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Indexator – In today’s globalized economy, manufacturers face a wide range of choices when it comes to sourcing components and products. While cost-efficiency often drives decisions, the importance of quality, reliability, and local production cannot be overstated, especially in industries like forestry, recycling, and transport, where equipment performance and longevity are critical. This is where the rotator manufacturer Indexator stands apart.

“- At Indexator, we take pride in the fact that all our rotators and key components are manufactured in Sweden. Our commitment to local production allows us to maintain stringent control over every step of the manufacturing process. From design to assembly, each part is crafted with precision and care, ensuring that our products not only meet but exceed the demanding standards of the industries we serve.” Mattias Edin, Production Manager at Indexator.

In contrast, many competitors have opted to source components or even entire products from low-cost countries in Asia. While these imports may come with a lower price tag, they often lack the same level of durability and performance. This is particularly concerning when it comes to equipment that must withstand the harsh conditions and heavy loads typical in forestry and recycling operations.

Furthermore, some manufacturers in the region are branding imported rotators as their own, which can lead to misconceptions about product origin and quality. Customers may assume they are buying locally-made, high-quality products, when in reality, they are purchasing imported goods that may not adhere to the same rigorous standards.

“- At Indexator, we believe that true quality cannot be compromised. By keeping our manufacturing local, we support not only the Swedish economy and workforce but also the environment, through reduced transport emissions and a more sustainable production process. More importantly, it enables us to ensure that every rotator leaving our factory is built to last, offering superior performance and reliability to our customers.” Mattias Edin, Production Manager at Indexator.

In the end, quality speaks for itself. Companies that invest in high-quality components experience fewer breakdowns, longer service life, and ultimately, better value over time. As the industry continues to evolve, Indexator remains committed to upholding the principles of quality, innovation, and local manufacturing that have made them a trusted name in forestry, recycling, and transport technology.

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Opticom Tech proudly announces the 20th anniversary of Heidi Schmidt, a seasoned leader in the video technology industry. With two decades of expertise, Heidi has made significant contributions to the fields of CCTV, industrial video applications, product development, and video network solutions. As a sales leader at Opticom Tech, she has been instrumental in helping customers implement solution-driven video monitoring in some of the most unique and harsh industrial environments.

Since joining the industry, Heidi has continuously pushed the boundaries regarding the different uses of video technology, staying ahead of trends and driving innovation in industrial monitoring. Her dedication to providing reliable, robust solutions has earned her the trust of clients and colleagues alike. From designing custom systems to managing complex integration into existing systems, Heidi has a deep understanding of the technical challenges and solutions that the industrial sector demands.

“Reaching 20 years in a tech-related field is an exciting milestone,” says Schmidt. “The technology has changed dramatically, but the core objective remains the same—ensuring that businesses have the most reliable, secure, and effective video monitoring systems to protect their operations and improve efficiency.”

At Opticom Tech, Heidi’s leadership continues to make a lasting impact as she works closely with clients to solve the unique challenges posed by harsh and hazardous environments. Her passion for innovation and excellence in service has made her a key figure in the industry, and her contributions are expected to shape the future of industrial video technology for years to come.

Click here for more information about Heidi Schmidt’s work and Opticom Tech’s video monitoring solutions.

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USNR’s new Compact Shape Saw (CSS) system is comprised of multiple modules that work to provide unprecedented performance. This includes the CSS Canter, feed modules, and the CSS Gang.

The centering infeed system has a short lineal footprint that accommodates up to three scan zones and can be fed from either the left, right, or both sides. It operates at speeds up to 650 feet per minute (200 mpm) which is faster than the gang itself, ensuring the infeed will not be a choke point in production.

It centers a cant to the line and then secures it against the sharp-top chain using overhead press rolls. Cants then travel through the scan zones and the optimal solution is determined while the cant travels down the Quickscan Bridge. This bridge can vary in length to fit an existing mill. An overhead anti-roll shoe prevents cants from rolling when entering the Quickscan table.

The press rolls are all hydraulic and feature position and force control which improves overall contact with the piece. This ensures that cants are secured against the bed rolls with a consistent pressure, improving lumber quality.

USNR engineers worked with service experts extensively to ensure the CSS would be built with maintenance in mind. Quick-change press roll and bed roll assemblies allow for spare assemblies to be inserted while the damaged or worn assemblies are removed for maintenance offline, decreasing downtime and increasing the overall reliability of the system. The intermediate and infeed modules can also slide out for easy and safe saw change and maintenance. All cutting tools are easily accessible from either side of the line in the same open area in the center of the line.

To learn more about the feed modules and the entire CSS system, contact your USNR representative.

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The post USNR – The CSS feed modules’ hydraulic press rolls provide consistency and quality appeared first on International Forest Industries.

Finnish Kesla launched a new generation box-framed KESLA 165 forest trailer at the Agricultural Machinery Trade Fair in Helsinki, Finland 17.-19.10.2024.

KESLA 165 marks the beginning of a new era in tractor-drawn forestry trailers with its robot-welded box-frame-type structure and technical features earlier known from forwarders. The trailer has a standard load space area of 4 m² which can be easily expanded to an impressive 5 m² by simply turning the posts. Together with freely adjustable bunks, hydraulically movable front screen and extendable rear frame, the load space flexibly adapts to varying characteristics of different kinds of round wood. Load space length is 4,8 m which allows 6 m logs, or even longer ones, to be transported safely and efficiently. The new trailer is specifically designed for professional tractor contractors providing increased productivity in logistics and more earnings.

KESLA 165 is the only 167/2013 type-approved forest trailer with 16 tn payload 

Together with a tow bar mounted KESLA 326T timber loader the gross weight of KESLA 165 trailer is totally 22 000 kg consisting of 6000 kg deadweight and 16 000 kg payload. Due to an articulated tow bar and ISOBUS connected traction system the trailer follows the tractor perfectly especially in steep hills and tight turnings. Special attention is put on the bogies which are designed to climb over the obstacles.

Excellent gross weight-payload ratio provides the best fuel economy on the market per transported round wood m3. A powerful nave drive provides an extra 3,9 tons draw power (250 bar and at 2 km/h speed) when required. ISOBUS connected traction system benefits the tractor as the load is well synchronized and therefore causes less stress to the tractor. Trailer comes already from the factory with an EU wide 167/2013 type approval and can be therefore driven legally on the public roads.

 Awarded high-quality workmanship made in Finland

Already prior to its launch, the KESLA 165 trailer received an honourable mention in the New Product Competition organized by the Agricultural Machinery Trade Fair. All KESLA trailers are manufactured in Finland at Kesla Kesälahti plant which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year.

International sales of KESLA 165 starts in December with first deliveries during first quartile of 2025.

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Ponsse South America took 110 people to visit the company’s headquarters in Finland and also the FinnMetko trade fair, one of the most important in the world for the forestry sector. Among the highlights pointed out by visitors were the new technologies that they were able to see at the fair.

“The visit was spectacular from the point of view of forestry equipment development and also to learn about another operational reality, in a country very different from ours, which does not have such a verticalized operation”, highlighted Cenibra’s Forestry Equipment Development Specialist, Políbio Martins Nogueira.

FinnMetko traditionally presents the latest developments in the industry to the world. Countries around the world are keeping an eye on the trends and how new technologies should be applied.

“Finland offers an environment for learning and experiencing long-term forest management. The need to make a small and medium-sized private property profitable through forest management establishes a link and care for natural resources. This model intensifies the development of equipment aimed at mechanizing forestry processes and managing waste, some of which are seen at FinnMetko,” said Dexco Operations Manager Matheus Esteves.

“It was an excellent opportunity to learn about innovations in the forestry market and to be up to date with the most advanced technology in the segment. We were also able to see first-hand the improvements in machine structures and components, in addition to following new launches and understanding how demand in the forestry market outside Brazil is behaving and what its future prospects are. This is certainly useful information for professional growth and market strategies,” added the director of Vale do Amazonas, Francisco Dartora.

Ponsse Spirit

The delegation’s trip also included visits to some of Ponsse’s operations, such as the logistics area and the company’s headquarters in Vieremä. This is always an opportunity to bring the brand closer to its consumers around the world. For Marini Compensados’ Forestry Manager, Alexandre Bedin, getting to know the Ponsse spirit was the highlight of the trip.

“What caught my attention the most was the Ponsse spirit. Getting to know the family, the founders and their generations and that the family principles of honesty, trust, excellence in production and quality are fundamental for the company to reach greater heights. Getting to know this here at Ponsse, I was able to realize that I already had a lot of this at home, these fundamental values ​​and their importance for structuring and consolidating a company”, highlighted Alexandre.

Odesio Hess Júnior, owner of Transdi Madeiras, said that being at Ponsse’s headquarters made him understand much more about the passion for the sector. “What caught my attention the most was the love they have for the machinery, just as we love our service.”

The guests invited to participate in this trip were customers and other stakeholders of the brand from South American countries. Argentines, Brazilians, Chileans, Colombians, Paraguayans and Uruguayans participated.

Travelers from other countries around the world were also able to meet Ponsse and FinnMetko. “Moments like this are essential for our customers to always be connected with trends and our brand. Being close to each of them, listening to them and understanding their needs is also part of the Ponsse spirit,” highlighted Martin Toledo, Vice President of Ponsse South America.

To read previous Ponsse posts click here.

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The post Argentine, Brazilian, Chilean, Colombian, Paraguayan and Uruguayan customers of the brand participated in the tour in Finland, which also included a visit to the company’s headquarters appeared first on International Forest Industries.

Saddle up and witness the wildest duel of the century! In this thrilling short film, two legendary cowboys face off in a high-stakes standoff. Who will claim victory? Get ready for heart-pounding action and see how innovation takes the lead in the wild, wild west. Don’t miss out—watch now and discover how Log Max 6000V Top Saw can make you the champion of your own adventure!

6000V Top Saw will be available on the market during Q1 2026.

Log Max 6000V Top Saw is well-suited for both wheeled and tracked harvesters. With the Top Saw, you can maximize the timber yield from every log, and the new function, Tilt Control, enables you to place the head at any desired tilt angle.

Log Max 6000VTS – Log Max | Harvesting Heads

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The 2024 version of the Timber Processing & Energy Expo (TP&EE) was one of the best yet, as 1,126 attendees joined up with 825 exhibitor personnel at the biennial event held September 25-27 at the Portland Exposition Center in Portland, Ore

It marked the sixth TP&EE produced by Hatton-Brown Expositions, an affiliate of Hatton-Brown Publishers and Timber Processing, Panel World and Wood Bioenergy magazines.

Seventy-five wood producer companies, representing hundreds of lumber and panel mill operations, sent personnel to comb the aisles of 180 exhibitor companies who displayed machinery and supplies on 45,000 square feet of booth space.

“It was the most impressive show floor we’ve ever had,” commented Rich Donnell, TP&EE Show Director and Editor-in-Chief at Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. “Many exhibitors put up big machinery and all of the exhibitor booths were first rate. I can’t express enough my appreciation for their time and efforts.”

Donnell also expressed his appreciation for the numerous wood products producer companies and their personnel. “There have been numerous mill closures in the Northwest in recent years, but if you attended the expo you saw that the wood products industry out here is anything but going away,” Donnell said

The first two mornings saw long lines of registrants getting their badges, but the lines moved briskly thanks to the top-notch registration team. Not even Portland rains kept them away on the first day. Several wood products companies sent dozens of personnel, enjoying a little time away from the mill while enjoying the latest technologies on the show floor.

Andy Pollard of Pollard Lumber in Appling, Ga. received the 36th annual Timber Processing Magazine Person of the Year award at a special ceremony on the first day of the show. Pollard co-invented the curve-sawing gang and invented the dual path continuous dry kiln, while along with his family managing a stellar southern yellow pine sawmill and timberlands operation. Several Pollard family members were in attendance as well. A reception hosted by Carbotech followed the presentation and acceptance speeches.

Nelson Brothers Sawmill String Band performed on the show floor stage during lunch on Thursday. The three-piece bluegrass and country group featured Uncle Tony Fuentes and Jeff Nelson of Nelson Brothers Engineering and Joey Nelson, founder of JoeScan. Several listeners informed show organizers that they, too, were in bands, and there’s much discussion already about a multi-band, mini-concert for the 2026 event.

The Sawmill Productivity & Efficiency Conference and the Panel Manufacturing Today Conference featured nine speakers. A hot topic was the implementation of Artificial Intelligence throughout mill operations, and the benefits and results seen in process flow, product quality, and safety dynamics. Conference speakers included representatives from Comact, MicCROTEC, Valutec, Carbotech, Biomass Engineering & Equipment, Grenzebach, Evergreen Engineering, Raute and Westmill.

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