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Norra Timber recently announced a three-phase upgrade of its Hissmofors, Sweden, sawmill with an investment of up to SEK 150 million (US$14.8 million). Approximately 70 people are currently employed at the sawmill and the associated planning mill.

Henrik Jönsson, Industrial Manager at Norra Timber, said, “The sawmill contributes to both local jobs and smart climate products. For us, it is important to invest here and thus balance the technical degree and competitiveness of our sawmills.”

Norra Skog’s Board of Directors has previously made a policy decision regarding the investments in Hissmofors. The planned investments will take place in three stages and will begin with new post-processing along the saw line. The new machine equipment will have significantly higher capacity than the previous one and therefore enable production increases.

The sawmill in Hissmofors currently has an annual production of approximately 170,000 m3, with the goal of increasing production to 200,000 m3 within the next two years. The mill currently produces spruce and pine rough sawn and planned into boards and planks, and the wood products are sent on to customers both in Sweden and abroad.

The investment in the new machine equipment amounts to approximately SEK 40 million (US$3.9 million) and will mean a production increase of 10,000 m3sv annually. The next two investment steps that are planned involve upgrades in the sawmill line and comprise approximately SEK 100 million ($9.8 million).

“Of course, the investments feel great for us at Hissmofors. We secure jobs and get a receipt that Norra Skog believes in us here in Jämtland. This announcement inspires confidence in the future,” says Thomas Haiduga, sawmill manager in Hissmofors.

Facts Hissmofors saw

The sawmill in Hissmofors currently has an annual production of approximately 170,000 cubic meters, with the goal of increasing production to 200,000 cubic meters within the next two years. Here, spruce and pine are sawn and planed into boards and planks, and the wooden products are sent on to customers both in Sweden and abroad. To make use of all parts of the forest’s raw material, Stallströ and Agricultural litter are made from the chippings from the planer. It becomes a litter product that is clean and free of dust, which creates a healthy environment for both animals and people. Today, around 70 people work at the saw and planer, which is located just outside Krokom.

To read previous Norra Timber posts click here.

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Combilift, a leading global innovator in material handling solutions, has achieved dual recognition at this year’s UK Engineering & Manufacturing Awards 2024, securing two highly prestigious awards.

Design Team of the Year

The ‘Design Team of the Year’ award was presented to Combilift’s Heavy Equipment Team for their exceptional work on the groundbreaking 12-Wheel “Combi-LC Blade.” This cutting-edge machine has been specifically engineered to handle offshore wind turbine blades, which can reach up to 115 meters in length and weigh as much as 70 tonnes. The design significantly enhances the ability to transport these large, non-uniform loads safely and efficiently from manufacturing sites to storage and deployment locations.

This innovative solution addresses the growing needs of the renewable energy sector, where the demand for efficient logistics systems is increasing as the size and scale of offshore wind turbines continue to grow. Prior to the development of the Combi-LC Blade, existing transportation methods were often inadequate and posed logistical challenges. Combilift’s Heavy Equipment Design Team drew upon their extensive experience in engineering complex transport systems, previously creating the renowned Combi-SC Straddle Carrier and Combi-MG Mobile Gantry ranges.

In collaboration with Siemens Gamesa, one of the world’s largest suppliers of offshore wind turbine technology, Combilift designed a transport system that offers unparalleled stability and safety in moving these massive turbine blades. The Combi-LC Blade has now been successfully deployed at manufacturing sites across the globe, demonstrating its effectiveness and transforming the way wind turbine blades are handled and transported. Combilift is renowned for its customer-centric approach and ability to develop customized material handling solutions specifically tailored to meet customers’ needs. This award, sponsored by *Eureka Magazine*, not only recognizes the team’s exceptional skill, collaboration, and dedication to solving one of the most pressing challenges in renewable energy logistics, but also highlights the company’s commitment to providing innovative customer-led solutions.

Industry Leader Award

In addition to this remarkable team achievement, Combilift’s co-founder and CEO, Martin McVicar, received the coveted ‘Industry Leader Award’, sponsored by *Menzies*. This accolade honors McVicar’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to innovation, which have played a pivotal role in transforming Combilift from a small Irish manufacturer into a global leader in the material handling sector.

Martin McVicar’s leadership has been instrumental in Combilift’s success. Since co-founding the company, McVicar has overseen its rapid growth, transforming it into one of Ireland’s top exporters, with a projected turnover of €500 million this year. His approach to leadership combines technical expertise with a hands-on, inclusive management style. Known for his engineering prowess, McVicar has a background as Chief Engineer at Moffett Engineering, a role he held at the young age of 19.

Under his guidance, Combilift has become synonymous with innovative problem-solving in material handling, consistently delivering tailored solutions for complex logistical challenges. The judges highlighted McVicar’s ability to navigate the company through a range of external challenges, from the impacts of the pandemic to global supply chain disruptions, while maintaining a forward-thinking approach that identifies opportunities for growth and transformation.

Beyond business success, McVicar is deeply committed to fostering a strong corporate culture. Combilift’s headquarters, the largest factory under one roof in Ireland, serves not only as a manufacturing hub but also as ambassadors for corporate social responsibility. The company regularly hosts apprenticeship schemes,  charity events, family days, and educational visits, further solidifying its role within the local community. Combilift also sponsors the local Ladies GAA team, demonstrating McVicar’s commitment to supporting gender equality in sports.

Combilift’s double win at the UK Engineering & Manufacturing Awards 2024 is a testament to the company’s innovative spirit and visionary leadership, reinforcing its position as a global leader in the material handling industry.

For further information about the UK Engineering & Manufacturing Awards 2024, please visit www.engineeringmanufacturingawards.com

To read previous Combilift related posts click here.

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