC Assist’s software provides seamless communication with the scanner system from anywhere in the scanner’s vicinity, allowing users to easily verify and document boards of interest during the QC process.

The specialised sales team is present at the booth to initiate interesting conversations about scanning and optimising solutions. MiCROTEC is making the best use of the opportunity to come closer to its customers while rendering more insights to all.

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Janne Loponen

Janne Loponen has been appointed Managing Director of Ponsse Latin America Ltda.

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Managing Director of Ponsse Latin America Ltda, Ponsse’s subsidiary in Brazil, is changing. Janne Loponen has been appointed as new Managing Director of Ponsse Latin America Ltda. starting from February 1, 2024.

Janne Loponen’s location will be in Brazil, and he will report to Marko Mattila, Chief Sales, Service & Marketing Officer of the Ponsse Group. Former Managing Director of Ponsse Latin America Ltda, Fernando Campos Passos, has served as the Managing Director since 2018.

Janne has extensive international experience within the Ponsse Group since 2002. He has held various aftermarket positions in Finland, France, China, the United States and Brazil. Loponen transfers to his new position from his current role as Product Manager for harvester heads and forwarders, which he has held since 2016 located in Brazil.

Janne Loponen will assume his new role immediately. Fernando Campos Passos will support the transition of responsibilities to Janne Loponen in the coming months, and his next steps will be announced later. We thank Fernando Campos Passos for his work in leading Ponsse Latin America and wish Janne Loponen success in his new role.

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Hammermill

Bandit Industries announces a new Hammermill horizontal grinder!

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With considerable research and collaboration, the Bandit team brings the HM6420 hammermill grinder to market.

This highly productive 40” capacity grinder is designed and manufactured to be an alternative solution for those grinding applications that may contain contaminants. A Caterpillar C32, 1,200 horsepower engine provides ample torque and horsepower for optimal machine performance and productivity.

The heart of the HM6420 is a 50” diameter x 66” wide hammermill. The heavy-duty mill features a 1.75” drum skin custom formed from rolled plate. The mill is supported by a 7” main shaft constructed of alloy steel that has been ultrasonic tested. Each pocket within the mill is manufactured from high strength A-514 steel. These combinations create a structural sound mill for added durability and integrity. The mill is equipped with 20 carbide infused hammer inserts built to withstand the toughest material fed into the machine. Each holder is securely attached to the mill via a patent-pending quick change pocket system. Each holder recesses into the mill pocket, increasing durability. A top plate covers the pocket and holds in place by six hex bolts. The hammer insert is attached to each holder utilizing two bolts. With this set-up, the mill hardware is easier and quicker to replace.

A heavy-duty slat-style infeed conveyor is directly driven generating over 18,000 pounds of pulling power. The large diameter feed wheel is also directly driven and provides an additional 17,000 pounds of pulling power and 8,650 to 17,300 pounds of down force when hydraulic pressure is applied. These combinations allow the HM6420 to grind massive quantities of material efficiently and effectively at one time.

A proportional feed system is standard and regulates the feed system from 82 – 132 feet per minute. The HM6420 has one of the fastest feed rates on the market allowing it to quickly process material. The proportional feed system allows operators to adjust the feed based on material being processed ensuring maximum output and grinder efficiency, all while achieving a higher quality end-product.

Three screens are located on the top side of the HM6420 mill. A variety of screen sizes are available up to 7” to produce various end-product sizes. The top feed wheel moves upward, and a removable screen cradle allows for quick screen set-up changes. All work for screen changing is performed outside of the machine.

An impact detection system is standard and designed to limit damage if a contaminant is struck inside the grinding chamber. Once an impact event is detected, the grinder will idle down, open the gate, disengage the clutch, and reverse the feed.

A 56” wide height adjustable discharge with a stacking height of 16’ 8” is standard. The height of the discharge can easily be adjusted accommodating various grinding scenarios and situations.

The standard wireless remote controls all grinding and tracking functions and features an LCD screen that will display engine coolant temperature, engine oil pressure, engine load percentage, engine RPM, and battery voltage.

Bandit initially debuted the HM6420 at the 2023 Con Expo show in Las Vegas. After the show, further evaluation and testing was conducted and the machine was then demonstrated to a variety of customers and dealers at Bandit’s 40th Anniversary event in September of 2023. Final testing of the HM6420 took place in the fourth quarter and the machine will begin production in the first quarter of 2024.

Bandit will be showcasing the HM6420 in February at the Compost Show in Daytona Beach, Florida.

The addition of the HM6420 expands the already diverse line of Bandit horizontal grinders available. Customers can choose from various mill configurations that will “CUT IT,” “CHIP IT,” OR “HAMMER IT.”

www.banditchippers.com

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