Edmonton, April 7, 2020, the Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA) expressed its appreciation for the Government of Alberta’s decision to defer timber dues payments for up to six months.

The decision comes in light of the intense hardship that COVID-19 has placed on forestry companies. Those who produce building products like lumber, plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), laminated veneer lumber (LVL), and medium density fibreboard (MDF) have experienced rapidly deteriorating markets. Producers of newsprint and certain grades of pulp are also negatively impacted.

“We applaud Minister Dreeshen for taking the initiative to make Alberta the first jurisdiction in Canada to defer timber dues,” said AFPA President and CEO Paul Whittaker. “Like many segments of Alberta’s economy, the forest industry is experiencing an acute liquidity crisis from COVID-19. This decision will help forest companies have the resources on hand to pay bills and retain employees during the crisis.”

Whittaker also emphasized that the deferral is temporary and that forest companies fully intend to make payment. “This is not free money for the forest sector. It is temporary help during a time of crisis. We do expect markets to recover and companies will pay their dues.”

Forest companies pay approximately $125 million annually in timber dues to the Government of Alberta. Additionally, Alberta’s forest companies pay $500 million per year in taxes to federal, provincial, and municipal governments and $1.6 billion in wages and other compensation to employees.   

The AFPA is the voice of Alberta’s forest industry. Learn more about the Association on our website, or Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram pages.

Contact:
Brock Mulligan
Director of Communications
p) 780.239.6890
e) bmulligan@albertaforestproducts.ca

First and foremost, we at Trä & Teknik want to send out our warmest thoughts to everyone who in different ways is affected and affected by the current situation in Sweden and the world as a result of covid-19.

The corona virus has affected us all in some way and many of us are currently facing their greatest trials ever, in both private and working life. In times of crisis, you need to change your mind and attitude, which also gives birth to creativity and innovation. Digitalisation is currently taking place with full force, not least in terms of our core product – to meet – and new digital concepts are being developed at a rapid pace to meet today’s needs.

But it is also now that the value of the physical meeting becomes extra clear. It is in personal meetings that partnerships and relationships are strengthened, which contributes to new insights and better business. Right now, we are working intensively to be ready when the situation is under control again. We collaborate with industry organizations, partners and other contributors to be able to carry out scheduled and advanced trade fairs this fall.

Wood & Technology will be implemented as planned on September 8-11, 2020.

We would like to emphasize that the health and safety of our visitors and employees is our highest priority and we naturally follow the recommendations and rules of our authorities due to covid-19.

Take care of you at Easter and try to be confident that there is an end to this and, after that, the beginning of something new!

Warm regards, The
team behind Wood & Technology

In recent weeks, Renholmen AB made three major business agreements with a total order value of around SEK 135 million. Timber handling equipment will be delivered to sawmills in Finland, Sweden and Norway.

“It’s great that we’ve gained this trust from both new and old customers. The deals are a good acknowledgment that we have products and a well-functioning organization that meet the markets high demands”, says Per Jonsson, CEO of Renholmen AB.

New customer in Finland
Renholmen has been given the confidence to deliver a comprehensive upgrade of a green sorting plant to a new customer in Finland. For example, Renholmen will deliver the new fully electric high capacity machines Electro Positioner, Trimmer ElectroSinus and Flexicut. A new large bin section is also included in the upgrade.

The delivery also involves a rebuilding of the intake so that timber can be received in the new green sorting line alternatively to one of the two existing lines. The upgrade includes camera sys-tems along with Renholmen’s new control system with built-in security solution.

Green sorting line to Norway
Bergene Holm Nidarå in southern Norway has ordered a modern and powerful green sorting line with a Sticker Stacker that match the saw line.

Bergene Holm has 5 sawmills and 3 planing mills in Norway, and the plant at Nidarå is the largest with a modern saw line from 2013. When it was built, the existing green sorting and sticker stacker, which is now to be replaced, was retained.

In order to get the full effect of the saw line, a large investment is now being made in the green sorting line, which will contain a powerful intake including Trimmer Triax and 45 bins with push chains. The sticker stacker is also added with an automatic forklift sticker placer.

Previously, Renholmen has delivered equipment to Bergene Holm’s sawmill in Kirkenaer.

Upgrade of dry sorting in Sweden
Höglandssågen AB has production in three places and now an upgrade of the capacity in Domsjö’s dry sorting is being implemented. Two years ago, a brand new saw line was built in their main plant, Anundsjö. At the same time, Renholmen upgraded their green sorting and sticker stacker.

The sticker stacked wood packages are driven by truck from Anundsjö to Domsjö for grading. For the dry sorting plant to keep pace with the new saw, the capacity in Domsjö must be upgraded. Therefore, Renholmen will rebuild the dry sorting with, for example, a new camera sorting and im-proved intake. In order to pack the timber efficiently and quickly, Renholmen delivers a brand new Triple Stacker.

“In these deliveries we find our well tested solutions together with further developed market-unique products, which has given us a tremendous response from the market”, says Bernt-Ove Anders-son, Marketing Manager at Renholmen AB.

Company website here.

Bernt-Ove Andersson, Marketing Manager
Mobile 076 836 08 56
bernt-ove.andersson@renholmen.se

Per Jonsson, CEO Mobile 070-651 38 33
per.jonsson@renholmen.se
Renholmen AB Box10 934 24 Byske, Sweden

The new wheel loader models feature a redesigned Z-Bar linkage which provides improved visibility to the front attachment.

John Deere expands the L-Series Wheel Loader lineup with four new utility models, the 444L, 644L, 644L Hybrid and 724L. The new wheel loaders incorporate several customer-driven improvements to boost performance and productivity, including a redesigned Z-Bar loader linkage, an updated, ergonomically designed cab, electrohydraulic (EH) controls and a more robust heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

“The new L-Series Wheel Loader line is a culmination of customer feedback, industry-leading innovation, and versatile machines that are made to perform in a variety of applications,” says Grant Van Tine, Product Marketing Manager, Wheel Loaders. “Our customers expect machines that work as hard as they do. Having machines that are designed to improve productivity, provide all-day comfort and perform reliably day in and day out, makes all the difference.”

The powerful new wheel loaders were designed to maximize productivity. Horsepower has been increased from the previous K-Series models on the 644L, 644L Hybrid and 724L, boasting 249 hp (186 kW), 231 hp (172 kW) and 268 hp (200 kW), respectively. 

The redesigned Z-Bar linkage provides improved visibility to the front attachment and near parallel lift, which is now 8 degrees. A change from previous models, this improves load leveling throughout the lift cycle. Additionally, the 724L hinge pin height on the standard Z-Bar was enhanced by 3 in. compared to the K-Series machine, increasing clearance when dumping into hoppers or trucks.

The all-new cab is filled with features designed to provide a first-class work environment, including increased functional storage, durable seats and an improved HVAC system. Customers can choose one of two cab options — standard or premium — to ensure their needs are met. Both options deliver three more inches of room between the pedals and the seat compared to the previous models. The standard cab features a deluxe cloth, air suspension seat, while the premium cab is equipped with a heated and ventilated heavy-duty air suspension seat. The premium cab also features automatic temperature control. The updated and relocated HVAC controls are easily reached, so the operator can adjust the blower speed or temperature with ease, while rear defrost improves cold weather visibility.

The single-lever hydraulic joystick control with an ergonomically designed grip is equipped with a standard forward-neutral-reverse switch as well as two multifunction buttons that can be programmed to control any of 10 different functions selected in the monitor. This helps operators easily control multiple functions without removing their hand from the joystick. Additionally, when properly equipped, the lever features integrated thumb rollers for auxiliary functions, making the single-lever joystick capable of controlling up to six different functions.

With the new EH functionality, the operator can select how abrupt the bucket or boom stops and can adjust hydraulic flow percentage using the monitor for specific attachments. The bucket vibrate feature aids when dumping or sprinkling loose material, while the EH precision mode allows for fine metering when placing pipe or heavy objects. The operator is able to store specific settings for up to 10 different attachments in the monitor. In addition, the new constant auxiliary flow function allows the operator to continuously run attachments without having to hold a lever or roller.

The optional seat belt minder monitoring system sends an alert to JDLink if the seat belt is not latched within 30 seconds of releasing the park brake. A seat belt indicator beacon on the cab will illuminate green when the seat belt is in use.

The 644L and 724L machines are available with over 30 new pin-on and coupler bucket configurations, providing expanded options for customers. The new Enhanced Production buckets improve performance and material retention over previous buckets with integrated spill guards, curved side cutters and greater rollback. New shaft style forks provide better visibility through the forks and to the fork tips. With all the features of the new EH controls and programmable settings for a wide variety of attachments, the new L-Series utility wheel loaders offer the versatility operators need to tackle almost any application.

John Deere has expanded availability of SmartGrade, its proprietary grade control technology, into the 333G compact track loader.

The implementation of SmartGrade is the first time a fully integrated grade control technology will be available on a compact machine.

“Already, the 333 has a really good reputation in the market,” said Gregg Zupancic, product marketing manager for skid steers and compact track loaders at John Deere Construction and Forestry.

“So, what we’re doing is integrating technologies that can help customers being more productive and more accurate.”

The SmartGrade 333G compact track loader will expand the capabilities of customers working in site development, roadbuilding, landscaping, residential and commercial building operations, by enabling them to take on new tasks and larger jobs that require accuracy.

By leveraging the latest grade control technology, the SmartGrade 333G machine levels the playing field with contractors running larger fleets.

“It has all the same attributes as a compact piece of equipment, even though this is more of a purpose-built package,” Zupancic said.

The SmartGrade 333G is designed to increase productivity by helping to automatically complete grading tasks, with fewer passes and less rework compared to working without grade control technology.

As well, operators can reap the benefit of a versatile, yet transportable, machine where the grade control system is fully integrated into the machine’s structures and software, delivering precise grading performance while eliminating vulnerable masts and cables.

SmartGrade meets DozerMode

In addition to introducing SmartGrade on the 333G, operators will also benefit from the launch of DozerMode, a breakthrough control solution that enables the EH joystick control system to function like a crawler dozer.

“At a push of a button, you can change the control pattern of the machine from a typical skid steer pattern to more of a dozer control pattern,” Zupancic said.

DozerMode is beneficial when operating the machine-equipped six-way dozer blade attachment that can both cut a grade and spread materials, streamlining attachment needs and setup time.

“This is robust enough to push material really well,” Zupancic said

The blade is fine-tuned to meet the performance needs of a compact track loader and does not require tools to change between other attachments.

It also enhances the versatility of the machine by accurately and automatically cutting or finishing light materials in tight spaces. In conjunction with SmartGrade technology, the blade reduces the amount of operator input, ultimately lowering operator fatigue.

“In a market that becomes more competitive by the day, it’s important we provide our customers with leading-edge equipment,” Zupancic said.

While the 333G is the first compact machine to feature SmartGrade, other machine may feature the technology in the future. “We’re dipping our toes in the market with this first,” Zupancic said. “We’re testing the waters. If it goes well we will make this technology available on smaller compact track loaders too.”

Rottne Industri AB is entering its 65th year as one of the world’s leading forestry machinery manufacturers.

Never before in the history of the company have so many forestry machines been delivered as in 2019.

And the stage is now set for continued growth.

All signs are positive for Swedish Rottne. The blue forwarders and harvesters are growing in popularity and the company’s position as one of the four major players in the industry’s global market has been strengthened.

“We’ve succeeded with our strategy of focusing on what we do best,” says Tobias Johansson, CEO for Rottne Industri AB. “Quality, innovations, serviceability and operator comfort have become synonymous with Rottne. “Instead of just playing it safe, we’ve chosen an aggressive approach, and this has produced results – in three year’s time, we’ve grown by 50 percent.”

After record sales in 2019, Rottne Industri AB is now setting its sights on new technological advances.

“We’re well-prepared to continue development and have targeted growth of another 50% over the next five years,” says Tobias Johansson.

Ponsse launches a new debarking PONSSE H8HD Euca harvester head for eucalyptus sites. The new powerful harvester head has been designed as a response to our customers’ needs, and it further strengthens Ponsse’s strategy to be the leading global manufacturer of harvester heads.

-The new harvester head has been designed for the PONSSE Bear harvester, but especially it is ideal solution for track-based machines. PONSSE H8HD Euca is an effective tool in forests where the diameter of eucalyptus stems can be up to 50 cm. The geometry of the new harvester head’s debarking knives and feed rollers improves the efficiency of H8HD Euca in debarking and processing both smaller and larger stems. Ponsse’s heavy-duty frame structure means that the new harvester head can withstand the extreme loads of track-based machines, says Janne Loponen, Product Manager, harvester heads.

The PONSSE H8HD Euca harvester head has been optimised to debark trees. Its feed rollers and debarking knives guarantee first-rate debarking results from start to finish. The solid frame and robust tilt frame give the harvester head the durability needed in debarking. Automated functions control saw movements according to the tree diameter and saw bar position and allow trees to be cut quickly.

All Ponsse harvester heads have been designed to withstand even the toughest conditions. They are characterised by a simple and solid structure which enables them to be used in various harvesting applications, ranging from harvesters to track-based solutions. All PONSSE harvester heads are manufactured and designed at the Ponsse factory in Vieremä. The design process is comprehensive and covers, in addition to mechanical parts, the electronic control system, controls and software. The manufacturing process is highly automated to ensure high quality and measuring accuracy. Durable hoses and delimbing knives form an important part of reliability. 

See also ponsse.com

We will tell you more about our new product at webinars!

Ponsse arranges webinars to demonstrate its latest product. A product specialist from Ponsse will tell you about PONSSE H8HD Euca harvester head solutions and what make it an effective package at eucalyptus sites.

Webinars will be held in three languages:

English: 15.4. at 5:00-6:00 GMT
Spanish: 15.4. at 12.00-13:00 GMT
Portuguese: 17.4. at 12:00-13:00 GMT

Select a suitable date and time – register here.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

More information from your local Ponsse partner  https://www.ponsse.com/contacts/

Janne Loponen, product manager, harvester heads, janne.loponen@ponsse.com,  tel. +358 40 502 8018.

Ponsse Plc is a company specialising in the sales, manufacture, servicing and technology of cut-to-length method forest machines and is driven by genuine interest in its customers and their business. Ponsse develops and manufactures sustainable and innovative harvesting solutions based on customers’ needs. The company was established by forest machine entrepreneur Einari Vidgrén in 1970, and it has been a leader in timber harvesting solutions based on the cut-to-length method ever since. Ponsse is headquartered in Vieremä, Finland. The company’s shares are quoted on the NASDAQ OMX Nordic List.

From January this year, wood processing company Juodeliai UAB started with a new website: www.juodeliaiperka.lt , which is focused only on buying logs.

The purpose of creating a new website is to avoid lumber dealers and have direct access to every forest owner. By avoiding the brokerage fee, they can offer forest owners a better purchase price. Juodeliai UAB prices are public and accessible 24/7. Anyone interested in selling pallet logs can contact them directly, in a convenient way: fill in the form for sale timber, write and consult online or send an email.

As of today, forest owners no longer have to worry about how to deliver packed logs to Juodeliai units, as the company is ready to bring them straight from the forest.

Despite all disturbances caused by COVID-19 worldwide, the wood processing company UAB Juodeliai continues its operations without significant interruptions.

The majority of administration staff has been working remotely since mid-March; however, three of its production units continue operating and the entire team consistently works.

UAB Juodeliai has implemented a number of procedures in order to minimize the risk of COVID-19 spreading among company employees and from employees to clients.

Western Forest Products Inc. (“Western”) announced that effective March 23, 2020 it will curtail its manufacturing facilities currently operating in British Columbia, Canada, due to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on operating conditions. The planned curtailment is scheduled for up to one-week.

During this period the company will re-evaluate business and operating conditions to determine when these manufacturing operations will resume. Packaging and shipping of lumber products will continue to meet customer requirements. The ongoing curtailments at the company’s Cowichan Bay and Ladysmith sawmills are expected to continue into the 2Q due to limited log supply and weak market demand.

Western will also take steps to minimize its planned capital expenditures in 2020. The company plans to incur only safety, environmental and committed capital expenditures in the near-term. Going forward discretionary capital will remain on hold until there is greater operational certainty.

Western is an integrated forest products company building a margin-focused log and lumber business to compete successfully in global softwood markets.