Extemagazine 03|2014

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EXTEMAGAZ I N E N EWS F R O M TH E WO R LD'S B I G G E ST MAN U FACTU R E R O F TI M B E R B U N KS No. 3/2014

TESTING TOMORROW'S TENSIONERS Testing tomorrow's automatic tensioners – in the real world.

THE TÖVA PROJECT PROCEEDS APACE It works really well. We're really pleased.

MEETING OUR CUSTOMERS ON THEIR HOME TURF ExTe at all the biggest trade shows.

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KJELL JONSSON, MD EXTE

CUSTOMER CONFIDENCENCE CREATES BASIS FOR OPPORTUNITY The New Year is approaching fast, a time when everyone prefers to look forward. But despite that, I would like to comment on the year that's about to end. We kept up a good pace.

Among other things, we worked hard on the development of new automatic tensioners and a new series of bunks with the market's widest internal dimensions. We are currently testing the products on a number of timber rigs.

We've taken part in a great many exhibitions in Europe and Scandinavia where we made interesting contacts and gained many impressions. We manufacture and supply bunks developed specifically for local needs in other markets such as Brazil. The same applies to other parts of the world.

Overall, we exceeded all of the goals we set for 2014, and this is naturally due to the confidence our customers have in ExTe. One problem we share with all of Sweden's hauliers is the uncertainty surrounding the laden weights that will apply. A tedious, long-drawn-out decision process has impacted

hauliers regarding the investments they will make, and also ExTe when it comes to developing the necessary products. But this doesn't mean we've been sitting on our hands.

We're already sketching out new products adapted to suit conceivable new laden weights. All we're waiting for now is a quick decision.

Our broad product range provides every opportunity to adapt to new requirements in every market.

It looks like 2015 will be an exciting year. With our skilled and experienced personnel and strong market relations, we have the capacity to develop new products. We are also boosting our organization with even better support and service to our customers. And I guarantee that you will see more of us out on the road in the year to come.

So it will soon be Christmas, with or without snow. But come what may, I aim to take the kicksled to early service on Christmas Day. So until then I'd like to wish you all – customers, bodybuilders, partners and all – a truly Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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CONTENTS

03 04 06

Increased loads – please hold.

Bosse Hjelm to support Extendo companies.

Testing tomorrow's tensioners.

08 12 14

Meeting our customers at home.

Testing the S8 & the market's widest internal dimensions.

The Töva project proceeds apace.

INCREASED LOADS – PLEASE HOLD!

There was a lot of talk during the spring and summer about heavier laden weights for trucks.

Most people were certain that the decision would come before the Elmia Lastbil trade fair or at the latest a few days before the election. At least a temporary introduction of a 64-tonne max weight. It was something the road network could handle without any reconstruction. And then it went quiet. No decision was taken and timber hauliers are still waiting. But nobody ever said this kind of thing would be easy... In spite of everything, a great deal has in fact happened even if it's not apparent. The Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications opened the issue for review, and responses were submitted during October.

As expected they included everything from "Let's go, right now!" to "On the one hand maybe, but on the other hand, maybe not." All of the reviewing bodies naturally had convincing arguments for their adopted positions. Everything from legal points of view connected to EU regulations and other EU nations' standpoints on the issue, to vehicular technology aspects. Others demanded further impact assessments. But the most positive aspect is that all the major bodies and organizations who expressed themselves are also basically in favour of the idea of introducing heavier laden weights.

The snag is, no one today can say when the decision will come. So for now, we just have to live with "Please hold!".

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BOSSE HJELM

BOSSE HJELM TO SUPPORT

EXTENDO COMPANIES

There's barely an individual in the industry who hasn't met Bosse Hjelm, a character with long bodybuilding experience. And surely everybody remembers Hjelms AB in Iggesund.

Bosse has worked as a bodybuilder for 34 years. Hjelms AB was always a family-owned company, and Bosse bought out his father back in 2000.

"We worked with timber superstructures, cranes, hydraulics and service.� In 2011, Bosse sold the company to TransLink.

For some time now, Bosse has been employed by the Extendo group, which includes ExTe, Alucar and a number of other companies.

"My job is to act as a joint resource for Extendo companies and as strategic support in all of Extendo's markets. This applies to both technical matters and product development. The job can entail everything from overarching product strategies to simplifying and clarifying installation instructions," says Bosse Hjelm. "And I am absolutely convinced that the weeks and months ahead will be both exciting and busy.�

What little spare time he has, he devotes to his grandchildren, and every other spare minute is spent tinkering with his veteran American auto or riding out on his Harley.

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THE GROUP

THE EXTENDO GROUP EXTE FABRIKS AB

IN BRIEF

The world's leading manufacturer and supplier of timber bunks and tensioners.

MIDWAGGON AB

EXTE'S WORLD

Works mainly with railway truck repairs and bodybuilding and locomotive conversions in Sweden.

ALUCAR OY Finland's biggest timber superstructure bodybuilder.

EVANS ENGINEERING

New Zealand is a major trailer manufacturer and timber truck builder.

EXTE ASIA PACIFIC PTE. LTD. Responsible for sales and marketing in Asia.

EEAP TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT Takes care of the Malaysian market.

ExTe Asia Pacific

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TESTING TOMORROW'S TENSIONERS

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GRAPEVINE

"We're testing tomorrow's automatic tensioners – in the real world. We've chosen a number of timber hauliers from Sweden's far north to its deep south. We're gradually equipping their rigs with our new tensioners.

We spend the whole autumn, winter and spring following up haulier and driver experiences, and if we need to change anything, we change it and test it again. We leave nothing to chance when it comes to reliability. The most important thing for us is that hauliers feel confident when they invest in our new tensioners.

The tensioners must cope with every conceivable situation from scorching sun or torrential rain on muddy roads, to snow, ice and bitter cold. So it's important that our tests get all the time they need. "Not before we've evaluated the results and made sure everything measures up do we consider launching a product onto the market," explains Lennart Wallström, Product Manager at ExTe. Until then, the Magazine will keep you informed about how the tests are proceeding and what our test hauliers and drivers think.

Development of the new TU tensioner (where TU stands for Tension Unlimited) has been going on for a couple of years. Not surprisingly, the initial versions suffered a few teething problems.

"Nothing major, but there were still things we needed to change," says Per Eriksson, who works with the tensioner at ExTe. "The first valves didn't work all that well. We replaced them, and we've just received a number of new valves for this winter's tests.

We also discovered that the clearances between the shafts and the bushings were a little too tight, so we swapped out the parts that didn't work one after the other.

Which is precisely the purpose of the tests.

It's going to be really interesting to follow developments during the winter," says Per Eriksson.

We spoke to some of the test drivers. They

all agree things look pretty good. But we must remember that it's early days yet, so the months ahead will be interesting to follow.

Curt Göranson in Färila.

If you happen to be located in the same place as ExTe's factory, it's not surprising you get to take part in product development early on.

"We've more or less taken part since the beginning," Curt Göransson at Göranssons Åkeri in Färila tells us. Sure, there were a few minor problems at the start, but we could almost solve them there and then as we are so close to ExTe. They're working really well now.

I think this is the future. But first we need to see how well they work in the winter.

Stefan Håkansson in Lit. "We installed the tensioners on the new truck at the end of October. They've been in full operation ever since.

Because my truck has a sliding bed, we attached the tensioners along the side of the chassis. I have one tensioner with straps and another with chains to evaluate which is best. So far the tensioners have worked really well. No breakdowns at all. But not before we get them out on the road will they show their true colours," says Stefan Håkansson.

Bosse Andersson, Eds Träfrakt "We installed the tensioners in the beginning of November and so far everything is positive. In fact almost too good to be true.

The tensioner appears to be well made and compact. And it tensions so hard I think I have to talk to the timber measurer about changing the fixed mass percentage," says Bosse.

LOADS OF ATTENTION ON FINNISH TV

P&A Trans drew a great deal of attention on Finnish TV news when it chose ExTe's S6 bunks for its new rig. Six bunks on the truck and eight on the trailer. Total weight fully laden, 85 tonnes.

BRAZILIAN FARMERS INVESTING

Brazilian farmers are investing in forestry. They're planting like never before. Rising timber prices and growth rates of up to 60 cubic meters per year per hectare mean that forestry is often significantly more profitable than soy, sugar or cattle.

NEW ZEALAND FELLING

New Zealand fells around 21 million m³ per year covering 1.8 million ha. Sweden fells around 6 million m³ per year from the equivalent area.

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CENTRAL EUROPE

MEETING CUSTOMERS ON THEIR HOME TURF. Alongside the Nordic market, central Europe is where ExTe is strongest.

"In Germany our market share is between 70 to 80%," says Ingemar Larsson at ExTe. Together with his colleague Ulf Göransson and Rickard Morath – ExTe's dealer in German-speaking countries – they presented ExTe at all the major exhibitions during the summer and autumn.

"Perhaps people wonder why it's so important to be present as it costs so much to take part in exhibitions. And we're away for a month or more all told. But I maintain that it's all very cost effective. We participate in exhibitions that hauliers, bodybuilders and their employees visit. Within a very short space of time we meet an enormous number of existing and prospective customers. It's worth every penny we spend," declares Ingemar Larsson.

"Because we are by far the biggest manufacturer and supplier of high quality bunks and tensioners, most of our customers expect us to be present," declares Ulf Göransson. If we failed to attend, it would probably be perceived as a negative signal. And there are so many hauliers who only have a vague idea of what we have to offer. Take our Luftman tensioner, for example. Despite our having shown Luftman at a number of exhibitions in Germany and Austria, many people still think it's a manual tensioner. When we explain that it's pneumatic and provides constant tension, they're quite surprised and show a lot of interest."

"In fact, right now we're enjoying a bit of a Luftman boom, especially in Austria," says Ingemar Larsson. "What's more, we launch a new product practically every year, and 8 | EXTE MAGAZINE | 03

exhibitions are an effective way of marketing new products. But it's not just about marketing – it's about sales, too. For example, at the IAA exhibition we received orders both for D5 bunks and the new version of the 144 bunk. The concept of mounting Luftman on D5 bunks was a great source of interest to bodybuilders, and this also resulted in orders.

"Without a doubt, D bunks are beginning to make a breakthrough in central Europe.

Customers appreciate the low weight and the ability to quickly install ready-to-fit accessories," says Ulf Göransson. "Our new support bolster, above all the angled version, has also become popular, especially in France. One customer placed an order for 30 in one hit!”

And then we see how the orders from our dealer Rickard Morath increase in the weeks and months following the exhibitions. There is no doubt that our sales increase thanks to our presence at the exhibitions", explains Ulf Göransson.

The doors are about to open at IAA. ExTe's Ulf Göransson and Ingemar Larsson get ready.

Richard Morath, left, discusses the selection of suitable bunks with a couple of timber hauliers.

Ingemar Larsson, left, discusses support bolsters with an interested customer.

BRAZIL

New trailers and new XT B2 bunks on a rig belonging to forestry company Fibria in Tres Lagoas, Brazil.

BRAZILIAN RIGS ON THEIR WAY WITH EXTE BUNKS. Brazil loves Swedish quality products. And we're not just talking about JAS Gripen. There are no real comparisons, but ExTe bunks are another quality product that's winning market share in Brazil.

Bunks that are specially adapted to suit Brazilian requirements are installed on a production line. And of course ExTe's high visibility fluorescent orange striping is added in the name of safety.

They're installing and adding finishing touches for all their worth at trailer manufacturer Rodofort. And rig after rig roll off the line with ExTe bunks.

The bunks – B2s – are made under license in Brazil. The frames and stakes are manufactured from Swedish high-strength steel. There are two bunk versions – the B1 for somewhat lighter loads and the B2, which is more suitable for heavy haulage.

"Together with Development and Logistics Manager Marcelo Claus, ExTe and trailer manufacturer Rodofort have developed a new type of trailer. Load capacity has increased by 7–10 cubic meters per load compared with locally manufactured standard trailers. This has of course resulted in new trailer orders, for which we supply the B2 bunks", explains ExTe's Per Jonasson, on site in Brazil.

We’re hoping this creates great demand for ExTe bunks for a long time to come. Right now production is running flat out," says Per Jonasson.

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9

THE VERY BEST

First Gudrun, then Per! In all, the storms felled 91 million m³ in Götaland alone. Talk about a haulage job.

TONNE BUNKS

Novtruck is a major trailer manufacturer and bodybuilder about 200 kilometers south of St Petersburg in Russia. Each year they produce around 400 trailers, of which 80 are for forestry. Until recently they were fitted with their own bunks, but then they had a better idea. "They gathered up bunks from several different manufacturers and let their engineers test and assess them.

They plumped for ExTe's E9 bunks, which were by far the best 9-tonne bunks," says ExTe's Per Jonasson, who recently visited the company.

The company is extremely quality conscious and likes to offer its customers the best there is on the market.

"In other words, the fact that they chose ExTe E bunks was no coincidence. Novtruck is a new customer and we've already delivered a large number of bunks. Next year, there will probably be even more," exclaims Per Jonasson.

UNRELENTING PRESSURE "I’d like to say that everything was plain sailing throughout the summer. But boats are often in harbour, so if I describe it as unrelenting pressure I'll be closer to the truth," exclaims Jenny Eklund at ExTe. “There is excellent demand for all of our products, but above all our A bunks. It feels a bit like a new lease on life after the summer. There was also a lot of interest for our TL tensioner. On the whole, it feels as though many hauliers have entered a new investment phase," says Jenny.

Success for ExTe's E9 bunks with Novtruck in Russia.

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If Swedish forestry were allowed – like its Finnish counterpart – to operate timber trucks between 74 and 90 tonnes, CO2 emissions would fall 10-15%.

Interest in ExTe's upcoming tensioner is great in Australia.

It's now undergoing practical tests.

A SATISFIED TIMBER HAULIER WITH A 9 BUNKS Tommy Törnby is a timber haulier who plies the routes around Hedmark in Norway. Late last summer he invested in a new truck and trailer. There are ExTe A9 bunks and Luftman tensioners on both truck and trailer.

"I'm very pleased with the bunks. They work extremely well," says Tommy.

In Norway, automatic tensioners are mandatory for timber haulage. The choice of Luftman tensioners was a natural one as they are both automatic and have constant tensioning.

"We have two rigs and we haul both pulpwood and timber, equal amounts of each. The trips vary great deal – from 20 to 200 kilometers. The trucks operate two shifts and around 400 kilometers per shift per truck," Tommy tells us.

Australia also testing the new tensioner.

We’ve already mentioned the Luftman tensioner’s great success in Australia.

They don't only use it for timber haulage. The tensioner has also proved extremely effective for the transport of bulky general cargo and enhancing safety for transport companies and fellow road users.

The new tensioner currently under test on a number of rigs in Sweden has aroused great interest in Australia, too.

"The tensioners have been fitted to a number of rigs to test them under Australian conditions. Judging by the interest shown it wouldn't surprise me if the new tensioner enjoys a real breakthrough in Australia," says ExTe's Per Jonasson.

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TESTING THE S8

Patrik Heikkilä at Junttis Åkeri thinks the new S8 bunks work better than expected.

WE'RE TESTING THE S8 & THE MARKET'S WIDEST INTERNAL DIMEN We are currently testing S8 bunks on several rigs. And no matter what the product, it's always the tough practicalities that have the last word.

In the case of S8 bunks, the frame and stakes are both made of steel. Even though the structure seems extremely stable right now, it is still just a matter of a limited number of test bunks.

Before we release the bunks on the market, we want to hear what our test hauliers have to say. It's all about reliability, durability, strength and simplicity.

Everything has to work.

A major advantage with the S8 bunk is its wide internal dimensions – the widest on the market – which means hauling more timber in every load, and is of course great for haulier profitability.

Despite their all-steel construction, the bunks are light and extremely easy to install. The pinion attachment, which ExTe has patented, means no welding or drilling is necessary. And the stakes are easy to replace if damaged beyond repair.

Bröderna Junttis Åkeri in Övertorneå has been testing S8 bunks on a trailer for three months. Patrik Heikkilä, who is part 12 | EXTE MAGAZINE | 03

owner of Junttis Åkeri, approves.

"Much better than expected for test bunks. There's usually always something, but so far they're holding up well.

But most interesting of all is the wide internal dimension. I reckon we get around 500–700 kg more per stack with the S8 bunks. That's a real benefit," says Patrik.

Mikael Haglund in Färila hauls timber with three trucks. One of the trailers has already operated with S8 test bunks for two months.

"I'm actually in favour of steel bunks," he says "Sure, things might look a little bit tidier after a while with aluminium, but profitability is what counts in the end. I still use both M and E bunks on my rigs. The S8 seems to be excellent. Stake attachment is firm. Most importantly, I can load more timber. The only thing I've had to do is to replace the slide fittings as they were too short. But this was soon done since it's so easy to remove and reinstall the bunks.”

NSIONS.

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THE TÖVA PROJECT PROCEEDS APACE...

The project at the Töva terminal where Benny Hultmans Åkeri is running two new trucks and Fermgruppen is running one, is proceeding apace.

All of the trucks are fitted with Com 90 bunks.

"It's worked out very well. We're really satisfied,"says Benny Hultman. “And the drivers wouldn't be without Com 90. If we were to change bunks I doubt very much I'd have any drivers left."

"We operate 74-tonne rigs, but during the summer and early autumn it was difficult to reach that weight as we had to haul almost dry timber. But fresh timber is an entirely different matter. Then there's absolutely no problem reaching 74 tonnes.

Richard Ferm at Fermgruppen has the same experience.

"When we haul raw timber we soon reach

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74 tonnes. But really we should be up at 90 tonnes. That's the whole idea behind the project. We're just waiting for a decision from the Swedish transport agency," says Richard Ferm. "And the Com 90 bunks work well. The only thing we've done is to extend the lashing arms to get a greater target area when they grip each other. Things get a little bit tougher loading a half-bundle with a high lift and the stakes are pressed outwards.

But the way things are now we're still positive toward the whole project, which will go on for five years," says Rickard Ferm.

EXTE TRAINING CAMP CELEBRATES TEN YEARS.

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Träningsfokus

Övningsdata

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Kommentar

Andas in djupt och dra upp axlarna så högt upp som möjligt och släpp sedan ner axlarna vid utandning. Pressa ner så mycket som möjligt.

Kan även utföras sittande.

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Träningsfokus

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TRAINING FOR HAULIERS AND DRIVERS See the entire programme under "Training for hauliers and drivers" on ExTe's website.

Lägg fingrarna ovanpå axlarna. Rör axlarna i en stor cirkel framåt. bakåt Kan även utföras sittande.

"Hauliers and drivers are a professional group that is often affected by strain injuries to the shoulder and back,” says Thony Larsson. “I want them all to know, don't wait until things begin to hurt – prevention is better than cure. And there are some simple exercises that only take a few "Piloch båge"-rörelser.

VäxelvisRör höger och i Läggwhich fingrarna ovanpå axlarna. axlarna minutes but are extremely effective if you do them, preferably everyday. Use a few minutes vänster arm. framåt. en stor cirkel även utförasto sittande. wheneverKan you have stop for some reason. It's time well spent. Devote the same amount of time to maintaining your body as you do your truck. Otherwise you will end your driving days before your truck does.”

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Kommentar

Lägg ovanpå axlarna.

Rörså axlarna Andasfingrarna in djupt och dra upp axlarna högt i en cirkel bakåt uppstor som möjligt och släpp sedan ner axlarna vid utandning. Pressa ner så mycket som Kan även utföras sittande. möjligt.

Kan även utföras sittande.

måt kåt

måt

Thony Larsson is an instructor for ExTe's personnel at the fitness facility at the factory in Färila. Now it's time to celebrate its 10th anniversary. "I've been here right from the beginning," Thony tells us. "Kjell Jonsson got in touch and told me he wanted to invest in personnel health and wellness training. Something simple that worked. After a few short months everything was ready. Strength training stations and a surfaced, lit trail were inaugurated. Personnel get to train one session a week in working hours.

"It's important to keep on exercising, at least three times a week," emphasizes Thony. "But training doesn't get done by itself. Motivation and incentives are always important. It has to feel like fun and show results. I've seen many people develop into much fitter, happier individuals. Being fitter brings the ability to cope with a full working day and then an active leisure time," explains Tony I hope the anniversary celebrations feel like a new start."

"Since we opened the training facility, absence due to illness has remained at a constant low-level despite a continuing increase in average age," notes Lennart Bennermo, Finance Director at ExTe. And we can see that we succeeded in getting people who were not particularly inclined to exercise to actually join in.

Simulerade "plocka äpplen-rörelser".

Sträck "Pil- och båge"-rörelser.

Växelvis höger och växelvis höger och vänster arm upp i luften vänster arm. och grip efter "äpplen" i luften.

Kan även utföras sittande.

Kan även utföras sittande.

Here's a few tips showing simple exercises that are great for your back and shoulders.

Sitt med händerna nacken ochSträck håll Simulerade "plockabakom äpplen-rörelser". armbågarna ut och åt sidan.

Luta digupp bakåt tills växelvis höger vänster arm i luften du att "äpplen" det sträcker i ryggen, mellan ochkänner grip efter i luften. skulderbladen, i bröstet och i axlarna. Håll Kan även utföras sittande. positionen i 30 sek.

Alternativt lägg in handuk/jacka strax under skulderbladen när du sitter i förarstolen och böj bakåt.

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WE GOT A LETTER FROM SANTA...

We've begun the countdown – at least those of us who still believe in Santa Claus. Although it seems like only yesterday that he stood shaking the snow from his boots on the doorstep, it's always just as exciting when we hear him outside munching his Christmas cookie before asking, with a voice like doom itself, the obligatory question: Have you been naughty, or have you been nice? And we all light up with joy, eyes sparkling with anticipation. And then Santa opens his sack… But wait, we're jumping the gun!

There are still several days to go. There are still bunks to weld and paint and fix stripes to. And that last shipment for the year still hasn't left yet.

Panic time. We got a letter from Santa. Everyone is horrified. Will he come this year or or won't he? Were we naughty, or were we nice? But when the boss reads the letter aloud across the workbenches for his employees, a smile spreads across everyone's faces.

"There are many packages in this year's load. I need more space on every sleigh for presents. Can you deliver 100 S8 bunks before Christmas Eve?" From Santa And the Christmas spirit descended this year, too.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone from us all.

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CONTACT US: CALL US ON +46 651-175 00 OR EMAIL SALES@EXTE.SE AND TELL US WHAT YOU NEED.