Forestry

BATTLE CREEK, MICH — Opticom Tech, a leader in industrial video monitoring solutions, announced today a groundbreaking advancement in industrial camera technology. Opticom’s cameras now offer the unprecedented ability to deliver 10 simultaneous video streams from a single camera, setting a new industry standard.

Opticom Tech cameras can now pull 10 video streams from a single unit—a significant leap from the industry standard of three streams. This capability is a game-changer for industrial facilities, allowing multiple stakeholders—such as operators, managers, supervisors, and security personnel—to access real-time footage simultaneously without having to access the software. Each team member can monitor critical areas without any delay or interruption.

“We are incredibly proud to introduce this innovative feature that our customers have been asking for,” said Heidi Schmidt, Global Sales Manager at Opticom Tech. “Our new 10-stream capability not only enhances security and operational efficiency but also demonstrates our dedication to hearing feedback from customers and developing products based on their needs. This advancement will undoubtedly set a new benchmark in the industry.”

Opticom’s cameras are designed to meet the rigorous demands of industrial environments, providing reliable and high-quality surveillance. This new feature will be available across all Opticom camera models, ensuring that every customer can benefit from enhanced functionality and improved operational oversight.

For more information about Opticom’s new 10-stream capability and other advanced video monitoring solutions, click here.

About Opticom Tech

Founded in 1973, Opticom Tech provides integrated video monitoring solutions for industrial applications, including sawmills, mines, food processing facilities, and more. Built to withstand harsh environments, Opticom’s rugged cameras and equipment stand the test of time. For more information click here.

Main image: Opticom CC04 and MIB-5151SV4 cameras

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The construction of Metsä Group’s Kerto LVL mill in Äänekoski, Finland, has reached a significant milestone as the building has now attained its rooftop height. To mark this achievement, a traditional topping-out ceremony was held on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. The event was attended by key figures including Metsä Wood’s Executive Vice President Jaakko Anttila, Project Director Eero Lampola, and SRV’s Chief Executive Officer Saku Sipola, who all expressed their congratulations and appreciation for the project’s progress.

The construction work, which is progressing according to plan, is expected to be completed by autumn 2025, with production slated to begin in the second half of 2026. “The construction of the Kerto LVL mill in Äänekoski has progressed safely and in a high-quality manner according to plan. A construction project of this magnitude requires excellence and seamless cooperation between different parties, and I would like to thank every partner involved in the project, which has made the project progress to this point,” stated Jaakko Anttila.

SRV’s CEO, Saku Sipola, also emphasized the success of the cooperative project management contract, which has facilitated the creation of mill premises that align with Metsä Group’s modern production processes. He noted, “Metsä Group is a pioneer in the industry’s transition to collaborative project formats for its construction investments. The lessons learned from this project will also be fully utilized in the development phase of Metsä Group’s new 20,000 square metre fibre products mill planned for the Rauma mill site.”

Project Details and Progress

The Kerto LVL mill, spanning an area of five hectares, is a large-scale construction project, with the building measuring 400 meters in length and 150 meters in width. As of now, the construction is approximately halfway completed, with ongoing work inside the building. The structure is divided into six sections, allowing the work to progress in stages. Land construction will continue almost until the project’s completion.

Currently, the construction site is operating at full capacity, with around 200 workers on-site. Over the course of the project, up to 1,000 workers will be involved, with about half of them hailing from Central Finland.

Once completed, the new mill will have an annual production capacity of approximately 160,000 cubic meters of Kerto LVL, significantly increasing Metsä Group’s Kerto LVL capacity by about 50 percent. Kerto LVL, made from wood veneers, is a high-value building material known for its strength and efficiency. Its versatility makes it ideal for various construction applications, including elements and modular construction, while also contributing to carbon storage throughout its lifecycle.

This milestone represents a major step forward in Metsä Group’s ongoing commitment to expanding its sustainable construction materials production, reinforcing the company’s position as a leader in the wood products industry.

To read previous Metsä Group posts click here.

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International technology group ANDRITZ has successfully commenced operations at a new pulp mill for Brazilian pulp producer Suzano in Ribas do Rio Pardo, Mato Grosso do Sul. Once fully operational, this facility will be the world’s largest single-line eucalyptus pulp mill, boasting an annual production capacity of 2.55 million tons.

Remarkably, the mill will operate without fossil fuels, utilizing 100% planted trees as raw material. It will be energy self-sufficient, generating surplus green power for local suppliers and the national grid.

“This new pulp mill will increase our production capacity while significantly reducing our environmental impact, supporting our financial and environmental goals. The cutting-edge technologies applied are in line with our commitment to sustainability and innovation. Trust and reliability are essential in a project like this, and we found both in our partnership with ANDRITZ,” stated Maurício Miranda, Director of Engineering at Suzano and responsible for the construction of the mill.

ANDRITZ provided a highly resource-efficient pulp mill featuring advanced technologies for fiber production and chemical recovery on an EPCC basis (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Civil Works). The supply included a comprehensive wood processing plant with five chipping lines, the world’s largest single-line fiberline (capacity over 8,000 adt/d) with unique washing and bleaching technology based on DD-Washers, an innovative pulp drying system with two energy-efficient drying lines, an energy-efficient black liquor evaporation plant, a HERB recovery boiler to maximize steam production for power generation, a biomass power boiler utilizing ANDRITZ EcoFluid Bubbling Fluidized Bed (BFB) technology, and a complete white liquor plant with recausticizing plant and two lime kilns.

To further enhance the mill’s environmental performance, ANDRITZ is also providing gasification plants for fossil-free operation of the lime kilns and a SulfoLoop sulfuric acid plant to produce commercial-grade sulfuric acid from the mill’s concentrated odorous gases and elemental sulfur. This innovation will recycle sulfur from waste streams, making the mill completely self-sufficient in sulfuric acid.

“We are honored that Suzano has chosen us as their EPCC partner for the implementation of this flagship project, using our most advanced technologies for efficiency and circularity,” said ANDRITZ Executive Board Member Jarno Nymark.

Photo: Suzano’s new pulp mill in Ribas do Rio Pardo, supplied by ANDRITZ. © ANDRITZ

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Johanna Lindén will assume the role of CFO at the wood industry company Setra on 16 September. She has extensive experience in the wood industry and most recently held the position of CFO, Strategy and IT Manager at Södra Wood.

“I am very much looking forward to working with Johanna and warmly welcome her to Setra. With her drive and industry knowledge, she will be a strong addition to our executive management team and contribute to Setra’s development and the ongoing improvement work in the company,” says Setra’s CEO Marcus Westdahl.

Johanna Lindén has previously worked as Head of Business Development at Derome Husproduktion, Chief Financial Officer at Derome Timber, and held several managerial positions at Ringhals Nuclear Power Plant. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Bentley University.

“During my years in the sawmill industry, I have always seen Setra as a stable and solid company. The investment and development journey that Setra is now undergoing to improve its position in the industry is exciting and proactive, and it is something I really want to contribute to,” says Johanna Lindén.

At Setra, we believe in “Grönsamhet”. When a business is profitable for everyone, we call it Grönsamhet – Green profit. Setra is one of Sweden’s largest wood industry companies. We process raw material from responsibly managed forests into climate-friendly products such as glulam, planed products, components, CLT and sawn wood products. We also sell bioproducts such as bark, chips and sawdust to customers in the paper and pulp industry, and for energy production. Our customers are located all over the world. Find out more at setragroup.com

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Timo Savornin has been appointed as Ponsse Area Marketing and Communications Manager, Europe & North America and member of the Ponsse global dealer development team as of 5 August 2024. In his role Timo is responsible for the marketing activities in Europe & North America, managing marketing and customer and dealer communications as well as working for global dealer development.

Timo has 15 years of experience as Area Manager, North America and Sales & Marketing Director for several harvester head manufacturers, most recently at Nisula Forest. He has also worked as harvester and forwarder operator in Finland and France. Timo has a degree in Forestry Engineering and Forest machine operator.

Timo Savornin will be located in Finland, and he will report to Jussi Hentunen, Area VP of Asia and Sales Excellence Team Lead.

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Canfor Corporation has successfully completed the acquisition of a lumber manufacturing facility in Union County, Arkansas, from Arkansas Resolute El Dorado Inc.

This strategic move, initially announced on May 1, 2024, aims to enhance Canfor’s regional operations by integrating the newly acquired facility, now renamed the Iron Mountain sawmill, with its existing El Dorado Laminating Plant and nearby Urbana sawmill.

The acquisition is expected to foster operational synergies and provide vertical integration opportunities with Canfor’s two glulam plants. This expansion will also bolster the company’s capacity to serve customers and markets in the US South more effectively.

Lee Goodloe, President of Canfor Southern Pine, emphasized the strategic nature of this acquisition, highlighting its potential to expand the company’s manufacturing capabilities within Arkansas’ high-quality wood basket. Goodloe also expressed enthusiasm for the investment and expansion plans for the mill, which are poised to offer a more comprehensive product range to customers.

In welcoming the new Iron Mountain employees, Goodloe underscored Canfor’s commitment to local engagement and strengthening relationships with the El Dorado community, as well as with Iron Mountain’s partners, suppliers, and customers.

Canfor Corporation

Canfor Corporation, headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, is a global leader in manufacturing high-value, low-carbon forest products. The company’s diverse portfolio includes dimension and specialty lumber, engineered wood products, pulp and paper, wood pellets, and green energy. Canfor operates over 50 facilities across Canada, the United States, and Europe, and holds significant stakes in Vida AB and Canfor Pulp Products Inc.

To read other Canfor related posts click here.

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The Canadian and Ontario governments have announced a joint investment of more than $61 million to significantly expand tree-planting efforts across Ontario’s Crown forestland through 2026.

This initiative, unveiled by Marc G. Serré, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and Ontario’s Associate Minister of Natural Resources, Nolan Quinn, aims to enhance forest ecosystems, address climate change, and promote biodiversity.

The program, which forms part of Canada’s 2 Billion Trees initiative, will see both governments contribute equally to silvicultural activities, including site preparation and tree planting. These efforts will focus on areas with minimal or no tree cover, particularly regions impacted by forest fires. The initiative is expected to result in the planting of approximately 60 million trees, depending on the availability of suitable Crown forestland and the specific projects identified by Ontario’s forest managers.

This tree-planting drive is designed to complement existing reforestation activities following commercial harvesting and is part of a broader approach to nature-based climate solutions. Trees play a crucial role in capturing carbon, regulating urban temperatures, reducing wildfire risks, and enhancing public health by creating green spaces. By carefully selecting the right species and planting them in optimal locations, the program aims to create resilient forests that will benefit communities and ecosystems for generations to come.

In addition to environmental benefits, the initiative is expected to generate sustainable jobs and support Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy. The collaboration between federal and provincial governments underscores a shared commitment to achieving climate and biodiversity goals, ensuring that the long-term health of Canada’s forests is maintained.

Since 2021, the Government of Canada has engaged with various organizations to plant trees over a ten-year period, with the goal of planting two billion trees. This partnership with Ontario marks a significant step in fulfilling that commitment, with further agreements being finalized with other provinces and territories to expand tree-planting efforts nationwide​.

Quick facts

• Since 2021, the Government of Canada has been engaging directly with individual organizations across the country to plant trees over 10 years to help meet the Government of Canada’s commitment to planting two billion trees. Working closely with territories and provinces on shared planting plans is vital to support local communities and enable further tree planting as they manage 90 percent of Canada’s forested land. With this agreement, Canada and Ontario are leveraging their shared commitment to delivering social and environmental benefits for communities through tree planting.
• Work is well underway on finalizing additional agreements with provinces and territories to plant more trees across Canada.
• The 2 Billion Trees program collaborates with partners to understand their plans for preparing sites, how they are selecting species and how they plan to monitor after planting. Partners report every year, and the program conducts site visits and will be using remote sensing to monitor the progress and the health of the trees. By ensuring the initial job is done well, nature can then thrive, maintaining the long-term health of forested sites.

Image: Parliamentary Secretary Marc G. Serré announces a joint investment of more than $61 million to launch a new tree-planting program for Crown-owned forest lands in Ontario / Natural Resources Canada

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After a major fire damaged several pieces of equipment at Evergreen Forest in New Meadows, ID, USNR is building new machines to get the mill running at full capacity again.

The initiative will take place over the course of several phases, some of which have already been completed. Evergreen has already received new edger scanning and optimization systems and a pony carriage with controls.

Later this year, they’ll receive a new headrig carriage. They’re also slated to receive a new trimmer with MillExpert optimization and Bioluma 4900LV scanners.

Along with the new equipment, USNR is committed to helping Evergreen Forest bounce back with additional upgrades, training, and 24/7 support to tackle any issues that may arise.

USNR is proud to work with Evergreen on this undertaking to get production running even better than before.

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In the May Business Cycle Barometer of the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK, the business outlook for the sawmill industry and sales price expectations are in steep decline, and the order backlog compared to normal is well below zero, writes Tino Aalto, CEO of the Finnish Sawmill Industries Federation.

Companies in the sawmill industry have invested exceptionally much in their operations in recent years. Global demand for wood products will increase in the long term. The investments will enable sawmills to be technically competitive as the situation in export markets improves.

Unfortunately, the sawmill industry is currently going through exceptionally difficult times. According to many public estimates, this year will be bad and dark clouds are rapidly gathering on the horizon of next year’s export markets.

At the beginning of the year, it looked as if the market situation would improve and interest rate cuts would be made rapidly. It turned out differently.
In addition, the functioning of the market is challenged by many uncertainties, such as the prolonged crisis in the Red Sea, which disrupts logistics flows.

The Natural Resources Institute Finland also recently drew attention to the difficult situation. According to the report, the demand outlook for 2024 is subdued in the sawmill industry. The recovery in construction in both Europe and the United States is expected to begin only with a delay after the central banks’ key interest rate cuts.

In the May Business Cycle Barometer of the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK, the business outlook for the sawmill industry and sales price expectations are in steep decline, and the order backlog compared to normal is well below zero.

The production volume of sawn timber has been falling despite dozens of investments. In 2021, the sawn timber production volume was 11.9 million cubic metres, in 2022 11.2 million cubic metres and in 2023 10.4 million cubic metres.

Between January and April, the production volume has already decreased by seven per cent compared to the previous year.

At the same time as production volumes have fallen, the prices of raw materials, i.e. logs, and end products have taken on a life of their own. The price of logs has risen significantly more than the price of the end product, i.e. sawn timber, even though the use of logs has fallen by more than four million cubic metres since the record year 2021.

The index comparison of log and sawn timber prices, where 2010 is expressed by 100, shows that the index number for pine logs is 152 and for pine sawn timber the index number is 108. For spruce, the corresponding figures are 156 for logs and 123 for sawn timber.

The ratio between log and sawn timber prices has grown higher than in more than 15 years. In other words, from the point of view of the competitiveness of enterprises in the sawmill industry, the situation is extremely difficult.

The rise in the price of logs is due to something other than the market situation in the sawmill industry.

The chemical forest industry has a great need for wood.

The most significant change in the timber market in recent years has been the collapse in the amount of imported wood following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As recently as 2021, nearly 10 million cubic metres of wood were imported from Russia, mainly birch fibre and wood chips for the pulp industry.

The wood market has also been disrupted by the faster-than-expected phasing-out of peat and the resulting increased demand for wood in energy use. Significant amounts of logs are also directed to the pulp boiler instead of being processed into wood products with a long cycle time.

From the perspective of the future of the timber market, one interesting issue to monitor is the timber market study to be launched this year, which will be led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. In the study, it is important to review the functionality and competitiveness of the Finnish timber market.

In addition to an independent investigator, it is good that the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority is involved in the work, as it has strong expertise in investigating whether practices in the timber market, for example, are sound from the point of view of competition law.

The sawmill industry uses one-third of the timber but is responsible for two-thirds of the base income. Finnish forestry needs a vibrant sawmill industry to run.

Tino Aalto
CEO
Finnish Sawmill Industries Federation

This article was originally published in Maaseudun Future 17.6.2024

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Jartek, a leading supplier of wood processing technology, will be participating in the Klagenfurt Fair in Austria from August 28 to August 31, 2024 IWF2024 Klagenfurt. Representing Jartek at the event will be our experts Kari Puustinen, Kalle Laurikainen, and Harri Puolanne, who will showcase the company’s latest innovations in Nordic sawmill technology and wood heat treatment.

“The fair provides an excellent opportunity to present our products to an international audience,” says Kari Puustinen. We are thrilled about the opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences and to connect with fellow industry professionals.

At Jartek’s booth, visitors can learn about ThermoWood® technology, which enables sustainable and environmentally friendly heat treatment of wood. “This technology enhances the durability, appearance, and lifespan of wood, making it an ideal material for various applications,” explains Harri Puolanne.

“The Klagenfurt Fair is a significant event for us as it offers the chance to meet new customers and strengthen relationships with existing partners,” adds Kalle Laurikainen.

The fair will be held at the Klagenfurt Exhibition Centre and will be open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Visit us at booth B 02 and explore Jartek’s solutions. We welcome you to engage in discussions with our experts!

JARTEK PRÄSENTIERT AN DER KLAGENFURTER MESSE NORDISCHE SÄGEWERKTECHNOLOGIE UND THERMOWOOD®-INNOVATIONEN

Jartek, ein führender Anbieter von Holzverarbeitungstechnologie, wird vom 28. bis 31. August 2024 an der Internationalen Holzmesse Messe in Österreich (IWF2024 Klagenfurt) teilnehmen. Jartek wird bei der Veranstaltung von unseren Experten Kari Puustinen, Kalle Laurikainen und Harri Puolanne vertreten, die die neuesten Innovationen des Unternehmens in der nordischen Sägewerkstechnologie und Holzwärmebehandlung vorstellen werden.

„Die Messe bietet eine hervorragende Gelegenheit, unsere Produkte einem internationalen Publikum zu präsentieren“, sagt Kari Puustinen. „Wir freuen uns sehr über die Gelegenheit, Wissen und Erfahrungen auszutauschen und mit Branchenkollegen in Kontakt zu treten. “

Am Jartek-Stand können sich Besucher über die ThermoWood®-Technologie informieren, die eine nachhaltige und umweltfreundliche Wärmebehandlung von Holz ermöglicht. „Diese Technologie verbessert die Haltbarkeit, das Aussehen und die Lebensdauer von Holz und macht es zu einem idealen Material für verschiedene Anwendungen“, erklärt Harri Puolanne.

„Die Klagenfurter Messe ist für uns ein bedeutendes Ereignis, da sie die Möglichkeit bietet, neue Kunden kennenzulernen und Beziehungen zu bestehenden Partnern zu stärken“, fügt Kalle Laurikainen hinzu.

Die Messe findet im Messegelände Klagenfurt statt und ist täglich von 9.00 bis 17.00 Uhr geöffnet. Besuchen Sie uns am Stand B 02 und entdecken Sie die Lösungen von Jartek. Wir laden Sie herzlich ein, mit unseren Experten ins Gespräch zu kommen!

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Jartek participates in the IWF 2024 trade show in Atlanta August 6-9, 2024, at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Representing Jartek at this international event will be industry experts Timo Tetri and Harri Puolanne, who are available at our Booth A10240 to share their expertise and experience with visitors.

Our primary focus at the exhibition will be our advanced thermal treatment plant, based on ThermoWood® technology, designed to enhance wood durability and quality. Join us to discover how Jartek’s leading-edge technology can expand the range of products offered by your company.

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From Europe and the US to South America. Discover our innovative solutions that span from logyard to secondary processing. Contact our team in advance to arrange a comprehensive consultation at a trade fair near you and learn how our cutting-edge technology can provide you the most economical & sustainable wood utilization.

Holzmesse – Klagenfurt (AT), 28-31 August

The International Wood Fair is Austria’s top wood industry trade event.

Visit MiCROTEC at booth C03 for a live demo of the Logeye Stereo, a transverse stereoscopic real-shape scanner for logs, and get details on the Goldeneye Transverse. Meet from our Sales Team for comprehensive consultations on the entire MiCROTEC product portfolio.

Trä & Teknik in Gothenburg  3-6 September

MiCROTEC will take part the Wood Products & Technology trade fair Trä & Teknik in Gothenburg, Sweden! Discover the Finscan 900 and Logeye at our booth, featuring live demos. Experience the future of lumber optimization and log fingerprint technology firsthand!

Drema fair in Poznan

Drema – Poznan (PL), 10-13 September

At the 40th anniversary of the Drema fair in Poznan, Poland we will present our log solutions. Come by in hall 6 booth 27 to learn more about the Logeye, our multi-sensor real shape and quality scanner for logs and experience a live demo of the revolutionary transverse stereoscopic real-shape scanner for logs, Logeye Stereo.

Lignum Latin America – Curitiba (BR), 17-19 September

Lignum Latin America is the Brazilian event for solid wood where we will be in present together with our partners. Come visit us at booth G1 to learn more about our strength grading solution and meet our team.

Portland Expo – Portland (USA), 25-27 September

MiCROTEC will be exhibiting at the Timber Processing & Energy Expo in Portland, Oregon. Visit us at Booth 409 for live demonstrations of the Logeye Stereo stereoscopic log scanner and the quality control tool QC Assist. Experience a simulation of the CT Log, a unique log scanner that provides complete reconstruction of internal features and grading using CT technology, and learn more about MiCROTEC’s scanning solutions from the experts on the MiCROTEC team.

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