Forestry

SAINT-GEORGES, QUÉBEC, 18 août 2025 — Comact, chef de file mondial des solutions de transformation du bois, est fier d’annoncer le lancement de son poussoir de billes nouvelle génération, doté d’un design à marche simple en instance de brevet, spécialement conçu pour les applications intensives. Ce nouveau modèle s’ajoute à la gamme existante de poussoirs de billes Comact, qui comprend également des modèles à double marche et à marches multiples, offrant ainsi aux scieries des solutions adaptées à leurs besoins opérationnels spécifiques.

Conçu pour résister aux conditions d’exploitation les plus exigeantes, le design à marche simple prolonge considérablement la durée de vie de l’équipement tout en simplifiant l’entretien et en améliorant la sécurité opérationnelle. Les poussoirs de billes traditionnels travaillent dans des conditions extrêmes, recevant et manipulant des matériaux lourds, ce qui peut entraîner une usure rapide et des remplacements coûteux. Le nouveau poussoir de billes à marche simple est conçu pour la durabilité : il permet aux opérateurs de remplacer uniquement la marche au besoin, éliminant ainsi la nécessité de changer le poussoir complet.

Pour protéger davantage l’équipement, le système intègre des amortisseurs pour améliorer l’absorption des chocs, assurant une réception des billes plus fluide et réduisant les contraintes mécaniques. De plus, un système de caméra intégré contrôle la présence des billes dans l’accumulateur, empêchant le poussoir de fonctionner lorsqu’il n’y a aucune accumulation. Cette protection intelligente évite les impacts directs sur la marche et réduit l’usure inutile.

« Chez Comact, l’innovation ne se limite pas seulement à la technologie, elle consiste à offrir des solutions pratiques qui permettent à nos clients de fonctionner au meilleur de leurs capacités. Avec le poussoir de billes à marche simple, nous avons créé un produit qui non seulement prolonge la durée de vie de l’équipement, mais facilite également l’entretien, aidant ainsi les scieries à fonctionner plus efficacement, jour après jour », a déclaré David Gourde, Vice-président senior ingénierie, gestion des lignes de produits, gestion de projets, service et fiabilité mécanique de Comact.

Le poussoir de billes à marche simple est offert dès maintenant pour les nouvelles installations et peut également être adapté aux systèmes existants, ce qui en fait une solution polyvalente pour les scieries cherchant à améliorer leur efficacité, réduire l’entretien et prolonger la durée de vie de leurs équipements.

À PROPOS DE COMACT

Depuis plus de 100 ans, Comact est un équipementier de premier plan pour l’industrie de la transformation du bois, à qui il procure des équipements, des technologies numériques, des solutions de coupe, un soutien aux projets et un service après-vente de haut calibre. Guidés par l’innovation et l’excellence, nous sommes déterminés à aider nos clients à relever les défis commerciaux et opérationnels pressants qui se posent à eux dans l’industrie actuelle.

Qu’il s’agisse de projets nouveaux ou existants, l’expertise de Comact procure aux installations de transformation du bois l’assurance que leurs investissements généreront un rendement, une productivité et des résultats de niveau supérieur. Elles savent qu’elles pourront ainsi rester compétitives et obtenir une croissance soutenue dans un marché en constante évolution. Pour une performance exceptionnelle en tout temps, faites confiance à Comact. Pour plus d’information, visitez le www.comact.com

Renseignements :

ANNE-MARIE LEVESQUE

Vice-présidente, Développement des Affaires et Produits

450-435-2121

anne-marie.levesque@comact.com

To read previous Comact related posts click here.

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Through close collaboration with production teams, we’ve identified the real-world challenges lumber manufacturers face. These insights have shaped our approach—from large-scale projects to the smallest design details—guiding the evolution of our equipment to meet the industry’s most critical needs.

Over time, these needs crystallized into a focused set of priorities. These priorities now define the Paragon Design Standard—USNR’s official design framework. It’s a set of principles that drive the development of every piece of equipment we build, setting a new bar for performance, reliability, and innovation.

Achieving this level of excellence means going beyond production metrics. Every component must reflect superior quality. That’s what makes something not just great—but Paragon.

We’ve shaped the Paragon identity around five foundational values.

• Safety
• Maintainability
• Precise Feed Control
• Modularity
• Debris Containment

These values reflect the real-world priorities of modern lumber operations and serve as the guiding criteria for every system we engineer. They ensure that each solution we deliver is not only technically advanced but also aligned with the operational, safety, and performance goals of our customers.

Read the full article on our website.

USNR – Benchmark for Excellence

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SAINT-GEORGES, QC, AUGUST 18, 2025 — Comact, has announced the release of its new-generation log pusher, featuring a patent-pending single step design for heavy-duty applications. This new model expands Comact’s existing range of log pushers, which also includes double-step and multi-step designs, providing mills with tailored solutions to meet specific operational needs.

Engineered to withstand the harshest operating conditions, the single step pusher design significantly extends equipment lifecycle while simplifying maintenance and improving operational safety. Traditional log pushers work under extreme conditions, receiving and handling heavy materials, which can lead to wear and costly replacements. The new single step pusher is built for durability, allowing operators to replace only the step when needed, eliminating the need to change the entire pusher.

To further protect the equipment, the system incorporates dampers for enhanced shock absorption, ensuring smoother log reception with reduced mechanical stress. In addition, an integrated camera system monitors the presence of logs in the pocket, preventing the pusher from operating when a pocket is empty. This smart safeguard avoids direct impacts on the step and reduces unnecessary wear.

“At Comact, innovation is not only about technology, it’s about delivering practical solutions that keep our customers running at their best. With the single step log pusher, we’ve created a product that not only extends equipment life but also makes maintenance faster and easier, helping mills operate more efficiently, day after day,” said David Gourde, Senior Vice-President – Engineering, Product Line Management, Project Management, Mechanical Service & Reliability at Comact.

The single step log pusher is available immediately for new installations and can be retrofitted to existing systems, making it a versatile solution for mills seeking improved efficiency, reduced maintenance, and longer equipment life.

ABOUT COMACT

For over 100 years, Comact has been a leading OEM in high-caliber wood processing equipment, digital technologies, cutting solutions, project services, and aftermarket support. Driven by innovation and excellence, we are dedicated to helping our customers address their most pressing operational and business challenges in today’s industry.

Whether for brownfield or greenfield projects, Comact’s expertise provides wood processing facilities with the confidence that their investments will yield superior performance, throughput, and ROI. This ensures they remain competitive and achieve sustained growth in an ever-evolving market.

Media contact

ANNE-MARIE LEVESQUE

Vice President, Business & Product Development

450-435-2121

anne-marie.levesque@comact.com

*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Comact lance un nouveau poussoir de billes à marche simple pour une durabilité et une efficacité accrues

SAINT-GEORGES, QUÉBEC, 18 août 2025 — Comact, chef de file mondial des solutions de transformation du bois, est fier d’annoncer le lancement de son poussoir de billes nouvelle génération, doté d’un design à marche simple en instance de brevet, spécialement conçu pour les applications intensives. Ce nouveau modèle s’ajoute à la gamme existante de poussoirs de billes Comact, qui comprend également des modèles à double marche et à marches multiples, offrant ainsi aux scieries des solutions adaptées à leurs besoins opérationnels spécifiques.

Conçu pour résister aux conditions d’exploitation les plus exigeantes, le design à marche simple prolonge considérablement la durée de vie de l’équipement tout en simplifiant l’entretien et en améliorant la sécurité opérationnelle. Les poussoirs de billes traditionnels travaillent dans des conditions extrêmes, recevant et manipulant des matériaux lourds, ce qui peut entraîner une usure rapide et des remplacements coûteux. Le nouveau poussoir de billes à marche simple est conçu pour la durabilité : il permet aux opérateurs de remplacer uniquement la marche au besoin, éliminant ainsi la nécessité de changer le poussoir complet.

Pour protéger davantage l’équipement, le système intègre des amortisseurs pour améliorer l’absorption des chocs, assurant une réception des billes plus fluide et réduisant les contraintes mécaniques. De plus, un système de caméra intégré contrôle la présence des billes dans l’accumulateur, empêchant le poussoir de fonctionner lorsqu’il n’y a aucune accumulation. Cette protection intelligente évite les impacts directs sur la marche et réduit l’usure inutile.

« Chez Comact, l’innovation ne se limite pas seulement à la technologie, elle consiste à offrir des solutions pratiques qui permettent à nos clients de fonctionner au meilleur de leurs capacités. Avec le poussoir de billes à marche simple, nous avons créé un produit qui non seulement prolonge la durée de vie de l’équipement, mais facilite également l’entretien, aidant ainsi les scieries à fonctionner plus efficacement, jour après jour », a déclaré David Gourde, Vice-président senior ingénierie, gestion des lignes de produits, gestion de projets, service et fiabilité mécanique de Comact.

Le poussoir de billes à marche simple est offert dès maintenant pour les nouvelles installations et peut également être adapté aux systèmes existants, ce qui en fait une solution polyvalente pour les scieries cherchant à améliorer leur efficacité, réduire l’entretien et prolonger la durée de vie de leurs équipements.

À PROPOS DE COMACT

Depuis plus de 100 ans, Comact est un équipementier de premier plan pour l’industrie de la transformation du bois, à qui il procure des équipements, des technologies numériques, des solutions de coupe, un soutien aux projets et un service après-vente de haut calibre. Guidés par l’innovation et l’excellence, nous sommes déterminés à aider nos clients à relever les défis commerciaux et opérationnels pressants qui se posent à eux dans l’industrie actuelle.

Qu’il s’agisse de projets nouveaux ou existants, l’expertise de Comact procure aux installations de transformation du bois l’assurance que leurs investissements généreront un rendement, une productivité et des résultats de niveau supérieur. Elles savent qu’elles pourront ainsi rester compétitives et obtenir une croissance soutenue dans un marché en constante évolution. Pour une performance exceptionnelle en tout temps, faites confiance à Comact. Pour plus d’information, visitez le www.comact.com

Renseignements :

ANNE-MARIE LEVESQUE

Vice-présidente, Développement des Affaires et Produits

450-435-2121

anne-marie.levesque@comact.com

To read previous Comact related posts click here.

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The post Comact Launches New-Generation Single Step Log Pusher for Greater Durability and Efficiency appeared first on International Forest Industries.

USNR has introduced EXO Canter, their most advanced and adaptable primary breakdown line ever engineered from the ground up using the Paragon Design Standard.

This next-generation system integrates their core design values into every component, delivering a solution that redefines safety, maintainability, configurability, debris control, and piece management.

EXO Canter is the culmination of decades of experience building complete primary lines. It reflects everything they’ve learned, what works, what doesn’t, and what’s next. Designed for mills that demand performance without compromise, EXO Canter offers a fully modular, highly configurable platform that adapts to your specific production goals and site constraints.

With its first installation scheduled for startup in 2025, EXO Canter is already setting a new benchmark for what a primary line can be.

https://www.usnr.com/en/content/mi-57-exo-canter

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SAINT-GEORGES, QC, JULY 31, 2025 — Comact, a global leader in wood processing solutions, has announced the launch of the Wide Board Lug Loader, a next generation system engineered to handle oversized boards with cross-sections of up to 4 x 22 inches.

Building on the proven fundamentals of Comact’s industry-renowned lug loader, this new design addresses the growing need for high-performance solutions in specialty product manufacturing.

With a patent-pending design and a speed of up to 70 lugs per minute, the Wide Board Lug Loader ensures precise and efficient board handling, while maintaining the reliability and throughput customers expect from Comact systems.

“Innovation is at the core of who we are,” said Simon Potvin, CEO of Comact. “This new lug loader was developed in direct response to the needs of our customers producing specialty products,

where traditional handling equipment reaches its limits. It’s a great example of how we continuously evolve to provide tailored, cutting-edge solutions that help our clients

stay ahead.”

The Wide Board Lug Loader is the latest step in Comact’s ongoing mission to deliver more flexible technologies that meet the real-world demands of today’s mills, and tomorrow’s.

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As a result of long-term cooperation, Hekotek AS has signed a contract for the supply of log feeding equipment, wood chips and sawdust and sawn timber conveyors to the Japanese company Chugoku Mokuzai (Chugoku Lumber Co Ltd.).

Chugoku Mokuzai is one of Japan’s leading wood processing companies with several production units across the country. The new sawmill will be built to replace the production unit destroyed in 2023 by fire in Ibaraki Prefecture on the eastern coast of Japan.

In this new production unit it is planned to saw round logs of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) from North America. The finished sawn timber will be sold by Chugoku Mokuzai mainly on the domestic Japanese market.

The transport capacity of the equipment supplied by Hekotek is expected to be approximately 100 sea containers, the first of which will begin their long sea voyage in the coming months. Production at the new unit is scheduled to begin in early 2027, preceded by an approximately 8-month-long period of installation and testing of the equipment.

The equipment supplied by Hekotek will ensure the feeding of logs at various speeds to the modernmost HewSaw sawline. The entire equipment set supplied by Hekotek is designed and manufactured based on particularly high technological requirements, where the proportion of human labor in the entire production process is minimized.

We would like to thank both the Chugoku Mokuzai project team and our local representative, Oki Kikai Ltd., for their trust and will do everything we can to ensure that the project succeeds as expected.

https://hekotek.ee/equipment-supply-to-leading-japanese-wood-processing-company-chugoku-mokuzai/

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In today’s sawmilling industry, the difference between staying competitive and falling behind often comes down to how intelligently and efficiently a mill can process every log. Fiber variability, labor constraints, cost pressures, and rising customer expectations are reshaping the way sawmills must operate, and Comact is helping lead that transformation.

With its suite of integrated, high-performance technologies — including the Hybrid Sawline and the TBL4 – Canter, Double Profiler, Curve Sawing Gang Edger — Comact delivers a full-spectrum solution that redefines both primary and secondary breakdown. Together, these two systems form a powerful, intelligent, and adaptable foundation for the mill of the future.

Secondary Breakdown Reimagined: The TBL4

Precision, speed, and adaptability come together in Comact’s TBL4, a high-throughput profiler-gang solution built to meet the demanding needs of modern softwood mills. Designed to maximize recovery and reduce processing gaps, the TBL4 features infeed and outfeed positioning tables that maintain continuous cant control throughout the sawing process.

This continuous flow translates directly into higher throughput and greater yield — exactly what mills need in a high-speed environment.

At the core of the system is Comact’s C2-Scan, a powerful real-time optimization tool that calculates the ideal sawing strategy for each cant. Using both geometric and visual data, the optimizer enables infinite profiling and curve sawing, ensuring every piece is processed for maximum value with minimal waste.

With feed speeds of up to 650 feet per minute and a processing range of 3 to 30 inches wide, the TBL4 offers unmatched versatility. Its fixed-tool design ensures reliability and simplified maintenance, while its compact footprint makes it easy to integrate into existing gang lines, minimizing disruption and capital investment.

The TBL4 also integrates seamlessly with Comact’s digital tools, including OPER8, Smart Vision, and EverBlue services, giving mills a comprehensive platform for tracking performance, driving uptime, and ensuring long-term value.

The Hybrid Sawline: Smarter Primary Breakdown

Paired with the TBL4, Comact’s Hybrid Sawline represents a revolutionary approach to primary breakdown. By combining circular saws and bandsaws in a single, unified system, it eliminates the tradeoffs mills have traditionally faced between speed and flexibility.

Circular saws efficiently handle logs up to 20 inches in diameter with high-speed precision and minimal downtime, while bandsaws kick in for larger logs that exceed circular saw capacity. The result is a line that can process a full spectrum of log diameters without compromise, reducing the need for multiple sawlines and associated maintenance complexity.

But the hybrid sawline is more than just a dual-cutting system. Its design supports multiple cutting modes — including double profiling, quadruple circular cutting, and sideboard splitting — allowing mills to produce a wider range of products on a single line. Whether manufacturing standard 2x4s (100×50 mm) or custom wides, mills gain the flexibility to shift production with market demands, without overhauling equipment or layout.

Intelligence That Runs Deep

Both the TBL4 and the Hybrid Sawline are equipped with Comact’s most advanced smart technologies, turning mechanical cutting tools into real-time decision-makers.

The hybrid system features Smart Vision for log singulation, an AI-powered platform that analyzes each log’s size, shape, and characteristics to optimize feeding and spacing. By dynamically managing log gaps and flow, it maintains consistent production speeds and eliminates bottlenecks, even with irregular fiber supply. This smart control is further enhanced by the C1-Scan, Comact’s primary breakdown optimizer, which determines the best cutting strategy for each log to maximize value from the start.

It also integrates the Primary Breakdown Closed Loop Smart Tool, which automates real-time quality control. Drawing data from the mill’s secondary breakdown scanner, this tool makes precise adjustments during the sawing process to ensure consistent, high-value cuts. With industry-leading response time and dashboard-based alerts, it boosts recovery while reducing operator workload and saw variation allowances.

In the TBL4, the C2-Scan optimizer brings that same level of real-time intelligence to cants. Combined with OPER8TM, this enables mills to visualize production data, track performance metrics, and make smarter operational decisions across the board.

A Cohesive Mill Architecture

What truly makes this combination stand out is how seamlessly each stage connects to the next. Logs enter the hybrid sawline, where they’re processed at optimal speeds using the best-suited cutting method. Cants then transition to the TBL4, where they’re scanned, optimized, and profiled with precision. Downstream, the Curve-Saw Versa Gang takes over, offering accurate curve sawing and adjustable width configurations to extract maximum value from every piece. From breakdown to final gang processing, Comact provides a fully integrated and optimized flow.

The benefits are clear:

• Fewer bottlenecks
• Higher fiber recovery
• Faster product changeovers
• Lower downtime and maintenance costs
• Real-time optimization across every step

And because both systems are modular, digital-ready, and scalable, mills can future-proof their investments while adapting to evolving fiber availability, product demands, and labor realities.

Conclusion: More Than the Sum of Its Parts

Comact’s TBL4 and Hybrid Sawline are more than advanced machines, they are complementary pieces of a next-generation mill architecture that delivers measurable results. When combined, they offer a clear path forward for sawmills looking to increase efficiency, yield, and agility in an increasingly complex industry.

With cutting-edge mechanics, powerful optimization software, and deep integration from log intake to board output, Comact is helping mills unlock the full potential of their raw material and their operations.

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Trusted technology with a twist

For the first time in many years, an industrial scale sawmill will be built from the ground up in the UK. USNR is the main supplier and its undertaking comprises the saw line and two edger lines – including optimization and controls. All machinery equipment will be delivered from USNR’s Söderhamn facility in Sweden. USNR will also supply controls for the log handling and residue handling equipment.

The new mill is designed for an annual capacity of more than 250,000 m3 of sawn goods. The Taylormade sawmill at Sherburn Hill, a few miles to the east of Durham, came under the ownership of James Jones & Sons when the company acquired GT Timber Ltd in 2021. The mill, built at the site of an old coal mine, was worn but the geographical location was ideal, so it was decided to build a new mill adjacent to the existing one.

USNR got involved at an early stage of the design work. Marcus Säteri, Senior Project Engineer at USNR, recalls the initial process, “We acted as a speaking partner for the customer long before the deal was settled. There was a lot of things that we had to take into account. The site is located on quite a steep slope and there’s a neighboring village overlooking the mill, so we didn’t want to obscure their view with high buildings. Eventually we honed out a solution where the slope worked to our benefit.”

Experience and optimization

The saw line is designed for maximum yield, using the latest optimization technology and curve sawing capabilities. James Jones & Sons has extensive experience with USNR’s bandsaw technology and continues to follow this path for the new project. Tobbe Sandberg, Technical manager at James Jones & Sons, “James Jones & Sons acquired the Durham mill in 2021 and shortly after the acquisition the decision was made to invest in a new sawmill to increase yield, efficiency and extend the product range. We decided to invest in bandsaw technology and with James Jones & Sons’ previous experience with Soderhamn Eriksson/ USNR it was an easy decision to continue the partnership with USNR. From design through to specifications, we have received excellent support from the USNR team in Sweden. Ground and building work is progressing

well, and we start machine installation in August this year [2025] with the mill due to be commissioned in 2026.

Proven solutions

The mill-to-be is designed with James Jones & Sons’ Lockerbie III production line in mind, but with all the new technology that USNR has developed since 2009 when the Lockerbie site was commissioned by Söderhamn Eriksson (now part of USNR). Precision Geometric Log Rotation (PGLR) is one example of the new technology implemented. It continuously monitors and corrects the rotation angle in the Log Turner 750E. To meet the customer’s demands of a modern mill, the Taylormade saw line will deliver more throughput and higher recovery with higher precision compared to its model.

Thirteen bands

Three Sawmaster 1600 quads and an HBS 1500 horizontal bandsaw constitute the core of the saw line, adding up to a total of 13 bandsaw units. The Sawmaster bandsaws are known for their durability, low energy consumption and low maintenance costs. This proven design serves in hundreds of sawmills all over the world. The horizontal bandsaw adds flexibility to the line and allows for an output of ten pieces from the last quad.

The Sawmaster bandsaws all feature the high-precision feed work technology originally designed for the Logmaster high-speed bandsaw. The HBS has also evolved in later years, with a more stable and precise positioning and a high-precision feed work. A great deal of focus is put on the working environment in this line. The three quad bandsaws and both chipper canters are fitted with extra thick protective covers to reduce noise and dust.

Saw monitoring

The bandsaws are equipped with BMS, Bandsaw Monitoring System, for real-time monitoring of the status and the longitudinal position of the bands. BMS detects cracks in the bands before they grow and cause band rupture. The saws also come with SawSight, USNR’s system for continuous in-line measuring and correction of the sawn goods.

The edge

Two Catech XT high-speed edger optimizers handle the side boards. These state-of-the-art edgers are fitted with the latest USNR optimization technology combined with the highest capacity the market has to offer. Both edgers are equipped with additional edger saw boxes to maximize recovery and flexibility.

USNR is honored to be part of this exciting opportunity.

Photo

Left to right: Tobbe Sandberg, Technical Manager,  James Jones & Sons Ltd.;

Eddie Balfour, Joint Managing Director, James Jones & Sons Ltd.;

Christian Winlöf, Sales and Marketing Director, USNR;

Sten Jarle Solheim, Account Manager, USNR

June July issue Pages  36 / 37

https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/70622971/ifi-june-july-2025-digital-final

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June July 2025 issue now available


Includes

Forwarders
Ponsse / Rottne / Komatsu

Cable Yarders
MM-FORSTTECHNIK GmbH
SYNCROFALKE® Cable Yarders: Revolutionizing Timber Harvesting in Steep Terrain

SAWLINES

USNR
For the first time in many years, an
industrial scale sawmill will be built from
the ground up in the UK

COMACT
AI-Powered Gap Control: How the
Smart Vision System Is Redefining
Log Singulation

SPRINGER
SAWBOX: A Compact, Fully Automated
Sawmill for the Future

MiCROTEC
Woodeye: AHF Products & Automation
that Works

DELTA MOTION
Vaagen Brothers Lumber, Inc. Upgrades
Motion Control for Improved Lumber Stacking

IFI June July 2025 Digital final
https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/70622971/ifi-june-july-2025-digital-final

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Portland, OR – June 24, 2025 – Yesterday, Hampton Lumber announced plans to build a new,  state-of-the-art sawmill in Allendale County, South Carolina. This facility will expand Hampton’s presence in the U.S. and support the company’s long-term vision to become North America’s
preferred source of wood solutions. The new mill will specialize in producing high-quality Southern Yellow Pine framing lumber. This will be the company’s first new sawmill on the East Coast and once fully operational, will provide 125-140 new jobs in the area.

“Hampton Lumber’s new operation in Allendale County will be a notable addition to our state’s forestry industry, while also providing opportunities for our people and contributing to the local economy,” said South Carolina Governor, Henry McMaster. “We are proud the company recognized South Carolina as the ideal home for its first East Coast mill and look forward to
supporting its success in our state.”

Hampton Lumber is committed to operating one of the most efficient dimension lumber mills ithe region. The facility will help meet the growing demand for housing materials while creating high-quality jobs and fostering long-term economic growth in the area.

“The enthusiastic, heartfelt support from the state and local community helped us come to the conclusion that this is the right location,” said Hampton Lumber CEO, Randy Schillinger. “We look forward to building partnerships in the area and supporting the communities of Allendale
County.”

Hampton Lumber brings over 80 years of experience in the sawmill business to this new venture. A fourth-generation, family-owned company, Hampton currently operates nine sawmills in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. The new mill will complement these existing
operations and help the company diversify its product offerings.

“Our deep roots in the Pacific Northwest have shaped our values of integrity, sustainability, and community engagement—principles that will guide how we operate in Allendale County,” said Schillinger.

Construction of the mill is expected to begin later this year, with operations slated to commence in early 2027.

“We’re excited to be part of the community,” Schillinger added. “The area is home to a healthy wood products industry and there is ample, high-quality timber available to support this new mill for years to come. We are exceedingly grateful to the state of South Carolina, and the county
and community partners who helped make this project possible.”

About Hampton Lumber
Hampton Lumber is a fourth-generation, family-owned company headquartered in Portland, Oregon. With over 80 years in the sawmill business, Hampton operates sawmills in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia and markets wood products all over the world. Hampton also
manages a wholesale and lumber export division and numerous reload, remanufacturing and advanced wood manufacturing facilities throughout the U.S. through affiliates, Idaho Timber and RedBuilt. All of Hampton’s forestlands are certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), an independent, non-profit organization that promotes sustainable forest management.

SFI certified forests play an important role in water conservation, wildlife habitat, and climate
solutions.

Contact: Kristin Rasmussen
Director of Public Affairs & Communications
KristinRasmussen@HamptonLumber.com

HAMPTON LUMBER
9600 SW Barnes Road, Suite 200 – Portland, Oregon 97225
Tel. 503-297-7691 | www.hamptonlumber.com

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Springers team is already in full production of the machines for the customer. Starting in July this year, the system will be fully pre-commissioned at our headquarters in Friesach. The tested system is scheduled for delivery to the customer site (south of Austria) at the end of 2025.

The system will be equipped with a Robotic Sorting Line for the fully automatic and combined sorting of green and dry sawn timber with robots. The system is designed for a cutting volume of appr. 15,000 cubic metres of logs per shift and year (30.000 in two shifts). Power consumption is less than 500 kWh (!) .

The Sawbox can process logs up to 100 cm in diameter. Main type of processed wood is spruce, pine and larch. The dry sorting module is equipped with a modern cross-cut saw, moisture measurement and high-end quality board-scanners.

This innovative sawmill needs just 1.500 square meters, is equipped with robots and can be operated by just one (!) single operator.

A very big thank you to our great partners for making this innovation possible says Manuel Manuel Seiß CFO / CDO bei SPRINGER Maschinenfabrik GmbH

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The Einari Award, the Einari Vidgrén Foundation’s key recognition, was granted to forest machine contractor Simo Kuittinen. Through Koneurakointi S. Kuittinen Oy, a company he founded, Kuittinen has extensive practical expertise in various business areas, ranging from the use and servicing of machines to administrative work. In association activities, Kuittinen has acted as the chairman of the Federation of Machine Entrepreneurs and is an honorary member of the Association.

Simo Kuittinen and his company have influenced the development of the entire Finnish timber harvesting industry in many ways. Kuittinen has, among other things, contributed to the creation of the regional contracting model. When it comes to domestic logging, Kuittinen has passionately developed harvesting on islands.

Kuittinen grew up working in the forest after helping his father already as a 12-year-old boy. From the age of 15, he started operating a forest machine full-time, and his career in forestry began in 1974 only at the age of 18. The Einari Vidgrén Foundation awards Simo Kuittinen for over 50 years of entrepreneurship in forest work.

In addition to the Einari Award, awards were given in five different categories:
lifetime achievement awards, special recognition awards, Global CTL, operator awards, and student scholarships.

Lifetime achievement awards

Lifetime achievement awards were given to two long-term forestry professionals.

Jorma Piilola from Parkano started as a tractor contractor and shifted to full-time forest machine contracting in 1974. Entrepreneurship that has continued uninterrupted for more than 50 years still continues at the age of 76. Piilola’s work has always been of a high quality, which has been recognised for the last four years in succession with the Metsähallitus quality award. During his long entrepreneurial career, Piilola has also guided and trained several people who have entered the forest machine industry, and many who learned from him are still working in the sector.

Jussi Kumpula has had a uniquely long career in Metsähallitus since the late 1980s. Kumpula has successfully led Metsähallitus’ operations and wood deliveries in challenging conditions since 2011. He has been able to take biodiversity and environmental challenges into account in his work as part of the development of timber harvesting and forest management. In his role, Kumpula has succeeded in acting in good spirit with various actors in the forest sector.

“The two long careers have seen many changes and upheavals in the industry. Both of the awardees have worked meritoriously in a challenging operating environment, and we wanted to show our appreciation for their high-quality work,” says Juha Vidgren.

Special recognition awards

The foundation issues annual special recognition awards to people involved in mechanised harvesting research and development, industry education development, and those who have increased awareness of and recognition for the industry. This year’s awards were given to nine associations and individuals.

“We wanted to reward associations and people that raise awareness of the forest industry and rural professions among children and young people. We also wanted to highlight the role of women as forestry specialists,” says Juha Vidgren.

Rural Professions Association
4H Finland
Mikko Riikilä, journalist, Metsälehti
Joonas Hyypiä, Foreman, Luukolmio Oy
Forestry Museum of Lapland
Wahlers forest machinery training for women, Germany
Trees for Tomorrow, Wisconsin, USA
Teacher Urho Hakkarainen, Savo Vocational College
Teacher Pekka Hulkkonen, Etelä-Savon Koulutus Oy
Global CTL

For promoting the international Cut-To-Length method, the Foundation gave three awards:

Finnharvest, Kuopio
Snowske Higher Vocational School of Forestry, Ukraine
University of Idaho

“The Foundation wanted to reward those who work to promote the CTL method in various ways. Finnharvest has been able to demonstrate the scalability of the CTL method globally in Swedish, German and US market as well as its financial profitability and efficiency. It’s also a pleasure to see that CTL training has increased across the world, and the benefits of the method are learned already at a young age. In particular, I would raise the need of the Ukrainian Forest Machinery School to invest in training in a particularly challenging situation,” says Juha Vidgren.

Einari Operator’s Awards

The award criteria for operator awards include customer-driven, high-quality work, an unrelenting attitude when it comes to the quality of work, and good cooperation and communication with forest owners and other stakeholders. Einari had a clear idea for the award criteria: those operators whose quality of work is high and have a good attitude with good customer service skills have earned their awards. This year, the Einari Vidgrén Foundation gave 38 Einari Operator’s awards for high-quality work.

Tero Kinnunen and Sami Laulainen – Metsäkonepalvelu Oy
Antti Suonttajärvi and Jouni Ketola – Moto Team Tauriainen Oy
Teijo Lehto and Sauli Junnila – Metsäkone Pirinen Oy

Jari Liuska and Marko Kärkkäinen – Koneurakointi S. Kuittinen Oy

Ari Jurvainen and Teemu Matilainen – Veljekset Hokkanen Oy

Petri Kuokkanen and Asser Kuittinen – Motoajo

Mikael Kälkäjä and Mikko Viuhkola – Konetyö Viuhkola ja Kautto Oy

Aleksi Tenninlä and Hannu Tennilä – A&L Harju Oy

Jouni Nyman and Jarkko Meriläinen – Honkaperä Forest Oy

Jari Nenonen and Janne Nenonen – Metsä-Multia Oy
Eetu Lihavainen and Mika Pekkinen – Metsäkoneurakointi Toropainen Oy

Ari Kallio and Joonas Uusitalo – M. Uusitalo Oy
Juho Kasanen and Jari Reinikainen – Koneteko Pitkänen Oy
Juha Hiltunen and Pertti Rytkönen – Metsäkuljetus Hyväriset Oy
Jussi Myllyvirta and Olli Poikolainen – Varis Forest Oy

Harri Häkkinen and Pekka Kauppinen – Keski-Suomen MetsäKymppi Oy

Pavel Melentjev and Paul Räisänen – Motourakointi J. Pikkarainen Oy

Markus Mustiala and Mika Kokkola – Jameko Oy

Mikko Pennanen and Seppo Tiainen – Veljekset Mustonen Oy

Einari Scholarships

Student scholarships are awarded to forest industry students who have performed well in their studies. The Foundation gave student scholarships to 39 forest industry students. The scholarships were given to the students at the end of the term.

Etelä-Savon Koulutus Oy, Pieksämäki – Veikko Takkinen and Samu Savolainen
Yrkesakademin i Österbotten – Benjamin Sten and Emil Lall

South Savo Vocational College, ESEDU, Salosaari, Mikkeli – Jami Niemelä and Sami Saima

Oulu Vocational College, Taivalkoski  – Petrus Soronen and Ilari Nissi

Educational Consortium OSAO, Muhos – Johannes Itälahti and Jaako Ala-Aho

Tampere Vocational College Tredu, Kuru – Teemu Vesamäki and Jesse Savolainen

TTS Työtehoseura – Tiia Pessi and Joni Salonen

Länsirannikon Koulutus Oy WinNova – Roope Rastio and Aleksi Vuorinen

Riveria, Valtimo – Iivari Kärki and Saija Sumiloff

Gradia Jämsä – Jose-Lucas Vasama and Esa Simonen

Seinäjoki Joint Municipal Authority for Education Sedu, Ähtäri – Anssi Krohonen and Roni Sihtola

Federation of Education in Central Ostrobothnia – Eeli Huhtala and Ville Pastel

Lapland Vocational College REDU, Rovaniemi – Atte Montonen and Essi Kostamovaara

Vocational Education Institute of Northern Central Finland, Uurainen – Sami Lupsakko and Veeti Manninen

Häme Vocational Institute EVO – Jose Kangas and Vilho Toukovalkama

Savo Vocational College – Lauri Tuomainen and Iisakki Niemelä

Saimaa Vocational College, Ruokolahti – Lassi Partanen and Pia Ranta

Keski-Uusimaa Joint Municipal Authority for Education / KEUDA – Venny Koskelainen and Vili Markkanen

Samiedu Vocational College – Kalle Pietarinen and Aleksi Sallinen

Livia College (Peimari education municipality association) – Jussi Selenius

Vieremä, 3 June 2025

Einari Vidgrén Foundation
Juha Vidgren, Chair

Further information: Juha Vidgren, +358 40 518 6286, juha.vidgren@ponsse.com

Founded in 2005 by Einari Vidgrén, founder of Ponsse Plc, the foundation aims to increase the appreciation of work in the mechanical logging sector and work in the forest sector in accordance with responsible and sustainable development. The Foundation wants to develop the awareness of entrepreneurship related to mechanical harvesting and increase the attractiveness of mechanical harvesting as an employer, especially among young people.

 To read previous Ponsse posts click here.

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The post The Einari Vidgrén Foundation rewarded merited forestry professionals for the 20th time at the award ceremony held in Rientola in Vieremä on 3 June. The awards totalled EUR 180,000.P appeared first on International Forest Industries.

ECAT – EtherCAT MainDevice with Redundancy Port

The ECAT module provides EtherCAT MainDevice functionality, allowing control of electric motor drives and communication with other EtherCAT subordinate devices such as sensors and actuators. With two RJ-45 ports,
the ECAT module supports cable redundancy.

The RMC200 supports position, velocity, pressure, force and torque control, and single and dual-loop axes via EtherCAT.

Axes may be defined with output and feedback in any combination of EtherCAT data or directly connected sensors
or actuators. The RMC200 EtherCAT supports CANopen over EtherCAT (CoE) CiA402 drive profiles and CiA408 valve profiles.


Ports 2 ports:
ECAT1: Main port
ECAT2: Redundancy port

Supported
Topologies Linear, ring and star

Hardware
Interface IEEE 802.3 for 100BASE-T (twisted pair)

Data Rate 100 Mbps

Duplex Full Duplex

Features Auto-negotiation, Auto-crossover (MDI/MDI-X)

Connectors RJ-45 (2)

Cable CAT5, CAT5e or CAT6, UTP or STP

Cycle Times250 µs minimum

Distributed Clock Subordinate devices that support
DC on the network are synchronized
with the motion loop of the
RMC200

The post NEW! Delta Motion RMC200 Motion Controller Communication Modules appeared first on International Forest Industries.

USNR – Thank you to everyone who attended the weekend’s West Coast Dry Kiln Association meeting at Rosboro in Springfield, OR!

The event drew a sizeable crowd and included an exclusive tour of the mill’s recently converted dry kilns. USNR turned four of their existing double-track kilns into their patented UniFlow continuous kilns. Because of this, they have been able to increase production by 10-40% with more consistent steam use.

USNR have issued a big thank you to the West Coast Dry Kiln Association for hosting and to Rosboro Company LLC for the use of their facilities.

If you’re interested in learning more about USNR’s UniFlow continuous kiln, contact a USNR representative today!

https://lnkd.in/gHVn8vWn

The post West Coast Dry Kiln Association meeting at Rosboro in Springfield, OR! Ref USNR appeared first on International Forest Industries.

Holmen will reduce its output by 90,000 m3 at its sawmill in Braviken, Sweden reports Pulp and Paper news.  As a consquence, the company will reduce its staff by 40 positions. That’s a third of the workforce.

Of course, it’s really sad and a great shame, this is not at all what we would like to do, says Johan Padel, business area manager at Holmen Trävaror, to Norrköpings Tidningar.

The sawmill is struggling with profitability problems. According to Padel, there are two reasons why the profitability calculation does not add up: the American tariffs and reduced access to timber from the surrounding area at a competitive cost.

To adapt to this new situation, the sawmill must reduce production volume, from 450,000 cubic meters to 360,000 cubic meters of sawn timber.

According to Johan Padel, the notice was expected.

Holmen’s paper mill in Braviken will not affected by the notice.

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