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Metsä-Multia receives its 200th PONSSE forest machine
Metsä-Multia, which operates in Multia, Central Finland, reached a significant milestone on Friday, 24th October, when the company’s owners, brothers Aki and Kai Laaja, received their 200th Ponsse forest machine. The company acquired its first Ponsse as early as 1987, since then close cooperation has continued successfully for decades.
The Ponsse Wisent forwarder at the Vieremä factory has special anniversary stickers on its sides. The special stickers were added to the machine in honour of Ponsse and Metsä-Multia’s long cooperation. Company’s 200th Ponsse machine has also been given its own name in accordance with Metsä-Multia tradition: in future, it will operate in logging sites under the name “Zazu”.
“It’s important for us that the forest machines are high-quality and can be trusted. Ponsse’s well-functioning service network in Finland and their spare parts service are also a significant factor for us. The machines must be serviced on time, and the spare parts available when they’re needed,” says a satisfied Metsä-Multia’s CEO, Aki Laaja.
“We are delighted with our long-standing cooperation with Ponsse. The partnership gives us a genuine feeling that we are working together in a good spirit,” continues Kai Laaja, Metsä-Multia’s Director.
“Metsä-Multia’s 200th Ponsse machine milestone is a great way to celebrate Ponsse’s 55th anniversary year. Our cooperation has been good from the beginning, and we’d like to thank you for this great journey together. Listening to customers has been one of Ponsse’s leading ideas since its founding – and we are continuing this way of working with Metsä-Multia,” says Jani Liukkonen, Ponsse’s Country Manager for Finland.
In addition to the 200th anniversary machine, another new machine, the Ponsse Bear, was delivered to the Metsä-Multia machine fleet, which is Ponsse machine order 199, bearing the name “Bulle”.
Ponsse Plc, Finland Country Manager Jani Liukkonen, +358 40 095 3847, jani.liukkonen@ponsse.com
Metsä-Multia Oy, Managing Director Aki Laaja, +358 40 58 99 856, aki.laaja@metsa-multia.fi
Metsä-Multia Oy, Director Kai Laaja, +358 400 342 629, kai.laaja@metsa-multia.fi
Finland Country Manager Jani Liukkonen
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Rayonier and PotlatchDeltic to merge in $8.2 billion all-stock deal to form second-largest U.S. timber REIT
Rayonier and PotlatchDeltic have agreed to merge in an all-stock transaction that values the combined enterprise at $8.2 billion. The deal will create a diversified land resources REIT with 4.2 million acres of timberland, including 3.2 million acres in the U.S. South and 931 thousand acres in the Pacific Northwest, according to Rayonier and PotlatchDeltic.M
The combined company will become the second-largest in the sector, behind Weyerhaeuser, the top U.S. timber REIT and largest private landowner, with more than 10 million acres and a market value exceeding $17 billion.
The merger will consolidate seven wood products facilities with a total capacity of 1.2 billion board feet of lumber and 150 million square feet of plywood. The combined company expects to realize $40 million in annual run-rate synergies within 24 months, driven by operational and corporate cost efficiencies. In addition to economies of scale, the merger will expand flexibility under REIT asset and income test limitations, enhancing the ability to grow the wood products business.
Based on closing prices from October 10, 2025, the pro forma equity market capitalization is $7.1 billion, with net debt of $1.1 billion. PotlatchDeltic shareholders will receive 1.7339 Rayonier shares for each of their own, representing an implied value of $44.11 per share and an 8.25% premium. Rayonier shareholders will own 54% of the combined company, and PotlatchDeltic shareholders will own 46%.
The new entity will operate under a new name to be announced before the merger closes. The board of directors will consist of five members from each company, with Rayonier appointing the lead independent director. Mark McHugh of Rayonier will serve as CEO, and Eric Cremers of PotlatchDeltic will become Executive Chair of the board for 24 months.
In real estate, the merged company will integrate development projects at Wildlight (Florida), Heartwood (Georgia), and Chenal Valley (Arkansas), alongside ongoing rural land sales. Its real estate platform will support long-term value creation in higher-and-better-use land development. The combined REIT will also expand its position in natural climate solutions, with scale to support solar, carbon capture and storage, and voluntary carbon markets.
Rayonier declared a one-time special dividend of $1.40 per share, payable on December 12, 2025, to shareholders of record as of October 24. The dividend consists of 25% cash and 75% Rayonier shares, distributed to offset taxable gains from the company’s New Zealand divestiture. Shareholders may elect to receive cash or stock, but the cash portion will be prorated if elections exceed the aggregate 25% cap. Those who do not elect will receive the default 25/75 split. PotlatchDeltic shareholders will receive merger consideration adjusted to match the cash and stock value of this dividend.
The transaction is expected to close in late Q1 or early Q2 2026, subject to regulatory clearance and shareholder approvals from both companies.
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Delta Motion to Exhibit at Rockwell Automation Fair 2025 (Booth #852) November 17- 20, 2025
Delta Motion, a Rockwell Automation Technology Partner, has announced its participation in Automation Fair 2025, taking place at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois from November 17- 20, 2025. As a leader in precision motion control for hydraulic and electric systems, Delta will showcase real-world solutions that improve performance, simplify integration, increase throughput, and reduce downtime.
Delta Motion has collaborated with Rockwell on motion control solutions for over 30 years. This long-standing relationship ensures smooth integration between Delta’s RMC motion controllers and Allen-Bradley PLC platforms. Of particular interest to users of ControlLogix PLCs, Rockwell Automation has pointed to Delta Motion for replacement options to the 1756-HYD02, 1756-M02AS, and 1756-M02AE motion modules, which are no longer available from Rockwell.
Attendees will get hands-on experience with three live demos at Delta Motion’s booth (852):
- Two-Cylinder Press Demo
Showcasing press leveling, gearing, cascading loops, and precision hydraulic control of position and pressure/force control. This demo highlights the power of RMC motion controllers in demanding multi-axis pressure/force applications. This demo also features Delta’s CIP Bridge capability, allowing RMCTools to communicate directly with the RMC through the ControlLogix backplane, improving network security and reducing configuration complexity.
- Helical Interfering Gear Demo
With a twist on the classic parallel interfering gear (PIG) demo, this demonstrates synchronizing servo-electric and servo-hydraulic motion.
- Allen-Bradley Motion Module Migration Demo
A side-by-side comparison showing how seamless it is to migrate from obsolete Allen-Bradley 1756-HYD02, -M02AS, and -M02AE motion modules to the Delta RMC. This solution helps users extend the life of their systems while gaining better performance and long-term support.
With Delta Motion’s RMC controllers, users can control up to 50 axes of synchronized motion, including position, velocity, pressure, force, and torque. For over 40 years, Delta has focused exclusively on industrial automation and specializes in high-performance industrial hydraulic motion control. Delta’s RMCTools software carries no extra charges, technical support is available 24/7 at no cost, and Delta’s policy of never obsoleting products allows you to upgrade on your schedule. As an employee-owned company, Delta is committed to providing long-term support and lasting value.
Key highlights at Delta Motion’s booth:
- Live demos of position, pressure, and force control
- Integration with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLCs via EtherNet/IP
- Hands-on look at RMCTools software
- Case studies from real-world applications in manufacturing, lumber, aerospace, and more
Future-proof your motion control system with Delta Motion
Reduce frustration, maximize productivity, increase efficiency and safety, and minimize waste.
Delta Motion looks forward to seeing you at Booth #852
Learn more at deltamotion.com, contact technicalsales@deltamotion.com, or call them at +1 360-254-8688.
About Delta: For over 40 years, Delta has supplied motion controllers and other industrial products that enable better performing machines. Delta’s RMC Motion Controllers are used for hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric closed-loop control in a wide array of single and multi-axis control and testing applications
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Configure EXO Canter to meet your mill’s needs
EXO Canter is the culmination of decades of experience building complete primary lines. It reflects everything we’ve learned, what works, what doesn’t, and what’s next. Every inch is shaped by the five core values of the Paragon Design Standard, including total configurability.
EXO Canter is not a fixed system, it’s a platform. During the sales phase, mills can select from a wide range of equipment options to build a line that fits their exact needs. Each component is designed to integrate seamlessly, ensuring a cohesive system that performs as one. This modularity supports both greenfield installations and phased upgrades, giving mills the flexibility to scale and adapt over time.
Read the full article on our website and contact your USNR representative to learn more
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BSW Timber, James Jones & Sons, and Glennon Brothers Lead UK Timber Revolution
In a landmark initiative, BSW Timber, James Jones & Sons, and Glennon Brothers, the UK’s three largest sawmillers, have formed a unique partnership to promote the use of domestically grown timber in construction. This unprecedented collaboration is supported by leading trade bodies Confor (Confederation of Forest Industries) and Timber Development UK (TDUK), aiming to reduce the UK’s reliance on imported timber and strengthen the domestic industry.
Despite having a world-class sawmilling industry, the UK remains the second-largest net importer of forest products globally, with 80% of its timber needs—worth £9 billion—coming from abroad. This reliance not only affects the local economy but also contributes to carbon emissions and environmental setbacks. The collaboration’s goal is to shift this trend, ensuring a more sustainable, economically viable future for the UK construction sector.
The initiative is also part of a broader national effort to decarbonise construction, boost rural job creation, and support local economies. It aligns with the UK Government’s Timber in Construction Roadmap, aimed at meeting long-term goals for decarbonisation, forestry expansion, and economic growth.
The Focus on C16 Timber
At the heart of this collaborative campaign is the promotion of C16 graded timber, a homegrown solution. This timber, suitable for most standard construction applications, is both strong and versatile. It has a significantly lower embodied carbon footprint than imported timber, like the widely used C24 timber. C16 timber is a renewable, biophilic material that supports well-being and sustainability in the built environment, which accounts for around 25% of the UK’s carbon emissions.
The three sawmillers, who collectively produce the majority of the UK’s C16 sawn timber, are also working with Confor to ensure the sector’s growth. They aim to reduce the UK’s dependency on higher-carbon materials like concrete and steel by encouraging greater use of UK-sourced timber. This approach will also help improve the UK’s energy efficiency and reduce waste in construction.
A Four-Step Approach to Boost UK Timber Use
The strategy behind this collaboration revolves around four key steps: Grow, Manufacture, Specify, and Build. Each phase addresses a critical area in transforming the construction sector and boosting domestic timber production.
- Grow
The first step involves increasing tree planting and replanting efforts across the UK. Growing productive woodlands will ensure a sustainable supply of timber for future generations. This initiative also boosts carbon sequestration, improves biodiversity, and enhances air and water quality.
- Manufacture
The sawmillers are capitalising on advanced harvesting and sawmilling technologies. These innovations will help maximise the value of UK timber, supporting the decarbonisation of the construction industry. By improving timber processing, the sector can deliver cost-effective, high-quality materials.
- Specify
This step focuses on encouraging architects, engineers, and contractors to specify C16 timber more frequently in their projects. By doing so, the reliance on imported timber and high-carbon materials can be significantly reduced. The construction sector’s specification choices will directly impact the industry’s carbon footprint.
- Build
The final step focuses on leveraging the full capabilities of C16 timber across various construction projects. From residential buildings to schools and infrastructure, C16 timber offers cost-effective, sustainable solutions that benefit the economy and support rural employment.
Futureproofing the UK Timber Industry
This collaboration is seen as essential to rebalancing the UK’s timber supply chain. The three sawmillers, supported by Confor, are committed to ensuring that domestic timber production meets the increasing demand in construction. A shift towards homegrown timber will also safeguard the future of the UK timber industry.
Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive at Confor, stated: “Global demand for timber is projected to rise significantly given its low-carbon benefits. If the UK wants a secure, consistent, and sustainable supply of timber material, now is the time to invest in our industry. Confor supports this collaboration as an important initiative to highlight how working together as an industry is key to securing the long-term future of UK timber.”
Mary Creagh CBE, Minister for Nature, added: “Our Plan for Change is focussed on creating new, green jobs, planting more trees, increasing access to nature and reducing carbon emissions. We currently import 80% of the timber we use and that needs to change. Our Timber in Construction Roadmap and the C16 campaign will boost the use of UK timber to help build the homes and schools we need faster and more sustainably.”
A Stronger, Greener Future for the UK Timber Industry
Through joint advocacy, public engagement, and cross-industry collaboration, this campaign represents a pivotal step toward creating a stronger, greener future. By focusing on the underutilised asset of UK forests, the sawmillers and their partners aim to strengthen the UK’s timber sector, reduce carbon emissions, and create more sustainable construction practices. The initiative also highlights how working together as an industry is key to securing the long-term viability of UK timber.
As the UK construction sector continues to adapt to sustainable building practices, the push for locally sourced timber grows stronger. By investing in UK timber, the country can reduce its dependency on imported products, lower carbon emissions, and stimulate economic growth. The future of UK construction looks brighter, with homegrown solutions at the heart of it.
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USNR EXO Canter – Precise feed control for consistent quality
EXO Canter is the culmination of decades of experience building complete primary lines. It reflects everything we’ve learned, what works, what doesn’t, and what’s next. Every inch is shaped by the five core values of the Paragon Design Standard, including uncompromising feed control.
Precision in feed control is essential in the lumber manufacturing process to ensure consistent quality and efficiency. A critical aspect of achieving this precision involves minimizing the distance a workpiece travels through the line without guidance (which can lead to misalignment, defects, or increased wear on equipment). EXO Canter accomplishes this using adequate roll pairs in contact with the workpiece to ensure consistent feeding, and the use of USNR’s proprietary knurl pattern called Fiber Guard.
Guide anvils provide support and stability so the piece does not drift or shift from its intended path. This control is vital in the operation and needs to be as close coupled to the milling work as possible. EXO Canter offers the best in class guiding capabilities with the shortest unsupported distances achievable on the market.
Read the full article on our website and contact your USNR representative to learn more.
https://www.usnr.com/en/search/EXO%20CANTER?dt=1
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