Valutec supplying four OTC continuous kilns to new German sawmill Germany’s best wood SCHNEIDER is investing around EUR 80 million in a completely new sawmill in Messkirch. The sawmill will have an annual capacity of 200,000 m3 (85,000 MBF) of sawn lumber. All lumber drying will be performed in four OTC model continuous kilns from Sweden’s Valutec. “We were looking for a kiln supplier who could provide high-capacity lumber kilns that required minimal maintenance, and Valutec was able to offer the best solution. They also have extensive experience of continuous kilns and excellent references here in Germany. It’s why we chose them,” says Andreas Schilling, MBA, Project Manager, Technical Systems Planning at best wood SCHNEIDER.
The sawmill in Messkirch is a greenfield project, and it will be one of Europe’s most modern sawmills once completed. For example, forklifts will be replaced by gantries between the lumber feed and the trimmers. “Being entrusted with this investment is proof that we offer leading edge technology. In the case of a completely new sawmill, we have much greater latitude when it comes to the lumber drying process, and with four OTC model continuous kilns, we provide the ideal balance between availability, capacity and the right end-product quality,” says Robert Larsson, Valutec CEO. The kilns are built in stainless steel and equipped with Valutec’s
latest Valmatics 4.0 control system. It’s the only system on the market to use built-in simulator technology to optimize drying processes for all types of lumber kilns. OTC kiln assembly will begin in the summer of 2021, and commissioning is scheduled for the following winter. The sawn timber produced and dried at the location is used exclusively in the course of own further processing.
Weyerhaeuser Company’s 3Q net sales increased to $2.1 billion 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 aftertax 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.
Devin W. Stockfish, President & CEO
Hurford Wholesale signs up with Lignia to distribute its modified timber in Australasia 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
16 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2020 / JANUARY 2021
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.
Hurford’s main site in Stapylton, QLD, Australia (© Hurford’s)