PW 0321 digimag

PW_0321_cover.qxp_Layout 1 2/16/21 9:56 AM Page 1

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:49 AM Page 2

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_SS.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:25 AM Page 3

TA K I N G

STOCK

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. Street Address: 225 Hanrick Street Montgomery, AL 36104-3317 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2268 Montgomery, AL 36102-2268 Telephone: 334-834-1170 Fax 334-834-4525

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Publisher David H. Ramsey Chief Operating Officer Dianne C. Sullivan

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Editor-In-Chief Rich Donnell Senior Editor Dan Shell Senior Associate Editor David Abbott Senior Associate Editor Jessica Johnson Associate Editor Patrick Dunning

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Publisher/Editor Emeritus David (DK) Knight

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Production Manager/Art Director Cindy Segrest Ad Production Coordinator Patti Campbell Circulation Director Rhonda Thomas Online Content & Marketing Manager Jacqlyn Kirkland

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Advertising Sales Manager David H. Ramsey • (334) 834-1170

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES SOUTHERN U.S. Kathy Sternenberg • (251) 928-4962 ksternenberg@bellsouth.net Classified Advertising Bridget DeVane • (334) 669-7837 • 1-800-669-5613 bdevane7@hotmail.com MIDWEST USA, EASTERN CANADA John Simmons Mar-Tech Communications 32 Foster Cres.

Whitby, Ontario, Canada L1R 1W1 (905) 666-0258 Fax: (905) 666-0778 E-mail: jsimmons@idirect.com WESTERN USA, WESTERN CANADA Tim Shaddick 4056 West 10th Ave, Vancouver BC Canada V6L 1Z1 604-910-1826 Fax: (604) 264-1397 E-mail: tootall1@shaw.ca Kevin Cook (604) 619-1777 E-mail: lordkevincook@gmail.com INTERNATIONAL Murray Brett 58 Aldea de las Cuevas Buzon 60 03759 Benidoleig (Alicante), Spain Tel: +34 96 640 4165 +34 96 640 4048 E-mail: murray.brett@abasol.net

very now and then a wood product comes along that causes us editors to pause— not necessarily over its innovativeness, but rather over which magazine we should write about it in. It’s kind of a fun exercise actually.

We have several magazines that cover various sectors of the wood products industry, the Panel World in your hands being one of them. Another one is Timber Processing, which has a similar format as Panel World, only it focuses on lumber manufacturing as compared to panel manufacturing; or how can I put this most succinctly—solid 2x4s compared to composite 4x8s.

And then a product such as “mass timber” comes along, two versions of it in fact. One is the traditional CLT composed of 2x6 and 2x8 pieces, many of them fingerjointed, and stacked crosswise on top of each other in several layers, creating this monster piece of building material. The other is veneer-based mass timber (veneer as in what traditionally has gone into plywood), which can also be built to mammoth depths and sizes. Both of these are engineered wood products, each with a fairly similar mass timber production and handling process.

But since one is composed of lumber, does that mean we should only cover it in our sawmill magazine? Since the other is composed of veneer, should its placement only occur in Panel World?

The simple answers would be “yes.”

But as Lee Corso always says, “Not so fast my friends.”

Sometimes you just have to put it in one of the magazines and see how it “feels.” Take Vaagen Timbers for instance. The story on its new CLT operation in Spokane, Wash. begins on page 24. For those of you who receive both Panel World and Timber Processing, you might be experiencing déjà vu.

That’s because the Vaagen Timbers article appeared in Timber Processing a couple of months ago. How could it not? The owner grew up in a sawmill

E

family operation before venturing into CLT. His dad is a former Timber Processing Person of the Year winner.

Okay, so why now put the Vaagen article (which has been updated) in this issue of Panel World? Frankly, because it feels like the thing to do. How could we hide this engineered wood product story from our Panel World readers?

After all, the product crosses into enduses once reserved for panels. The production technology therein is supplied by many companies who also supply the panel industry.

Another example is Freres Lumber and its new Mass Plywood Panel mass timber facility. We ran the article last year in Panel World, and then ran it again in Timber Processing. The veneer-based makeup of MPP has Panel World all over it, but again its end uses mesh into traditional lumber applications. Heck, Freres Lumber started out as a sawmill company, and still runs one, in addition to its panel and MPP operations. Our Timber Processing readers needed to read about the Freres venture into MPP. Really, engineered wood products of almost all kinds deserve coverage in both periodicals. Sure, Panel World remains a panel magazine, and Timber Processing stays as a lumber magazine, but when it comes to mass timber, we went both PW ways at the fork in the road.

RICH DONNELL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Ph: 334-834-1170 Fax: 334-834-4525 e-mail: rich@hattonbrown.com

PanelWorld • MARCH 2021 • 3

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_SS.qxp_Layout 1 2/11/21 9:26 AM Page 4

(Founded as P l y w o o d & P a n e l in 1960—Our 507th consecutive issue) VOLUME 62 NO. 2

24

MARCH 2021

Visit our web site: www.panelworldmag.com

34

VAAGEN TIMBERS Finding Its Niche

CLT MANIA

It’s A Scramble

TAKING STOCK The Right Choice

PROJECTS Silos At Egger

PANELWORKS Classified Advertising

UPDATE Panel Statistics

SUPPLY LINES Raute Virtual

GEO DIRECTORY Veneer/Panel Suppliers

WOOD YARD New Developments

CLIPPINGS See Ya, Ben

EVENTS Real & Virtual

3

44

6

48

40

58 59

54

COVER: Katerra’s new cross-laminated operation in Spokane, Wash. has gotten its feet under it and the mill is humming along nicely with technology from USNR. Story begins on PAGE 16. (Jessica Johnson photo)

62

Panel World (ISSN 1048-826X) is published bimonthly by Plywood & Panel World, Inc., P.O. Box 2268, Montgomery, AL 36102-2268 (334) 834-1170, Fax (334) 834-4525. Subscription Information— PW is sent free to owners, operators, managers, purchasing agents, supervisors and foremen at veneer operations, plywood plants, composite products plants, structural and decorative panel mills, engineered wood products plants and allied exportimport businesses throughout the world. All non-qualified U.S. subscriptions are $50 annually; $60 in Canada; $95 (Airmail) in all other countries (U.S. funds). Single copies, $5 each; special issues, $20 (U.S. funds). Subscription Inquiries—TOLL-FREE 800-6695613; Fax 888-611-4525. Go to www.panelworldmag.com and click on the subscribe button to subscribe or renew via the web. All advertisements for Panel World magazine are accepted and published by Plywood & Panel World, Inc. with the understanding that the advertiser and/or advertising agency are authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The advertiser and/or advertising agency will defend, indemnify and hold Plywood & Panel World, Inc. harmless from and against any loss, expenses, or other liability resulting from any claims or lawsuits for libel violations or right of privacy or publicity, plagiarism, copyright or trademark infringement and any other claims or lawsuits that may arise out of publication of such advertisement. Plywood & Panel World, Inc. neither endorses nor makes any representation or guarantee as to the quality of goods and services advertised in Panel World. Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. reserves the right to reject any advertisement which it deems inappropriate. Copyright ® 2021. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Printed in USA. Member, Verified Audit Circulation Managed By Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc.

4 • MARCH 2021 • PanelWorld CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:49 AM Page 5

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/11/21 2:42 PM Page 6

UPDATE

U.S. OSB OUTPUT HAD UPTICK IN 2020

North America OSB production was 22.986 billion SF in 2020.

North America structural panel production was 33.201 billion SF in 2020, down 0.8% from 2019, according to APA—The Engineered Wood Assn.

Both the U.S. and Canada showed slight declines. However in the U.S., OSB production was up 141MMSF from 2019 at 15.495 billion SF. U.S. plywood production was 8.325 billion SF, down 232MMSF from 2019.

Canada OSB production was 7.491 billion SF in 2020, down 140MMSF from 2019. Canada plywood production was 1.890 billion, down 32MMSF. U.S. OSB and plywood production for 2020 was 23.820 billion BF, down 90MMSF from 2019. Canada OSB and plywood output was 9.381 billion SF, down 172MMSF. North America glulam production was 286.7MMBF, down 5.5%. I-Joist production was 752.2MMLF, up 5.4%.

LVL production was 75.4MMCF, up 2% from 2019.

COMPOSITES ENDED ON HIGH NOTE North America shipments of particleboard and MDF in 2020 totaled 5.059 billion SF for the year, down 6.3% and 3.6%, respectively, from 2019, according to Composite Panel Assn. However, combined MDF and particleboard December shipments reached its highest level in more than a decade at 429MMSF, up 11.4% compared to the same month a year ago.

December particleboard shipments were up 9.8% from the prior year to 248MMSF and totaled 2.959 billion SF for 2020. MDF shipments increased 13.6% from December 2019 to 180MMSF and 2.1 billion SF for 2020.

KRONOSPAN ADDS TO OXFORD GROWTH Calhoun County Economic Development Council (EDC) reports an additional $101 million investment will be made by Kronospan at its wood products complex in Oxford, Ala. The Oxford City Council approved an amendment to a tax abatement officials granted in 2016 for Kronospan’s $362 million expansion that would create 160 jobs. Kronospan returned for an amendment to that abatement as the investment has increased by $101 million and will add 150 jobs.

In 2008, Kronospan started up operations at its Oxford facility, where it now manufactures MDF, HDF, laminate flooring, and resins. Kronospan has maintained its level of employment at the Oxford facility since startup.

GREAT PLAINS MDF MOVES FORWARD Great Plains MDF announced it has selected a site for its greenfield wheat-straw based MDF plant, has added two industry veterans to its team, and has formed an alliance with a construction firm.

The company says the plant will be built in Kneehill County in Alberta.

The site, which is in Equity, between Three Hills and Trochu, will house the proposed production facility and storage of wheat straw. The site is approximately 90 km (56 miles) from Red Deer, AB and 140 km (87 miles) from Calgary, AB. “This is a very exciting step forward for our project, our team, and of course central Alberta,” says Brian McLeod, President of Great Plains Innovations.

“This announcement demonstrates our commitment to local farmers and allows us to move forward with the permitting process.”

“Anytime we can get employment opportunities in central Alberta is just great. The community is poised for growth. The economic impact for our communities in Kneehill County will be so exciting,” comments Barry Kletke, Mayor, Town of Trochu.

The company has entered into purchase agreements with two landowners to complete the sale later this year. As part of the purchase agreement, Great Plains has committed to allowing both

families to plant, farm and harvest their land for one last season.

“This was an important request from the families and was a great opportunity for Great Plains to demonstrate our commitment to the local farming communities with whom we will be partnering with for decades to come,” McLeod adds.

The Great Plains development plan will see Great Plains pursuing permitting with all the appropriate regulators (Government of Alberta, local municipality) in the coming months with construction expected to begin in the fall of 2021.

Great Plains MDF reports it has spent years researching and developing a process to make high quality medium density fiberboard out of agrifibers, using no-added formaldehyde.

Great Plains Innovations is the parent company of Great Plains MDF - Three Hills, which will build, own and operate the mill. Great Plains Innovations intends to build a series of similar facilities across the Canadian prairies and elsewhere over the next 10 years.

Great Plains MDF also announced the appointment of two MDF veterans to its sales and operations teams. Lanny Hammock will serve as Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, while Wade Gregory will serve as Vice-President, Operations.

“The expertise that Wade and Lanny bring to the panel industry is incredible.

They are known and trusted names in the MDF global industry and have the experience and knowledge to help ensure Great Plains first project is a success,” McLeod says.

“We intend to be a major gamechanger in the marketplace. The experience people like Lanny and Wade bring will be a huge part of that success—in fact, they are already signing up Letters of Intent with interested customers.”

Gregory joins Great Plains MDF with more than 40 years of experience in the composite panel industry. He most recently helped lead sales for Columbia side of its partnership for CalPlant in California. He has also been sales director for Arauco. Gregory was president and COO of Sierra Pine from 2005 to 2008. He has served as chairman of the Composite Panel Assn. and Composite Wood Council, and as president of the Assn. of Wood-

6 • MARCH 2021 • PanelWorld

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:49 AM Page 7

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/11/21 2:43 PM Page 8

UPDATE

working and Furnishings Suppliers.

Hammock also brings more than 40 years of experience, having served as technical director and holding executive sales positions at Weyerhaeuser and Plum Creek MDF. He was also the director of Sales and Marketing for Ranger MDF—an early MDF plant in Canada. He has served as president with Panel Products International (PPI), which sold and marketed particleboard and MDF from plants across North America.

Earlier, Great Plains MDF announced it has signed a partnership agreement with PCL Construction toward the building of the wheat straw MDF plant.

“We are excited to be partnering with Great Plains MDF on this leading edge project,” says PCL COO Heavy Industrial, Roger Keglowitsch. “Building for a sustainable world is one of the main pillars at PCL and we believe that supporting local developments and jobs is part of that process.”

Great Plains and PCL expect to complete their pre-construction work over the next few months.

PCL is a group of independent construction companies that carries out work across Canada, the U.S., the Caribbean, and in Australia. Together, these companies report an annual construction volume of $9 billion, making PCL the largest contracting organization in Canada.

GOOD EARTH PLANS FOR EWP Good Earth Power AZ and its operating entity, NewLife Forest Products, which received the Phase I 4FRI contract to harvest 300,000 acres in Arizona’s national forests back in 2013, and is interested in landing the contract for another 800,000 acres as part of Phase 2 to be awarded in 2021, has acquired a large-scale industrial manufacturing facility in Bellemont, Ariz. near Flagstaff in order to build and operate a sawmill and engineered wood products plant.

The 425,000 sq. ft. facility, which sits on a 35-acre property, was built in 1996 as a tissue paper manufacturing facility and owned by global manufacturer Essity, which shut it down in 2019.

Good Earth Power/NewLife plans to produce 120MMBF per year of lumber and also produce engineered wood

products, while employing 200. The company currently operates an older sawmill in Heber, Ariz. It had started ground work on a new sawmill in Williams, Ariz., but decided to invest in the vacant manufacturing plant and relocate the sawmill there.

According to the company, the sawmill will run multiple lines for processing timber, capable of handling any size logs efficiently and will produce a range of lumber and engineered wood products and bagged residuals.

BIG TRANSACTION MOVES FORWARD West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. and Norbord Inc. obtained a final order from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice approving the previously announced arrangement whereby West Fraser will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Norbord.

Receipt of the final order follows receipt of key regulatory approvals and Norbord’s special meeting of shareholders where the transaction was overwhelmingly approved by Norbord shareholders.

In November the companies announced that West Fraser is acquiring the world’s largest OSB producer, for $3.1 billion (U.S.). Norbord has 17 plant locations in the U.S., Europe and Canada, including 15 OSB mills, a MDF facility, two particleboard plants and a furniture plant.

CEOs ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE Forest products industry, environmental and conservation leaders have announced an agreement of principles on the important role sustainably managed forests and forest products can play in mitigating climate change.

The principles were signed by the CEOs of 43 forest industry businesses representing more than 46 million acres of working forests across the U.S., along with CEOs of American Forests, American Forest Foundation, Environmental Defense Fund, National Alliance of Forest Owners and The Nature Conservancy.

The policy principles encourage incentive and market-based approaches to increase the carbon benefits of working

forests and forest products. They recognize the important role that private sector participation, investment and partnerships can play in expanding carbon benefits from the forest sector. They also emphasize the need for robust science, data and life cycle analysis to guide policy.

Forest owners and forest products manufacturers are well positioned to optimize the carbon potential of the private working forest value chain through sustainable forest management and the manufacture of sustainable forest products. However, private forests are under increasing threat from uncharacteristic wildfire, pests and disease, drought and extreme weather events that can cause significant carbon releases and other environmental damage. In many private forests, addressing these threats requires sustainable management such as thinning, prescribed fire, and other forest management techniques that bolster forest health and resilience.

Some of the signees include J. Travis Bryant, President & CEO, Coastal Forest Resources Co.; Marc Brinkmeyer, Owner, Idaho Forest Group; James Irving, Co-CEO, J.D. Irving, Ltd.; Bob Lyle, President, Molpus Woodlands Group; Mike Covey, Chairman and CEO, PotlatchDeltic; David Nunes, President and CEO, Rayonier, Inc.; Grady Mulbery, President and CEO, Roseburg Forest Products; Mark Emmerson, Chairman and CFO, Sierra Pacific Industries; Brian Luoma, President and CEO, The Westervelt Company; Steve Killgore, CEO, Timber Products Company; Devin Stockfish, President and CEO, Weyerhaeuser.

ARIZONA TRIES TO FIND FOOTING Uncertainty continues to surround forest restoration efforts in Arizona: A key second contract for the U.S. Forest Service’s (FS) Four Forests Restoration Initiative (4FRI) has been delayed again; Arizona state election results will affect the state’s renewable energy policy that’s going to be a big part of any forest restoration effort; and while recently introduced legislation could make the 4FRI process easier, the federal government’s final budget proposal seeks to eliminate the Forest

8 • MARCH 2021 • PanelWorld

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:49 AM Page 9

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/11/21 2:43 PM Page 10

UPDATE

Service Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program that funds 4FRI and 22 other stewardship projects across the country and shift its administration elsewhere in the Forest Service that also does restoration work to reduce duplication.

The 4FRI is a highly ambitious project seeking to actively treat more than 2 million acres that are at risk for wildfires across four Arizona national forests. The first 4FRI contract awarded in 2012 to treat 300,000 acres has underperformed, as the state faces major challenges, primarily the lack of timber harvesting, hauling and processing capacity to make such extensive forest work viable.

In September 2020, 4FRI officials again extended the deadline for 4FRI’s expansive Phase 2 contract, already delayed a year, due to a variety of issues, primarily questions and requested changes made by potential bidders.

Billed as a precedent-shattering stewardship contract that covers 20 years and provides the huge volumes required to justify a major investment in infrastructure and timber processing capacity, Phase 2 seeks to treat more than 800,000 acres but has suffered several delays in awarding the contract.

An FS spokesman says the plan now is to award the Phase 2 contract in April 2021.

BAMBOO MILL GAINS STEAM Resource Fiber, a leader in efforts to manufacture commercial bamboo products, plans to establish its first full-scale production plant in Sulligent, Ala. Resource Fiber plans to invest $3.6 million in the Lamar County facility, where it will produce engineered bamboo products such as bamboo nail laminated timbers used in the construction of multistoried buildings.

Founded in 2011, Resource Fiber has engaged in extensive research and development activities focusing on bamboo products, with six U.S. patents and five U.S. patent applications pending. It has developed bamboo railroad ties and a laminated timber system to replace steel roof and floor decks in commercial buildings.

Resource Fiber CEO David Knight says the company operates the nation’s

largest commercial-scale bamboo nursery in Greene County and had been looking at nearby locations for its first manufacturing facility. Last year, the company analyzed seven buildings in four Alabama communities.

Resource Fiber relocated an experimental pilot facility in Oneida, Tenn. to the Sulligent site in November 2020. The company expects to begin hiring and launch manufacturing at the Alabama facility in the second quarter of 2021.

To make the project possible, Resource Fiber received support from the State of Alabama, which is providing incentives under the Alabama Jobs Act, and the City of Sulligent, which purchased a building it is leasing to the company. The Houston-based Harry E. Bovay Jr. Foundation also provided a grant to facilitate the project. In addition, the company also received a USDA Rural Business Development Grant, administered by the City of Sulligent, to apply towards the purchase of manufacturing equipment.

IKEA PARTNER BUYS TIMBERLAND Ingka Group, a major franchise partner in the IKEA system, operating 380 IKEA stores in 31 countries, has acquired nearly 11,000 acres located in southeast Georgia near the Altamaha River Basin from The Conservation Fund.

Ingka Group, based in the Netherlands, now owns 136,000 acres in five states—Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Texas and Oklahoma, and owns a total of 613,000 acres worldwide, including the U.S. and Europe.

Ingka Group’s forest management is audited by the Forest Stewardship Council. Between September 2019 and August 2020 Ingka Group planted 600,000 seedlings in the U.S. and close to 7 million seedlings worldwide.

WEYCO PLANS LVL MILL UPGRADE Weyerhaeuser is investing $16.1 million at its LVL mill in Natchitoches, La. The project will provide major equipment upgrades at the site.

Weyerhaeuser will install state-ofthe-art programmable logical controls on one existing press that produces LVL. Work is expected to begin in

early 2021, and the company then has additional plans for equipment upgrades taking place over the next three years to enhance the productivity of the mill. Through the new project, Weyerhaeuser will secure more than 200 existing jobs and potentially create as many as 20 new direct jobs over the next several years.

The 250,000 sq. ft. Natchitoches mill is the major customer for Weyerhaeuser’s Zwolle site, which provides materials that form laminated veneer lumber and structural headers and beams under the Microllam brand in Natchitoches. The company’s Arcadia/Simsboro mill supplies the stabilizing web portion of Weyerhaeuser I-joists manufactured under the Trus Joist brand in Natchitoches.

“This investment reflects Weyerhaeuser’s commitment to the Natchitoches community and is a direct result of the focus of our associates working together to deliver great results,” Weyerhaeuser Mill Manager Jason Smith says. “We’ve been working on this project for more than a year, and we’re excited for the sustained benefits it will bring to our people, our operation and the community.”

To secure the project, the State of Louisiana offered the company a competitive incentive package that includes the comprehensive workforce solutions of LED FastStart, a state workforce training program. Weyerhaeuser also will receive a Modernization Tax Credit of $350,000 and the company is expected to utilize Louisiana’s Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.

AEP EXPANDS MANUFACTURING Atlas Engineered Products Ltd. is acquiring the bulk of ZyTech’s manufacturing assets from its former Langley location in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.

“Last year we increased our footprint in British Columbia by expanding into the Lower Mainland through Novum Building Components Ltd. and by adding a pre-manufactured wall plant at our Atlas Building Systems Ltd. operations in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.

Now with this asset purchase from Zytech, we are adding advanced tech-

10 • MARCH 2021 • PanelWorld

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:50 AM Page 11

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/11/21 2:43 PM Page 12

UPDATE

nology equipment to our business, and it will improve our profitability at several locations,” comments Dirk Maritz, AEP’s CEO & President.

Maritz says the company is proud to offer a full and expanded range of products including pre-manufactured wall-panels, manufactured floor trusses, I-joists, LVL options, open web floors, roof trusses and other engineered wood products to the large and buoyant BC market.

The equipment will be installed at the company’s Novum and Atlas Building Systems locations. In addition, AEP will be completing several supply contracts for a number of ZyTech’s clients.

INDUSTRY WEIGHS BIDEN ORDER The executive order issued by President Biden on January 27, titled “Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad,” includes key provisions that could present a direct challenge or opportunity for the composite panel industry, according to Composite Panel Assn.

Those key provisions include: l Advance the policy that significant short-term greenhouse gas emissions reductions, and net zero emissions (nationally and globally) by midcentury (or before) are required to avoid setting the world on a dangerous climate trajectory. l Establish the White House Office of Domestic Climate Policy (Climate Policy Office) and a 21-agency National Climate Task Force. l Reaffirm that the President will host a Leaders’ Climate Summit on Earth Day (April 22, 2021) and promote climate actions across the globe with the help of the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, who will have a seat on the National Security Council. l Begin the process to develop the U.S. nationally determined contribution under the Paris Agreement. l Develop a climate finance plan to assist developing countries take climate mitigation actions. l Pause new oil and natural gas leases on public lands or offshore waters, eliminate fossil fuel subsidies, and double renewable energy production from offshore wind by 2030. l Direct agencies to procure carbon

pollution-free electricity and clean, zero-emission vehicles following the President’s Buy American Executive Order. l Conserve at least 30% of lands and waters in the U.S. by 2030 and launch a stakeholder process including agricultural and forest landowners, fishermen, Tribes, States, Territories, local officials, and others to develop a report recommending steps to achieve that goal. l Establish a Civilian Climate Corps Initiative for a new generation of Americans to work conserving and restoring public lands and waters, increasing reforestation, increasing carbon sequestration in the agricultural sector, protecting biodiversity, improving access to recreation, and addressing the changing climate. l Collect input from farmers, ranchers and other stakeholders on how to use federal programs to encourage adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices that produce verifiable carbon reductions and sequestrations and create new sources of income and jobs for rural Americans. l Establish a White House Environmental Justice Interagency Council and a White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council to prioritize environmental justice. l Direct the White House Council on Environmental Quality, the Office of Management and Budget, and the National Climate Advisor to jointly publish recommendations for a Justice40 Initiative on how 40% of overall benefits from certain Federal investments could flow to disadvantaged communities. l Develop a geospatial Climate and Environmental Justice Screening Tool and interactive maps identifying and highlighting disadvantaged communities and informing equitable decisionmaking across the federal government, including for the Justice40 Initiative. l Direct EPA to strengthen enforcement of environmental violations with a disproportionate impact on underserved communities and to create a community notification program to monitor and provide real-time data to the public on current environmental pollution in frontline and fence line communities. l Direct the Department of Justice to: (1) coordinate with EPA and other

agencies to develop a comprehensive environmental justice enforcement strategy to provide timely remedies for systemic environmental violations, contamination and natural resources injuries, (2) consider creating an Office of Environmental Justice to coordinate environmental justice activities among DOJ components and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide, and (3) consider renaming the DOJ Environment and Natural Resources Division the Environmental Justice and Natural Resources Division. l Establish in the Department of Health and Human Services an Office of Climate Change and Health Equity to address climate change impacts on the health of the American people and establish an Interagency Working Group to Decrease Risk of Climate Change to Children, the Elderly, People with Disabilities, and the Vulnerable, as well as a biennial Health Care System Readiness Advisory Council. l Direct the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, in consultation with the National Climate Advisor, to publish within 100 days a report identifying the climate strategies and technologies that will result in the most air and water quality improvements.

KADANT COMPLETES COGENT PURCHASE Kadant Inc. completed its acquisition of Cogent Industrial Technologies Ltd., a leading industrial automation and controls solution provider. The acquisition enables Kadant to deliver a more data connected and integrated solution to its customers seeking increased visibility into their operations.

“The addition of Cogent to the Kadant family significantly increases our ability to deliver automation and plant-wide technology solutions to process industries,” says Jeffrey Powell, president and CEO of Kadant Inc. Cogent Industrial Technologies Ltd. is based in British Columbia, Can. The company has established a reputation as a leader in industrial technology solutions, offering expertise in process technology integration, industrial automation and controls, industrial safety, project management, and operational performance management systems.

12 • MARCH 2021 • PanelWorld

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:50 AM Page 13

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:50 AM Page 14

UPDATE

FRERES TOUTS NEW EPD REPORT

EPDs provide a standardized, objective assessment of the relative environmental impact of a product from “cradle-to-gate,” beginning with material sourcing and reforestation practices, to material transportation all the way through to the final product manufacturing and packaging.

ASTM International, formerly known as American Society of Testing and Materials, independently verified and validated FrFreres Lumber produces its Mass Ply Panel in eres’ MPP EPD information, findLyons, Ore. ing that MPP meets necessary standards for builders, architects and Architects, builders, owners and enengineers to meet various green buildgineers are increasingly seeking inforing and LEED standards. mation on the life cycle environmental “An EPD is a standardized tool used impact of the products they use. Freres to communicate the environmental perLumber Co., Lyons, Ore., has published formance of a product or system,” says its first Environmental Product DeclaraMaureen Puettmann, director of operation for its Mass Ply Panel (MPP). tions for CORRIM - The Consortium Product specific information in this refor Research on Renewable Industrial Materials. “Freres Lumber’s MPP EPD, port was independently validated by the which was third-party verified by internationally recognized standards orASTM, found that more carbon is ganization, ASTM International.

stored in MPP than is released during production of the product.”

In fact, according to Puettmann who wrote and edited the report, and ensured Freres was compliant with EPD standards, more than 51% of the embodied energy, or energy consumed in producing MPP, is sourced from renewable fuels with a net embodied carbon for MPP of 742 kg of CO2e. In other words, MPP holds this carbon, keeping it from being released into the atmosphere for the lifetime of the panel.

“This EPD provides actionable information for decision makers in the construction industry by providing the means for developers to make economic and environmental choices around the materials they select,” adds Cody Beairsto, Quality Assurance Technician for Freres. “By quantifying the environmental impact of MPP with a credible life cycle analysis, Freres is able to validate that MPP has a far ‘softer’ environmental impact than alternative building solutions, such as steel and concrete structures.”

14 • MARCH 2021 • PanelWorld

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:50 AM Page 15

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_SS.qxp_Layout 1 2/11/21 3:34 PM Page 16

KATERRA’S NEW CLT OPERATION IN EASTERN WASHINGTON GAINS TRACTION Katerra is taking the manufacturing of CLT to another level with the latest technology.

BY JESSICA JOHNSON

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. t takes a lot of time, energy and finance to try and rewrite the modus operandi of the construction industry supply chain. Just ask Katerra.

No matter how the big picture evolves, the new Katerra CLT plant is an innovative blend of production tech-

I

nology that makes it one of the most advanced CLT processes in North America. For the employees, General Manager Jason Herman says the automated facility lives off three things—safety, quality and production, held together by three things—wood, glue and pride.

Herman, a wood products manufacturing veteran who’s been in the industry for 28 years and involved in CLT since 2012, notes if it wasn’t for the ownership of the 50 employees during construction, commissioning and up to that first order, the facility wouldn’t be where it is today; operating one of the highest CLT producing factories in North America at a current 90% uptime rate. Herman’s management style is to get things moving quickly, but it takes the right people and attitude.

“Our management team was also our hiring team, which interviewed every potential employee. The biggest asset is not the equipment. The biggest asset is not even in the building. The biggest asset is the people in the process; without them we don’t deliver—that’s what we do different here,” he says. “I push the people to take ownership and pride

in what they do. My ultimate goal is that if we have 50 people at the factory, we also have 50 supervisors. This brings personal responsibility, pride and accountability into everything we do.”

To carry that philosophy forward, Herman, who started his career working the floor at a mill in Montana, says when looking at process change, input from the team is critical. “Everyone lays their ideas down on the table and my job is to pick up the one that makes the most sense and then drive it forward.”

This has, in the past, led Herman to find innovation in ways he might not have before—insight coming from the operators working on a specific machine center or process on a daily basis.

It also helps drive employee ownership, going back to the idea the facility lives off “wood, glue and pride.”

Herman believes strongly in round robin communication and he sees where it’s brought the facility great success.

Since commissioning in May 2019, the facility reports no major hang-ups, no quality claims and no lost time accidents.

“Vendors are important and the staff is incredibly important,” he says succinctly.

16 • MARCH 2021 • PanelWorld

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_SS.qxp_Layout 1 2/11/21 3:13 PM Page 17

Once the site was picked out in Spokane Valley, area contractors Lydig (construction) and McKinstry (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) were brought in, following engineering work from Evergreen Engineering. Casey Industrial provided equipment technology consultation and installation, supporting the in-house construction and engineering teams.

Herman’s team needed to move swiftly—as in a matter of weeks—from construction to commissioning to full certification from PFS TECO. A construction site in uptown Spokane was waiting for CLT panels to be delivered 21 days after the initial commissioning. “We hammered down. We didn’t have a choice,” Herman says. “It has been full speed ahead since May of 2019 to now.”

MAKING CLT The $150 million, 270,000 square foot facility, mostly supplied by equipment supplier USNR (which is based at the opposite corner of the state) pro-

Thanks to CombiLift, long length CLT panels are handled with ease.

duces multiple cross-laminated layup configurations up to 12 ft. wide by 60 ft. long with thickness range from 3.24 in to 12.42 inch, with spruce-pine-fir

and some fir and larch. The panels are certified for SPF V2 and CE1 certification, laying up 2100 MSR grade lumber. While formal certification and PanelWorld • MARCH 2021 • 17

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_SS.qxp_Layout 1 2/11/21 3:13 PM Page 18

The heavily automated plant is staffed by just 50.

The $150 million facility’s equipment was mostly supplied by USNR.

testing is done by PFS-TECO, Katerra also has an in-house lab where testing is done using Metriguard and Instron machines. The product is also certified by SFI, FSC and PEFC for sustainability.

Lumber is sourced from a variety of regional producers in 2x6 and 2x8 sizes, with 95% being 2x6 #2 and better, primarily for longitudinal boards, and #3 grade for transverse boards.

Lumber is trucked to the green storage building and brought in to the USNR sorting line for breaking down by the tilt hoist to a USNR ElectraTong lug loader and through USNR’s transverse high grader. A Finna MC Pro 2400 HDNC detects wet pockets and moisture contents top and bottom. Additionally, Katerra uses a Finna Precigrader (acoustic MSR system) that can grade up to 140 pieces per minute on the trim line—which helps boards that might not meet visual grade but potenAbout 80% of the CLT produced is 5-ply. tially meet strength grade be recovered.

Pull through Gilbert planers plane lumber to near net sizing.

A USNR clamshell trimmer trims to length if necessary, and boards move into a 30 bin sorter, separated for aesthetics, core and face grade, moisture and structural properties.

Wet boards greater than 15% MC drop out and are sent on sticks to a USNR 13 million BTU continuous dry kiln and dried down to 12% MC plus or minus 3%.

Lumber, which is tested again for moisture, enters the CLT side and moves through planer #1, a Gilbert S series pull-through planer, which planes the lumber to near net size.

Lumber proceeds through a USNR lineal grader and into the tray sorter, which separates long boards for the finger joint line and short boards for the panel core. A second Gilbert planer planes the transverse boards to net size.

Boards are sprayed with primer from TDS Technologies.

Face boards go a Western Pneumatics finger jointer and RF tunnel that

The Katerra CLT facility is the largest in North America.

18 • MARCH 2021 • PanelWorld

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:50 AM Page 19

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_SS.qxp_Layout 1 2/11/21 3:13 PM Page 20

Katerra’s management team

Jason Herman

uses Hexion glue, and through a flying saw in producing 60 ft. lengths. The long face boards run through Gilbert planer #3 for planing to net size as ordered by the customer and then go to the tray sorter.

Long and short boards come together with respective overhead gantry (Joulin) vaccum layup systems. The gantry lays the long boards first, and an Oest traveling glue system showers the boards with Henkel glue, followed by a similar procedure with the short boards, and then long, short, etc., creating 3-5-7- or 9 layer panel, before running through the USNR cold press. The panel is pressed top-down, side-squeezed and end-squeezed. The press was made to produce two panels, but depending on thickness a caul plate can assist via a vacuum de-stacker.

Panels go to a CNC line that includes three CNC machine centers, one from Hundegger and two BiesseUniteam CLT 400 units with fast dual spindle technology. The CNC machines square off the panels, prepare the panel for panel-to-panel connections in the field, and cut penetrations into the panels.

A Costa sander removes 1 mm top and bottom from the panels.

All boards are identified with QR codes through Samuel technology, tracking all attributes of the boards as they move through manufacturing into finished panel.

Approximately 80% of CLT produced in Spokane Valley is 5-ply; 10% is 3-ply; and the final 10% is a mix of 7- and 9-ply. Loads are stacked exactly how the construction site needs it—

The facility lives off three things, “wood, glue and pride.”

To finish, panels are sanded using a Costa to remove 1 mm from the top and bottom.

calling it live loading.

Rolling stock is a mix of CombiLift machines and Hyster.

DynaStar maintenance management software from USNR helps Herman’s team stay on top of regular maintenance planning.

Production and shipping is based mostly on real-time orders from the field. The facility doesn’t typically press on Friday or Saturday but is flexible in that regard. The mill runs a single 10-hour shift four days with maintenance on Friday.

“The Katerra team would like to give a special shout of thanks to its employees and vendors for their support,” Herman says. “It has been a heck of a ride but we wouldn’t be where we are today without them. Can PW we get a ‘hell yeah!’?”

20 • MARCH 2021 • PanelWorld

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:50 AM Page 21

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:50 AM Page 22

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:50 AM Page 23

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_cs.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 11:21 AM Page 24

VAAGEN TIMBERS RIDES CLT MOMENTUM INTO 2021 AFTER 2020 JOURNEY After a career in sawmilling, Russ Vaagen discovers a new calling in cross-laminated timber.

BY JESSICA JOHNSON

COLVILLE, Wash. oming from a long line of sawmillers, and himself once firmly entrenched in the family lumber business, Russ Vaagen recalls when he first approached his dad, Duane, about making a move into mass timber production. It was a positive though not necessarily an all-in conversation, as Duane’s sights were set more on putting the company into a strong financial position for the next generation rather than taking a risky run into cross-laminated timber, an engineered lumber product in its infancy in North America.

The Vaagens had become familiar with the product, largely because the Vaagen Bros. sawmill in Colville supplied a fair amount of lumber to the new SmartLam CLT facility in Montana. This is part of what piqued Russ’ interest, which grew into unbridled enthusiasm.

“I was at the point in my career where things were at that I needed to do this,” Russ says, adding that he felt that if he ever wanted to become a leader in mass timber, he had to be on the forefront of bringing it to the North American market. Vaagen Timbers was born.

First that would require touring CLT facilities around the world, given that mass timber has long been an established product in Europe and Asia and continues to grow. When Vaagen toured

C

At top, Kallesoe press was a perfect fit. Above, CLT glue shower

Europe it just clicked for him, especially after visiting a family-run sawmill company in Austria that reminded him of home. “They’ve been in operation for over 100 years as a small, rural land management and sawmill company.

About 10 years ago they added mass timber to what they do. What it did was allow them to really be competitive,” he explains. That competitive edge drew Vaagen in further.

But the biggest factor for Vaagen was the realization that mass timber really will be the next step in construction and design trends—considering the ecofriendly nature of the process and product (versus steel and concrete) as well as the visceral reactions people get from

being in a wood structure. When he first started out, Vaagen often heard developers and architects comment, “I just don’t know about it.” Now those same people have mass timber divisions in their companies.

“This thing is going to change dynamically in North America,” Vaagen says. “If you look at what is going on in Australia and Europe, it is like ten-fold what we are doing here. And we build with wood in North America. So when that clicks, it’s going to just explode.”

Vaagen says mass timber construction is currently lagging significantly behind mass timber design, and he sees the day very soon when mass timber demand doubles North America produc-

24 • MARCH 2021 • PanelWorld

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_cs.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 11:21 AM Page 25

Costa sander provides product line versatility.

tion capacity. He points to a similar situation that happened in Europe, and the need for patience as capacity and demand trend toward a more even level.

Vaagen Timbers is currently adapting by producing strictly to order. Lumber is purchased on a project specific basis.

Vaagen calls on his decades as a sawmiller when making lumber purchasing decisions while factoring wood waste in the CLT plant.

This also allows Vaagen Timber’s budding “specialty products” division to take care of excess material. “It’s about recovering value. Just like in the sawmilling business, it’s what you do with the byproducts that makes a real difference.

Instead of chips and landscape bark, we make custom conference tables, stairs, benches.” Vaagen cites as examples.

Fingerjointed lumber also adds to specialty product mix.

CHALLENGES The biggest benefit to being conservative in lumber purchasing, Vaagen says, is to help offset the incredibly expensive certification process. In Vaagen’s experience, in order to get full scale lab testing, approximately two to three truckloads of material are needed.

“I figure if you got the full gambit of everything you needed to be certified

Vaagen’s sawmill background gives him an edge on raw materials.

PanelWorld • MARCH 2021 • 25

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_cs.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 11:21 AM Page 26

for what’s out there right eration took an estimated now to sell, it would cost $150,000 hit per month, about $1.5 million. before pricing could be That’s a big chunk just adjusted to market. for permission to sell,” he “Lining up production, adds of what is a big baremployees, raw materirier to entering the CLT als, learning this whole production industry that process, there’s a lot of is oftentimes overlooked. stuff that’s being molded He adds, “People just asas we go,” Vaagen says. sume they can make it “Are we talking to archiand it will work. We’ve tects or engineers? Are seen multiple people that we pricing it properly? have had to try multiple Are we buying enough times to get their passing lumber? Doing QC right? rating.”

All these are critical Dealing with grading things. We’ve been makagencies is another huring very good strides.” dle. Agencies that know Part of that driver for and understand engi- Vaagen Timbers has added a second shift to the fingerjoint line.

Vaagen is knowing that neered wood products 2021 has the opportunity don’t always understand and know solid preconstruction service so everything in to be a very big year, with numerous wood products—and oftentimes in Vaathe design is optimized for mass timber, prospects and the growth going forward gen’s experience the grade for a solid instead of just plugging it in as a replaceas being nearly exponential. “We compiece of wood and an engineered prodment. There have been several projects pleted a major academic building for a uct don’t line up at all. Vaagen Timbers, Vaagen Timbers has been involved in large University to close out 2020. We after working with another agency, now from the beginning and those, according have a marquee project for a major softhas their products graded by PFSto Vaagen, have been much smoother ware company in early 2021, along with TECO. Vaagen likes working with them and successful because his team is able a ski lodge, a large industrial building, a because they utilize and welcome to add value to these projects based on modular housing project, and numerous grades and data given to them by the their experience, instead of just bidding residential projects. We have more caWestern Wood Products Assn. on being the material supplier for somepacity, but the outlook is very positive.”

(WWPA). Having an agency that acthing that’s already halfway through the Even accounting for the growing cepts and understands the grades of the design/build process. pains of startup, Vaagen believes that raw material helps with the grade of the The single most frustrating part for investment in technology and facilities finished products, Vaagen says.

Vaagen has been the slowness of cash is the recipe for success.

Vaagen sees his operation as a preciflow and profitability, though Vaagen sion fabricator, cutting panels for specifknew going in he was probably overly PRODUCTION ic locations and sizes. Vaagen wants to optimistic, and when lumber pricing skyVaagen Timbers has been producing be the mass timber partner from the very rocketed, reality set in. Vaagen says at certified product since July 2019, with beginning for end users; acting more as a the lumber pricing zenith in 2020, his opprobably 30 to 40 projects having been completed in some capacity in that timeframe, and with orders for very substantial projects coming up.

Part of the production puzzle for Vaagen Timbers is to “nest” the panels correctly. That’s to say that each piece is made to exact specifications and therefore panels must be stacked in a specific order so that upon arrival to the site, the order is correct and the panels can simply just be placed in. This is what separates CLT from traditional dimensional manufacturing. Vaagen sees CLT as taking a step into construction and turning it more into assembly instead of taking all of these different parts and putting them together.

Once a bid from Vaagen Timbers is selected and converted to a contract, the lumber needed to complete the project is ordered. Approximately 75% of intake Vaagen targets premium and MSR lumber in CLT makeup. lumber comes from Vaagen Bros., which 26 • MARCH 2021 • PanelWorld

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:50 AM Page 27

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_cs.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 11:21 AM Page 28

equates to 2MMBF over layer. A vacuum lift the last year. (Vaagen places the layers (longiBros. sits immediately tudinal-crosswise-longiadjacent Vaagen Timtudinal) on top of each bers.) other. At the glue head, The hope is that lummelamine and a harder ber once trucked to the come out at a metered facility does not have to level together and actibe sorted, but sometimes vate one another. that is not the case— Once put together, the mostly accounting for product is ready for moisture or for any qualiresin-curing at the Kallety defects that are outside soe high frequency genof the grade spec, which erator press, which is eshappens with all manusentially a radio frequenfacturers. Vaagen targets Vaagen Timbers purchases much of its lumber from Vaagen Bros. Lumber. cy system designed to a premium 2 or better or find the conductive layer an MSR grade in the case of CLT, the edge and create an active surface for the of the adhesive that’s wet and create majority being 2x6, though the facility glue to bond. From the molder, product micro vibrations to create heat while can run 2x8 or 2x4. The longest length travels to the layup line for CLT. under pressure. The heat goes up to 130° Vaagen brings in is 20 ft. but with the finVaagen offers an option to the cusF for full activation and curing. The 20 gerjoint machine is able to produce prodtomer to “edge glue” which can keep ft. press means typically CLT product ucts of up to 60 ft. lengths. the edges tight and to stay together. If has to be pressed in stages, going in over Vaagen says it takes about five minit’s a visual edge that’s going to be increments of 20, typically overlapping utes for the glue to set up and dry at the seen, Vaagen’s team recommends edge the last 10 ft. Vaagen overlaps to overutifingerjointer, and in 10 minutes it is gluing to make a really tight, nice looklize material so a bunch of lumber isn’t fully cured without the need for presing product. wasted. The total time each 20 ft. section sure or frequency. From the outfeed of Vaagen makes mostly three layer, is in the press for a three-ply product is the fingerjointer, product is molded, sometimes five or seven, up to 50 ft. six minutes. going from 1.5 in. to 1.375 in. to clean length CLT panels with nine 2x6s in a From the outfeed of the press, produp glue lines, make everything square layer. An adhesive curtain showers the uct goes to the CNC to be finished cut

28 • MARCH 2021 • PanelWorld

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_cs.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 11:21 AM Page 29

and, if required, over to the sander.

Vaagen says the facility has the ability to do finish work like staining or apply hardware for connection systems. Once finished, product is prepared for loading and then, “out it goes.”

Vaagen Timber’s glulam process is basically the same as its CLT process— with the exception of edge gluing. The same press is used taking 2x6s and using side pressure, top and bottom pressure with the radio frequency for the curing.

It’s a pretty simple yet straightforward process of manufacturing, he believes.

Vaagen says the high frequency press is popular in several offshore locales. “If you have high moisture in your wood you could have steam blow outs or arching inside the press,” he explains, “but we just work hard on the raw material side to make sure that’s not a problem.”

system for the production of glulam.

Various dust creating machine centers were identified by Western Pneumatics (WP). Two low pressure aspiration systems were required. All molding type waste is collected by a cyclone and discharged into a truck bin; all sander dust is collected by a second cyclone and discharged into super-sacks. A WP remote filter is able to handle the total air volume of both systems. Clean air is discharged back into the plant as makeup air and to capture heat in the winter.

OPERATIONS Vaagen Timbers staffs 45, with 30 focused on production, including Plant Manager Dave Garcia, a sawmill veteran who brought needed lumber and people management experience to the organization when he joined seven months ago.

“When I left Vaagen Bros. I made a promise I wouldn’t hire anyone from there,” Vaagen explains. The staff has had a learning curve, and Vaagen says he’s a big fan of the hire slow, dismiss

EQUIPMENT The existing on-site kiln is a series of fans and dehumidifiers, which Vaagen concedes is “a bit of a mess.” Working on getting a better kiln setup is on the list of future investments, including working with Nyle on a biomass and dry kiln project that’s the result of a Wood Innovations Grant from the U.S. Forest Service.

Vaagen uses a Ziegelmeyer fingerjointer; ApQuip glue heads; Henkel glue for the fingerjointer; Hexion adhesives for glulam and CLT; a Kentwood molder; Kallesoe press and layup line; Oest glue delivery system; Uniteam made by Biesse Group CNC; Costa sander; and Western Pneumatics dust and waste collection system.

Vaagen chose the Kallesoe CombiPress because of its ability to make glulam and CLT with the high-frequency technology. He also appreciated that the supplier took the time to adapt the machines to fit his individual needs. The press is geared to small format CLT along with glulam.

Vaagen selected an Oest stationary gantry, which includes a glue application head making it possible to automatically position the height of the head. For the application of the 2-K-MF adhesive, which Vaagen Timbers uses, Oest installed a Kontimix 2Z dosing system with one dosing line each for the adhesive and the curing agent. The Facetac FDT 1250 application head with a 50 mm grid has two separate nozzles for the adhesive and the curing agent and is designed for widths of 800 to 1250 mm.

Additionally, Oest supplied Vaagen with an Ecotop TL 350 separate application PanelWorld • MARCH 2021 • 29

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_cs.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 11:21 AM Page 30

quickly mentality, looking for aptitude but hiring for attitude.

The facility runs the CLT and glulam press one full shift, sometimes with extended hours. The CNC line runs two shifts all the time because Vaagen Timbers will do custom fabrication.

Right now, Vaagen has added a second shift to the fingerjointer, as the facility also produces long structural fingerjointed lumber in conjunction with Wildwood Trading Group, which is a 50% Vaagen Bros. owned trading company. “It’s been great for us,” Vaagen says. “We produce long length 2x6, 2x4 and 2x8 for markets in the South. Taking something that’s sort of a dog item in terms of lumber tallies and turning it into an ultra premium item.”

Vaagen anticipates going to a full two shift operation throughout the entire facility soon.

FUTURE PLANS With an eye always toward the future, and investment opportunities in the facility, Vaagen says the next thing is going to be converting the manual infeed to a breakdown hoist. With the conversion to a breakdown hoist, lumber can be separated giving Vaagen the opportunity to do a much better job of laying up product the way he wants to, when he wants to. Tray separation is another item on the list. Having the facility’s own dry kilns is another item on the shopping list.

Another idea is to prove the fingerjointer is strong enough for each MSR grade, which Vaagen says he has; this would create the ability to do MSR grade that would be long length MSR, considering often short length MSR is about the same value as 2&better in most markets, Vaagen notes.

PW

30 • MARCH 2021 • PanelWorld

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:50 AM Page 31

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:50 AM Page 32

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:50 AM Page 33

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_SS.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:26 AM Page 34

MASS TIMBER APPEARS READY FOR BOOM IN ACTIVITY Producers look toward growing market but have multiple challenges to overcome.

BY DAN SHELL

uilding for years, mass timber construction and cross-laminated timber (CLT) products are on the cusp of a boom as the economy seeks to recover from the COVID 19 pandemic and housing and commercial and institutional construction grows. The upside for mass timber building expansion is bright indeed, but challenges remain as the industry seeks to grow the product and the overall market for mass timber construction.

B

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_SS.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:26 AM Page 35

According to Paul Kremer, a member of the XLam Australia senior executive team and a professor and research fellow at the University of Melbourne, while the global mass timber market was valued at $700 million (U.S.) several years ago, projections are that the global market for mass timber building products will approach $2.3 billion by the end of 2025.

Industry analysts Forest Economic Advisors (FEA) project that global nominal CLT capacity is expected to reach 6.8 million cubic meters (roughly 5.5 billion BF) by 2024. More than 95% of CLT capacity will be in Europe and the U.S., says FEA’s Art Schmon.

The industry’s fast growth before the pandemic will pick back up afterward, Schmon says. Drivers include new building codes, government incentives, expansion of modular construction in general and concern over the environment.

Schmon believes mass timber building is moving from the West Coast and spreading eastward, and he expects annual CLT production capacity growth of 34% through 2024.

Used in Europe for 20+ years, CLT and mass timber building techniques are more advanced and embedded there, but North America is catching up. The first North American plants were certified under APA—The Engineered Wood Assn.’s CLT PRG 320 standard only in 2012 (Nordic Structures and SmartLam in Canada) and the U.S. in 2015 and 2016 (D.R. Johnson and SmartLam North America, respectively). But now there are 11 CLT plants operating in the U.S. and eight in Canada, with more waiting in the wings to announce.

The 2020 Mass Timber Report, a collaborative effort by The Beck Group, Forest Business Network, Treesource and Kaiser + Path that includes input from multiple CLT and mass timber producers, the U.S. Forest Service and Softwood Lumber Board, WoodWorks and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, forecasts exponential growth for the mass timber building industry.

Mass timber demand is greatest in California, with more than 100 mass timber buildings either complete or in design as of 2019. Other high demand states include Washington (more than 70 mass timber structures in place or in design) and Texas (more than 50). According to the Mass Timber Report, there were 248 mass timber buildings completed and 460 in design in the U.S. by the end of 2019.

(Opposite page: Photo courtesy of Rex Lumber)

The mass timber movement is looking at exponential growth the next few years.

Mass plywood panels (MPP) are an innovative use of veneer in a mass timber product.

The report notes that the number of U.S. mass timber buildings is expected to double every other year through 2034, to more than 24,000 structures.

Mass timber building is gaining another boost this year as the 2021 International Building Code includes three new construction types allowed for the use of CLT in buildings up to 18 stories.

“I think the industry is expanding quite a bit now into more commodityand developer-based projects,” says Charles Gale, strategic business analyst for SmartLam, which operates two CLT plants and is well-positioned with its Dothan, Ala. plant to tackle East Coast projects. Gale, a contributor to the Mass Timber Report, adds that industry is growing beyond the custom, one-off nature of initial projects.

Gale says that the “level of education and experience” of working with CLT and mass timber materials and building skills has grown tremendously in recent

years. “More and more you’re able to find experienced local guys who can work with it.”

BENEFITS The benefits of working with mass timber products are becoming better known in the construction industry.

Also, building code changes mean CLT is being used to expand scarce space in cities by building higher. Construction time is quicker than pouring concrete on site, resulting in lower labor and equipment costs.

A 2019 APA case study of new First United Bank buildings in Fredericksburg, Tex. and Shawnee, Okla., 8,500 sq. ft. and 12,500 sq. ft., respectively, reported that architectural firm Gensler estimated the build phase was 50% to 60% faster than with concrete or steel, according to Gensler project architect Taylor Coleman. ➤ 36 PanelWorld • MARCH 2021 • 35

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_SS.qxp_Layout 1 2/11/21 2:34 PM Page 36

Builders are attracted to mass timber's lower labor requirements, shorter timelines.

35 ➤ Gensler and contractor Kendnel Kasper Construction, Inc. recruited local home builders who had experience working with mass timber elements in area residential construction.

According to the APA report, International Beams, the manufacturer of CLT and glulam for the Texas branch, sent an expert to help train those workers on panel installation, and by the third panel, they had it down cold.

It’s that kind of commitment that is putting CLT and mass timber building on the map and winning converts.

WoodWorks’ cost optimization checklist shows that the four-story Candlewood Suites at Redstone Arsenal near Huntsville, Ala., covered 62,700 sq. ft. and had an overall construction schedule of 12 months. That included 16 weeks to erect the mass timber structure.

A Kremer paper from 2018 shows that in addition to having standard economic concerns, the various stakeholders in a typical mass timber construction project view the “value” of mass timber in different ways: Developers have reimagined opportunities thanks to new building codes for mass timber; architects have an opportunity to be on the leading edge of sus-

tainability and optimize designs for cost and operation; while engineers can use the latest building technology and push the frontiers of engineering.

Builders see program savings, fewer first-aid incidents and labor savings; contractors see reduced manpower requirements, faster build times and increased site safety.

Local public officials see reduced duration of disruption during the project and fewer calls from neighbors about noise, dust, etc., and the end user enjoys reduced energy costs and maintenance while making a socially conscious investment.

The paper noted that any analysis of a project should take into consideration these values as well as purely economic concerns such as cost per square foot.

CUSTOMERS An interesting research paper from Shafayet Ahmed and Ingrid Arocho of the Oregon State University College of Civil and Construction Engineering that was released summer 2020 and updated in October looks at mass timber’s current position in the U.S. construction industry, current awareness levels, construction-related challenges and recommendations to

increase mass timber acceptance levels among builders.

In addition to performing their own surveys and research, the paper also cites many of the technical articles and research papers surrounding different aspects of mass timber construction, from carbon sequestration and materials to economic feasibility and costs and everything in between.

In addition, the research team surveyed more than 100 construction industry companies, including contractors, subcontractors, engineering firms and consulting companies.

Some 94% of respondents said they had heard of mass timber building, only 45% said they were involved at any level in a mass timber project. Of those who were experienced working with mass timber, 56% said they had less than a year’s experience.

Mass timber availability is also an issue for those in the survey, with only 26% saying mass timber construction materials were “readily available,” while 73% said such materials were “somewhat available.”

The survey noted that 35% of respondents said the smaller workforce requirement is the most dominant safety attribute of building with mass timber, with 22% noting less risks of accidents thanks to simpler work tasks and shorter on-site work duration.

On the negative side 14% of respondents reported some type of coordination issue during construction that dropped productivity. Another 13% reported design and installation difficulties. Interestingly, the research paper notes that survey participants “indicated that the unavailability of customizable timber panels makes it further difficult for contractors to use this product in a holistic manner.”

36 • MARCH 2021 • PanelWorld

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_SS.qxp_Layout 1 2/11/21 8:12 AM Page 37

tion facilities have been able to To overcome market- and CLT-Mass Timber Plants in North America come to the U.S. and gain busiconstruction-related challenges, ness with imported product. respondents urged more mass Canada Transporting CLT halfway timber case studies to develop Nordic Structures Chibougamau, Que. around the globe negates the familiarity and expertise, further product’s claim to a smaller cardevelopment of industry-wide Structurlam Okanagan Falls, BC bon footprint, domestic producstandards and more education StructureCraft Abbatsford, BC ers say. efforts. ● Lumber prices. Though levAvailability and location are Element 5 Ripon, Que. eled off after an amazing run also factors, as the relatively St. Thomas, Ont. into the third quarter 2020, lumsmall number and location of Leaf Engin. Wood Prds.

Devlin, Ont. ber prices remain high and such plants make it more difficult for costs impact mass timber’s sellmass timber building to take Kalesnikoff Lumber South Slocan, BC ing proposition. Also, compethold, respondents said, due to White River Forest Prds.

White River, Ont. ing building materials interests transportation costs. are always quick to pounce on The research paper also cited U.S. any perceived lack of competiprevious studies from around tiveness. the world that had shown mass SmartLam North America Columbia Falls, Mont., Dothan, Ala. timber building costs are gener● Major European CLT proally more expensive than tradiducer Binderholz’s recent purSterling Solutions Phoenix, Ill. tional stick and frame or steel chase of sawmills in Florida and D.R. Johnson Riddle, Ore. and concrete designs, though North Carolina has many bemultiple benefits offset direct lieving it’s only a matter of time Freres Lumber Lyons, Ore. construction costs. before the company announces Vaagen Timbers Colville, Wash.

As an example, the authors its first U.S. CLT plant. ● Freres Lumber’s mass timcite another one of their research Katerra Spokane, Wash. ber Mass Plywood Panel (MPP) papers, a recent study on a buildSterling Solutions Lufkin, Tex. beams and columns are APA ing in Canada that was 6.4% certified as of late October. more expensive designed with Texas CLT Jasper, Tex. Using its innovative MPP prodmass timber instead of concrete.

Magnolia, Ark. uct, Freres is able to produce Meanwhile, a 2015 study of 18 Structurlam Conway, Ark. (’21) beams and columns up to CLT projects in Europe, Aus24x48. tralia and North America found ● Finnish forest products giant Stora overall costs savings of 4% when using shown that CLT construction sites proEnso has received APA PRG 320 certifimass timber instead of concrete. duce far less particulate emissions than cation to sell CLT panels from its Ybbs, In addition to well-known benefits of steel building construction sites.

Austria plant into the U.S. market. A relower energy inputs and emissions durcently announced new $93 million CLT ing production than carbon and steel, ISSUES, NEWS line in Czech Republic will also seek cerplus the carbon sequestration aspect of tification for the U.S. market as well.

Growing the mass timber building using CLT, two respective studies have ● TimberLink Australia recently anconcept and developing markets and shown wood-based materials require nounced the location of its new CLT distribution takes time, and some is15% less energy over the life cycle of a plant at its sawmill in Tarpeena, South sues crop up. building and also that mass timber ● Some North American producers Australia. This is Australia’s second buildings have 10% lower operational are chafing that offshore suppliers with major CLT plant and it will also proenergy demands compared to similar established supply chains and producduce glulam.

PW concrete buildings. Studies have also

PanelWorld • MARCH 2021 • 37

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:50 AM Page 38

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_SS.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 9:44 AM Page 39

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_cs.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 11:21 AM Page 40

WOOD

YARD EDITOR’S NOTE: The following companies supplied these editorial profiles and images to support their advertisements placed elsewhere in this issue. All statements and claims are attributable to the companies.

BRUNETTE Brunette drum chippers are industry leaders in producing quality chips from short material that is difficult to control. Available in various sizes and drop feed or horizontal configurations, Brunette drum chippers are designed to suit your needs. The Brunette drum chipper models are built for the toughest applications including the production of micro-chips or pulp chips.

Brunette drum chippers are manufactured to be exceptionally easy, safe and inexpensive to maintain. Equipped with a clam shell opening that is operated by a hydraulic cylinder, Brunette chippers provide a working area for maintenance that is ergonomically friendly. Safety features include electrical interlocks that stop the chipper if the anvil releases and a manual rotor lock preventing movement while changing knives. The straight knife design and full access to the rotor enable quick one-person knife changes. The knife clamps are designed with a self-opening feature that eliminates the need to remove the clamps or nuts during knife changes.

The single-piece tapered knives process material across the full-face width of the drum, providing even wear and long life. Quick changes to knife length settings along with an easy adjustment of the rotor position ensure optimum knife-to-anvil clearance and provide operators with the flexibility to choose their desired chip length.

Brunette drum chippers provide Heavy steel fabrication results in a high inertia rotor that can process high volumes. The performance and flexibility. rotor is mounted to a HTSR shaft by two B-LOCs and secured to the chipper frame by the solid support of pillow block bearings. The swing away anvil protects the drum assembly in the case of tramp metal intrusion.

Optional equipment available includes: Key Knife package; common base for chipper and motor; drive components; drive guard; and infeed chute that mates directly to the chipper for material entering the drum from either a vibrating or belt conveyor.

Design versatility allows for bottom or rear discharge and chipping of soft or hard woods. The combination of single flat knives and excellent cutting geometry ensures a superior chip. Brunette drum chippers are engineered for simple, effective chipping.

CMC TEXPAN As the pandemic situation evolves, it becomes clear that 2020 has marked a turning point in the way of working. New strategies need to be implemented in order not only to deal with a contingent scenario, but also to build a solid base for long-term success. CMC Texpan, Italian subsidiary of the Siempelkamp group, describes the approach that has been adopted in such peculiar times: “Actually we have always been a very dynamic company,” explains Marco Granzotto, Sales Manager at CMC Texpan. “It is not just a matter of ‘react and overcome.’ Instead, agility is an essential requirement whenever it comes to providing reliable assistance, whether it is about ensuring technical support to existing facilities or to developing new projects, even in non-traditional sectors. Disruptive innovations are shaping the future of the industrial world: You must be capable of thinking outside the box. Dynamism and flexibility are distinctive features of all our team: from order processing to technical and commercial assis- CMC Texpan: Turning tough times into a trigger for new opportunities tance. In short, they deeply characterize our whole corporate architecture.”

The core business of the company is represented by designing, engineering and manufacturing machinery and equipment for the wood-based panel industry. Besides the machines for the secondary particle processing stage (such as glue blenders and mat forming systems), CMC Texpan’s product portfolio includes a whole range of equipment dedicated to the primary processing of chips and particles: extraction systems from storage bins, gravimetric separators and innovative solutions for the detection and removal of contaminants from the milled particle flow, as well as screening machines to ensure a precise classification of the material into fractions with the desired particle size.

The company is making considerable efforts also to diversify its markets. “We are extremely proud of the high level of technology we provide,” Granzotto comments. “And we are constantly looking for new branches it can be applied in. That is why we have created ‘New Business Areas’ (NBA), a special department that researches and develops both new technologies and new fields of application for our current technologies.”

Significant progress has been achieved also in the field of automated systems for moisture and density control, based on machine learning, to improve speed, uniformity and quality, as well as to enhance the interface with operators. “Reacting efficiently to the challenges posed by quickly evolving scenarios in order to maintain the highest quality level is our mission,” Granzotto concludes. “Rather than just a supplier, we want to be a competent partner, capable of turning our customers’ ideas into successful, cost-effective and sustainable realities.”

40 • MARCH 2021 • PanelWorld

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_cs.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 11:21 AM Page 41

WOOD

YARD

JOHN KING CHAINS

The power feed debarker conveyors manufactured by well-known European OEMS is one of the most demanding chain applications on the planet. John King Chains was given the task of solving an ongoing problem at a North America HDF plant where they were experiencing dramatically reduced operational lifetime of their power feed chains, resulting from a multitude of both environmental and operational factors.

In this case the nature of the operating conditions were unusually aggressive—a 24 hour operation with high concentration of silica content carried over from the processed material and continual shock loading of material. This is a combination of high abrasion and impact, both contributing to what can be argued as one of the most challenging operating environments for any known chain application. The main problems experienced before John King’s involvement was excessive and accelerated wearing on the side plates, and welded attachments becoming detached, a result of inferior weld penetration and premature bush wear.

The project entailed redesigning and replacing standard materials and construction (WH155/HTH) with John King’s WHM155/IBR Welded Bush, complete with hot riveted pin grease facility and selective hardening over the contact area. The side plates proposed and later supplied involved uprated standard carbon steel to high carbon alloy steel, pins and bushes, with further through hardened and induction hardened on the contact zones all as Kings Timber standard.

Introduction of grease facility complete with JKG1436M—a superior quality, calcium sulfonate complex grease with exceptional load carrying capacity, con- John King Chains: Problem solving at a North taining molybdenum disulfide which provides increased protection against load American fiberboard mill and added protection against component wear in very dusty environments—was essential during the running in period and later offering extended protection against ingress of abrasives and heavy loading.

With improved material specifications, and uprated heat treatment/techniques implemented by the JK team, the chains service life has been extended from 9 to currently 15 months without to this date any further technical intervention.

KADANT CARMANAH Argus vision systems by Kadant Carmanah help provide strander operators and management the data needed to produce better quality OSB strands at higher production rates. l ARGUS-FMS In many cases, a single, manually collected container of strands is considered representative of thousand of pounds of strands produced over an entire shift. In addition to the potential data misrepresentation due to inadequate sample size, there are often issues in the consistency of collection methods used to gather strand samples. The Fines Measurement System (FMS) solves these issues by scanning the strander outfeed conveyor to provide real-time fines percentages for every pass providing more accurate and statistically relevant data for better process decisions. The FMS can be installed on any covered, strand carrying conveyor, providing fines percentage data in strand streams not currently monitored. l ARGUS-LFO The main limiting factor for increasing production rates at the stranders is the log fill factor in the strander feeding equipment. The Load Fill Optimizer (LFO) can help identify opportunities for improvement by providing real-time data to strander operators, giving them the confidence they need to increase fill factor without jamming. The LFO also provides shift reporting data on strander log fill factors, providing an important KPI for this critical process. The LFO can be retrofitted to most strander infeed systems, including long log and batch-feed configurations.

PanelWorld • MARCH 2021 • 41

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_cs.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 11:21 AM Page 42

WOOD

YARD

MINIMAX

There has not, until now, been an ideal fire protection solution for outdoor storage in the wood processing industry even though the raw materials for the entire supply chain of this industrial sector are stored there. Microbial and chemical processes, environmental influences, technical failure, human carelessness or arson can quickly cause a fire here. In addition, there are some areas on the site that are difficult to access and control in the event of a fire, with an increased risk of fire, such as drying, mechanical conveying, storage in silos or transformers located outside and in the wood yard.

MXOne, a high-performance extinguishing turbine, represents a new generation of stationary firefighting systems. This unique system has a 360° operating range and enables the highly precise application of water mist from a safe and great distance. In the event of Ideal for wood yards: The innovative aspect and decisive ada fire, the water mist absorbs a huge amount of energy, cools partic- vantage of MXOne is that a fire can be fought from a signifiularly effectively, and reaches hidden fire sources better than classic cant distance using water mist. monitors. It binds smoke gases, pollutants and odors and can spread rapidly and effectively across large areas without flushing away burning goods, as is the case with traditional fire monitors using bundled jets. Consequently, MXOne is ideally suited for protecting numerous industries and risk areas from specific fire risks inside or outside of buildings like never before. Due to its advantageous operating parameters, the turbine can be easily integrated into existing plants and is suitable for use in areas with temperatures ranging from -25° C to +60° C. l Efficiency and effectiveness: —Rapid firefighting and ambient cooling using sophisticated water mist technology —Low water consumption —Simple and safe operation by remote control —Wear-resistant pipe connections in the turning area due to special constructions l Highest flexibility: —Flexible utilization of potable water, saltwater and foam —Automatic or manual precision targeting —Adjustable spray pattern, from water mist to full jet —Can be easily integrated into operating infrastructure and existing fire suppression systems l Large effective range: —360° rotation and up to 75 m discharge range —Can be placed inside and outside —Mounting on the ground or on a high pile possible —Stationary and mobile version available

RAWLINGS With more than 40 years of experience in the forest and sawmill related industries, Rawlings Wood Hogs has delivered a reputation for durability, high performance and reliability. As a proven leader in wood grinding technology, Rawlings assists its customers with the design of custom wood recovery systems to meet the client’s specific processing needs and budget.

Rawlings wood hogs comes in all shapes and sizes—a complete lineup of seven different sizes of both vertical and horizontal hogs to fit any application; from simple stand-alone vertical hogs, to complete multi-dimensional horizontal grinding systems. Add a wide variety of available options, and you’ve got the flexibility to customize the perfect wood recovery system.

Each system can be designed with work platform decks, choice of The horizontal grinder is but one of multiple configurations ofbelt, chain, vibrating infeed and outfeed conveyors, metal or magnet fered by Rawlings. protection and product screening that allows the customer to protect their investment while producing a high quality consistent end product.

The Rawlings wood hog is recognized in the industry as the “Green Monster Hog” and provides the crushing and shearing power needed to handle really tough jobs like green waste, cypress, redwood, cedar, black spruce, poplar and a wide range of other stringy and fibrous material. Each machine is equipped with the Rawlings Super Hi-Inertia Solid Steel Rotor. With the increased inertia of the solid steel rotor the machine runs at lower RPMs resulting in overall savings of electricity and maintenance costs. The machines are tolerant of contaminants, rocks and metal without catastrophic maintenance costs if metal enters the grinding chamber.

Rawlings is happy to discuss any of the projects it has completed in full detail.

42 • MARCH 2021 • PanelWorld

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_cs.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 11:22 AM Page 43

WOOD

YARD

METAL DETECTORS INC.

MDI is proud to introduce its most advanced metal detector system to date, the TWA5000-X. The technology in the new TWA5000-X provides more consistent targeting of contaminants, better interference rejections due to environmental noise and product effect.

However, the most exciting feature of the TWA5000-X metal detector is the highly successful MDI View-Link Remote Diagnostic Module. The View-Link allows MDI to remotely connect to your MDI metal detector to monitor, diagnose and calibrate your system—optimizing your metal detector for maximum sensitivity and stability right there in your own unique environment. Many happy customers already know “It’s like having an MDI technician right there in your mill, but only a phone call away!”

The TWA5000-X metal detector can scan up to 60 inches in diameter softwood or hardwood logs and comes with a three-year product warranty and a three-year View-Link remote service package. In addition, MDI offers unlimited lifetime telephone technical support for all of its products at no additional charge.

Established in 1965 and located in beautiful Eugene, Ore., Metal Detectors, Inc. has been a proven leader in providing state-ofthe-art metal detection solutions for the forest products industry for more than 50 years.

PanelWorld • MARCH 2021 • 43

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:50 AM Page 44

PROJECTS SILO STORAGE AND DISCHARGE SYSTEMS COMPLEMENT NEW EGGER P’BOARD MILL n 2017 Egger announced its plan to build its first North American wood product production complex, beginning with a particleboard plant and lamination line, to be located in Lexington, NC. It

I

would be Egger’s first production foray into the wood-based materials industry in the U.S. and Canada.

Egger is a European based multi-international wood products group with 19 manufacturing sites in Europe, Russia and South America. Egger’s goal is to replicate its leading market position in Europe and become the leading brand for wood-based solutions in North America.

At full build-out, the North Carolina project will encompass an investment of $700 million and will create an estimated 770 direct jobs. It also contributes to the state economy through the purchase of wood byproducts from sawmills around the state.

This past September, Egger’s particleboard plant produced its first board.

It should be noted and emphasized that Egger and its technology suppliers implemented heightened health and safety measures during the pandemic.

These measures were designed for the safety of all Egger employees, their families, friends and the communities

surrounding the new plant.

Through this adversity came success and in late September the first board was successfully produced by Egger at its brand new facility. This is a testament to the excellent planning and execution by Egger in building its plant in North Carolina and to its precise collaboration with major equipment suppliers.

One international supplier awarded an equipment supply contract was SHW Storage and Handling Solutions.

SHW has a long history of collaborating with Egger. For more than 50 years, SHW has been engineering and fabricating silo storage and discharge systems for the global bulk material handling industry. SHW has supplied Egger with equipment at more than 10 other sites.

At the new Egger plant in North Carolina, SHW silo storage and discharge systems were selected as a result of the exacting SHW engineering, state-ofthe-art use of high quality materials and 21st century fabrication methods. Following extensive consultation between Egger and SHW, the following equipment items were selected most suitable and advantageous for the new site.

ROTOR SYSTEM One of the most popular SHW pieces of equipment is the Rotor Discharge Silo System. The rotor silo system is ideal for silo diameters of 25 ft. or smaller. It acts more like an agitator than a reclaimer that uses aggressive self-adjusting drag arms to activate the entire silo floor of material. Its robust design is ideal for reclaiming wet and/or hard to handle bulk material that is non-free flowing.

The rotor silo system has the unique ability to discharge bulk material equally out of (up to) six different discharge screw outlets from one silo. Egger utilizes this ability to discharge wood material to multiple downstream processes.

The rotor silo system can also use one of the multiple discharge screw outlets to dump out the entire silo of bulk material to a concrete bunker for a quick maintenance shutdown.

SLIDING FRAME The sliding frame silo system has become a preferred silo design by Egger at many of its sites. The sliding frame is 44 • MARCH 2021 • PanelWorld

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:50 AM Page 45

PROJECTS

Sliding Frame

Rotating Screw

Push Floor Rotor Discharge Silo

extremely low maintenance and provides ideal material flow for smaller sized and compactible material. It can also combine up to four discharge screws to convey bulk material to downstream processes.

Egger has six separate silos that contain the sliding frame silo system at the North Carolina facility. All have multiple discharge screws in the bottom of the silo to reclaim the bulk material in a specific volume to a specific process line.

PUSH FLOOR Another storage system style selected

by Egger is the SHW Push Floor System. The push floor system, also known as a live bottom floor, is used to receive almost any kind of bulk material. It is loaded/stacked by a front-end loader or stacking conveyor either from the front or from the side of the push floor system. It holds large storage volumes and can reclaim at very high capacities. The

push floor system is an open storage concept that provides easy and safe maintenance accessibility.

Egger has three push floor systems that store and reclaim wet sawdust and wet wood chips up to 12,000 cubic feet of storage volume.

ROTATING SCREW SHW’s second most popular storage system style is the Rotating Screw System. It allows Egger to store bulk material at high storage volumes, while also allowing them to reclaim material at a specific volumetric capacity. The reclaim volumetric capacity can be adjusted by speeding up or down the rotating screw auger. This system is a very robust design that has very low maintenance. On certain types of abrasive/corrosive material, ceramic tiles are placed on the flights of the rotating screw to help with wear protection.

PW Article and images provided by members of the SHW Storage & Handling Solutions Inc. team in collaboration with Egger.

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:50 AM Page 46

PROJECTS EGGER IMPLEMENTS DÜRR MEGTEC RTO

presses to be finished and sold as thermally fused laminate (TFL) panels.

Dürr Megtec has installed a RTO sysDürr Megtec has installed a Cleantem to effectively control emissions of Switch regenerative thermal oxidizer volatile organic compounds (VOC) (RTO) system for Egger Wood Prodfrom the drying process in production. ucts, LLC at its new particleboard manThe CleanSwitch RTO has a two-chamufacturing plant in Lexington, NC. The ber, single-valve design that provides special technology of the new VOC conVOC compliance, while delivering thertrol system delivers maximum thermal mal efficiencies of up to 97%. efficiency with minimum maintenance.

“The system features a single, patentThe Lexington facility is Egger’s first ed switch valve that minimizes mainteU.S. manufacturing operation and began nance and virtually eliminates pressure production in September 2020. The new spikes associated with valve changes, plant of the Austrian-based company fowhich ensures better overall dryer concuses on the production of particleboard trol and energy efficiency,” observes as well as on particleboard lamination.

Rodney Schwartz, Vice President Sales Some of the particleboard produced in and Business Development Americas, Lexington is sold in its raw form, while Dürr Megtec. “In addition, our process the majority goes on to the lamination knowledge associated with ceramics engineering allowed us to supply a heat-recovery bed tailored to the wood products industry. This ultimately maximizes thermal efficiency and minimizes bed maintenance for improved uptime performance of manufacturing operations.”

The new RTO system handles the off-gas from two bark-fired rotary drum dryers and has a rated design flow of This four-module CleanSwitch RTO system from Dürr 260,600 ACFM. The fourMegtec processes the off-gas from two bark-fired romodule CleanSwitch RTO tary drum dryers at the Egger particleboard facility in was delivered in the fourth Lexington, NC. quarter of 2019 and was com-

missioned in the third quarter of 2020.

Dürr Megtec manufactured the CleanSwitch system at its facility in De Pere, Wis. Dürr Megtec is part of the Clean Technology Systems division of the Dürr Group (headquartered in Germany).

The Lexington plant has the capacity to produce 850MMSF of particleboard on a 3⁄8 in. basis. With the new plant, Egger is able to meet the needs of North American customers at a higher level by improving access for architects, designers, wholesalers and furniture industry customers to its wide range of woodbased products and cutting-edge designs.

NILE WOOD ORDERS ANDRITZ SYSTEMS Andritz has received an order—in cooperation with Dieffenbacher—to supply MDF plant technology, including a chip washing and pressurized refining system, to Nile Wood S.A.E, a subsidiary of Egypt Kuwait Holding (EKH), for a greenfield site in Sadat City, Egypt.

Startup of the new equipment is scheduled before the end of 2021.

The centerpiece of the MDF production line will be the chip washing and pressurized refining system, including a proven 54-1CP refiner with a capacity of up to 20 tons per hour. The new equipment will process fast-growing trees with low moisture content as raw material. The tailor-made technological solution for this particular type of plant

46 • MARCH 2021 • PanelWorld

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:50 AM Page 47

PROJECTS

concept is rounded off by the adaptive duction capacity can reach 350-450 m³. spreading system developed by SiemIt will mainly produce high-end sanding pelkamp which allows automatic conboards and matte ultra-thin boards. trol of the spreading machine settings.

In 2020, Yalian Machinery overcame Also included in the delivery range the negative impact of the coronavirus is a fiber dryer from Siempelkamp epidemic and reports it successfully sold subsidiary Büttner, as well as the glue multiple fiberboard and particleboard dosing system including Ecoresinator. continuous press production lines and refThe Ecoresinator installed in Starerenced Xingang Group’s ultra-thin prowood’s first thin board line in 2010 duction line with a design speed of 3000 was the first of its kind and the result mm/s; Bazhong Jianfeng’s high-strength of a joint development project between particleboard line with a daily output of STARWOOD ORDERS the two companies.

2000 m³; and Nanning Ketian composite THIN-BOARD PLANT With this plant, Starwood will operwood wool board project. ate five Siempelkamp The Yuhua project is located in Gencontinuous press lines— zhu Village, Genzhu Township, Gangtwo for particleboard probei District, Guigang City, Guangxi duction and three for Province, China, covering an area of MDF. 300 acres. Yuhua currently has two proThe project also repreduction bases and three production lines sents another milestone in in Guangxi, with a total production cathe cooperation with the pacity of approximately 550,000 GIM Export Group, an m³/year. important connection for Yalian’s new generation “E-series” Siempelkamp to the Turkcontinuous press production line has ish market. The current been in stable production with the folorder represents the 30th lowing advantages: Negotiations wrap up at Starwood headquarters in Istan- new plant to be realized —meets a variety of board thickness bul. Left to right, Michael Krocker, Managing Director, jointly by Siempelkamp needs GIM Export; Mehmet Yildiz and Huseyin Yildiz, Managing and the Göttingen-based —feeding rollers can be flexibly adDirectors, Starwood; Samiron Mondal, Ulrich Kaiser and company. justed to meet the requirements of ultraNilgun Binbay from Siempelkamp; Ralf Spindler, ManagAssembly will start in thick board production ing Director, GIM Export mid-2021, and based on —board thickness range covers 1-50 the long years of cooperamm Turkish wood-based materials manution and experience of both companies, —thin-board production speed can facturer Starwood has ordered its secthe goal to produce the first board is reach 2500 mm/s; some lines go faster ond thin-board plant for the production planned for end of 2021. then designed speed of thin MDF/HDF to be built near In—pressure is more uniform, which egöl. The new plant is designed to run makes the density distribution of the YUHUA STARTS UP at 2,000 mm/s. board section more reasonable FIBERBOARD LINE The core of the scope of supply is the continuous press line to be supplied by Guogang Jiangwan Yuhua Siempelkamp. The 9th-generation ConPanel Ltd. has successfully comtiRoll is 8 ft. x 28.8 m. Besides a flexipleted the installation of a highble infeed, the press is equipped with a density ultra-thin fiberboard prohydraulic concept developed for thin duction line with an annual outand ultra-thin board production and put of 150,000 m³. The first panel lightweight board package for furniture was successfully produced and board production. the whole line has begun trial In addition to the press technology, production. the spreading technology to be supplied The production line uses continby Siempelkamp is also crucial for sucuous pressing, forming and related cessful thin board production. In this supporting equipment from Yalian case, Siempelkamp relies on the “Starmachinery. The continuous press former,” which has been further develis 21.7 m long and equipped with oped especially for this application and a mat preheating system with features a downstream fine leveler heavy pressing rollers. The thickwhich eliminates the need to mill ness of the pressing plate is 1.0(scalp) the fiber mat and guarantees op8.0 mm. The speed of output is as Yalian continuous press at new Yuhua thin fiberboard line timal spreading accuracy. The overall high as 150 m/min, and daily proproposed was the main reason for awarding the contract to Andritz.

Egypt Kuwait Holding was established in 1997 by a consortium of Kuwaiti and Egyptian businessmen and is one of the fastest growing companies in Africa and the Middle East, with investments in 19 companies. Nile Wood is EKH’s first venture into the woodbased panels industry.

PanelWorld • MARCH 2021 • 47

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_SS.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 9:44 AM Page 48

S U P P LY

LINES I4F PARTNERS WITH HYMMEN I4F, a group of companies providing patents and technologies to the flooring industry, has entered into a patent partnership with Hymmen GmbH Maschinen- und Anlagenbau, a leading global digital printing systems provider specialized in flooring. This new partnership gives I4F exclusive licensing rights for all of Hymmen’s digital printing patents and technologies for flooring production, including Hymmen’s award winning Digital Lacquer Embossing (DLE) technology.

This represents an important addition to I4F’s comprehensive digital printing portfolio that already includes leading technologies from Classen, Kronospan and Benchwick.

More than 80% of digitally printed flooring around the world is produced using Hymmen technologies, according to the company. In addition to exclusive licensing rights, I4F will work in collaboration with Hymmen to promote digital printing opportunities in the flooring industry and will represent Hymmen on future patent protection related issues.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr. René Pankoke, CEO and President of Hymmen, says, “I4F is the perfect match for Hymmen as we share the same passion for innovation and continuous development within the global flooring industry. I4F is recognized as the technology leader in the flooring industry and will support us on developing and further expanding the market for digital printing.”

RAUTE WILL HOST VIRTUAL EVENT No LIGNA show in May? No problem, according to Raute, which reports it has something new and exciting planned for this May. “With LIGNA being postponed until later in the year, along with the travel

restrictions and safety concerns due to the pandemic, we have decided to create our very own virtual event,” the company states.” We would like to introduce you to our Rx—Raute Online Experience.”

Rx is open for all to attend and will feature interesting and insightful keynote presentations as well as industry-related content from key speakers on a main stage. A virtual showroom will showcase Raute’s top-of-the-line products, services and solutions. And there will be lots of fun and interactive activities planned for the audience as well, Raute states.

“We’re bringing the industry together in a way that’s never been done before and we hope that everyone is as excited about this Rx event as we are,” says Päivi Talonen, Chief Marketing Officer, Raute.

growing market for wood-based panel plants, Dieffenbacher sought to strengthen its business activities in the country. Building on past sales successes achieved together with longtime partner Hanex, led by CEO Dr. Cihan Ayla, Zorcu joins the strong team for Turkey.

The scope of the partnership between Hanex and Dieffenbacher remains unchanged. Zorcu’s initial focus will be to manage the Dieffenbacher construction sites in Turkey and to expand the modernization and spare parts business. He will work closely with Hanex under the coordination of the Dieffenbacher sales team in Germany.

SATURN LINE WORKS AT HYMMEN

DIEFFENBACHER EXPANDS IN TURKEY

Hymmen’s SATURN digital printing line for decor paper

Işık Zorcu in front of the press under construction at Camsan Ordu’s new MDF plant in Ordu, Turkey

Dieffenbacher of Eppingen, Germany accelerated its business activities in Turkey by appointing Işık Zorcu as Project Manager in a newly established Dieffenbacher Liaison Office in Turkey.

Zorcu is known in the Turkish woodbased panels industry and has a technical background in machinery and many years of experience working for woodbased panels producers.

With Camsan Ordu’s current installation of a new complete MDF plant and the prospect of Turkey continuing as a

SATURN, an industrial digital printing line with water-based inks that can be integrated into existing production processes, is ready for production, Hymmen reports.

SATURN guarantees efficient decentralized production at the desired quality level and is a breakthrough in the production of digitally printed decorative paper, according to Hymmen.

The development partnership of Hymmen and Ricoh made it possible: Now the first line is ready for production at the Hymmen technology center in Bielefeld, Germany.

The SATURN is designed to move the printing process closer to the end of the production chain. SATURN is focused on the real needs of a production site, matching the needed volumes and facilitating all the benefits of digital printing. Lower energy consumption, easier paper drying and better reliability due to reduced complexity are the positive side effects.

48 • MARCH 2021 • PanelWorld

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:50 AM Page 49

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_SS.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 9:44 AM Page 50

S U P P LY

LINES

MILOPTIC ACQUIRES AUTOMATION IND.

Miloptic, LLC has acquired Automation Industries Corp. (AIC), allowing Miloptic to offer a variety of nondestructive testing technology systems that ensure and improve the quality of building products through its parent company, Crow Engineering, Inc. Clyde Steffens, former President of AIC, is serving as President of Ultrasonic Development for Miloptic.

In the early 1970s, Steffens developed a technology that allowed plywood producers to eliminate blisters, blows and other internal defects that lead to the delamination of panels.

Along with American Plywood Assn. personnel, AIC visited plywood mills all over to demonstrate the first Trienco 506 ultrasonic NDT (non-destructive testing) system. With value demonstrated, installations followed.

Years later, Trus Joist approached Steffens and challenged him to do the

same for the LVL industry, a thicker and more structurally critical product. Steffens developed a higher strength ultrasonic system for the industry that was a success.

Over the years Steffens has developed multiple systems using ultrasonic and laser technology to solve similar problems across other industries. These include lumber, engineered flooring, gypsum, and corrugated and web roofing systems.

Miloptic will continue to offer the same high-quality products that have helped AIC build a reputation as a leading NDT testing manufacturer , and will continue to produce and support existing product lines. “We are committed to enhancing our current products while developing new and advanced NDT solutions in the years to come,” the company states.

AIC has developed and refined ultrasonic technology applications for more than 40 years. The company’s current generation of machines can detect smaller defects and reliably penetrate thicker

materials than prior generations. OSB and plywood defect detection systems have represented a significant portion of sales for AIC. The 5700 series systems are proven to penetrate LVL and PSL300 that are 3.5 in. thick (the typical maximum thickness of LVL). CLT and other engineered wood systems are next on the list for development.

ANDRITZ SUPPLIES LELIN GROUP Andritz has received an order from Guangxi Chongzuo Lelin Forestry Development Co. Ltd. to supply a chip washing system and pressurized refining system for its production line near Chongzuo in Guangxi province, China. With a design capacity of 80 bdmt/h, this will be the largest MDF line ever installed worldwide, according to the participants.

Andritz will supply a chip washing system, a chip bin discharger suitable for high-capacity discharge rates, a 28 in. plug screw feeder for highest dewa-

50 • MARCH 2021 • PanelWorld

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:50 AM Page 51

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_SS.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 9:45 AM Page 52

S U P P LY

LINES tering efficiency, an 84 in. digester and discharger with the latest C-feeder concept as well as a S2074M refiner with the proven swing-door design.

Guangxi Chongzuo Lelin Forestry Development Co. Ltd. is part of the Lelin Group, headquartered in Nanning, Guangxi. The company owns two

biomass power plants as well as four wood-based panel manufacturing enterprises, which will have an annual fiberboard output of 1,300,000 m3 after the new line is completed.

FINNA REVEALS NIR SENSOR

continuously measures itself: 19 points of internal sensor health to ensure greater uptime and making maintenance more predictable.

Hardware was also kept in mind.

OMNIR was built with a modular design, keeping the most sensitive electronics away from the line. Additionally, using their patented TrueOptics technique, the OMNIR measures the reflected light “after” it hits the product sample, decreasing the effect of outside influences such as dust, color variations and vibration.

Visit finnasensors.com.

Finna Sensors has developed its new OMNIR On-Line Near Infrared Sensor for the panel industry.

OMNIR was designed to be regularly improved and OMNIR software can be upgraded via the cloud, negating the need for an on-site technician or sending in the sensor for the latest updates.

OMNIR was built on a Microsoft platform and SQL database, making interfaces and integration more familiar.

OMNIR derived its name from omni, meaning all-sensing—not only does it focus on measuring Finna’s OMNIR your product accurately, it also moisture sensor

52 • MARCH 2021 • PanelWorld

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

OMNIR OSB operator display

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:50 AM Page 53

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_SS.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 9:45 AM Page 54

CLIPPINGS BEN CRIM RETIRES FROM HOOD INDUSTRIES

Ben Crim, left, and Hood Industries President Jay Galloway celebrate Crim’s retirement from Hood Industries.

Ben Crim, Vice President of Engineering & Environmental Management for Hood Industries, retired at the end of December after a 30-year career with the Southern U.S.-based wood products manufacturer and distributor.

Crim joined Hood Industries on Valentine’s Day of 1990 as the Director of Engineering & Environmental Services, becoming corporate employee “number 8” when he joined the team.

During his career, he worked for all three presidents of the company—John Galloway, Sr., Don Grimm, and Jay Galloway.

Crim was a single person department until 2011 and was named vice president in May 2012, ultimately leading a team of seven project managers and engineers.

Crim’s career spans nearly 49 years.

After graduating from LSU in 1971 with an Industrial Engineering degree, he worked for Hines Lumber Co. in Hines, Ore. Crim spent 13 years with TempleInland as a staff engineer before taking on a role in operations as a plant manager before joining Hood Industries.

During the course of his career with Hood Industries Crim held a number of committee and advisory roles with the Mississippi Manufacturers Assn.

(MMA), Mississippi Dept. of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), and Mississippi Engineering Society. He was a past

Chairman of the Title V Advisory Council for MDEQ, having been appointed to the council by former Lt. Governors Phil Bryant and Tate Reeves.

He also represented the company at a number of American Plywood Assn.

(APA) events.

Crim says he plans to play golf, spend time with his 12 grandchildren, and travel with his wife, Vicki. When asked about his favorite memory from his time with Hood Industries, Crim replies, “By far it’s the people. Hood is a great company and a well-kept secret, although the secret is starting to get out.

I’ll miss the people the most…I’m already starting to miss them.”

He adds that he never saw it as a job, that he was always doing something different and having fun every day.

Rich Donnell, editor-in-chief of Panel World magazine, says Crim will be missed on the industry circuit. “Always an enjoyable experience was running into Ben at a trade show and having a pleasant conversation,” Donnell says.

“He was always very supportive of our events such as PELICE in Atlanta.

Though he is retired, I hope to see him down the road.”

Upon announcing Crim’s retirement, Hood President Galloway comments, “It has been a privilege for me to work with Ben at different levels throughout my career. He has been a true professional and valued colleague. I wish him all the best in this new phase of his life.”

manufacturing work in the plywood machinery business, was slowed by a heart attack, Jerry assisted him, traveling throughout the country and especially in the South visiting numerous plywood mills.

Gordon then received a call from Per Brunes, whom Gordon had worked with earlier at the consulting firm. Brunes had started up Valon Kone North America based in Vancouver, BC for the Finnish debarker manufacturer. When VK’s U.S. rep Bush Manufacturing was purchased by VK competitor Kockums, Brunes sought out Gordon to start up and become part owner of a new parts and service operation, Valon Kone U.S. Gordon and his wife, Carol, set up shop in Marietta, Ga. in 1975.

Gordon immediately called on the several companies that had purchased a VK debarker from Bush Manufacturing to assure them of continued service and also sold a few debarkers but said VK’s earlier spring-loaded model was not suitable in strength and operating technology for the southern pine industry.

Gordon’s business began making a real imprint when VK introduced the heavier, faster, more maintenance friendly 600-800 series of debarkers with self-centering infeed, top and bottom feedworks and stronger rotor.

Gordon sold it first to larger producers such as Leaf River Forest Products, Georgia-Pacific and Union Camp. He felt that if the major corporations installed the new VK debarker, the indeGORDON STARTED pendent producers would be less conVALON KONE U.S. cerned about any risk factor.

Jerry Clark Gordon, a tall and jovial “The most important lesson I learned man who started up and was part owner was to be there when the customer of Atlanta-based Valon Kone U.S., died needed you, even if the equipment did January 4 in Kennesaw, Ga. He was 82. not perform up to expectations,” GorBorn in Portland, don said. “That’s really Ore., and raised by his how I hung in there by mother, Maxine Elizaestablishing a certain debeth Clark, and stepfagree of personal and ther Dale Gordon, Jerry company credibility.” attended Portland State Gordon also sold the University and studied VK log singulator and economics and business. then the Bruks drum After graduating he chipper. A major develworked for a consulting opment was when Valon engineering firm in the Kone purchased Brunette pulp and paper industry Machinery of Vancouver until the early 1970s. in 1990. “We decided we When his stepfather, needed a totally North who did engineering and Jerry Gordon in 1995 American built ma-

54 • MARCH 2021 • PanelWorld

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:51 AM Page 55

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_SS.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 9:45 AM Page 56

CLIPPINGS

chine,” Gordon said, as all VK debarker manufacturing had been in Finland. The company name changed to Valon Kone Brunette.

Gorden eventually moved warehouse and office operations to Kennesaw, Ga. After raising their two children, Michael Dale Gordon and Sarah Gordon Parrott, Jerry and Carol retired and moved west to Tucson, Ariz. Gordon lived in Tucson for 10 years prior to moving to Coosada, Ala. to be closer to his family and friends. His wife had passed away in Arizona.

Gordon loved flying, especially soaring, and spent his days in retirement finding joy in rebuilding gliders and airplanes. He was an avid member of flying and soaring clubs such as EAA and Tucson Soaring Club.

Dave Ramsey, owner of HattonBrown Publishers, Inc., which publishes Panel World, recalls: “I first met Jerry in the summer of 1976 at his Atlanta office. I was making a sales call attempting to get him to buy an advertising pro-

gram. This visit was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. We had a lot in common. His death has left a large gap in my life.”

Gordon former partner, Per Brunes, recalls that Gordon was very particular.

Gordon’s day started with a large cup of McDonald’s coffee. His desk was always neat. He dressed in a clean pair of faded blue jeans and a white golf shirt.

His car was clean no matter the weather. “He looked after his customer like they were his kids, sometimes to a fault,” Brunes says. “We spent hours driving interstate highways visiting customers in the South, never faster than three miles under the speed limit and he could drive 10-14 hours no problem.”

Brunes says once when they got delayed at a customer in Alabama, Gordon told the customer they had to leave to make the next appointment down the road. “Our customer told Jerry, ‘No problem. I’ll call ahead to the next county and get the sheriff to ignore you speeding.’ True story.

“You would not find a kinder person,” Brunes says. “Jerry never spoke ill of anyone.”

Ian Corrigall, former general manager at Brunette, recalls several outings and vacations involving the Corrigalls and Gordons during a friendship of more than 30 years.

Corrigall recalls traveling to Finland with Gordon to visit Valon Kone. After the meeting at VK, they took the ferry to Stockholm and rented a car for the drive to Bollnas in Northern Sweden to visit an affiliate company.

“Traveling in Northern Sweden before GPS with an old fashion paper map in a snowy evening in March and unable to speak Swedish to get directions can be challenging,” Corrigall says, adding that Gordon was at the wheel.

“As we approached Bollnas, we spotted the Scandic Hotel on the other side of a City Park. Jerry hangs a right turn onto a narrow lane. As we drive on down the lane through the park there is a steady stream of bikes coming at us.

56 • MARCH 2021 • PanelWorld

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_SS.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 9:45 AM Page 57

Soon we realize we are on a bike path.

The Swedes graciously pull over, shaking their heads, to let this crazy American drive on.

“We were laughing so hard that tears were running down our faces. The bike path finally ended at the hotel parking lot. After checking in we hit the bar for a few beers and a few more good laughs over navigating the Swedish bike path.

Jerry will be missed and our good memories will live on.”

HOOD NAMES DIRECTOR-EHS Hood Industries, Inc. has promoted Sam Newbill to Director—Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS), reporting directly to President Jay Galloway, and becoming part of the senior executive team. During his 20-plus years with the company, Newbill has played an integral role in the development of safety processes and the ongoing improvement of safety performance.

Newbill started out as a utility employee at the Wiggins, Miss. plywood mill while working his way through college. He moved to the maintenance department, eventually assuming the planner role. However, a safety incident that resulted in a fatality at the Wiggins mill changed the trajectory of his career.

After this incident, Newbill moved into the safety profession and started out as a safety specialist. Later, he served as a mill safety manager and divisional safety manager before being named corporate safety manager in 2019.

Newbill represents Hood Industries on a number of industry and professional committees. He is active on the American Plywood Assn. (APA) Safety & Health Advisory Committee, where he was Vice Chairman from 2019-2021 before being Chairman for 2021. He has also served on the Mississippi Manufacturers Assn. (MMA) Steering Committee and the MS Gulf Coast Community College District Workforce Council.

CLIPPINGS

Vice Chairman and Dan Beaty of Langboard as Secretary/Treasurer. Pat Aldred of GP Wood Products completed his term as CPA Chairman at the end of 2020 and now serves as Immediate Past Chairman.

Ashlee Cribb of Roseburg and Erik Christensen of Swiss Krono are members of CPA’s Executive Committee.

Cribb replaced Jim Buffington who retired from Roseburg at the end of 2020.

MCCURDY JOINS ROYOMARTIN Kristie McCurdy has joined RoyOMartin as a senior sales representative. An active member of key industry and professional organizations, McCurdy is the immediate past chair of APA—The Engineered Wood Assn.’s International Subcommittee and is a member of one of the North American Wholesale Lumber Assn. 10 Groups networking forum. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Idaho State University.

SMITH SERVES AS CPA CHAIRMAN Composite Panel Assn’s 2021 Board of Directors leadership team includes David Smith of Timber Products Co. as 2021 CPA Board Chairman with Steve Carroll of Arauco North America as

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PWmar21pgs_SS.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 9:45 AM Page 58

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Recruiting Services

1615

Executive – Managerial – Technical - Sales

JOHN GANDEE

& ASSOCIATES, INC Contingency or Retained Search

9237

Depending on Circumstances / Needs

“Your Success Is Our Business” Serving the Wood Products and Building Materials Industries For more than 26 years.

512-795-4244

Call or Email me anytime! john@johngandee.com www.johngandee.com

THE Forest Products Group 3220

jon@olsonsearch.com

Top Wood Jobs 1009

Recruiting and Staffing George Meek

PANELWORKS WYSOCKI CTS VENEER, INC.

Walter Wysocki • 8109 County Line Rd. Armstrong Creek, WI 54103 Phone & Fax (715) 927-3831 Email: wysockictsveneer@gmail.com

2037

136 Roatary cut-to-size northern veneers, also do custom splicing flooring

geo@TopWoodJobs.com www.TopWoodJobs.com (360) 263-3371

■

3779

PANELWORKS

Jon Olson

Tel: (800) 985-5191

■

Custom search & recruitment services for the complete range of composite panel and related careers in the U.S., Canada and Europe. www.olsonsearch.com

4231

Austin, Texas

PANELWORKS

YOU COULD BE READING YOUR AD HERE! Contact Bridget DeVane • 800-669-5613 for more information

58 • MARCH 2021 • PanelWorld

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

GEOs_0321.qxp_GEOs_Jan04.qxd 2/10/21 9:43 AM Page 59

VENEER/PANEL SUPPLIERS

DIRECTORY ■ Taiwan

ASIA ■ India

■ Italy

GREAT GIANT INC. VENEER AND VENEERED PRODUCTS 260 Dachang Road Niao Song District Kaohsiung, Taiwan 833 Tel: 886 7 3790270 Fax: 886 7 3790275 E Mail: jc.giant@msa.hinet.net

AUSTRALIA/OCEANIA

■ Poland

SPECIALISTS IN AUSTRALIAN & PACIFIC VENEERS FSC & PEFC ECO-CERT Veneers from around the world Over 150 species in stock Reconstituted veneer/spliced faces/rotary veneers Website: Email: Tel:

www.briggs.com.au admin@briggs.com.au +61 2 9732-7888

EUROPE ■ Malaysia

www.fsc.org FSC™ C004099 The mark of responsible forestry

NEXT CLOSING: MARCH 23, 2021

■ Switzerland

■ Austria

Manufacturer In Malaysia CARB P2 / EPA Certified Fancy plywood/MDF/ Particle Board/ Blockboard Layon Veneer, Veneer Parquet, etc.

Lot 488, Jalan Jati Kiri, Kg. Perepat 42200 Kapar, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia Tel: +603 3259 1988 • Fax: +603 3259 1886 E-mail: bungaraya@bungarayapanel.com Website: www.bungarayapanel.com

11/20

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

GEOs_0321.qxp_GEOs_Jan04.qxd 2/10/21 9:43 AM Page 60

VENEER/PANEL SUPPLIERS DIRECTORY

NORTH AMERICA ■ Canada

■ Indiana Amos-Hill Associates, Inc.

■ British Columbia

6670 - 144th Street, Surrey, BC V3W 5R5 Plant: (604) 572-8968 Fax: (604) 572-6608

Producers of high quality fine face veneers.

Specializing in species indigenous to the West Coast. We manufacture Music grade solids and veneers. We also offer custom slicing, cut-to-size and log breakdown.

Fir • Hemlock • Spruce • Pacific Maple (Figured and Plain) • Alder Western Red Cedar

Quality Veneers Manufacturers of Decorative Hardwood Veneer Domestic and International Markets Species include: Walnut, White Oak, Red Oak, Hard Maple, Cherry and Birch “Quality is the Lifeblood of our Business” 112 Shelby Ave. ◆ P.O. Box 7 Edinburgh, IN 46124 Phone: 812-526-2671 ◆ Fax: 812-526-5865 E-mail: info@amoshill.com Website: www.amoshill.com

RSVP is proud to offer a full line of imported and domestic veneer that includes burls, crotches and highly figured woods. If you would like more information pertaining to these products or others we offer please contact us directly or visit our website.

4920 N. Warren Dr. • Columbus, IN 47203 Ph: 812-375-1178 • Fax: 812-375-1179 www.RSVPveneer.com

The mark of responsible forestry FSC Supplier: SCS-COC-002445 * SCS-CW-002445

■ Ontario

A FULL SERVICE PLYWOOD & VENEER COMPANY WE OFFER: Short turnaround time, In-house veneer mill—ROTARY, FLAT CUT, RIFT and QUARTERS, Custom pressing capabilities, Architectural specified plywood jobs, Huge veneer and core inventory, Over 100 natural species and engineer veneers in stock, All sizes and thicknesses–6'x4' to 5'x12', Internal logistics for fast on-time deliveries Contact us: Birchland Plywood-Veneer Ltd. TeL: 705-842-2430 • Fax: 705-842-2496 Visit www.birchlandplywood.com to view our “Live Log Program”

■ Michigan Reserve your space today.

Call Melissa McKenzie 800-669-5613

■ United States ■ Georgia A new “Dimension” in Veneer & Plywood

Dimension Plywood Inc. Custom Architectural Plywood & Doors 415 Industrial Blvd. • New Albany, IN 47150 Tel: 812-944-6491 • Fax: 812-944-7421

Dimension Hardwood Veneers, Inc. Rotary & Sliced Veneers 509 Woodville Street • Edon, Ohio 43518 Main Office - Tel: 419-272-2245 • Fax: 419-272-2406

www.dimensionhardwoods.com

LOCATE VENEER & PLYWOOD PRODUCTS AND SERVICES WORLDWIDE. Call Melissa McKenzie 800-669-5613

■ Mississippi

NORSTAM VENEERS, INC.

Reserve your space today.

Call Melissa McKenzie 800-669-5613

Proud to announce we have the “Newest Veneer Mill in the World” MANUFACTURER OF QUALITY HARDWOOD AND SOFTWOOD VENEERS

Green & Kiln Dried Hardwood Lumber

P.O. BOX 32 HWY. 135 BUS: 812.732.4391 MAUCKPORT, IN 47142 FAX: 812.732.4803 EMAIL: info@norstam.com

11/20

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

GEOs_0321.qxp_GEOs_Jan04.qxd 2/10/21 9:43 AM Page 61

VENEER/PANEL SUPPLIERS DIRECTORY ■ Pennsylvania

■ Vermont

North America’s largest manufacturer of fancy face rotary decorative veneer and platform solutions.

Offering FSC® 100% [FSC®-C017500] production in ash, basswood, birch, hard maple, tulip poplar and red oak in stock panel & cut-to-size lay-ons as well as unspliced veneer .4mm to 1.5 mm thickness.

Plain sliced Alder regularly available.

Offering domestically produced FSC MIX Credit, TSCA Title VI compliant platforms - both long grain and cross grain dimensions in a variety of thicknesses.

Contact Sales at 802-334-3600 • Fax: 802-334-5149 www.cfpwood.com 324 Bluff Road Newoort VT 05885

■ Ohio ESTABLISHED 1972

Proudly serving our clients in the hardwood plywood sheetstock, plywood component, solid wood component, face and core veneer markets for over 40 years. Looking forward to applying our worldwide knowledge and resources to help create the solution you need. inquiry@pittsburghforest.com Office: 724.969.5000 375 Valleybrook Rd, McMurray, PA 15367

Reserve your space today.

Call Melissa McKenzie 800-669-5613

VENEER/PANEL SUPPLIERS DIRECTORY NEXT CLOSING: MARCH 23, 2021 Write your ad information below and we will typeset it for you for FREE. Please be sure to include this form for payment/contact information. Please send any good-quality artwork that should be included.

We will fax or email you a proof before final print for your approval. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ❑ Payment enclosed ❑ $325-3x or ❑ $615-6x ❑ Bill my Visa or Mastercard Card# __________________________________________________________________________ Exp Date ________________ Signature ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Company __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Street _______________________________________________ City ________________________ State _________ Zip _______ Phone: __________________________ Fax: __________________________Email: ______________________________________

Please return ad info to: VENEER/PANEL SUPPLIERS DIRECTORY PO Box 2268 • Montgomery, AL 36102-2268 or send ad and above information to: melissa@hattonbrown.com 11/20

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_ASM.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 1:14 PM Page 62

EVENTS APRIL 14-16 • International Wood Products Assn. 65th World of Wood Virtual Convention, Hard Rock Hotel, San Diego, Calif. Call 703-820-6696; visit iwpawood.org.

MAY 16-18 • American Wood Protection Assn. annual meeting, Francis Marion Hotel, Charleston, SC. Call 205-733-4077; visit awpa.com.

21-22 • Expo Richmond 2021, Richmond Raceway Complex, Richmond, Va. Call 804-737-5625; visit exporichmond.com.

23-25 • Decorative Hardwoods Association 100th anniversary celebration and meeting, Sonesta Resort, Hilton Head, SC. Call 703-435-2900; visit decorativehardwoods.org.

JUNE 14-17 • Forest Products Society Virtual International Conference. Call 706-443-1337; visit fpsic2021.com.

JULY 20-23 • AWFS Fair 2021, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV. Call 800-946-2937; visit awfsfair.org.

AUGUST 2-4 • American Forest Resource Council annual meeting, Skamania Lodge, Stevenson, Wash. Call 503-222-9505; visit amforest.org.

11-13 • Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Expo, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Ga. Call 504-4434464; visit sfpaexpo.com.

18-21 • BIFA WOOD Vietnam, Binh Duong Convention, Thu Dau Mot City, Binh Duong Province, Vietnam. Call +84 274 222 1735; visit bifawoodvietnam.com.

SEPTEMBER 8-10 • Jyväskylä Fair, Jyvaskylan Paviljonki, Jyvaskyla, Finland. Call +358-14-334-0000; visit puumessut.fi.

12-14 • Composite Panel Assn. Fall meeting, Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, Montreal, QC, Canada. Call 703-724-1128; visit compositepanel.org.

panelworldmag.com

27-30 • American Wood Protection Assn. Technical Committee meeting, Eldorado Hotel, Santa Fe, N.M. Call 205733-4077; visit awpa.com.

27-October 1 • Ligna: World Fair For The Forestry And Wood Industries, Hannover Exhibition Grounds, Hannover, Germany. Call +49 511 89-0; fax +49 511 89-32626; visit ligna.de.

OCTOBER 2021 16-19 • APA-Engineered Wood Assn. annual meeting and Engineered Wood Technology Assn. Info Fair, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Palm Desert, Calif. Call 253-5656600; visit apawood.org and engineeredwood.org.

Listings are submitted months in advance. Always verify dates and locations with contacts prior to making plans to attend.

A

●

D

●

L

●

I

●

N

●

K

This issue of Panel World is brought to you in part by the following companies, which will gladly supply additional information about their products.

ADVERTISER

Altec Integrated Solutions Biele Automation Process Brunette Machinery CMC-Texpan Corvallis Tool Custom Engineering Dieffenbacher GmbH East Coast Sawmill Expo Ecostrat Evergreen Engineering Fagus GreCon Hashimoto Denki Hexion Imal S.R.L IMEAS S.P.A. John King Chains Johnson & Pace Kadant Carmanah Design Kallesoe Machinery LRBG Chemicals USA Meinan Machinery Works Metal Detectors Mid-South Engineering Minimax Fire Solutions International Pal S.R.L Radian Robotics Raute Rawlings Manufacturing Roo Glue Samuel Coding & Labeling Group Sherdil Precision SHW Storage & Handling Solutions Signode Stela Laxhuber GmbH Sweed Machinery Taihei Machinery Works USNR Wemhoner Surface Technologies Westmill Industries WMF China

PG.NO.

5 21 57 50 37 11 7 51 52 46 31 38 63 15 22 55 57 43 27 28 64 23 30 19 15 29 2 36 56 14 32-33 44 52 30 23 49 9 45 13 53

PH.NO.

604.529.1991 +34 629 429 620 800.686.6679 +39 035 737111 541.929.2234 814.898.2800 +49 0 7262 65 103 804.737.5625 833.850.2647 888.484.4771 704.912.0000 281.741.0410 888.443.9466 +39 059 465 500 +39 0331 463011 +44 1977 681 910 903.753.0663 604.299.3431 +45 97 34 15 55 419.224.1554 +81 562 47 2211 541.345.7454 501.321.2276 336.299.2933 +39 0422 852 300 905.639.7370 604.524.6611 866.762.9327 877.766.4583 800.667.1264 519.727.4010 800.827.7289 800.323.2464 +49 8724 899 0 800.888.1352 +81 568 73 6421 800.289.8767 +49 5221 7702 0 877.607.7010 +852 2516 3362

ADLINK is a free service for advertisers and readers. The publisher assumes no liability for errors or omissions.

62 • MARCH 2021 • PanelWorld

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:51 AM Page 63

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!

PW_0321_bkj.qxp_Layout 1 2/10/21 10:51 AM Page 64

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY OPTED IN!