International Forest Industries February March 2023

BID Group, a leader in transformational wood processing technologies and integrated solutions

SAWLINES

Harvesters

Chipper Trucks

www.logmax.com

A SMALL, FAST AND RELIABLE THINNING HEAD

The unit is small, just over a meter high and weighs about 420kg, but can cut down trees with a diameter of up to 41 cm. It feeds about 4 m/s and has the very best performance to withstand a tough everyday life in the forest.

Log Max 2000T complements our thinning units in the T-Series.

COVER - BID GROUP

BID Group provides industry-leading solutions for its highly valued customers in the wood processing industry. BID is a leader in Operational Lifecycle Excellence, transformational wood processing technologies, and integrated solutions. It’s at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Solutions in the industry, empowering customers to achieve their best overall performance.

BID adds strategic value to its customers through its ability to provide complete, smart connected,

turnkey manufacturing facilities that include engineering, project management, equipment, software, installation, startup, and after sales parts and services. BID is dedicated to delivering its customers performance, innovation, remarkable service, and results through continuous improvement of its products and services.

www.bidgroup.ca

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Stenner staff are all looking forward to the return of Ligna for the first time since 2019. Machines on show are the VHET100 & ST100R range. Hall 25, Stand L46 24

Upgrading your planer system is a worthwhile investment that can greatly increase its efficiency

Hekotek supplied equipment for processing logs with collecting conveyors for sawing leftovers to Etablissements

Video monitoring is vital for sawmill operations

Lampe & Malphrus Lumber to receive new End Dogging Carriage line

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has triggered the start of a major revolution in the wood processing industry

OPTICOM

22 USNR

HEKOTEK

GAIFFE SARL.

23 USNR

24 BID GROUP

STENNER

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EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL

T: +44 (0)1442 877 583

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F: +44 (0)1442 870 617 www.internationalforestindustries.com

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2 Claridge Court, Lower Kings Road Berkhamsted, Herts. HP4 2AF, UK

2 Claridge Court, Lower Kings Road Berkhamsted, Herts. HP4 2AF, UK

Publisher

Robin Peach robin@internationalforestindustries.com

Editor Robin Peach robin@internationalforestindustries.com

Editorial Board

We invited Eric Gee, executive director of the Southern Forest Products Association, to give the low down on USA’s biggest forest products machinery and manufacturing show this year: The Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition.

Do you want to be at the center of the forest products community?

A Connected Community

NORTH AMERICAN SALES

Kevin Lapham

Dr Patrick Moore – Chairman and Chief Professor Piotr Paschalis-Jakubowicz –Warsaw Agricultural University (Poland)

J.P.Media Inc

Mr Kim Carstensen

Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752

Director General

Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763

Forest Stewardship Council

Eduardo Morales

Email: lapham@jpmediainc.com

South American Forestry Consultant

WEB OPTIMIZATION

Jo English

jo@internationalforestindustries.com

ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONS

ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONS

International Forest Industries Ltd

International Forest Industries Ltd

Advertising Manager

Advertising Manager

Emma Smith emma@internationalforestindustries.com

Emma Smith emma@internationalforestindustries.com

+44 (0)1442 877 583

+44 (0)1442 877 583

Associate Editor Robin Peach robin@internationalforestindustries.com

Associate Editor Robin Peach robin@internationalforestindustries.com

Advertising Production Enquiries

Advertising Production Enquiries

Emma Smith emma@internationalforestindustries.com

Emma Smith emma@internationalforestindustries.com

Studio Manager

Luke Evans luke@lecreative.co.uk

Accounts

International Forest Industries is published by International Forest Industries Ltd, 2 Claridge Cour t, Lower Kings Road Berkhamsted, Her ts. HP4 2AF, UK

Nicola Shukla nicolas@internationalforestindustries.com

International Forest Industries (ISSN 1755-6732) is published bi-monthly by International Forest Industries Ltd GBR and is distributed in the USA by Asendia USA, 17B South Middlesex

International Forest Industries is published by International Forest Industries Ltd, 2 Claridge Cour t, Lower Kings Road Berkhamsted, Her ts. HP4 2AF, UK International Forest Industries (ISSN 1755-6732) is published bi-monthly by International Forest Industries Ltd GBR and is distributed in the USA by Asendia USA, 17B South Middlesex Avenue, Monroe NJ 08831 and additional mailing offices. Periodicals postage paid at New Brunswick NJ. POSTMASTE R: send address changes to International Forest Industries, 17B South Middlesex Avenue, Monroe NJ 08831

© International Forest Industries Ltd 2007 – 2023 I FI uses, as preference, SI units throughout. All dollars are US unless otherwise stated.

Connect

Are you ready to see how adaptive technology is influencing manufacturing decisions? Is your company part of the new manufacturing age at this critical moment for the industry?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, don’t second-guess attending the 37th Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition. It’s the place to network with leading equipment manufacturing companies and industry professionals as they develop and share technologies, which adapt to new markets, adjust quickly to increased demand, and bolster operations for the future.

EXPO 2023, set for August 23-25, 2023, in Nashville will provide you with solutions for nearly every stage of manufacturing. From raw material handling to crane operations; metal detection and scanning technologies; log optimization, drying, grading, sorting, packaging, and distribution, there’s an exhibiting company representative on site to explore these solutions with you face to face.

Make no mistake, this new era of work has arrived. An era of connected systems, responsive manufacturing, and innovative technologies – it will all be under a single roof at EXPO 2023.

The Southern Forest Products Association established EXPO to help advance the southern pine and greater lumber industry and provide a forum for the exchange of ideas contributing to improved sawmill efficiency. As the industry has become more efficient, typical EXPO attendees have evolved to include:

• key decision makers who control major purchasing budgets, mill supervisors looking to improve

marketing experts seeking promotional vision, and young professionals making tomorrow’s

The three-day show provides a place to connect and reconnect with colleagues, discover new trends, and explore opportunities. Both firsttime and returning attendees alike play a vital role in the continued progress of the lumber industry. Each exhibiting company has contributed to the industry’s success throughout the years, and attendees will find the EXPO 2023 halls decked out with dynamic displays showcasing the latest in wood processing technology.

More importantly, EXPO provides a place where in-person meetings are valued over emails and phone calls; where a handshake and a smile between colleagues communicate genuine respect; and where sharing ideas is best accomplished face-to-face.

Continued on p6

EXPO: A History of Innovation

On April 19, 1950, leaders from across the southern lumber manufacturing region gathered in New Orleans to open the first North American equipment trade event dedicated to improving lumber manufacturing.

More than 500 lumbermen attended and witnessed $1 million of equipment on display at the inaugural Logging and Sawmill Machinery Exposition (EXPO) held at the Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans.

A Place for Softwoods and Hardwoods

While the sawmill machinery show originated from leaders looking for a way to improve softwood lumber production, today’s EXPO showcases machinery and equipment for hardwood and softwood sawmills.

“Without a doubt, the hardwood lumber industry has long been represented at this show,” said SFPA Executive Director Eric Gee. “People come to EXPO with an exploration mindset, looking for opportunities to invest in their operations.”

A long list of manufacturers serving the hardwood industry have had a stalwart presence in EXPO for many years, including, but not limited to, companies like Corley Manufacturing, Oleson Saw, SII Dry Kilns, McDonough Manufacturing, TS Manufacturing, and Wood-Mizer.

Why Nashville in 2023?

It had been more than 10 years since EXPO had visited a city other than Atlanta, and EXPO attendee and exhibitor surveys showed it was time for a change. With that information in hand, more than 17 cities were examined as the next host city. In the end, Nashville was selected for several factors, but, most importantly, Nashville is positioned smack in the middle of the forest action.

The surrounding areas, including the Eastern U.S. hardwood community, represent 42% of all lumber manufactured in the United States. And in case you’re curious, Nashville is within easy driving distance for 35% of Southern Pine sawmills

and 73% of hardwood sawmills. That’s just a four-hour drive from more than half of Southern sawmills!

With 766 million acres, forests comprise more than one-third of the entire U.S. landscape. Annually producing more than $100 billion in forest products, the South’s variety of tree species and yearlong harvesting make the region a first choice for mills that rely on an available, affordable supply of sustainable wood products – and Nashville is right in the center of it all.

EXPO 2023 will be held at the Music City Center in downtown Nashville. Located in the middle of all the action, the MCC is the perfect home base for a fun-filled visit to Nashville. You’ll experience a modern business atmosphere in the new state-ofthe-art facility surrounded by a thriving culinary, music, sports, and cultural scene, including the Country Music Hall of Fame, the historic Ryman Auditorium, and the always fun and famous honky tonks – all within walking distance!

It’s Time to Get Down to Business; Face-To-Face is Back

The forest products manufacturing community knows EXPO is the place to get up close to the materials, resources, equipment, and technology they need now. With more than 50,000 square feet of displays, you’ll connect with the best professionals in the business.

For nearly 70 years, this associationsponsored trade event has successfully connected the lumber manufacturing community. EXPO has a longstanding reputation as the place where connections are formed, relationships are strengthened, and deals are closed.

What are you waiting for? Plan your experience today at sfpaexpo.com!

Katja Paananen appointed Chief Responsibility Officer at Ponsse

Katja Paananen, M.A., has been appointed the Chief Responsibility Officer of Ponsse Plc and a member of the Management Team starting from 16 January 2023. Paananen will report to Petri Härkönen, CFO and Deputy CEO, and her workplace will be in Vieremä.

“The role of responsibility in Ponsse’s business has grown strongly due to the company’s new strategy and goals, as well as the requirements of our stakeholders. Responsibility guides the company’s future, growth and development. Consequently, we want to

strengthen its role both in the management and in all our operations. Ponsse’s values have always been based on responsible operating methods. This provides us with a solid foundation for our development work”, says Juho Nummela, President and CEO of Ponsse Plc.

Katja Paananen has more than 20 years of work experience at Ponsse Plc in responsibility, communication and marketing duties. Paananen will transfer to the new position from her previous post as Sustainability Manager at Ponsse Plc, which

she has held since April 2021. Before this, Paananen was responsible for the Group’s communications.

Other members of Ponsse Plc’s nine-member Management Team in addition to Chief Responsibility Office Katja Paananen are:

• Juho Nummela, President and CEO

• Petri Härkönen, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy CEO

• Juha Inberg, Chief R&D and Technology Officer

• Tiina Kautonen, Chief Human Resources Officer

• Marko Mattila, Chief, Sales, Service & Marketing Officer

• Tapio Mertanen, Chief Service Business Officer

• Miika Soininen, Chief Digital Officer

• Tommi Väänänen, Chief Operations Officer

FAE RCU-55 and RCU-75 remote controlled tracked carriers

Launched on the market in 2022, the RCU is a highperforming, compact remote controlled tracked carrier capable of managing and maintaining greenery even on especially steep and hard-toreach slopes, up to 55°. Its sweet spot is forestry work: clearing slopes with small vegetation located in hard-toreach places.

The RCU is powered by the Kohler common rail electronic fuel injection engine, a compact and powerful and fuelefficient propulsion system (56 hp for the RCU-55 and 74 hp for the RCU-75) that complies with the most stringent emission standards. The dual hydrostatic transmission makes it easier to manage traction and the attachment. Electronically controlled piston pumps combined with a dedicated electronic control unit provide an integrated technological system. RCU vehicles have

an ergonomic remote control with a large 3.5 inch display and a 2.4 GHz transmission frequency to better manage all vehicle and head functions.

The Heavy Duty undercarriage has a variable hydraulic design with independent rollers, an automatic tensioning system, a triple flange oscillating roller system, and triple flange idler wheels. This type of undercarriage, combined with the standard High Profile rubber tracks (with a 72 pitch - 250 mm / 10 in width for RCU-55 or an 86 pitch - 320 mm / 13 in width for RCU-75) allow FAE RCUs to operate in the toughest conditions.

For the RCU-75, there is also the option of a steel undercarriage, with outstanding traction on especially demanding terrain. There are 3 FAE forestry mulchers specially designed to work with the RCUs (depending

on the model).

The BL2/RCU head can mulch branches and wood up to 15 cm / 6 in in diameter, and the BL1/RCU head can mulch branches and wood up to 12 cm / 5 in in diameter. Both heads are equipped with a fixedblade rotor and Bite Limiter technology that provides high output, even with less horsepower, due to the low power absorption.

The PML/RCU head is another swinging hammer forestry mulcher that is ideal for mulching grass and small branches up to 5 cm / 2 in in diameter.

FOR ELEVATED

The Tigercat 180 swing yarder combines the speed and stability of conventional yarders with the advantages of increased mobility and modern joystick controls. The purpose-built undercarriage and blade lend to powerful line pull and increased stability. The hydraulic driven winches offer great efficiency. Each winch can be run independently in either direction, contributing to easier operation and increased production.

Loading lumber is quicker and way more efficient with a Combi-CSS

Located in the Appalachian foothills of Virginia, Meherrin River Forest Products produces over 40 million board feet of green and kiln dried lumber each year for its global customer base. Business is growing month by month across the five sites in Virginia and North Carolina and the company aims to double its exports within the next five years. The streamlined journey of products from sawmill to container and finally to ship is therefore a key issue for President Don Bright, who has found a piece of equipment that has dramatically increased efficiency when loading a consignment into a freight container.

Don came across the Combi-CSS Slip-Sheet during an event at the Virginia Forest Product Association when Combilift product Manager Patrick Keenan introduced him to this automated and very fast method of stuffing containers. “I had been planning to get some new forklifts in for this task, but realized the concept, design and performance of this device was far superior in terms of time and use of manpower and resources,” he said.

The Combi-CSS is a low level free-standing platform with a dual-directional motor-driven pulling mechanism, on which a steel sheet rests. This enables a full load of product to be prepared behind the container before the four hydraulic cylinders pull the sheet forward into the container. Once fully

loaded, a hydraulic rear barrier gate swings across the container opening and holds the load in place while the sheet is slipped out from underneath. The machine can load containers in lengths between 6.1m / 20 ‘ feet and 12.2m / 40 ‘ feet and has a capacity of 30,000kg/ 66,000 Lbs.

This has many advantages over the traditional “pushpull” method using forklifts, as Don has discovered since his Combi-CSS has been in operation. “What used to take a good half an hour per container and involve two forklifts and 2 operators can now be done in less than half the time, with half the resources – freeing up personnel and equipment for use elsewhere on site.” A further major advantage is the much lower risk of damage to the product as well as the container during loading. “This improves quality and therefore enhances customer service and is also a major advantage when you are dealing with very valuable lumber,” said Don.

Meherrin River is unique in that it is the only North American forest products company to have an onport facility, and having the Combi-CSS based within the Richmond Marine Terminal means that drayage charges are not applicable on each container that is loaded there. This represents substantial cost savings and also gives the company a competitive

edge as half of the current weekly tally of around 20 containers is loaded with lumber transported from other Meherrin sites. All personnel here are trained to use the

Combi-CSS and they find it very easy and straightforward to operate.

Don has been impressed with the build quality: “it’s a tough and heavy duty machine built for an industrial environment and what’s more it takes minimal service to keep it running smoothly. It’s cheaper to maintain than the second forklift I was originally thinking of getting too.” He is also full of praise for the people at Combilift who he believes are as good a team as he has ever come across. “They are passionate, capable and totally committed to getting things 100% right for the customer. Combilift’s drive for innovation is also incredible. I visited the global HQ and factory in Ireland a few weeks ago as part of a trip to Europe for a trade fair, and from the CEO

Patrick Keenan, Product Manager, Combilift

down, everyone is focussed on not just building trucks but on getting a better understanding of the challenges facing customers and the solutions they really need. At Meherrin we believe we are a great company built around good people and the same can be said of Combilift.”

By the end of the year the plan is to be loading 75% of containers within the on-port location and to offer this service to other exporters in the region. The first Combi-CSS has been an integral part of the company’s growth plan and Don is hoping that business will continue to expand to justify getting a second unit for Richmond so that 100% of Meherrin’s products can be conveniently and cost effectively loaded port-side.

Wood-Mizer adds WIDE option to popular LT15CLASSIC Mobile Sawmill

The popular, versatile, and compact LT15 sawmill series expands with the introduction of the LT15CLASSIC WIDE Mobile, which combines the features of the mobile LT15 sawmill with a wider sawhead. “It makes an interesting offer for companies and individuals who need to cut larger logs away from their sawmilling workshops. The LT15CLASSIC WIDE Mobile sawmill has been built based on proven and reliable engineering designs from the proven LT15 models, which have earned worldwide recognition among users,” says Hubert Powietrzyński, Sales Manager at Wood-Mizer.

The LT15CLASSIC WIDE Mobile features a portable

chassis for transporting to any place, allowing you to start sawmilling immediately. To start sawmilling, the user only needs to remove the fenders, unlock the protection securing the sawhead during transportation, and level the bed against the ground.

The chassis design is based on the S3 type bed, consisting of 3 segments, each 1,95 m long. The sawmill bed is fitted with six standard side supports and three manual log clamps for securing the log. The standard bed configuration of the LT15CLASSIC WIDE Mobile sawmill allows you to cut logs up to a maximum of 5,2 m. For more efficient log loading, the sawmill can be equipped with

Safety Storage Efficiency

a set of loading ramps with a manual winch. A standard log wedge allows for efficient leveling and positioning of any tapered logs.

The LT15CLASSIC WIDE Mobile comes with a trailer package (up to 1500 kg), including an axle with wheels, a hitch with a support wheel,

eight adjustable outriggers, a light bar, side positioning lights, and fences. The sawmill bed sections have been redesigned and strengthened for increased integration with the chassis, while the electrical wires are secured under special covers.

Positive winds at Rottne Canada - move to own premises & continued increased sales

Rottne Industri delivered 40 new forest machines to Canada last year.

And interest in the Swedish forwarders and harvesters continues to increase on the other side of the Atlantic.

‘The investment in the North American market continues. One step in this is that Rottne Canada is going from previously being tenants to now having acquired a property with modern premises’, says Tobias Johansson, CEO of Rottne Industri.

For Rottne Canada, having its own premises means that the company can more easily continue with the investment that began a couple of years ago. In recent years, the company has built a new network of dealers in the country with very good results.

In terms of sales, we see a clear rise in our machines, says Niklas Lefévre, sales and marketing manager at Rottne Industri.

Above all, it is about our large forwarders, Rottne F18D and Rottne F20D, which account for 60 percent of the orders. Interest has also skyrocketed in our harvesters, in particular the Rottne H21D.

Rottne Canada was formed as a subsidiary of Rottne Industri in February 2008, mostly to provide a spare parts warehouse for the machines. Since then, the company has leased its premises in Moncton, New Brunswick, on the Canadian east coast.

Until last fall when the opportunity arose to purchase premises from a former paver company, built in 2018.

Rottne Canada now has a permanent home in Moncton, NB. We are excited to now have premises that will contribute

to our success. This means that we can take care of our customers even better and also have room to grow, which is one of our goals, says Denis Surette, site manager at Rottne Canada.

Rottne Canada is a large company and since their market is growing, we want to own our premises, not rent. The contract is valid from January and since last autumn we have been on site in our new premises, continues Tobias Johansson.

The property is strategically located on the outskirts of Moncton with close proximity to the main routes around the city. The approximately 1,000 square meters have space for the machines, service, spare parts warehouse and office building for the approximately ten employees.

Our type of felling machines do well in this part of the world. Apart from the fact that they are good machines, other significant advantages are also environmental awareness, being able to absorb directly out in the forest and fuelefficient engines now that the fuel has skyrocketed even in North America, says Tobias Johansson.

The effort that Rottne Industri has made in Canada has borne good fruit. The order intake continues to be replenished, both for forwarders and harvesters, but that does not stop future plans.

We succeeded in our goal of delivering 40 new machines to the Canadian market in 2022. With new and own premises, as well as an established dealer network, we have significantly greater opportunities to continue growing and thus take the next step in the market. And that is our plan, says Niklas Lefévre.

In summary, 2022 was a successful year for Rottne Industri, which delivered a total of 192 machines, which is an all-time high. And this year the company aims even higher.

The order books are fully signed and the goal is to deliver 220 machines, which feels very fun and exciting, says Tobias Johansson.

The Rottne F18D and Rottne F20D forwarders are both very popular in Canada

Tobias Johansson, CEO, Rottne Industri AB

Niklas Lefévre, Sales & Marketing Director, Rottne Industri AB

New order for Brazil!

Following successful trials in Brazil PlantMax have announced that they have signed a deal with their South American partner Timber in Curitiba, Brazil, for 3 machines to be delivered during 2023!

Thanks to the flexibility of the concept and the great support of the Timber crew they have shown that they are able to handle different kinds of seedlings and adjust the ground preparation for different ground conditions and requests, and they have now confirmed that they have the ability to plant both Pine and Eucalyptus seedlings with good results in Brazilian soil.

PlantMax see a great future in the Brazilian market. Vamos!

Mechanized planting of seedlings with PlantMax X2

Planting the forests of the future has evolved. Meet the PlantMax X2, seedling planter that mechanizes forestry. The equipment is produced by the Swedish manufacturer Plantma Forestry and distributed in

Brazil by Timber. The initiative also had the support of Aperam.

The planter is coupled to a forwarder and plants automatically, according to the desired setup, by two autonomous arms. It has a pair of scarifiers that can operate in 3 modes: 1. Continuous, 2. Intermittent 3. Light removal. Planting can be done in the hole, on the hill or intermittently. Everything can be adjusted in real time while the planter is in motion. It delivers an average productivity of 2,500/h of planted seedlings.

The seedling container has a capacity for 18,000 to 30,000 seedlings, depending on the size of the units. The planter’s arms have sensors that identify obstacles such as stones and stumps that could make planting the seedling unfeasible. The equipment automatically recalculates the spacing and maintains the planting schedule.

Watch out for our special report on Mechanical forest Regeneration & Afforestation: in April May issue.

Mechanical forest

Regeneration & Afforestation: We look at manufacturers who supply forest contractors and forest owners with mechanical forest management equipment and solutions. To include those who companies who design, manufacture and deliver proven efficient forest machines for the phases of forest construction and seedling management, not forgetting the digitization of work tracking.

Fast facts

• In July 2019 Ethiopia planted more than 353 million trees in 12 hours, which is believed to be an afforestation world record

• There are 7 billion hectares of treeless land on earth, where 1.2 trillion native tree saplings could naturally grow through afforestation

Source:Drax.com

dynaCERT breaks into the Forestry Sector in Western Canada

dynaCERT Inc. has announced that it will be installing its HydraGEN™ Technology Units on logging equipment and heavy-duty trucks owned by Fiorentino Bros.

Contracting Ltd.

FBC owns over 100 units of heavy equipment and a fleet of over 70 motor vehicles. The proprietary HydraGEN™ Technology of dynaCERT will be installed on Caterpillar Graders and a Freightliner lowbed truck servicing the forestry industry in British Columbia. The HydraGEN™ Technology is designed to reduce emissions and save fuel and maintenance costs.

Jim Fiorentino, General Manager of FBC, stated, “At FBC, we are committed to helping our clients complete their projects in a safe, profitable, and environmentally sustainable manner. We are pleased to support our clients in providing the products and infrastructure that people need, while reducing our environmental footprint, and costs for fuel equipment

maintenance. The HydraGEN™ Technology of dynaCERT helps us meet our ESG goals and will contribute as a major step forward in reducing GHG’s.”

Jim Payne, President and CEO of dynaCERT, stated, “As global diesel prices soar, dynaCERT continues to serve the private sector in Canada and internationally, including the forestry industry as well as private sector users of internal combustion engines in the logging industry. Our products help users to achieve sustainability and reduce global Greenhouse Gas Emissions. I applaud Fiorentino Bros. Construction Ltd. for their vision and commitment to contributing to a greener planet by reducing emissions.”

About Fiorentino Bros. Contracting Ltd.

FBC is a full-service provider of heavy construction equipment to the logging, mining, earthmoving, and land development industry in the Kootenay region of southeastern British Columbia. This includes communities such as Cranbrook, Creston, Canal Flats, Invermere, Radium, Parson, Golden, Elkford, Fernie, and Sparwood.

Established in 1966, this second-generation, familyowned and operated company owns over 100 units of heavy

equipment and a fleet of over 70 motor vehicles. Canfor, formerly Tembec Industries Inc., and earlier Crestbrook Forest Industries, has been one of the company’s major customers since the 1960s.

About dynaCERT Inc. dynaCERT Inc. manufactures and distributes Carbon Emission Reduction Technology along with its proprietary

HydraLytica™ Telematics, a means of monitoring fuel consumption and calculating GHG emissions savings designed for the tracking of possible future Carbon Credits for use with internal combustion engines. As part of the growing global hydrogen economy, their patented technology creates hydrogen and oxygen on-demand through a unique electrolysis system and supplies these gases through the air intake to enhance combustion, which has shown to lower carbon emissions and improve fuel efficiency. Their technology is designed for use with many types and sizes of diesel engines used in on-road vehicles, reefer trailers, off-road construction, power generation, mining and forestry equipment.

Jim Fiorentino, General Manager of FBC

Jim Payne, President and CEO of dynaCERT

Pfeifer acquires Finnish wood processing company Pölkky

The Austrian Pfeifer Holding GmbH has signed an agreement on acquiring the Finnish wood processing company Pölkky Oy. The transaction strengthens Pfeifer’s position as one of the leading European timber industry companies and prepares the producer to face global competition. The Pölkky brand, management and operations will remain untouched.

Since its inception in 1968, Pölkky has been owned by the Virranniemi family. As the largest wood processing company in private ownership in Northern Finland, Pölkky employs 420 people and most recently recorded an annual turnover of 200 million Euros. After Pölkky integration into the Pfeifer Group, it intends to continue with its investment programme as planned during years 2022–2024.

Michael Pfeifer, CEO of Pfeifer Holding GmbH, said:

“We are excited about the opportunities this acquisition brings. Pölkky is a wellmanaged family company with a competent management and staff, a unique location in the heavily forested area of Northern Finland and a valuable market position. This is why Pölkky fits perfectly into our strategy of synergistic growth. The Pfeifer Holding’s three-man management team is comprised of CEO Michael Pfeifer, CTO Clemens Pfeifer and CFO Ewald Franzoi.

Thorough analysis resulted in Pölkky being the best option

In a well-founded analysis process, the Holding’s Managing Directors thoroughly examined all acquisition options over the course of the last few years. In the end, Pölkky emerged as the best option. When signing the contracts, the leadership trio announced that they intend to continue Pölkky’s ambitious investment projects and

operations with full force and expand the Pfeifer Group’s role as a strong partner in the global sawn timber market.

Petteri Virranniemi, CEO of Pölkky Oy, also emphasises the benefits of the deal: “For me and my family, this step strengthens our development potential, allowing Pölkky to continue to grow and make profits. I am confident that we will be able to create new synergies and additional market potential.”

New perspectives for Pfeifer

Thanks to the acquisition, the Pfeifer Group’s number

Continued on p48

Petteri Virranniemi, CEO, Pölkky

Alberta renews forest management agreement

The Government of Alberta has renewed the forest management agreement (FMA) jointly held by Tolko Industries Ltd., Norbord Inc. and La Crete Sawmills Ltd. for the next 20 years in exchange for important stewardship responsibilities.

This agreement establishes the companies’ right to grow and harvest Crown timber from a forest management unit in the northwestern corner of the province, surrounding High Level.

Over its lifespan, this FMA is expected to maintain more than 1,700 full-time, contract and seasonal positions and will potentially contribute:

• $48.7 million in holding and protection charge payments

• $433 million in timber dues payments

• $6.1 billion to Alberta’s gross domestic product

“The decision to renew this joint FMA helps maintain hundreds of good jobs for Albertans, provides our forest sector with sure footing for their long-term investments and ensures sustainable management practices for Alberta’s forests. Supporting the competitiveness of our wood fibre products grows our province’s forest sector and advances Alberta’s Recovery Plan.”

Nate Horner, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development

“We’re very pleased with the decision to renew. Reliable

collaboration with government is foundational to the security of our employees and partners across the region, including Indigenous communities. The long-term fibre access provided through an FMA is crucial for our ability to do business in northern Alberta.”

Brad Thorlakson, president and CEO, Tolko Industries Ltd.

“West Fraser understands the responsibility entrusted to us by Albertans in managing public forested land. We work with Indigenous communities and the public to balance a range of values, from job creation to biodiversity. With a focus on long-term sustainable resource management, we look forward to doing business in Alberta for years to come.”

D’Arcy Henderson, vice-president, Canadian Woodlands, West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (Norbord Inc.)

“I am always excited to see job creation in our communities within anchor industries like forestry. Our government’s decision to renew this FMA supports Alberta’s Recovery Plan, and the 1700 jobs that this agreement is expected to maintain is a huge contribution to our region.”

Dan Williams, MLA for Peace River

“La Crete Sawmills is proud of the strong local working relationships that support our operations in the High Level area. We’re a local business, and we feel a deep commitment to providing responsible resource management in our region. With

the renewal of our joint FMA, we’re able to continue providing benefits for our community, Indigenous communities and forests well into the future.”

John Unger, president and CEO, La Crete Sawmills Ltd.

Forest management agreements

An FMA is the most secure type of forest tenure, providing companies with rights to establish, grow and harvest timber on Crown land consistent with sustainable forest management principles and practices. FMAs also establish numerous legal obligations for companies, including developing forest management plans that help protect biodiversity, increase forest resilience and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires and insect and disease outbreaks, like mountain pine beetle.

Forest Jobs Action Plan

Approval of this joint FMA supports the Forest Jobs Action Plan initiative to provide forest companies with long-term fibre access, ensuring that Alberta’s forests continue to provide ecological, economic, social and cultural benefits for future generations.

Quick facts

The companies directly employ 688 full-time employees and

about 1,080 contract employees in logging, transportation, and other forestry support services. Tolko directly employs about 376 employees and 400 contract employees.

Norbord directly employs 160 full-time employees with about 600 contract employees.

La Crete Sawmills directly employs about 152 full-time employees and about 80 contract employees.

FMA holders are subject to legal requirements to reforest harvested areas within two years. On average, forest companies plant two trees for every three harvested, establishing young, healthy forests that provide environmental benefits such as habitat for wildlife.

To date, almost 211 million seedlings have been planted under this joint FMA

Nate Horner, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development

Dan Williams, MLA for Peace River

John Unger, president and CEO, La Crete Sawmills Ltd.

Brad Thorlakson, president and CEO, Tolko Industries Ltd.

D’Arcy Henderson, Vice President, Canadian Woodlands, West Fraser

Setra first in Sweden with moisture protection for cross-laminated timber (CLT)

about using traditional weather protection such as tents, which cost both time and money to install,” says Theres Jansson.

The timber industry company Setra is the first business in Sweden to offer a new moisture protection for frames made from cross-laminated timber. The protection is applied directly in the production facility and simplifies the construction process.

“Having to take into account the weather and humidity is a constant issue in the construction industry, regardless of the material being used. We are very pleased to be able to offer an effective solution that makes work easier at construction sites and makes it even easier to build with wooden frames,” says Theres Jansson, CLT salesperson at Setra.

The Wetguard200SA moisture protection is manufactured by the Swiss company Siga Cover AG. It consists of an advanced membrane that allows the wooden frame to breathe and releases moisture in the vapor phase, while at the same time protecting against the penetration of water and other dirt. The protection is applied to surfaces such as floor structures and end-grain wood when the frames are being manufactured in Setra’s cross-laminated timber production facility.

“Wetguard allows construction to continue regardless of the weather, and construction companies do not have to think

The method has been tested by Setra, ByggPartner and Siga on a large scale during different seasons. All the measurements show that the protected wood complies with the limit values for moisture by a large margin, even when the frames have been exposed to severe weather.

“Wetguard200SA is initially intended for CLT floors as weather protection during the construction phase. We are pleased that Setra, which has tested the product for a long time in collaboration with us, is now offering all its customers pre-applied Wetguard directly from their production facility,” says Mattias Rudin, product advisor at Siga.

“By increasing the industry’s expertise regarding wood construction and developing new methods such as this, we want to make it easier to choose to use wooden frames. We already

know that wooden frames both shorten the construction time and have a significantly lower climate impact than conventional building materials,” says Theres Jansson.

About Wetguard

The membrane has been developed especially to protect CLT floors against various weather conditions in the construction phase. The protective film is open to diffusion, as well as being wear-resistant and waterproof. It provides effective protection against moisture, construction dirt, footprints and other wear that can occur during frame assembly.

About Setra’s production facility for cross-laminated timber

The production facility for crosslaminated timber is part of the Setra Timber Industry Centre in Långshyttan, southern Dalarna. Glulam and components for the door and window industry are also manufactured there.

E-LOADER

SPRINGER’s latest innovative product development – A new high speed feeder solution for lumber sorting

Your Advantages:

> Can handle a wide range of sizes

> Operates superbly with different sizes

> Lumber can be placed directly into the scraper bar partitions

> Performance is consistently high

> Can be adjusted perfectly to any lumber width

> Layers are accumulated reliably without being pushed back

> It’s maintenance friendly because maintenance lids can be walked on (crossover option)

The E-Loader is used to separate pieces of lumber. Boards are gathered at the E-Loader’s retainer by an accumulation conveyor. The feeder lever takes the board and lifts it into the subsequent measurement conveyor’s scraper bar partitions.

www.springer-usa.com

Stenner looking forward to Ligna 2023

Stenner staff are all looking forward to the return of Ligna for the first time since 2019. “ It’s been a long time coming and it’s been a huge miss” says Stenner MD, Syd Mather.

Shows give us manufacturers the opportunity to introduce our products to a wide audience but, more importantly, we are able to sit down in a focussed environment and discuss projects with clients in fine detail, face to face and reach some conclusions. Remote meetings via modern media will never replace this in my opinion” he adds.

Stenner machines on the stand are as follows;

VHET100

This is the latest design in our very successful range of Centre Cutting Resaws. Based on 36 inch pulleys the machine has a new, but proven, servo motor based positioning system for the sawblades and feedboxes making operation very simple and user friendly.

All controls are via a high-definition touch screen. Options included are Remachineable Sawguides, Spray Lubrication Systems and Remote Tracking. We are really looking forward to “showing off“ the VHET100 as it represents what modern

Stenner is all about and is a credit to the Electrical and Mechanical Design Team in particular but also influenced by significant input from our Shopfloor Technicians.

The VHET100 can operate as a stand alone hand fed machine or as part of an automated system in combination with other machine centres such as Moulders and Cross Cut Saws. Stenner can offer such handling systems as part of a “turnkey” package.

ST100R

This is the latest design in the 36 inch stand alone range which has been core to the Stenner business since the 1950’s and is probably what they are best known for throughout the world. This machine will be unsold and

will come with a special show “package” of goodies.

We will have videos representing other machines in the range with particular emphasis on the very successful MHS multi head resaws with over 900 of these models sold all over the world from Iceland to New Zealand.

All Sales Staff will be available as well as installation and production staff to give practical advice on service and operation of the resaws.

LIGNA HANNOVER GERMANY, 15th to 19th MAY 2023.

STENNER STAND IN HALL 25 STAND NUMBER L46.

Stenner MHS9 4 head

Stenner ST Range

VHET 100

Hekotek delivers sawmill equipment to France

Hekotek supplied equipment for processing logs with collecting conveyors for sawing leftovers to Etablissements

GAIFFE SARL. The client is a local sawmilling family business in the northeastern region of France. The new sawmill complex includes a variety of Hekotek-made equipment, including conveyors for gathering, sorting, and removing sawing wastes, a log sorting line, and equipment for feeding logs into the sawing line.

The Veisto OY HewSaw sawing line serves as the centre of the complex (bark, chips, sawdust). High-speed in-feed of short (2,5 m) logs is a unique feature of this project. Hekotek will be delivering all of their equipment and installing it locally.

The sawmill will handle logs with a wider diameter

Currently, mechanical installation was finalised at the end of 2022. The equipment is expected to start up in the spring of 2023. The equipment provided as part of the project framework has a fairly conventional range, but the project also has a relatively unique feature—the log in-feed line can handle both round logs and so-called “square” logs. It is a fact that the mill will handle logs with a wider diameter. In order to remove the slabs, these logs must first pass through a band saw. Only then can they go to the in-feed line supplied by Hekotek and then to the saw line.

One of the largest machine construction companies in the Baltics today, AS Hekotek was established in Estonia in 1992

and specialises in the technical design and production of technological equipment for sawmills and the bioenergy industry.

Hekotek adheres to the idea that quality must be guaranteed at all times. By reducing the number of errors, it ensures right methodology and superior results. Hekotek is also collaborating with the French sawmill Société Européenne des Bois S.A.S, located in Saint-Amans-Soult commune, to modernise its

wood pellet production. About two years ago, Hekotek finished the first phase of modernising the customer’s production facility in France. The majority of the auxiliary equipment was then replaced, and a new pellet granulator was also provided.

Opticom Cameras Last Longer in Sawmills

Even when hit by a log

Video monitoring is vital for sawmill operations. It keeps operators safe and helps identify issues immediately before they spiral into major problems.

But many sawmills purchase off-the-shelf consumer or commercial cameras, which aren’t able to handle the dusty, highvibration environment of a sawmill.

When sawmills implement generic camera technology, they end up replacing cameras constantly—sometimes weekly or monthly. Every camera replacement costs money and, more impactfully, mill downtime. The uncertainty leaves mill managers and electrical supervisors with constant worry: they never know when the feed is going to cut out and operations will be down for who knows how long. The right video monitoring equipment—specifically designed for sawmills—can keep operations up and running.

Cameras That Last Years

Dust and vibration cause camera components to come apart inside the camera and break down. Opticom’s cameras and accessories are designed specifically for dusty, high-vibration environments like sawmills. Opticom’s cameras have survived the harshest sawmill and industrial environments. They’re specifically designed to help sawmills monitor operations to improve safety and efficiency. The cameras offer durability and reliability to keep mills up and running thanks to:

• High-quality components

• Durable camera housing that ensures long camera life by protecting the imaging components from vibration

• Special camera mounts that stabilize and protect the camera, no matter where it’s placed in the mill

• A satisfaction guarantee and equipment warranty

When sawmills invest in the right sawmill video equipment, they can stop replacing sawmill cameras every few months. Choosing rugged cameras specifically designed for sawmills means:

• Fewer surprise expenses (like replacing the cameras often)

The complete sorting plant for Pölkky can continue

Jartek Invest Oy delivers a modern sorting facility to Pölkky Oy’s Kajaani production facility. The delivery is a continuation of Pölkky Oy’s renewal of sawing technology that began in 2021 The delivery includes the degreasing and dry sorting facilities with peripheral equipment. Automation for sorting systems is supplied by Jartek AI Oy. The dry sorting line is the largest complex that has ever been built in Finland, including e.g. automatic bar and load handling.

It’s really great that Pölkky Oy wants to continue cooperating with us and that they trust Finnish expertise.

Jartek thanks you for the trust

wants to continue cooperating with us and that they trust Finnish expertise. Jartek thanks you for the trust,” says sales and development director Kari Puustinen.

“We wanted to continue the cooperation we started with Jartek on this project as well. A lot of joint time was used to refine the plant’s concept, as the new line will be installed on the current site with the shortest production stoppage possible. We felt that a local partner would best serve our needs,” states Pölkky Oy’s technical director Tero Dillström.

The Kajaani dry sorting project has been prepared for a long time by both parties and is a continuation of the delivery of the fresh sorting line, which is currently being commissioned.

“It’s really great that Pölkky Oy

The investment is a continuation of the well-started cooperation between Jartek and Pölky. Jartek AI Oy has recently delivered automation solutions to other Pölky plants as well.

The preparatory work for the Kajaani project is already underway. Equipment

A lot of joint time was used to refine the plant’s concept, as the new line will be installed on the current site with the shortest production stoppage possible Pölkky Oy’s technical director Tero Dillström

installations will begin in the spring of 2024 and production trial use will begin in the summer of 2024.

Jartek sales & development director Kari Puustinen

• Zero gaps in safety and security procedures

• Better protection for workers

• Consistent image quality

applications and helps extend the life of the already-rugged camera equipment.

One of Opticom’s customers, a sawmill in Mississippi, was using an off-the-shelf camera to monitor its log debarker. In doing so, they were having to replace the camera almost weekly. Once the mill switched to Opticom’s CC02 camera, mounted onto the debarker with the VM-1 vibration resistant mount, the need for replacement stopped. The same cameras have been in use for more than six years, and are still going strong.

Opticom’s

Mount Cameras Directly on a Debarker

One of the hardest places in a sawmill to monitor is the log debarker. The camera and mount are constantly vibrating; are surrounded by dust and debris; and get hit with wood chips, rocks, glass, and more. Most cameras and video systems can’t last in those conditions, but Opticom’s cameras can last for years even when directly mounted onto a log debarker.

Vibration-resistant camera mounts are key components for reducing the impacts of noise and vibration on electrical equipment in environments where heavy machinery is used. The VM-1 mount for Opticom’s CC02 camera is designed for extreme vibration

Opticom’s

Hit By a Log

Opticom cameras work even through temperature changes, dust, high levels of vibration, and sometimes they work even after they’ve been hit by a log.

One of Opticom’s sawmill customers in Mississippi had one of its CC04 cameras take a direct hit by a log—and the camera survived. It still works flawlessly, and the client only needed to replace the mounting bracket around

it. This is what happens when sawmills choose the right type of camera for their applications.

Proven in the Industry

This year, Opticom Technologies is celebrating 50 years in business.

David Boyd founded the company in 1973 to serve the video monitoring needs of industrial organizations. Industrial facilities that have implemented their video monitoring systems have high praise.

“Opticom has been a responsive and innovative driving force in the industrial arena over the years and their continued success will surely last for another 50 years in the making,” said Scott Agen, IC / IT solutions specialist at Rexel

U.S.A, Florida Region.

“50 years of hard work by Opticom has made a great company with enjoyable people and incredible products. Looking forward to the next project I get to use their products on,” said Todd Richardt, datacomm and video surveillance specialist at Platt Electrical Supply.

1-800-578-1853

www.opticomtech.com

Opticom Technologies, a leader in sawmill video monitoring equipment for 50 years

CC02 camera, built to withstand dusty, high-vibration environments like sawmills

VM-1 vibration resistant mount to further protect CC02 cameras in extreme vibration applications

An Opticom Technologies CC04 camera and mount after being hit by a log in a sawmill in Mississippi. The camera still worked perfectly; just the mount needed replaced

Planer upgrades

LOW COST UPGRADES ADD YEARS OF SERVICE LIFE

Upgrading your planer system is a worthwhile investment that can greatly increase its efficiency, and offers an attractive return on investment particularly when productivity is an issue.

Many of the upgrades USNR has developed for planer machines are applicable to other brands besides USNR designs. Even after years of brute-force service, technology advances can breathe new life into this steadfast system.

Some of these upgrades can be installed over a weekend and may be applicable for USNR, Coastal, or other brands of planers. Contact USNR to learn about all of the upgrades they’ve developed.

1. Planer setworks upgrade

Upgrading the setworks on your planer with electric servo motors increases accuracy and saves significant setup time. Remote HMI adjustments and a recipe-driven setup improves operating efficiency and reduces downtime.

2. Auto-jointer upgrade

USNR’s Auto-Jointer utilizes your PLC control system to joint planer knives from the safety of outside the planer room. This provides safe, efficient, uniform, and remote jointing of your planer knives through your HMI. The Auto-Jointer is a proven system that works to precisely configurable measurements, and works for all 4 cutterheads.

3. Motor driveline upgrades

Electric drives are now available for both the planer and the infeed. The powered hold-down and electric drive ensures better speed regulation and a constant, smooth flow of material. Electric motors and gear ratios can be easily tailored to suit any application. The conversion can be further customized with VFD’s, HMI’s and control systems integration. Factory assembled drive modules make installation easy.

4. Top roll tension & position upgrade

This upgrade enables electronically-stored presets for quick roll height positioning and tension pressure adjustments, for ease of changing product thicknesses. This upgrade uses tension

cylinders with pressure control valving to control the force, and a position cylinder with a feedback device for precise positioning of the roll. The operator interface is used to recall the appropriate position and tension values for each product. Fine tuning the position and tension can help smooth the feeding of boards through the planer. The upgrade can be applied to the top rolls of the infeed and/or the planer.

5. Planer live shear upgrade

The planer shear drive assembly upgrade improves lumber flow and uptime, and increases your planer throughput. USNR’s shear drive assembly is designed to resolve critical planer feeding issues that can cause large gaps, break-ups and jam-ups

1. Planer setworks upgrade

in your planing process, and get you back to full-speed production with maximum uptime. It is offered with hydraulic or electric actuation.

6. Powered hold down assembly

Hold down rolls driven by an electric motor are installed to assist the bridge in feeding

the planer. This provides more powered feed rolls after the pineapple rolls and assists critical lumber feed when accelerating boards. It produces consistent board feeding, reduced board gaps, and more production.

7. Infeed table upgrade USNR has updated the planer

infeed and bridge system with 16” diameter pineapple rolls that have an aggressive tooth pattern and an open profile to facilitate picking up the boards. It also features a closed-loop tensioning and positioning system so one push of a button sets all the feed rolls and pressures. This results in better

pressure control, product feeding and recipe setting options for different product widths and thicknesses. It features automatic thin board control, whereby the system automatically senses a thin board and drops the pineapples to grab the board and shoot it off to the planer.

Lampe & Malphrus Lumber to receive new End Dogging Carriage line

USNR is replacing the Headrig system at Lampe & Malphrus Lumber Company with a new End Dogging Carriage line, including several new machines such as:

• Log infeed using belts, chains, and ending screws

• Pinnacle feeder

• USNR carriage optimization with LASAR

• Reciprocating EDC with rotation

• Conical chip-heads with board and cant separators

• A single pass resaw

• An inertial separator to separate the split cants

• Numerous belted and chain transfers

This comes on the heels of another significant investment for Lampe & Malphrus, a new Optimized Edger line slated for installation in early 2023. A strong business needs

constant updating and revitalization, and that’s exactly what a new carriage line will do. Once the new systems are installed, logs will move through faster and with a higher-quality end result.

“The new primary breakdown will allow us to meet our customer’s growing demand for quality lumber while improving recovery and the health and safety of our team members.” - Will Lampe, President & CEO, Lampe & Malphrus Lumber Company

USNR enjoys working with Lampe & Malphrus Lumber on all of their upgrades and expansion projects.

Will Lampe, President & CEO, Lampe & Malphrus Lumber

BID Group’s New AI-Powered Smart Vision for Sawmills and Planer Mills

Artificial Intelligence & the Wood Processing Industry

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has triggered the start of a major revolution in the wood processing industry. AI is here to stay, and we can already notice its presence more often in various areas of sawmills and planer mills.

BID is spearheading this revolution with the most recognized solutions in the industry. In fact, BID’s AI-enhanced technologies, combined with its industry-

leading optimization software, have proven to be the most powerful and reliable solutions on the market, bringing sawmills to higher productivity levels.

BID’s AI-Powered Smart Vision

Being dedicated to constant innovation to better serve its customers, BID Group is expanding its digital transformation offering with its new AI-Powered Smart Vision.

The different applications of Smart Vision can be deployed at all stages of the primary wood processing and uses Artificial Intelligence to analyze images from the cameras to constantly monitor the process and identify production anomalies, leading to an increase in productivity and reduction in downtime.

BID’s Smart Vision and its applications optimize wood processing operations by providing the following benefits and technologies:

• Alerts when a problem occurs so that action is taken

• Identification of production anomalies that normally require mechanical and/or human intervention

• Reduction of major production stoppages and equipment breakdowns

• Continuous management and monitoring of one or more stages of the wood transformation process with a large surface area vision

• Ongoing measurement of quality control and optimization of equipment maintenance

• Less relying on photocells for a better flow of operations

BID’s Smart Vision is user friendly, there is no need for AI-specific knowledge. The startup is seamless with BID’s large team of wood specialists and data scientists who run an extensive series of pre-startup tests and quality control checks to ensure the process is fast and effortless.

BID’s Smart Vision is only the beginning; a series of applications available for different stages of the processes, for sawmills and planer mills, is to be developed.

BID’s Smart Vision for the Trimming Line

From the trimmer unscrambler to the trimmer outfeed, boards can get stacked and cause problematic situations such as jams and blockages. With BID’s Smart Vision and its application for the trimming line, these challenges can easily be mitigated.

For the trimmer unscrambler, Smart Vision can detect stacked boards and distinguish it from timber or single boards. The information is sent to the PLC to trigger a mechanical action such as fast jogging to unscramble the boards stacks, avoid crossed boards before the lug loader, reduce human intervention and increase

production flow. The detection of this production anomaly is not possible with photocell sensors alone.

Integrated to the trimmer lug loader, Smart Vision will help to better control problematic boards that can cause downtime due to improper loading. The problematic situations will be identified before the boards are loaded so that parameters such as the loading speed or board feeding are adjusted to better load the boards.

BID’s Smart Vision can also be added to the trimmer infeed to detect anomalies after the lug loader and before the trimmer optimizer. The anomalies to be detected in this zone are skewed boards, broken boards split in two, boards between lugs and double boards in the same lug. The current system of detection with photocells can be replaced with this application, as well as the operator having to press on a pedal to notify an issue.

Once the boards have arrived at the trimmer outfeed/ sorter infeed, Smart Vision will detect problematic situations at the exit of the trimmer and before entering the sorter infeed. This system would replace the current photocell

row detection system. The problematic situations to detect in this area are skewed boards, broken boards split in two, boards between lugs, boards that are too short and remain on the chains after being cut in half with the trimmer, and boards that are too far from the line bar after the transition rollers.

BID’s Smart Vision can also be added to the stacker infeed/ outfeed to detect the rank of boards before the stacker and identify the presence of the following anomalies: gaps between boards, boards under and overlength, stacked boards and broken boards. The number of boards can also be counted in the stacker to report if any are missing or have fallen.

All applications are linked to the PLC, so alarms are sent to notify issues and avoid stoppages and breakages of equipment. In some cases, the line will be stopped to avoid critically problematic situations.

BID’s Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is the easiest way to improve production flow and increase profitability. Choosing BID’s AI-powered Smart Vision

results in the fastest ROI in the industry regardless of volume, peace of mind thanks to its integrated solutions and reliable service team, and consistent production quality to ensure customer satisfaction.

Stay tuned because our teams are relentlessly pushing the limits of what is possible to offer evolving technologies, ensuring the best results during the operational lifecycle.

Other BID AI-Enhanced Solutions

Upgrade your mill with BID’s AI-enhanced solutions:

• Defect detection for grading, trimming, and edging

• Residual bark detection

• Split detection on logs

• Wood species identification

• Green-board density separation for optimized wood drying

• And more in development

Curious to know how Smart Vision can help uptime and the flow of your operations? Contact BID now or visit www.bidgroup.ca

BSW group strengthens its position with several major investments and acquisitions during 2022

Binderholz GmbH, which acquired BSW Group in 2021, has reaffirmed its commitment to its UK operations after supporting several major investments into the company over the course of 2022.

The investments have strengthened the positioning of BSW Group, helping to place the company in a strong position for when the forestry and timber industry is able to bounce back from the current challenges.

Within its stable of timber and forestry companies, BSW Group has invested £4 million into a new 25,000 m2 miniplug production facility at Maelor Forest Nurseries.

Designed especially for growing forestry species, the investment will help to secure the future supply of highquality trees for the industry. The facility allows seeds to be sown directly into trays, with germination in a controlled environment helping to improve growth, efficiency and resilience in seedlings.

As part of BSW Group’s ongoing commitment to investment into sustainability and development of trees species suitable for the UK’s changing climate, plans are also in place to use the facility to cultivate alternative tree species that will be available to customers.

Another member of BSW Group, Dick Brothers finished the year in a very strong position after winning several new high value contracts with Forestry and Land Scotland. To better service these contracts, BSW Group is investing over £5 million in several new machines to strengthen their fleet of harvesters and forwarders.

BSW Group’s manufacturing sites have also received significant investment, with

Bayram Timber acquiring a £300,000 Hundegger machine. The new machine will help meet the demand of the industrial markets as it provides the ability to process timber in several ways, all in one operation. It has also allowed the company to streamline its caravan kit supply to improve customer quality and service. It is an exciting time for Bayram as they look to venture into new markets and make sizeable improvements to the automation around their site.

BSW Timber Solutions in Melton, Hull, has also had a new £400,000 H23 Planer installed to strengthen the existing stock of planers. The new machine brings an extra capacity in excess of 10,000m3 per year, as well as greater flexibility across existing workloads. Extra features include automated packaging stations for wood bundling and to be able to produce mini packs for customers moving forward.

BSW Timber Solutions has had further investment at its Stoke site, which has had a state-of-the-art showroom built to better showcase the full range of products produced by all BSW Group members, covering both internal and external timber products.

BSW Timber’s sawmill at Fort William, meanwhile, received a £1.4 million investment in in the form of VK Debarker. The new VK Debarker features a 680mm ring, allowing for a significantly increased output of 140m3 per hour. The site, based in Corpach. was also completely resurfaced, with an area of approximately 31,000m2 being filled in.

Tony Hackney, CEO at BSW Group, said: “The forestry and timber industries faced many

challenges in 2022, and further challenges will no doubt present themselves as we move into 2023.

“These challenges came in the form of the pandemic, the conflict in Ukraine, increasing energy costs and a 40-year high in cost-of-living expenses. The result of this was a global downturn across the timber industry, which unfortunately led to the closure of our Boat of Garten sawmill.

“However, the BSW Group and Binderholz GmbH board’s strategic review of the business has presented opportunities where investment would strengthen our offering.

“The decision to make these investments in 2022, with more planned throughout 2023, will allow us to drive efficiencies across all sites and place us in a great position to serve customers with an even stronger offering going forward.”

BSW Group also acquired Scott Group in December 2022. Based near Dunfermline in Scotland, with an annual turnover in excess of £250m and 1,300 employees, Scott Group is an award-winning, sustainable manufacturer

of new, bespoke, and reconditioned timber pallets, producing over 30 million pallets per year.

Tony Hackney, CEO, BSW Timber

After 23 years, Snider Industries welcomes a new plant manager

Snider Industries, LLC announced this month the transition of Plant Manager after 23 years of Jimmy Brewer at the helm. Wayne Fleming has assumed the Plant Manager role, bringing over 30 years of Forest Products Industry experience. With this transition, Snider Industries is building on existing expertise, as Jimmy remains firmly involved with the strategic planning for the operations of the company, while Wayne introduces his domestic and international experience as an Automation and Controls professional. As Plant Manager, Wayne Fleming’s official responsibilities will include management of the plant operations covering lumber production, and operations of the log yard, planer mill, and power plant; as well as maintenance, lumber shipping and shavings plant to name a few.

“We expect Snider Industries to benefit from the exceptional managerial and technical expertise that Wayne brings to our company. He has consulted with Snider on various projects and installations going back over 20 years and has an excellent understanding of our operations. To boot, he has been involved in many projects across the spectrum of wood fiber operations and production and we are fortunate to have him,” said Jill Snider Brewer, third-generation Owner.

With 30 years as an Automation and Controls professional, Wayne assisted various industries in increasing productivity and reducing downtime through facility modernization and control upgrades. He began his career as an electrician in a sawmill located in South Alabama. This position led him through the US and internationally, providing

automation and controls solutions over the years. He was then managing partner of an automation and controls engineering business for over 25 of those years, and also served as managing partner in several other businesses including mechanical design and machine fabrication. Throughout his career, he partnered with customers to work through some of the most sophisticated projects in sawmills, plywood/OSB, and pellet plant facilities throughout the US. His career has afforded him the privilege of meeting and developing professional relationships with some of the most revered people in the industry.

Family-owned and operated, Snider Industries has proven that small business, family values can reside in even the largest of industries and is reflected in over 85 years of

customer-centric operation within the industry. Upholding a long-standing commitment to superior quality and the satisfaction of their customers, this exclusively one-inch SYP lumber manufacturer has been labeled an industry leader in all facets: service, product offerings and overall operation. The people who make Snider Industries what it is, both those from within and without, continue to shout their praises of the company’s operational values and resulting product offerings.

Wayne Fleming

Ponsse’s fundamental purpose of developing sustainable solutions for the benefit of it’s customers and the environment is more topical today than ever before. Recognizing that technologies drive all change, they have utilized new solutions in their new machines in a more versatile way.

New technologies drive responsible harvesting forward

Ponsse’s versatile and efficient harvesters and harvesting technology guarantee the best productivity, and they adapt easily to different kinds of logging environments. In terms of comfort, their harvesters are first class. Following customers’ wishes, they also focus on the usability and serviceability of their harvesters. In this article we present some of the latest achievements of Ponsse’s development work. They confirm the continuous investments in sustainable development.

PONSSE Scorpion Giant

The new and powerful PONSSE Scorpion Giant has what it takes to find new opportunities in efficient harvesting. The newest member of the Scorpion family seamlessly complements the entire PONSSE harvester range. Developed according to the requests from it’s customers, PONSSE Scorpion Giant conveniently fits between Scorpion King and Bear in the PONSSE harvester line-up comparison. PONSSE Scorpion Giant can be equipped with the new H8 harvester head. Smaller heads are available

for customers who mainly require more lifting power, but smaller head is enough for their operations. With more lifting power and more tractive force, PONSSE Scorpion Giant is right at home when working with larger trees, even in snow, slopes, and soft grounds.

Harvester Active Crane

Harvester Active Crane system makes the crane even easier to use. The operator does not need to control different joint movements: they only need to move the harvester head in the desired direction at the desired speed. End damping smooths

New H8: the new PONSSE H8 harvester head keeps you logging

The Harvester Active Crane system improves crane control and work efficiency

crane movements, reducing stress to the crane and operator, as there is no sudden swaying or jolting. Active Crane also helps new operators to learn working methods that save the machine. Only one additional module has been added to the crane, and the extension cylinder now includes a magnetic sensor, ensuring simple and reliable technological solutions.

The new PONSSE H8

The new PONSSE H8 harvester head enables faster, more efficient, and economical harvesting even when there are plenty of large-diameter trees to handle. Thanks to the strong structure, great sawing power, excellent gripping geometry and uncontested agility in it´s size class, the New H8 offers excellent productivity.

The New H8 provides durability, excellent reliability, and lower lifecycle cost – also to the saw blade and chain. The more challenging the conditions, the better the New H8 stands out: the renewed saw box prevents snow from packing, and the completely new Active Speed function enables changing the feeding speed. This lifts the work efficiency and productivity to an entirely new level.

Trees are always fed at the correct length, and at the best possible speed. Controlled feed acceleration and deceleration provide smaller pressure peaks, fewer feed damages, and improved efficiency. The grip pressure of the delimbing knives and feed rollers adjusts continuously according to the trunk size. Feed rollers support trunks from below, ensuring low friction and a firm grip during feeding.

The advanced capabilities of the New H8 enable complete delimbing of trunks with diameters down to 50 mm. Plane-like knife profile lowers friction, saves fuel and maintains its sharpness for a lot longer than harvester heads that feature flat knife bottom.

PONSSE Opti 5G

PONSSE Opti 5G – the future of harvesting. Fast, user-friendly and made for operators, it is effortless to use. Clear logic makes the system easy to learn. The transition from old to new is made easy. Daily routines and adjustments can be done quickly without wading through menus, and frequently used functions have been made easily accessible. An upgraded Eco Drive feeds the operator real-time information for optimizing their work and the machine’s performance.

The data produced by the Opti 5G system is also used in digital services that generate additional value, such as the PONSSE Manager application. The application allows the monitoring of fleet productivity, working hours and location.

PONSSE Opti 5G meets all current requirements

and is also open to future development. Its features are extensive, and the system can flexibly support various future applications anywhere in the world.

Leading the way Ponsse aim to offer more comprehensive solutions that are able to help their customers ensure both the productivity of their work and fulfilment of their responsibility

targets even better than before. Together they can continue to discover new ways to develop the world in a better direction.

Along with products and services Ponsse’s technological concepts are a peek into the future, paving the way for technological development and sustainable harvesting solutions. One of the technological developments was demonstrated at the

This technology enables, for the first time in the history of forest machines, measuring the trees that are left in the forest in addition to the trees that are harvested. Developing and testing of new technologies naturally supports the experimental culture that Ponsse is known for.

FinnMETKO 2022 exhibitionThinning density assistant concept.

PONSSE Opti 5G - the world’s best forest machine information system

Thinning density assistant concept was demonstrated at Finnmetko 2022 exhibition

PONSSE Scorpion Giant –power in various conditions

Tigercat builds a full range of cut-to-length harvesting solutions including track harvesters, wheel harvesters, harvesting heads and control software.

1165 harvester

The latest harvester addition to the Tigercat product line-up is the versatile 1165 harvester. Available in both six and eight-wheel drive, the 1165 is a 22-tonne, high production harvester that is best suited to extreme duty clear fell and selective cut applications, steep slopes, and the toughest terrain. Tigercat’s unique WideRange® drive system increases working travel speed while delivering extremely powerful tractive effort for high performance in steep terrain and quick in-stand travel on good ground.

The 1165 blends high performance with fuel efficiency with advanced hydraulic circuits. Dedicated pumps power the drive, harvesting head, crane, fan and cooling circuit functions. In addition, a closed loop drive system provides excellent performance and response on steep slopes. A pressure

and flow-controlled piston pump drives the cooling fan, maintaining optimal operating temperatures at the lowest possible fan speed.

The crane features Tigercat’s efficient and operatorfriendly ER® technology. The hooked profile of the main boom promotes excellent right-side visibility. Not only is the crane efficient but also simple in design, without external parallel linkages.

With an extreme duty slew system and 360° continuous rotation, the cabin rotates with the crane. The cabin is spacious with excellent visibility and clear line-of-sight to the wheels. Operators will find all the creature comforts including a comfortable and highly adjustable climatecontrolled seat with a four-point harness and full BluetoothÒ connectivity.

The Tigercat 534 harvesting head is matched to Tigercat’s 1165 harvester and sized for optimal productivity in a

150-500 mm (6-20 in) stem diameter range. The 534 is a three-wheel drive head with a triangulated wheel arm design. Four cast steel knife arms, along with a fixed front and back knife, provide excellent delimbing quality. The 534 uses the new Tigercat D7 control system. This system offers powerful functionality, simplicity and intuitive operator navigation.

There are two types of bucking control available for D7. Priority-based bucking logic utilizes a list of operatorentered log specifications. D7 Optimization level uses a value-based logic.

Both Tigercat D7 Priority and Optimization levels offer StanForD Classic, StanForD 2010, and PDF production reporting. Reports can be viewed onscreen or exported for later analysis. D7 also sends production volume data to RemoteLog®, Tigercat’s optional telematics system. When equipped with a GPS receiver and the GeoInfo

The Tigercat 1165 harvester matched with the 534 harvesting head, working in Sweden

software. D7 provides an active navigation application using the machine’s current position on a georeferenced map.

The 1165 is powered by the Tigercat FPT N67 engine with Tier 2, Tier 4, stage V, or noncertified configurations, rated at 210 kW (282 hp) at 1,900 rpm.

H822E & LH822E track harvesters

The H822E and LH822E harvesters combine a compact upper assembly with tight tuck boom geometry to minimize residual stand damage in selective harvesting applications. The combination of high horsepower and harvester head optimized hydraulics provide the operator with responsive control, quick feeding and powerful delimbing and debarking capability. The result is high productivity and lowest cost per tonne of processed logs. Pair with a Tigercat harvesting head for a full factory-backed package.

Several purpose built boom system options are

available including, 8,2m (27 ft) fixed, 9,1m (30 ft) fixed, and 10,8m (36 ft) telescopic configurations. The hydraulic hoses, tubes and connections are protected along the entire length of the boom. All booms use the patented ER system, which allows the machine operator to extend and retract the boom in a horizontal motion smoothly and quickly using a single joystick. The ER boom system improves fuel efficiency, increases production and reduces operator fatigue, especially in smaller stem, high cycle applications.

The E-series engine enclosure was redesigned to provides improved roof access for cleaning debris. The new boom slider also works to shed debris, preventing build-up in hard-to-reach areas. The clamshell style enclosure and drop-down side platform allow easy access to all sides of the engine.

The cab includes a durable, roomy, air ride seat with heating and cooling. The full-length front window and narrow side posts provide the

The 534 harvesting head uses the new Tigercat D7 control system operator an excellent view of the tracks and surrounding area.

The LH822E features Tigercat’s patented leveling system, providing exceptional stability in steep slope applications and optimum weight transfer. It uses two massive hydraulic cylinders and heavy steel sections for a solution that is both simple and robust. Due to the unique geometry of the leveling system, the machine is well balanced on slopes. Regardless of the angle of the undercarriage in relation to the upper, the track pressure is even all the way along the

bottom of the tracks as long as the upper is close to horizontal. This makes the machine feel very stable and predictable. In addition, the ramped undercarriage (both the front idler and the rear gearbox are set higher than the centre-line of the undercarriage) allows the machines to easily drive up over rocks and stumps.

The H822E and LH822E are powered by the Tigercat FPT N67 engine with Tier 2, Tier 4, stage V, or non-certified configurations, rated at 210 kW (282 hp) at 1,900 rpm.

The Tigercat H822E harvester working in northern Quebec

To harvest trees in tight, dense and ruggedterrain forests, operators need machines with maneuverability, power, versatility and reliability. With Komatsu’s XT-5 tracked harvesters, operators can harvest closer to the carrier and maneuver confidently thanks to a lower center of gravity and off-set boom.

Komatsu’s new XT-5 tracked harvesters provide maneuverability and power in demanding conditions

Made to perform in demanding conditions, Komatsu’s XT-5 closed loop tracked harvesters enable operators to simultaneously travel, cut, delimb, harvest and swing timber. Engineered with hydraulic lines for each function, operators can use tracks, boom, arm and tools concurrently.

Benefits of the XT-5 tracked harvesters

• Significantly greater lift capacity

• 10% more horsepower

• 16% more torque

• 5% lower fuel consumption

• Excellent uptime and serviceability

More powerful, more productive

The short-tail swing of Komatsu’s 331 HP harvesters lets operators work through dense forests and clear-cutting environments. The set-back boom allows cutting close to the undercarriage and tracks, while the powerful swing torque excels in demanding applications.

Designed to significantly increase lift capacity, handling trees with the arm fully extended is made easier. With an excellent balance between boom lift and arm holding capacity, the XT-5 harvesters can be equipped with a wide selection of harvesting saw heads.

The harvesters can be adapted to the job with two

different working ranges. Use the short reach and largerscaled head to harvest larger trees or switch to a longer reach and more compact designed head to grab trees further from the carrier.

Even on sloped terrains operators can work with confidence. The XT455L-5 is equipped with a heavy-duty, four-way leveling system that promotes front/rear/ side leveling for exceptional stability. The fuel tank placement lowers the center of gravity for enhanced stability.

Helps lower maintenance costs and makes servicing easier

With the XT-5 harvesters, you can save on maintenance costs because the innovative hydraulic tank system design requires 55% less hydraulic oil. Pumps are equipped with hydro-nucleation to help prevent pump cavitation and are 17% larger to help extend component life by operating 500 rpms slower. The engine gull-wing and wide swing-out doors on the XT-5 harvesters offer quick and easy access to all engine service points and all key components.

XT430-5, XT445L-5, XT465L-5

Working environment

Operator comfort and customization improve productivity

Help reduce fatigue and support productivity by giving your operators a roomy, comfortable work environment. Excellent visibility, especially to the tracks, and powerful heating, cooling and defrosting systems, help your operators be at the top of their game. When working shifts switch, the controls can switch too by adjusting to each operator’s preference (up to three settings). Set preferences for joystick, boom, stick, tool tilt, swing, cab leveling and more.

The Konrad Highlander is a steep terrain harvester with enormous flexibility due to a synchronized step-and-drive movement.

Highlander Harvester 4 and 6 wheels

The Konrad HIGHLANDER is a steep terrain harvester with enormous flexibility due to a synchronized step and drive movement. When reaching the limit in climbing, telescopic extensions push the machine forward and over edges. The machine can manage a slope of 100%. The front and wheels can be steered independently, this results in a small turning radius and allows crab movement of the machine in the slopes.

The crane and the cabin are one unit. The crane is fitted behind the cabin and turns endless. This gives an excellent view for the driver to the harvester head Woody 61 fitted at the end of the crane.

Remarkable is also the reach of the crane (10m) with one telescope extension and integrated hydraulic hoses.

There is a six- and four-wheel version of the

Highlander, and each machine has as a standard feature a strong shield, and optionally a clambunk, a load space for log transport and a synchronized winch with double function. Either for securing the machine in steep areas or to winch trees to the machine. The winch is also radio controlled.

Our advantages:

• Multi purpose machine for felling and skidding

• Removable clambunk and load space for skidding and log transport

• Integrated dual purpose winch (synchronic drive in steep slopes and skidding)

Technical details:

Engine: IVECO 6 cylinders 285 HP (STAGE 5)

Drive: all terrain 6x6 or 4x4; push function with telescope on rear wheels

Steering: front and rear wheels, “crab steering”

Harvester head: Woody 50-1; 60-1

The four-wheel version of the Highlander

Thinning Harvester KDH with WOODY WH40-2

Is there an economical solution for first thinning work in forests?

The KONRAD Thinning Harvester (KDH) with WOODY WH40-2 answers the following question: Is a first thinning economical? With the tracked harvester KDH from KONRAD Forsttechnik GmbH it certainly is.

The add-on system enables an individual customer configuration tailor made for their needs. For example, the tiltable upper carriage and cabin keeps the operator levelled in steep slopes. An optimized main boom for an improved kinematic, as well as the arm telescopic extension with hidden hose routing further improves reach and productivity. Further useful options such as climbing support bars mounted on the tracks, a hydraulic winch on the main boom, the powerboost-hydraulic-accumulator or an additional rear weight

completes the KDH offerings. The purchase- and operational costs stay economical even with that versatile offer. A low weight and compact design make transports simple and easy.

Our advantages:

• Low acquisition and operating costs

• Optimized lift arm

• Tilt device for upper carriage

• Power boost – hydraulic accumulator

• Climbing aids at the chain drive

Technical details:

Basic machine: Neuson tracked excavator ET 90

Engine power: Deutz 55,4 kW

Hydraulic: 180 l/min, 300 bars

Fuel tank: 85 lt.

Other equipment: Dozer blade, telescopic arm, additional oil cooler, climbing aids on tracks

The Konrad thinning harvester (KDH40-1) with Woody WH40-1 from Konrad Forsttechnik solves the challenge of making first thinning economic

Rottne H8E

Rottne H11D

Rottne H21D

Rottne offers a complete harvester programme, consisting of the standoperating thinning harvester Rottne H8E, the all-rounder Rottne H11D - as comfortable doing thinning work as it is doing light final felling - and the Rottne H21D for heavy final felling.

✱

New Rottne warranty

Since 2021, the new basic warranty foresees that Rottne replaces for free of charge the machine parts that break down due to manufacturing or material defects up to 3,000 working hours. Rottne is also responsible for the travel cost for the service technician, up to 300 km per warranty case, until the machine has worked for 500 hours. Besides, Rottne also covers the 100 hours service. This allows Rottne to take a leading position in the industry.

✱ Rottne harvester heads can now be fitted to all kinds of harvesters together with a new bucking system.

✱ Change to the new generation of ROTTNE FORESTER system

A powerful and easy-to-use bucking system with many advantages.

✱ Luxury working comfort for operators

All of Rottne’s harvesters are equipped with the same spacious cab, offering excellent visibility providing a fantastic view over work environment. With the cab suspension system Comfort Line you get world-class luxury comfort!

✱ Quieter than in a car

It is also very quiet in the harvester cab (Sound level: 63 dB) – even quieter than in a new road car.

✱ Stage V engines certified for HVO

All of Rottne’s harvesters are equipped with environmentally friendly Stage V engines that are certified to run on both diesel and fully renewable biofuel HVO.

ROTTNE H8E – IDEAL FOR STAND-OPERATING THINNING

Rottne H8E is a compact and versatile harvester with unique characteristics including exact tracking, swing arms on the wheels, variable transmission and automatic anti-spin. This makes it very easy-tooperate with minimum space requirements, providing the conditions for smooth and fluent thinning and an undamaged stand – as well

as high productivity. Tests conducted by the company show that the updated version of Rottne H8E offers superb off-road driving performance compared with previous versions and now definitely lives up to demands strengthening its market leading position among stand operating harvesters yet further.

NEW for 2022 in Rottne H8E

• *End dampening on all cylinders.

• Rottne Crane assistance (RCA) available on RK75

• New Chain Lubrication –Grease

• Optional Free wheel valve - H8E

More comfortable to drive on the road.

ROTTNE H11D –AN EFFECTIVE MACHINE FOR BOTH THINNING AND FINAL FELLING

Rottne H11D is an articulatedsteered harvester for thinning and final felling. Powerful engine, hydrostatic transmission and articulated frame joint in the centre ensures excellent off-road

Rottne H8E

Rottne H11D

performance and precise tracking.

The high degree of customisability means that the harvester can be adapted for a range of working conditions. Among other things, the harvester can be equipped with six or eight wheels, a 10 or 11 metre crane, an individual bogie lift, as well as having the option of six different harvester heads to choose between from Rottne, LogMax and SP.

Eight wheels and wide tracks spread the weight of the machine well, making Rottne H11D perfect for work on steep terrain or damp ground.

NEW for 2022 in Rottne H11D

• Extra Fuel Tank

• New Crane Damping on the lifting arm

• New Chain Lubrication –Grease

• New Level Sensors for Diesel, Hydraulic & Transmission

ROTTNE H21D - A POWERFUL WORKHORSE FOR HEAVY FINAL FELLING

Rottne H21D is the harvester with real reserves of power, its tractive force of all of 230 kN and three-pump hydraulic system make production highly effective.

With an extremely strong crane featuring the highest torque of all, effectiveness is guaranteed. Rottne H21D is designed for final felling, and built specifically to overcome difficult and steep terrain – and with eight wheels and broad tracks it can even manoeuvre extremely well on wet ground. The swivel cab follows the crane swing motion (just like the Rottne H11D).

Like all Rottne harvesters, Rottne H21D also provides good level of profitability.

NEW for 2022 in Rottne H21D

• New powerful crane RK310

• New Chain LubricationGrease

ROTTNE H11D: AN EFFECTIVE ALL-ROUND HARVESTER

Optimum trunk diameter: 20–40 cm

Number of wheels: 6 or 8

Service weight: from 17 400 kg

Sound level inside cab: 63 dBA

Engine: Stage V, 164 kW / 220 hp (at 1800 rpm)

Fuel: Diesel or HVO

Fuel tank: 377 + 156 litre

Tractive force: 167 kN

Crane reach: 10,3 or 11,3 m

Harvester head: Rottne EGS596, SP461 LF, SP561 LF, LogMax 3000T, LogMax 4000T, Log Max 5000D

• New Rotator Indexator HX 30 – Heavy Duty for Rottne EGS 706 harvester head

• Bigger Cooling Capacity on Rottne H21D

• New Level Sensors for Diesel, Hydraulic & Transmission

ROTTNE H8E: IDEAL FOR STAND-OPERATING THINNING

Optimum trunk diameter: 5–20 cm

Number of wheels: 4

Service weight: from 10 180 kg

Sound level inside cab: 63 dBA

Engine: Stage V, 125 kW / 170 hp (at 2000 rpm)

Fuel: Diesel or HVO

Fuel tank: 268 litres

Tractive force: 137 kN

Crane reach: 7 m

Harvester head: Rottne EGS 406, LogMax 3000T

ROTTNE H21D: FINAL FELLING IN DENSE FOREST

Optimum trunk diameter: 30-65 cm

Number of wheels: 6 or 8

Service weight: from 24,200 kg

Sound level inside cab: 63 dBA

Engine: Stage V, 227 kW / 305 hp (at 1800 rpm)

Fuel: Diesel or HVO

Fuel tank: 500+225 litres

Tractive force: 230 kN

Crane reach: 10 or 11 m

Harvester head: Rottne EGS706, Rottne EGS596, SP661 LF, SP761 LF, LogMax 6000V, Log Max 7000C

The new Log Max 2000T is a compact harvesting head that offers excellent performance and reliability. Developed for compact harvesters, the 2000T is the latest addition to LogMax thinning heads series, T-series. With these heads specially adapted hydraulics, you get a high-speed head both for feed speed and the saw unit.

2000T

A small, fast and reliable thinning head

MAXIMUM FEED

You get a quick and powerful head through the improved hydraulics of 2000T.

EASY SERVICE

2000T is built to make maintenance work as smoothly as possible.

STRONG DELIMBING KNIVES

The design and castings of the 2000T are selected to maximize its service life.

30% FASTER

2000T has increased performance and drivability compared to its predecessor 928A. It feeds at 4 m/s, which is an improvement of 30%. The 2000T’s feed roller motors have a power of 280cc, which is less than its predecessor, which had 365cc.

The main pressure is also adjusted, from 210 bar to 280 bar.

The smaller motor improves the feed speed while maintaining traction thanks to the increased pressure. The

raised pressure also gives 30% more power to the saw.

NEW HYDRAULIC CYLINDERS

The majority of the hydraulic cylinders are new on the 2000T. These changes provide increased quality and improved function.

The new hydraulic cylinders also have new robust seals to withstand tough working conditions. The saw bar feed cylinder has a locking nut for the adjustable rod end and a stronger attachment.

NEW CONTACTLESS SENSOR

The new sensor for the length measurement is contactless and has no mechanical moving components. That will result in minimal or even non-existent service and maintenance of this sensor.

SIMPLIFIED SERVICE OF THE BEARING UNIT

The length measuring unit now has an easily accessible lubrication nipple to simplify service in your everyday work

NEW MECHANICAL STOP

A mechanical stop has been added to the length measuring arm to avoid using the

measuring unit’s cylinder as a brake in its inner position. This modification increases the lifetime of the cylinder.

AVOID MOISTURE IN THE DIAMETER SENSOR

The diameter sensors have been updated with new bushings and seals to avoid moisture ingress.

NEW TENSIONER FOR THE SAW CHAIN

The tensioner for the saw chain has been updated compared to its predecessor 928A to simplify service and maintenance. It was previously tightened with an Allen key but is now redesigned to fit a 7mm flexible screwdriver. Log Max 2000T is equipped with a new saw unit named EasyCut.

NEW MOUNTING OF SAW SENSORS

To facilitate the service of the head, you can now change the sensor and cable separately. The attachment has also been redesigned to make it easier to adjust the sensors.

• The saw bearing is easier to lubricate via a new lubrication nipple. The new nipple gives the saw bearing an extended service life as you easily can lubricate it at more frequent intervals.

• The Easy Greasy cover is easier to attach. The new design makes it possible to mount cable and protection separately, simplifying the service.

• The cover of the saw box has been changed. The new design makes it easier to handle, and less debris accumulates while driving.

• The bar feed cylinder is updated with a piston rod that is no longer two-part and a lock nut that locks the adjustable rod end.

NEW CASTING IN THE DELIMBING KNIVES

There are entirely new castings in the delimbing knives at the 2000T, and the change will

increase the strength and life span of the delimbing knives

OPTIMAL KNIFE EDGE ANGLE

All movable delimbing knives now have a new edge angle of 35° to improve delimbing

NEW SCREW TO UPPER DELIMBING KNIFE

The screw at the upper delimbing knife has been simplified to increase the service life. The new solution is now like on other Log Max heads.

BETTER HOSE ROUTING IN THE SAW BOX

The pins for the lower delimbing knife and the saw bar feed have been given an updated attachment to the frame. It provides simplified service and at the same time avoids hose rubbing and wearing.

NEW SCREWS FOR RUBBER DAMPERS

The type of screw for the rubber dampers on the damped

protection plate has been replaced to increase durability. The change fixes the protective plate to the frame and extends the life of the rubber dampers. Another screw has also been added to the attachment; today, there are six screws.

SOLID PLATE MINIMIZES HOSE WEAR

A new solid plate integrated into the frame has been developed to avoid pinched hoses when tilting the felling link. With the new solution, the durability of both hose and frame increases.

• The head has a new checkvalve for saw chain oil to avoid oil spills when the head is in a transport position.

• The head now has the same oil cap as Log Max other units. Easy to open and close, which makes the maintenance easier.

• Extended filter inside the oil tank to make it easier to refill oil without spillage.

• The protective plates around the delimbing knives have new attachments that have been redesigned and reinforced.

• To prevent premature wear of the frame, a replaceable wear plate has been added below the measuring wheel hole.

• The feed rollers now have large drainage holes to both reduce the head’s weight and avoid debris collecting in them. This modification reduces the weight by about 2 kg/wheel.

• Wiring and connectors placed in the saw box have been fitted with Deutschand M12 connectors. This change simplifies service, maintenance and troubleshooting.

thinning heads, resulting a well-balanced powerhouse for thinning, according to the manufacturer.

The first serial-manufactured harvester equipped with this new crane is the all-new Malwa 980 harvester. (Photo courtesy of Malwa Forest)

Kesla introduces 875H Harvester Crane

Kesla, an independent manufacturer of harvester heads and forest machine cranes launched a completely new harvester crane KESLA 875H. The first serial-manufactured harvester equipped with this new crane is the all-new Malwa 980 harvester.

Ideal for Thinning Harvesters

The 875H is a parallel-acting crane dedicated for harvester use. Gross lifting torque of 72 kNm and reach of 25 ft. make the crane ideal for thinning harvesters in around 10 tons weight class. Maximum lifting capacity of 770 kg at full boom reach enables the crane to be paired with the KESLA 18RH-II or the all-new 19RH-III

The 875H crane can be equipped with a fixed base or with four-direction tilt. The outer boom is equipped with 47 in. telescope. These features enable that the optimal geometry can be achieved in all conditions and any kind of base machines.

The design of the new crane has progressed not only together with the customers but also hand in hand with the renewal of Kesla’s manufacturing technology, and evolving automation has been taken into account in the design from the very beginning. The prototypes of the crane have been tested in longterm field tests for maximized reliability and durability.

New Cooperation in Field of Harvester Cranes

“Strong partnering with our machine manufacturers is one of our core business

areas. Kesla is the leading independent manufacturer of the harvester heads and practically the only who can offer also the compatible cranes with the heads,” said Mika Tahvanainen, director of Logging Equipment Business at Kesla Oyj.

“This makes us a superior industrial partner for machine manufacturers who want to focus on developing of their base machines and rely on the real expert in crane and harvester head technology.

“I’m very happy to introduce Malwa Forest AB as one of our partners. Cooperation started already in the development stage, and discussion between our R&D departments has been very fruitful during the whole process. I feel very proud when looking at the result.”

Chippertruck hybrid 2.0

Facelift for the flagship

Highest capacity self-propelled Chippertruck hybrid 2.0 impresses with technical innovations

+++ Europe-wide without special approval

In spite of this performance class, the Chippertruck hybrid has a machine weight of less than 32 t.

The Chippertruck hybrid is the flagship among the JENZ mobile chippers. The HEM 922 DQ shredder unit was introduced in early 2021. To make things easier, effective immediately the machine is being marketed under the name “Chippertruck hybrid”. The technical changes on the large chipper again show due consideration of the aspects: chipping quality, fuel consumption, driving comfort and flexibility. Sebastian Breuer is the new Product Manager for chipper technology. He explains the diverse innovations in detail.

Chippertruck hybrid, version 2.0 –What’s behind the update?

JENZ Product manager Sebastian Breuer: “Currently wood chips are becoming more and more important as an energy source. However, wood chip production must also be efficient and economical. Specifically this means: Produce high quantities in a short time and always with

due consideration of quality, fuel consumption and flexibility. This was our guiding principle for the facelift of the Chippertruck hybrid. In short, achieve more of everything: More comfort, more capacity, more quality, more throughput. There were only two things where we ended up with less: Wear and fuel consumption!”

JENZ Product Manager Sebastian Breuer

MORE DRIVING COMFORT

New MAN TG3 cab

Now it is even easier to move the operator seat forward. The shift lever for the automatic transmission is placed conveniently next to the right joystick

New interior – more comfort at the workstation:

• User-friendly cockpit

• Versatile infotainment system with high-resolution 7-inch colour display, DAB+ radio, integration of mobile end devices, Bluetooth® music streaming

• Protective assistance systems, such as the adaptive cruise control (relieve the driver of some driving tasks, particularly on monotonous trips)

• Active seat temperature control for the driver seat and operator seat

New TG3 driver’s cab – modern and powerful:

For example, this is manifest in the front headlight section with state-of-the-art LED technology and the dynamic side design. The streamlined exterior reduces both fuel consumption as well as dirt and grime on the vehicle.

RESISTANT, SUSTAINABLE AND ROBUST

New D1.2 drum design

In recent years the rotor that is most frequently installed; the D1 rotor is one of the trailblazers when it comes to wood chip quality. The quality has again been optimised, and so has the material

flow, both on the basis of minor but extremely well thought-out measures. From the operator’s perspective the advantages are minimized wear and improvement of the daily maintenance tasks.

New design includes chamfering on the rotor disc, cut-outs on the outer rotor discs and lower-positioned support shafts.

WOOD CHIP QUALITY PAR EXCELLENCE

High-performance auxiliary motor combined with a new drum speed concept

+++ Without AdBlue

In spite of the new emission standard even without AdBlue as before.

Lower rotational speed – more torque New rotational speed concept on the rotor

At just a maximum of 460 rpm, rotor speed decreases 10% compared to the previous situation and yet at the same time this provides more torque. The result is an even better wood chip quality with increased throughput, and additionally optimised wear behaviour.

Conversion to the latest EU Stage V emission standard –Auxiliary engine Caterpillar C18:

• Power increase to 597 kW (812 hp) and thus total power increase to 1,322 hp

• Rotational speed reduction to 1,800 rpm results in a significant drop in fuel consumption

• Simultaneous higher tractive power through torque increase to 3710 Nm

INCREASING EFFICIENCY “JENZ Smart Hydraulic”

The two intake control systems CFA and CFA 2 relay material-dependent information concerning rotor speed and opening angle of the upper roller to the easy2 controller. Forwarded to the intelligent hydraulic system; this information ensures a fast, precise adaptation of the intake speed. The operator merely specifies top roller pressure and maximum intake speed by pressing a button.

New wind park set in the forest now supplies UPM’s Finnish paper mills with sustainable power

UPM’s commitment to wind power significantly reduces the company’s paper production emissions. The new wind farm in Pyhäjoki Finland is estimated to reach its full capacity in the production of climate-friendly electricity this sprint, and it offers UPM’s factories in Finland a long-term solution as a source of renewable energy.

In 2019, UPM signed a wind power purchase agreement with the German renewable energy developer wpd . The agreement enabled the construction of a new onshore wind farm in Pyhäjoki. The park now finished started operations in the fall of 2022. The wind farm reached full capacity of renewable energy production in January 2023, and its planned lifetime is 25–30 years.

“This has been a long but rewarding journey, from the initial negotiations of the purchase agreement to the supervision of the construction project. It’s great to see that we are going in the right direction in terms of the power plant’s start-up and long-term success,” says Petri Hyyryläinen, director of energy at UPM Communication Papers .

The wind farm is one of the largest onshore wind farms in Europe and has a total capacity of 188 MW. This additional power production capacity directly contributes to the renewal of the European energy system, which UPM is committed to supporting with its measures to increase the use of renewable energy - as

The physical deliveries of electricity from the wind farm to the paper mills according to the purchase agreement form an important part of UPM’s electricity procurement from now on. With their help, we ensure that our paper production receives cost competitive renewable energy

Petri Hyyryläinen, Director of Energy at UPM Communication Papers

this purchase agreement and the investments made in other plants in efficient and environmentally friendly power plants show.

The wind power purchase agreement guarantees that UPM will buy the majority of the new wind turbine’s annual electricity production for the use of paper mills located in Finland and thus

ensure the supply of renewable electricity for paper production now and in the future.

The Pyhäjoki power plant was completed at an opportune time: the new wind power source will be of considerable benefit in winter, when the demand for electricity at UPM’s paper mills is at its peak, and it can be used to mitigate the consequences of electricity supply disruptions caused by the European energy crisis.

“The physical deliveries of electricity from the wind farm to the paper mills according to the purchase agreement form an important part of UPM’s electricity procurement from now on. With their help, we ensure that our paper production receives costcompetitive renewable energy,” Hyyryläinen states.

The electricity produced by wind power alone is estimated to reduce UPM’s annual carbon dioxide emissions by 200,000 tons, or 5 percent, which takes the company towards its ambitious goal of reducing its carbon dioxide emissions by 65 percent by 2030 .

Have you ever seen a wind turbine up close?

These climate-friendly energy producers are even more impressive when viewed from below:

the rotor diameter of the power plant is 163 meters and the total height is 240 meters!

Energy Director Petri Hyyryläinen, SVP Operations Anu Ahola, and EVP Technology & Biorefining Winfried Schaur visiting the construction site in August 2022.

Epec invests in a responsible new electronics factory in Seinäjoki Finland, aiming for carbon neutrality

Finnish technology company

Epec is building a new smart and sustainable factory in Seinäjoki, Finland. ESF1 (Epec Smart Factory 1) will include a three-story office space and a total of 8,500 m2 of factory space. Epec’s headquarters with its R&D, engineering, support and production functions will move to new premises from its current premises on the Seinäjoki campus. In addition to Seinäjoki, the company also has offices in Tampere, Turku and Kuopio in Finland, and Shanghai in China. The construction of ESF1 started in spring 2022 and the new facilities will be operational towards the end of 2023.

“The investment is significant for Epec, enabling the strong growth we are currently experiencing,” says Jyri Kylä-Kaila, Managing Director of Epec. “Digitalisation and electrification are rapidly increasing their share of the non-road machinery and commercial vehicle sector, which has opened up new and expanding markets for Epec. With a state-of-theart factory, we are able to meet growing demand and increasingly stringent customer requirements, for example in terms of manufacturing processes. The Western Finland region has a technology cluster

that supports operations, and the Seinäjoki centre of growth provides a good framework for growing operations.”

Epec is a system supplier developing and manufacturing electronics and software for non-road mobile machines (NRMM) and commercial vehicles. Epec products include control units, displays, sensors, power distribution units and telematics units. The company’s clients include Ponsse, Metso, Sandvik, Husqvarna and Liebherr.

A responsible smart factory Epec is fully committed to promoting sustainable development, energy efficiency and reducing its carbon footprint. The factory project is a prime example of this: ESF1 will aim for carbon neutrality during its use and will employ sustainable manufacturing processes. 800 solar panels will be installed on the roof of the factory to generate electricity, the common areas will be heated by a geothermal system, the heat generated by the factory will be recovered by efficient needle heat exchangers, and the need for cooling energy will be significantly reduced by an aluminium grille on the office wall. All electricity and heating energy is sourced from renewable resources.

“The productivity of the factory has been maximised by simulating and optimising the production and material flows, exploiting the opportunities offered by digitalisation and waste energy,” says Eeva Koskela, Supply Chain Director at Epec, who is leading the project. “In practice, digitalisation in this case means a high level of automation, data utilisation, robotics and intelligent building automation. Particular attention has also been paid to safety and comfort

at work. Overall, the testing and production technology is state-of-the-art. The new and modern production facilities provide Epec with excellent opportunities to further develop and grow our operations, expand our product portfolio and increase our manufacturing capacity. There is also plenty of room for expansion on the site to accommodate for future growth.”

Epec Plant Manager Tommi Talasmäki, the Project Manager for ESF1 project, says that the factory project is progressing smoothly, “The project as a whole is on schedule. The windows and doors will be installed in December, so the shell will be done by Christmas and the interior work will be in full swing. We’re really looking forward to moving into our new efficient premises.”

Increased staffing needs Epec has grown rapidly in recent years. Between 2019 and 2022, the number of people has increased by almost 70%. Riikka Rajala, HR Manager at Epec, says that recruitment needs are still high, “The greatest need at the moment is for various product development and programming positions, but other specialists, assemblers and administrative staff are also needed. As we keep growing, we constantly have a lot of vacancies and a significant need for new people.” The new factory will initially accommodate 250 employees. Provision has also already been made for the

expansion of the premises. “ESF1 will provide state-ofthe-art working conditions for a growing pool of talent,” concludes Rajala.

Jyri Kylä-Kaila, Managing Director, Epec Oy

Tommi Talasmäki, Epec Plant Manager, the Project Manager, for ESF1 projec

Eeva Koskela, Supply Chain Director, Epec

Strong support for industry from Forestry Minister – or just talk - again?

The UK’s Forestry Minister has pledged to drive up productive planting and to “slash the time it takes to plant a tree” in a speech at a major policy conference organised by Confor.

Trudy Harrison MP told the Westminster event: “We want more timber in construction to build homes across the UK and to do that, we really need more conifers.

“Trees answer so many of our grand challenges, including net zero, and Levelling Up as so many forestry and wood jobs are outside the south-east.”

She said the ‘conifer v broadleaf’ debate was not an issue and that she wanted more mixed-species, multifunctional woodlands. “I’m surprised what all the fuss is about as I enjoy wonderful conifer woodlands, and their wildlife and biodiversity, but I also enjoy broadleaf woodlands and their many benefits. This is a non-issue for me.”

She described the fact that the UK grew less than 20% of the wood it used as “unacceptable” and said she wanted to work with the industry to tackle this and use more home-grown timber.

“The manifesto commitment is well-known - to plant 30,000 hectares every year [during the lifetime of the current parliament] - but we are still woefully short,” she said. “We are serious about forestry and timber and about hitting the planting target.”

Later, she said: “Without you being able to do what you need to do [plant trees], I will fail to hit my manifesto commitment and that is not an option”.

Reducing bureaucracy was vital, the Minister said: “I want to slash the time it takes to plant a tree. I hear horrific stories. I want to take a chainsaw to the time it takes to plant a tree.”

She said the sector had to deal with “too much doctrine” and promised regulatory reforms, including simplifying Environmental Impact Assessments for new forests.

Later, Richard Stanford, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, also pledged to get rid of unnecessary regulation. Having a double consultation on planting schemes was “nuts”, he said, while he also called for the time given to statutory consultees to comment on planting schemes to be reduced to 28 days in line with the planning system.

Mr Stanford said the climate crisis demanded “action, not prevarication” to ensure many more trees were planted. He urged everyone to “follow the science” and understand that a wide range of resilient species - including productive conifershad to be planted.

“Let’s stop this dogma of native woodlands good, conifers bad,” he said. “Trees are all good. Idealism and purists have their place but we need informed decision-making using science and data.

“We have got ministerial support so let’s get behind that and get these trees in the ground.”

Mr Stanford said the England Woodland Creation Offer had seen a large increase in the number of schemes coming forward but the majority were small - an average of 4 hectares. Approval times were improving, he said, and there was enough land to plant all types of trees - around 3 million hectares of suitable land after “contentious areas” like National Parks were removed.

He concluded by calling for greater collaboration, saying: “We need pragmatism and delivery over purists and prevarication. Champions of woods and forests are too few to be divided.”

Mike Childs of Friends of the Earth (FoE), who cowrote FoE’s report Why The UK Needs More Trees, also called for collaboration. The report recognised that timber production was an important objective of new planting to increase tree cover in the UK significantly, alongside a wide range of other objectives. “There are a myriad of reasons for us to be more ambitious about planting trees - and that includes being much more ambitious about what the productive timber industry can do,” said Mr Childs.

He said that farmers and conservationists needed to work with the industry and Government as part of a timber sector deal designed to double

Trudy Harrison MP UK’s Forestry Minister

tree cover in England by 2050. ”We need to get all parties around the table - not everyone leaves with everything they want, but that’s the nature of compromise and discussion,” he said.

The conference also heard about plans for a 40-year National Wood Strategy for England, to be completed by March 2023. Tom Barnes, who is writing the strategy with Confor’s Deputy CEO Andy Leitch, urged anyone interested in the subject to share their ideas. “This Strategy will be practical, short, clearly-written and action-oriented,” he said. “It has a single focus -on planting, growing, investing in and processing conifer and broadleaf trees in Englandto produce wood and wood products.”

Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive of Confor, warned that the UK was losing large areas or productive forestry - but said afterwards that the conference could signal a turning-point. He agreed with a comment from Climate Change Committee chair Lord Deben that forestry and wood had a “remarkable opportunity” and urged the industry, government and NGOs to work together and with the farming community to grasp it.

“We heard a unified vision to plant much more productive forestry to deliver a wide range of environmental and economic benefits,” he said. “What was different was that we heard that not just from industry, but also from the minister responsible for forestry, the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, the Climate Change Committee and a leading environmental body.

A powerful move for the climate –restoration of drained wetlands

Draining wetlands to gain more arable land for both forestry and agriculture has been a centuries-old tradition in Sweden. As far back as the mid-19th century, the Swedish parliament offered financial incentives to promote this development. While obtaining new land for cultivation was previously seen as positive and desirable, against the backdrop of climate change, this view of land reclamation has changed due to the fact that it results in the leakage of large amounts of carbon dioxide.

Emissions on a par with car traffic

The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the some 11.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide is emitted from drained wetlands each year, which is as much as the annual emissions from car traffic. As long as a wetland is in its natural state, it sequesters large amounts of carbon; nearly twice as much as a growing forest. Once wetland is drained, oxygen penetrates into the ground and

releases carbon, which is then released as carbon dioxide.

The project within Holmen Iggesund’s field of operation is run by Holmen Skog together with the Municipality of Hudiksvall and includes the restoration of around 500 hectares. Restoration means that previously dug ditches, which drained the ground of water, are either allowed to grow again or are filled in by way of plugging.

“Drained peatland absorbs water like a sponge. Quite soon after the flow of water in the ditches is stopped, the wetland returns, and gradually so too the water-dependent plants and the animals that thrive in the vicinity of the water,” continues Mikael.

Carbon dioxide emissions fall rapidly

In addition to a rapid reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, the wetlands act as a sponge and help even out the flow of water from mountainous areas to the coast. Flood risks are then more limited and water is retained in the local environment for longer.

“In the long run, this improves water quality because the water has more time to filter through the different soil layers, at the same time raising the local groundwater level. In this way, we recreate some of the most species-rich environments that we know,” emphasises Mikael. Only scratches the surface In Sweden, you can get a subsidy of up to 100 percent from the government for restoring wetlands, depending on the project’s ecological relevance. In the autumn of 2022, the Swedish government decided to set the allocation for the restoration of wetlands permanently at SEK 200 million per year. Researchers who have estimated the potential and climate benefits of the restoration of wetlands believe that the investment is just scratching the surface when compared to the government’s planned investment of SEK 36 billion on capturing biogenic carbon dioxide between 2026 and 2046.

“A reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from the land together with an increase in biodiversity are clearly positive effects of the project,” says Mikael Äng, nature conservation officer at Holmen Skog, Holmen Iggesund’s sister company and timber supplier.

Long-term sustainability is a central focus area when Komatsu Forest built its new factory outside Umeå, in Sweden. An important piece of the puzzle in this work is the 19000m2 solar park on the roof of the factory, which will contribute to carbon neutral production. In connection with the summer solstice on 21 June, the installation became operational.

In Umeå and northern Sweden there are good conditions for using the sun as an energy source. The city had 2,053 hours of sunshine last year and solar radiation is high without it being too hot, which could mean energy losses.

“We have actively strived to find a long-term sustainable energy solution for our new property where solar cells are an important component in achieving a production that is CO2-neutral,” says Martin Ärlestig, Global Production Manager at Komatsu Forest. The supplier of the solar park is Svea Solar.

“The green transition is a must, and the sun is an obvious part of the solution. We are very pleased to be a part of the fact that Komatsu Forest is now getting one of the largest solar parks in the Nordic region, and that solar energy production is also growing in northern Sweden. We are convinced

that interest in solar energy will continue to increase now that more people see that it actually works here in our more northern parts of the country as well,” says Erik Martinson, CEO and founder of Svea Solar.

The solar park on Komatsu’s roof consists of 7154 solar panels covering almost 19000m2, i.e. about two thirds of the roof’s surface. This also makes it one of the largest in the Nordic region.

The solar panels tilt 10 degrees and stand in both an easterly and westerly direction to capture the morning and evening sun. The stands for the panels are held in place on the roof of a total of 65 tons of ballast and a total of as much as 60 km of electrical cable rings on the roof. From the roof installation, the power goes down to 22 inverters located in the installation channel under the roof. The power is then diverted into a switchgear before entering the general

power rail for the factory.

The impressive installation is estimated to produce 2,625,000 kWh of solar electricity, covering much of the total demand for the Komatsu Forest factory. With the new solar park, the surplus will also help to increase the share of sustainable energy production in the electricity grid.

Positive from a sustainability perspective is also that the solar cells have a long lifespan and are estimated to be able to produce electricity for over 30 years.

The official start of production at Komatsu Forest’s new factory was 9 August 2022.

One of the largest solar parks in the Nordic region on the roof of Komatsu Forest

The new PONSSE H8

The new PONSSE H8 harvester head enables faster, more efficient, and economical harvesting even when there are plenty of laragediameter trees to handle. Thanks to the strong structure, great sawing power, excellent gripping geometry and uncontested agility in it´s size class, the New H8 offers excellent productivity.

(See Page 28)

The new and powerful PONSSE Scorpion Giant has what it takes to find new opportunities in efficient harvesting. The newest member of the Scorpion family seamlessly complements the entire PONSSE harvester range.

(See Page 28)

Ponsse’s 19,000th forest machine completed at Vieremä factory

On 17 February, the 19,000th PONSSE forest machine was handed over to Scottish long-term customer Elliot Henderson Ltd, with the Royal Burgh of Annan Pipe Band playing in the background. The PONSSE Scorpion

Giant harvester with H8 harvester head will work at logging sites in the Scottish Borders and Scottish Lowlands.

“Thank you to the Elliot Henderson group and the Royal Burgh of Annan

Pipe Band for coming to Vieremä to celebrate the 19,000th machine milestone with us. I understand this is the first time a pipe band has played at Vieremä village, which makes this day even more special for all of us,

as this is Ponsse UK’s first milestone machine. This is a day that we will remember for years to come,” says Gary Glendinning, Managing Director Ponsse UK.

Elliot Henderson Ltd

Elliot Henderson Ltd is based in Selkirk in Scotland. The company started more than 35 years ago, planting trees with a small squad of men. Over the years,

Gary Glendinning, Managing Director Ponsse UK

the business has grown and diversified into forestry, construction, and scaffolding. Today, Elliot Henderson Ltd comprises more than 40 forest machines which can undertake clear fell, thinning, steep ground harvesting operations, ground preparation or the construction of forest roads. Elliot Henderson Ltd also has the capability for site brash clearance, stump removal and servicing the biomass industry. The company is also a founding member of the Forest Industry Safety Accord and is a member of the Forestry Contractors Association.

With Elliot Henderson Ltd being a long-standing customer for well over 20 years, it’s a fitting tribute to the relationship between the customer and manufacturer that the landmark 19,000th machine is joining the fleet.

“Elliot Henderson Ltd has always been at the forefront of new machine releases over the years, which in turn keeps the harvesting fleet productive and at the vanguard of innovation. We are excited to be adding this Scorpion Giant to the fleet. This machine will go straight to work in the windblow resulting from Storm Arwen and we feel the extra power and H8 head will benefit us in this application. We look forward to seeing what it can do! We are currently running PONSSE Scorpion, Ergo, three Elephants and one Buffalo.” says Neil Purves, Director of Harvesting for Elliot Henderson Group.

Ponsse UK

Ponsse UK was established in 1996, and since 2017, the company has operated at Annan, Scotland. The first PONSSE forest machine was already delivered to the country in 1994, and the fleet now comprises nearly 400 Ponsse machines. The Annan service centre is a workplace for about 30 Ponsse professionals. For more information, please contact Marko Mattila, Chief Sales, Service & Marketing Officer, Ponsse Plc, tel.+358 400 596 297, marko.mattila@ponsse. com

Gary Glendinning, Managing Director, Ponsse UK and Ponsse Machines Ireland Ltd. tel. +44 7753 720906, gary.glendinning@ponsse. com

PONSSE Scorpion Giant harvester

The PONSSE Scorpion Giant is a versatile harvester for demanding conditions. Scorpion Giant can be equipped with either the H8 harvester head or with any of Ponsse’s smaller harvester heads. Scorpion Giant features many solutions familiar from the Scorpion product range, which has been developed even further, including an increased tractive force and an even more powerful C50+ crane. The cabin offers excellent visibility to the logging site, and the machine includes advanced active levelling and suspension systems. PONSSE Scorpion Giant is equipped with a onepiece windscreen that extends to the roof of the cabin. As a result, visibility from the cabin is even better, and working is safe in all conditions. The cabin is like a practical and quiet office with a view, developed to support the operator’s comfort and wellbeing.

FAE RCU-55 and RCU-75 remote controlled tracked carriers

Launched on the market in 2022, the RCU is a highperforming, compact remote controlled tracked carrier capable of managing and maintaining greenery even on especially steep and hard-toreach slopes, up to 55°. Its sweet spot is forestry work: clearing slopes with small vegetation located in hard-toreach places.

(See Page 8)

Loading lumber is quicker and way more efficient with a Combi-CSS

Meherrin River Forest Products President Don Bright, who has found a piece of equipment that has dramatically increased efficiency when loading a consignment into a freight container. Don came across the Combi-CSS Slip-Sheet during an event at the Virginia Forest Product Association when Combilift product Manager Patrick Keenan introduced him to this automated and very fast method of stuffing containers.

(See Page 10)

Safety Storage Efficiency

A small, fast and reliable thinning head

The unit is small, just over a meter high and weighs about 420kg, but can cut down trees with a diameter of up to 41 cm. It feeds about 4 m/s and has the very best performance to withstand a tough everyday life in the forest. Log Max 2000T complements our thinning units in the T-Series.

(See Page 38)

Log Max 2000T on Malwa 560H

Rottne H8E – ideal for stand-operating Thinning

Rottne H8E is a compact and versatile harvester with unique characteristics including exact tracking, swing arms on the wheels, variable transmission and automatic anti-spin. This makes it very easy-tooperate with minimum space requirements, providing the

conditions for smooth and fluent thinning and an undamaged stand – as well as high productivity. Tests conducted by the company show that the updated version of Rottne H8E offers superb off-road driving performance compared with previous

versions and now definitely lives up to demands strengthening its market leading position among stand operating harvesters yet further.

(See Page 35)

The latest harvester addition to the Tigercat product line-up is the versatile 1165 harvester. Available in both six and eight-wheel drive, the 1165 is a 22-tonne, high production harvester that is best suited to extreme duty clear fell and selective cut applications, steep slopes, and the toughest terrain. Tigercat’s unique WideRange® drive system increases working travel speed while delivering extremely powerful tractive effort for high performance in steep terrain and quick in-stand travel on good ground.

(See Page 30)

The LeBlanc team has worked with Keto Harvesters for over 30 years now, and recently purchased a new Keto 660C2 harvester. As Wayne puts it, “there wasn’t even a thought of taking on another head.”

TrackGrip Inc

2509 Cobble Place

Saint-Lazare, QC J7T 2B1, Canada.

From the left: Erkki Kukkonen from TrackGrip Inc. alongside Wayne Leblanc, Bill Larson, and Jamie LeBlanc.

Unboxing the Keto 870C Harvester!

Keto Harvesters Customer Testimonial: Wayne LeBlanc (Lumby, BC)

Get on Track with Keto Harvesters

Highlander Harvester 4 and 6 wheels

The Konrad HIGHLANDER is a steep terrain harvester with enormous flexibility due to a synchronized step and drive movement. When reaching the limit in climbing, telescopic extensions push the machine forward and over edges. The machine can manage a slope of 100%. The front and wheels can be steered independently, this results in a small turning radius and allows crab movement of the machine in the slopes.

BID Group’s New AI-Powered Smart Vision for Sawmills and Planer Mills

Artificial Intelligence & the Wood Processing Industry

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has triggered the start of a major revolution in the wood processing industry. AI is here to stay, and we can already notice its presence more often in various

areas of sawmills and planer mills. BID is spearheading this revolution with the most recognized solutions in the industry. In fact, BID’s AIenhanced technologies, combined with its industry leading optimization software, have proven to be the most

powerful and reliable solutions on the market, bringing sawmills to higher productivity levels.

VHET100

This is the latest design in Stenner’s very successful range of Centre Cutting Resaws. Based on 36 inch pulleys the machine has a new, but proven, servo motor based positioning system for the sawblades and feedboxes making operation very simple and user friendly. All controls are via a high-definition touch screen. Options included are Remachineable Sawguides, Spray Lubrication Systems and Remote Tracking. We are really looking forward to “showing off“ the VHET100 as it represents what modern Stenner is all about and is a credit to the Electrical and Mechanical Design Team in particular but also influenced by significant input from our Shopfloor Technicians. The VHET100 can operate as a stand alone hand fed machine or as part of an automated system in combination with other machine centres such as Moulders and Cross Cut Saws. Stenner can offer such handling systems as part of a “turnkey” package.

(SEE PAGE 18)

E-LOADER

SPRINGER’s latest innovative product development – A new high speed feeder solution for lumber sorting

Your Advantages:

• Can handle a wide range of sizes

• Operates superbly with different sizes

• Lumber can be placed directly into the scraper bar partitions

• Performance is consistently high

• Can be adjusted perfectly to any lumber width

• Layers are accumulated reliably without being pushed back

• It’s maintenance friendly because maintenance lids can be walked on (crossover option)

The E-Loader is used to separate pieces of lumber. Boards are gathered at the E-Loader’s retainer by an accumulation conveyor.

The feeder lever takes the board and lifts it into the subsequent measurement conveyor’s scraper bar partitions.

www.springer-usa.com

(SEE PAGE 17)

Exhibition program

Tools and Machinery for Custom and Mass Production (Halls 11 – 15, 27)

Surface Technology (Halls 16, 17)

Wood Based Panel Production (Hall 26)

Sawmill Technology (Hall 25)

Energy from Wood (Halls 25, 26, Open-air site)

Machine Components and Automation Technology (Hall 16)

Machinery for Forestry, Roundwood and Sawntimber Production (Open-air site, P 32 – 35)

Specials & Events

▪ LIGNA.Campus (Hall 11)

▪ LIGNA.FutureSquare (Hall 12)

▪ LIGNA.Stage (Hall 12)

▪ LIGNA.Recruiting (Hall 12)

▪ Presentation of the German Association of Cabinet-Makers (Hall 12)

▪ German Wood Construction Award (Hall 13)

▪ International Associations (Hall 17)

▪ Partner Presentations of the Forestry Sector (Open-air site, pavilions)

Eingang

Entrance

Informations-Centrum

Information Center

Convention Center

Haus der Nationen

House of Nations

Presse-Centrum Press Center

Freigelände

Open-air site

H’Up – Hybrid Event Hub

Modifications reserved ▪ 221115

ligna.de

SALES OFFICES

UK, Europe, South Africa, US East Coast

CONTACT: Robin Peach

International Forest Industries Ltd

Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 777

Fax: +44 (0)1442 870 617

robin@internationalforestindustries.com

Japan

CONTACT: Shigeru Kobayashi

Japan Adver tising Communications, Inc.

Star Bldg., 3-10-3 Kanda Jimbocho

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051

Tel: 81-3-3261-4591

Fax: 81-3-3261-6126

Email: Shig-kobi@media-jac.co.jp

Western USA (AZ, C A, NV, UT)

Australia, & New Zealand

CONTACT: Kevin Lapham

J.P.Media Inc

Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752

Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763

Email: lapham@jpmediainc.com

Western USA (MT, ID, OR,WA) & Canada

CONTACT: Kevin Lapham

J.P.Media Inc

Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752

Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763

Email: lapham@jpmediainc.com

US Mid-West, Central & Mountain

CONTACT: Kevin Lapham

J.P.Media Inc

1163 E.Ogden Ave, Ste. 705-359 Naper ville

I L 60563, USA

Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752

Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763

Email: lapham@jpmediainc.com

South America

CONTACT: Robin Peach

International Forest Industries Ltd

Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 583

Fax: +44 (0)1442 870 617

robin@internationalforestindustries com

Continued from p15 of employees rises to some 2,600 in four countries. The forecast turnover will increase to 1.4 billion Euros in 2023. For the company previously situated in Central Europe, the transaction means a strategically coherent development in the direction of Northern Europe. Apart from entering an attractive market, this also opens new procurement sources when it comes to high-quality wood from the far North. This will secure the supply and delivery capabilities of the Group in the long run.

Pölkky there to stay

The Pölkky brand will remain active after the firm’s integration into the Pfeifer Group. Likewise, the management will continue to manage the company under CEO Petteri Virranniemi’s leadership, while the supervisory board will be reorganised. The acquisition has no impact on Pölkky’s staff levels, customers and cooperation agreements. The actual acquisition will take place after merger control approximately in January 2023.

About the Pfeifer Group

The Austrian Pfeifer Holding GmbH was founded in 1948 and is currently run by the Pfeifer family’s third generation. Before the acquisition of Pölkky, the Pfeifer Group had around 2,200 employees at eight locations in Austria, Germany

and the Czech Republic. The company headquarters are in Imst (Tyrol/Austria). In the Group’s fully integrated sawmills, around 4 million cubic meters of wood are cut annually and processed completely along the entire value chain. Pfeifer focuses on the clearly defined areas of timber construction (cross laminated timber, glulam, glued solid wood panels), formwork (concrete formwork panels, formwork beams), pallet blocks and packaging timber, as well as energy (pellets, briquettes, green electricity and heat).

About Pölkky

Pölkky is Northern Finland’s largest family-owned wood processing company. The sawmills and processing plants are located in Kuusamo (headquarters), Taivalkoski, Kajaani, Kitka and Oulu. Its annual production output is 700,000 m3 of sawn timber, and the product portfolio also includes planed timber, pressuretreated timber, glulam, chips and sawdust. With an export quota of over 70 percent and delivery destinations in 35 countries, Pölkky is a major player in the global sawmill market

The versatile Cat® D4 bulldozer offers the power and precision to get jobs done quickly, plus gives you up to 30 percent more visibility in front of the dozer blade. Push, grade, finish. Easy-to-use technology features help you get more quality work done in less time. Fuel efficiency, service and undercarriage improvements help reduce your owning and operating costs.

Cat® D4 Dozer - See a better bottom line

The latest version of the Cat D4 (formerly D6K2) now offers improved sight lines, reduced operating costs and a broad choice of technology features.

Caterpillar said its lower sloping hood line provides up to 30% better visibility to the area in front of the blade. The shorter sight lines mean the visual distance between the blade and the material pile is shortened by about 40%, so less time is spent backing up to get a full view of the material and the job gets done faster.

In the cab, operators will find a more comfortable seat with improved suspension and multiple adjustments for personalized comfort. An easy-to-use 10-inch touchscreen main display, now common across much of the Cat dozer lineup, puts machine settings and features in clear view. A standard High Definition rearview camera shows prominently in the main display.

The D4 also includes several standard technology features aimed at helping operators work more efficiently, regardless of experience level. The cab also offers optimal interior mounting locations that make it simple to install

https://youtu.be/DnPF9ODJXKs

the grade control system of choice.

An optional technology package includes the standard technology features, plus: Cat Grade with Slope Assist provides basic blade positioning assistance without added hardware or a GPS signal.

Factory Attachment Ready Option (ARO) provides optimal mounting locations, brackets and hardware, and simplifies installation of any brand of grade control system.

It’s also possible to add factory-integrated Cat Grade with 3D. The system uses a

GPS signal to automatically adjust blade movements – both lift and tilt – as the operator follows the design plan. Antennas and receivers are housed in a low-profile roofmounted spoiler.

With the capability of installing 3D grade systems from Trimble, Topcon and Leica, the D4 is meant to integrate simply into job sites with existing grading technology infrastructures. All Cat Grade systems are compatible with Trimble, Topcon and Leica radios and base stations.

Watch the Cat D4 do its thing.