News

Ponsse is the third most reputable company in Finland in 2024. A survey by T-Media reveals that the most reputable companies in 2024 among Finns are KONE and Fazer. A total of 10 575 citizens responded to this year’s survey.

“Thanks for this award go to all our Ponsse employees and customers and their families, as well as to our stakeholders around the world. We don’t do this alone, but as a team and together we will succeed in good times and challenging times alike,” says Jarmo Vidgren, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ponsse Plc.

The top three companies in the survey – Kone, Fazer and Ponsse – are all family-owned or anchor-owned companies.

“Throughout the history of the Luottamus&Maine survey, reputable companies have often included family-owned companies, which speaks volumes about the importance of family-owned companies in Finnish society and economy. In many family businesses, reputation management is part of the company’s historical operating culture, and this is also clearly visible in our survey results.” ,” says Riku Ruokolahti, Development Director at T-Media.

T-Media surveyed the reputation of companies operating in Finland in June and July. Of the top three companies, KONE received a reputation score of 3.95, Fazer 3.93 and Ponsse 3.90. The survey used a five-point rating scale (1-5).

The organisations were assessed using T-Media’s Trust&Maine survey model, where an organisation’s reputation score is the average of eight different areas. These are corporate governance, finance, leadership, innovation, interaction, products & services, workplace and responsibility.

To read other Ponsse related posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post Ponsse is once again one of Finland’s most reputable companies appeared first on International Forest Industries.

Vancouver, British Columbia, November 1st, 2024 — We are pleased to announce the appointment of Travis McDonald as Executive Vice President, Strategy and Business Development at Comact.

Travis brings a unique blend of skills and experience, making him the ideal leader for this critical role. With over 30 years of expertise in engineering and strategic capital investments within the wood processing industry, and having successfully led Comact’s Project Services teams since 2018, he has been instrumental in driving Comact’s growth and delivering some of the most productive sawmills in North America.

In his new position, Travis will oversee the development of new business opportunities and growth initiatives across all verticals of the sawmill business, while also expanding into new geographical markets. He will continue to lead our efforts with Smith Sawmill Service, expanding our footprint in cutting tool solutions across North America, and guide CORE Integrators into new markets where our automation expertise can create significant value. Additionally, Travis will be responsible for building and maintaining key supplier relationships, fostering partnerships that will help us continually elevate the standards of products and services in the market.

“Travis’s leadership, deep industry knowledge, and customer focus will play a vital role in driving Comact’s continued growth,” said Simon Potvin, President and CEO of Comact. “His ability to build strategic partnerships and lead high-impact initiatives will help us strengthen our market position and deliver advanced, customer-centric solutions across all our business units.”

As part of this transition, the US Project Services teams —including safety, engineering, construction, procurement and sales —will be integrated into their respective role teams to centralize functions, maximize efficiency, and ensure standardization of our offerings.

We are confident that under Travis’ leadership, Comact will continue to innovate and strengthen its position as a leading supplier of OEM high-performance technologies in the wood processing industry. Committed to excellence and driven by innovation, we will continue delivering advanced solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.

To read previous Comact related posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post Travis McDonald Appointed as Executive Vice President, Strategy and Business Development appeared first on International Forest Industries.

USNR is supplying Rosboro Company in Springfield, OR, with a brand-new planer mill, complete with a Hydraulic Continuous Tilt Hoist, a 4200 planer, a Multi-Saw Clamshell Trimmer, Low-Profile Stacker, and Sorter Top with 36 bins.

The project also includes converting four of their dry kilns to USNR’s Uniflow Dry Kiln design with KilnBoss controls. All these new product installations are designed to support Rosboro’s new glulam production facility with higher output and higher-quality results.

USNR’s 4200 planer offers unmatched high speed performance. This maintenance-friendly modular design puts feed roll changes on the operator’s side, thus reducing change-out time.

The Uniflow Dry Kilns being installed at Rosboro are the first of their kind on the West Coast, meeting the most stringent emissions restrictions. The system is designed to achieve even higher throughput using an existing heat source with no loss of lumber quality.

USNR is honoured to be part of this significant undertaking and looks forward to the next phases of the project.

Ro read previous USNR related posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post Rosboro Company in Springfield, OR, invests in new planer mill appeared first on International Forest Industries.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, NOVEMBER 1, 2024 — After more than 10 years of transformational leadership and as part of a planned succession strategy, Comact President & CEO Alistair Cook announced he will take on a new role to help prepare the next generation of Comact leadership and usher in a new era of growth for the company.

On November 1, 2024, Cook will become Executive Chairman of Comact and Simon Potvin, currently President of the company’s Wood Processing unit, will become President & CEO of Comact.

Throughout his tenure, Cook has been instrumental in driving growth and fostering a culture of innovation in pursuit of increasing aftermarket products and services to support Comact’s valued customer base for the long term. His commitment to people and his ability to inspire and develop talent within the organization has been key to Comact’s sustained success and resilience in a competitive landscape.

“It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to lead Comact through a period of remarkable growth and innovation,” said Cook. “I am immensely proud of what our team has accomplished, and I have complete confidence that Simon is the right leader to guide Comact forward. With his deep expertise and commitment to our customers, I know he will build on our legacy and drive the next chapter of success for the company.”

Potvin joined Comact in 1990 as an aspiring mechanical engineer and held various roles of increasing responsibility throughout his esteemed career, most recently with his appointment as President of the Wood Processing unit in 2021. Simon and his talented team are responsible for developing industry changing technologies, value engineered solutions and differentiated aftermarket services for the Wood Processing industry.

“I am very proud to become the new President & CEO of Comact and honoured by this appointment,” said Potvin. “We recently commemorated our 100th anniversary as a company where we celebrated our history of customer commitment and innovation. With this new role, I am excited to pursue our mission and help drive our company forward into its next 100 years. Together with our dedicated team, we will help our customers achieve unprecedented efficiency and keep their businesses thriving.”

For more Comact related posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post Planned Succession Strategy for Comact appeared first on International Forest Industries.

USNR’s Catech-brand edgers are known for their high speed and accurate volume recovery. Now, with the addition of full-color vision, they will also be offered with value optimization. Several systems have found their way to the market and Millwide Insider has visited one of them, at Moelven Mjøsbruket in Norway.

The Swedish range of Catech edgers originates from the mid-seventies, when the first computerized edger optimizers were designed. Since then, Catech has been the leading brand in high-speed edging and more than 600 systems have been installed. Catech also pioneered the technology for unmanned operation, and even today most competitors need a dedicated edger operator to run the systems.

Today’s edger optimizers are highly developed precision machines. The geometric scanning and optimization match the speed and accuracy of the mechanical entities, such as the infeed table and edger saw box. In other words, the speed and volume recovery are at the very limit of what is possible for today’s technology.

While European-style edgers traditionally have relied on geometric scanning and optimization for maximum volume, USNR’s North American operations have utilized vision scanning and value optimization since 2009, when the first system was installed in the US.

To read previous USNR posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post USNR – Catech Edgers with Value Optimization for Moelven Mjösbruket appeared first on International Forest Industries.

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.

To read previous Indexator posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post Indexator – The Importance of Quality and Local Manufacturing in an Increasingly Global Market appeared first on International Forest Industries.

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.

To read previous Opticom Tech related posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post Heidi Schmidt of Opticom Tech Celebrates 20 Years in Industrial Video Monitoring Leadership appeared first on International Forest Industries.

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.

To read previous USNR posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

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.

To read previous KESLA posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post Kesla introduces a new generation forest trailer appeared first on International Forest Industries.

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.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

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

To read previous Log Max posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post The Ultimate Showdown: Introducing Log Max 6000V Top Saw appeared first on International Forest Industries.

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.

To read previous TP&EE posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post Industry Comes Together At TP&EE appeared first on International Forest Industries.

SP was founded in 1978 and presented the world´s first ever single grip harvester head in 1980. They have the longest experience of all in the field of development and manufacture of harvester heads for the professional forestry,

Introducing the Dasa 7 Wireless. The main advantage with the wireless system is that customers will never have to worry about broken data cables again – which of course means increased uptime.

Branches and constant movements will not be a problem since the wireless unit is mounted in the head. Replacing the cables with a high-speed, reliable Wi-Fi connection means communication between the operator and the bucking unit isn’t sensitive to physical circumstances.  This gives you total freedom to move the crane or boom and rotate the head without any risk of communication failure.

The Dasa7 is the latest generation control system and offers lightning fast reaction times, robust/proven modules and a used friendly interface. The Dasa7 Wireless can be supplied in three different versions – H50, H60 or H70 software to be able to perfectly match the needs of your specific logging operation, from the simple and cost effective H50 to the advanced windows based and fully Stanford 2010 compatible H70 system.

In order to be able to offer harvester heads perfectly suited for tracked harvesters and very demanding operations SP have developed heavy-duty, so-called HD versions, of head models SP 661 LF and SP 761 LF.

Both the 661 and 761 head models are available with options such as processing knives, find end sensor and top saw making them just as productive processing decked wood out of a pile as when cutting and processing at the stump

To read previous SP Maskiner posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post SP new developments appeared first on International Forest Industries.

Tigercat releases lower weight class 544 harvesting head for track carriers.

The new 544 is Tigercat’s lowest weight class harvesting head for track harvesters. Based on the proven 534 design, the 544 is a three-wheel drive head with triangulated wheel arm geometry. The chassis, covers and tilt frame are designed to handle the rigors of track carrier operating conditions. Four cast steel knife arms, and fixed front and back knives provide excellent delimbing quality.

Targeting trees in the 15-50 cm (6-20 in) diameter range, the 544 has a maximum main cut capacity of 790 mm (31 in) along with a 790 mm (31 in) feed wheel opening, and 760 mm (30 in) maximum knife arm opening to handle the occasional larger tree.

Available with an optional 560 mm (22 in) cut capacity top saw , the 544 is a great match for selective harvesting applications in mixed diameter hardwood and conifer stands. Operating weight ranges from 1 700 kg (3,760 lb) with standard rotator and link up to 2 140 kg (4,720 lb), allowing the head to be mated to Tigercat H822 and H855 series carriers with standard or telescopic boom sets.

The hydraulically actuated measuring wheel promotes positive contact and reduces component wear. Diameter measuring on the wheel arms and front knife arms provides accurate measurement. An efficient high-flow hydraulic system matched to Tigercat carriers provides excellent performance and outstanding fuel economy.

Optional 360 degree continuous rotation with through-tip hose routing and robust, stable wireless communication is available on select carriers. Various rotator, feed motor, feed wheel, knife arm, and wheel arm choices are available to tailor the 544 for specific applications.

For maximum productivity and performance in eucalyptus processing applications, the 544 debarking package includes several features to increase productivity and performance. The feed wheels and the wheel arm geometry are designed for debarking, spiraling the trees during feeding for better performance. The feed motor sizes are tuned for high demand and productivity. Unique front and back knife geometry provides comprehensive tree coverage.

To read previous Tigercat posts click here.

To read posts about Harvester heads click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post Tigercat – 544 Harvesting Head appeared first on International Forest Industries.

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order to supply a dry fiberboard recycling line to Sonae Arauco’s mill in Mangualde, Portugal.

The line will recycle end-of-life fiberboards back into valuable fibers as new raw material for fiberboard production. It will be the first industrial-scale fiberboard recycling line in the world.

Paulo Pinto De Sousa, Director at Sonae Arauco, says: “Recycling fiberboards is an important step towards a circular economy. It reduces the consumption of natural resources and energy. We know ANDRITZ as a strong supplier of solutions for the fiberboard industry and are convinced that they are the right partner for our innovative fiberboard recycling project.”

The dry fiberboard recycling line is based on continuous steam treatment with a special discharging system using the ANDRITZ Steam-Ex discharger, which minimizes steam consumption and maintenance requirements. This allows continuous processing of fiberboard material with very low steam consumption and high runnability.

Michael Frint, Technology Director at ANDRITZ, adds: “By combining our proven pressurized refining systems with ANDRITZ Steam-Ex, our pretreatment process based on steam explosion, we have developed an efficient solution for fiberboard recycling. We are proud that Sonae Arauco placed their trust in us to build world’s first industrial-scale fiberboard recycling line.”

Start-up of the fiberboard recycling line is scheduled for the second quarter of 2025.
Sonae Arauco is one of the world’s largest producers of wood-based panels. This order confirms ANDRITZ’s market position as the leading supplier of machines and systems for the fiberboard industry, and its expertise in high-quality and resource-saving components.

ANDRITZ GROUP

International technology group ANDRITZ offers a broad portfolio of innovative plants, equipment, systems, services and digital solutions for a wide range of industries and end markets.

Photo:
Sonae Arauco’s mill in Mangualde, Portugal, will be the first one worldwide to have a fiberboard recycling line.
© Sonae Arauco

To read previous Andritz Group posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post ANDRITZ to supply world’s first fiberboard recycling line to Sonae Arauco, Portugal appeared first on International Forest Industries.

USNR has announced at Timber Processing & Energy Expo, the all-new Compact Shape Saw (CSS) system, the industry’s most advanced secondary processing system. It offers more durable and reliable performance with higher accuracy for superior quality lumber and chip production. All in a significantly smaller footprint.

The CSS requires 53% less linear space than an equivalent HSS layout and improves contact with each piece as it’s processed, providing stability and improved board quality.

It’s also taken maintenance access to the next level with a unique walk-up design that’s the most ergonomic on the market. This, plus maintenance advancements like Quick Change Assemblies and Automatic Maintenance Pins, make for safer, quicker repairs.

USNR’s Compact Shape Saw (CSS) is the industry’s most advanced secondary processing system.

It offers durability, reliability, and higher accuracy, resulting in superior quality lumber and chip production, all in a significantly smaller footprint.

 Smaller footprint, better output

The Compact Shape Saw (CSS) was designed from the ground up to provide advanced solution capabilities including skewed sideboards, improved lumber finish, and less off-size lumber. The result is higher recovery and higher value.

The machine requires 53% less linear space than an equivalent USNR HSS layout and it significantly improves contact with each piece as it is processed, adding stability and improving the quality of boards being produced.

Easier installation and maintenance

USNR accomplishes as much pre-assembly as possible in the shop, so very little is left to be done in the field, lowering overall installation cost. The CSS then scales up quickly to production levels for faster ROI.

We have also taken maintenance access to the next level with a walk-up design that is the most ergonomic system on the market. The CSS also comes with maintenance advancements like Quick Change Assemblies and Automatic Maintenance Pins for safe and quick repairs and operation.

The CSS is comprised of individual modules all working together to provide the highest-quality products and the most efficient operation.

CSS feed modules

• Infeed, intermediate, and outfeed modules feature rolls driven either by coupled gearboxes or drivelines
• Interchangeable, lift-out press roll assemblies
• Interchangeable, slide-out bed roll assemblies
• Infeed and intermediate modules slide sideways for best-in-class maintenance access

CSS Canter

• Delivers the best secondary breakdown solutions on the market when paired with the Compact Shape Gang
• Best-in-class stability
• Profiler and canter function independently to accurately follow the solution curve
• Achieves a 96’ curved radius or 4” per 16’ on curved solution
• Chipper-profiler system operates with ±6° of rotation

Chipper can process up to 12” nominal cants

CSS Gang

• Variable bedline sawbox always splits the cut between the top and bottom arbors on all cant sizes
• Designed from the ground up for shifting timber pockets on top and bottom arbor
• Fully automatic saw mismatch and arbor wear adjustment via setworks on top and bottom arbors
• Vertical saw guides give unparalleled access for saw change
• Oversized turret bearing used as pivot for increased stability and precision

To read previous USNR posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post The Compact Shape Saw delivers big results with a smaller footprint appeared first on International Forest Industries.

SPRINGER’s Noth America team – Jürgen Segner, Michael Doerflinger, Cameron Jansen, Tim Burnham and Farlan Beck – are presenting the E-Kicker with Log Catcher at this year’s Timber Processing & Energy Expo in Portland.

Don’t miss your chance to see it live – stop by BOOTH #309 and discover how they are pushing the boundaries of innovation in the woodworking industry.

Visit from 25-27 September 2024.

To read previous SPRINGER posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post The secret is out! appeared first on International Forest Industries.

Join us as our special guest and witness this exciting moment for yourself at our booth #711. We’ll be unveiling our newest product solution at the Timber Processing & Energy Expo in Portland, OR. It’s shaping up to be an event to remember and we want you to be there!

You can also see our other displays, including new advances in optimization and panel technology and offerings from our parts and upgrades teams.

See you there!

To read previous Timber Processing & Energy Expo posts click here.

To read previous USNR posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post USNR Booth #711- It’s almost time to pull back the curtain! appeared first on International Forest Industries.

Lubricant specialist Zeller+Gmelin presents its latest developments at the International Suppliers Fair (IZB) in Wolfsburg (October 22nd to 24th) for the first time. At the trade fair stand in Hall 1, Stand 1210, innovative Thermosure products for direct battery cooling and Multicut cutting oils for non-ferrous metal processing will be presented, among other things. The focus is on progresses in the field of e-mobility, thermal management and powertrain.

As an established partner to the automotive industry, Zeller+Gmelin is strengthening its activities in the area of e-mobility. The highlights of the trade fair include the Thermosure products, which were developed specifically for the requirements of direct battery cooling and the cooling of PEM fuel cell technology. “Our Divinol Thermosure products are designed to maximize thermal efficiency in electric vehicles and charging infrastructures,” explains Thorsten Wechmann, Strategic Business Unit Manager at Zeller+Gmelin. “Thanks to their advanced properties, they reliably prevent overheating and improve both the performance and service life of electronic components.”

Efficient thermal management with Divinol Thermosure

The trade fair exhibits include the dielectric coolant Divinol Thermosure BCF 10, which ensures reliable heat dissipation thanks to a high thermal conductivity of 0.136 W/mK at 60 °C. The silicone-free Divinol Thermosure GF28-27 is presented for applications in battery systems and power electronics, which impresses with a high thermal conductivity of 2.8 W/mK and is particularly suitable for automated applications. Another highlight is the glycol-based coolant Divinol Thermosure FC 40, which was
specially developed for cooling PEM fuel cells. It is characterized by a low viscosity of 3 mm²/s at 40 °C and an electrical conductivity of 1.14 μS/cm at 50 °C.

Multicut cutting oils for non-ferrous metal processing

At the IZB, Zeller+Gmelin is also presenting Multicut products that have been specially developed for the requirements of non-ferrous metal processing. Particularly noteworthy are the label-free high-performance cutting oil Multicut FSE HSC 15 NF, which is particularly effective in demanding and precise machining in the décolletage, and the high-performance grinding oil Multicut Grind HP 10 NF for cylindrical and profile grinding.

“With Multicut we meet the growing demands of modern industry. Our cutting oils achieve excellent results, both with difficult-to-cut materials and with sensitive non-ferrous metal alloys such as beryllium copper,” explains Dr. Irene Kreitmeir, product manager at Zeller+Gmelin. She also emphasises that the Multicut NF products are particularly economical due to their reduced consumption: “Due to low oil mist formation and low evaporation loss, consumption drops significantly, which reduces both process costs and environmental impact.”

The portfolio shown at the trade fair also includes the versatile cutting oil Multicut Basic HP 15 Extra NF, which is suitable for the most difficult cutting tasks on steel and non-ferrous metals, as well as Multicut Plus 10 NF, a flexible all-round product for medium-heavy cutting work.

With a view to the Wolfsburg supplier exchange, Dr. Irene Kreitmeir: “All Multicut NF products are compatible with non-ferrous metals and offer decisive advantages for different applications in metal processing. We are glad to provide IZB trade visitors our advice in order to find the optimal solutions for their processes.”

Zubora: More power for the drive

The “Powertrain” division also focuses on the latest water-miscible high-performance cooling lubricants. Worth mentioning is the new, pictogram-free cooling lubricant Zubora TTS PF, which does not contain any critical ingredients and still offers maximum performance. Thorsten Wechmann explains: “This cooling lubricant combines optimal cutting performance with the important requirements for health, occupational and environmental protection. This offers users long-term economic benefits through lower storage and handling costs.”

At the IZB, the experts from Zeller+Gmelin would like to demonstrate how modern lubricant solutions can be optimally tailored to developments in powertrains. “The requirements for the drivetrain are evolving rapidly – both for electric drives and for conventional combustion engines. At Zeller+Gmelin, we therefore attach particular importance to offering holistic solutions that cover both the machining of individual engine components as well as their calibration and forming. With our broad product portfolio, we respond to this dynamic and offer tailor-made lubricants for every link in the drivetrain,” explains Mr. Wechmann. “The IZB offers us the ideal platform to present our latest innovations in the powertrain sector. We look forward to welcoming many trade visitors and presenting our tailor-made solutions to them.”

Cover image: Trade fair stand (Image source: Zeller+Gmelin)

Caption: Zeller+Gmelin at IZB 2024, Hall 1, Stand 1210: The focus this year is on powertrain and e-mobility

To read previous Supplier Fair posts click here.

Follow IFI on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post Zeller+Gmelin –  Innovation focus on e-mobility and powertrain appeared first on International Forest Industries.