International Forest Industries

Södra’s sawmill in Värö is the first in the industry to adopt a new, enhanced scanning solution that enables strength grading of timber with even greater precision. This investment allows Södra to make better use of each tree and strengthen its competitiveness in the market.

The new technology, Goldeneye Transverse SE from MiCROTEC, offers four-sided scanning at record speeds of up to 240 boards per minute and performs strength grading in accordance with EN 14081. The system includes MiCROTEC’s patented Reduced Shadow Chain Conveyor, which minimizes shadowed areas in the image data. Södra is the first to use this solution for certified strength grading.

This investment is part of Södra’s long-term commitment to innovation, digitalization and sustainable development in the wood industry.

“This investment is at the absolute forefront of scanning equipment for sawn and planed wood products. It will increase our efficiency with improved quality assurance, enabling us to produce competitive products for the market,” says Kerstin Jonasson, Sawmill Manager at Södra Wood Värö.

AI-powered scanning improves sorting and reduces waste in production

Goldeneye Transverse SE is known for its precision and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for Södra. With this technology, Södra can accurately scan and analyze more product characteristics using an AI solution. The pith detection function enables classification according to ALS/NGR standards without the need for additional equipment such as end cut or end camera.

AI is also used to reconstruct parts of board images that are obscured by conveyor chains using an inpainting function. Combined with Microtec’s Reduced Shadow Chain Conveyor, this enables gap-free scanning without the need for extra hardware. By combining advanced image analysis with AI technology, Södra strengthens its ability to use raw materials more resource-efficiently – with less waste and higher quality in the final product.

“The new technology offers major benefits for the work environment in terms of dust and noise, as we can eliminate an additional end cut in the sorting line. We look forward to a long-term value-creating partnership with Microtec. Goldeneye Transverse will give us better quality outcomes and more quality-assured sorting,” concludes Kerstin Jonasson.

The project is being carried out in collaboration with L.O.A.B and installation is scheduled to be completed before the end of 2025.

To read previous Södra related posts click here.

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Franklin Rock & Recycle

Bandit Industries has announced a new partnership with Franklin Rock & Recycle, appointing the company as an authorized industrial dealer in Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.

Franklin Rock & Recycle will now represent Bandit’s full line of industrial equipment, including whole tree chippers, horizontal grinders and slowspeed shredders.

As a trusted name in the recycling and aggregate equipment industry, Franklin Rock & Recycle brings  extensive experience, regional knowledge and a commitment to customer service that aligns with Bandit’s values. Through this partnership, customers across the tri-state region will have increased access to Bandit’s high-performance equipment, along with comprehensive parts, sales and service support.

“This dealer agreement strengthens our support network in a key region,” said Craig Davis, CEO of Bandit Industries. “Franklin Rock & Recycle has built a reputation for quality and reliability, and we’re excited to welcome them into the Bandit dealer family.”

Franklin Rock and Recycle is located at 703 E. Ingram Rd. Springville, IN 47462.

For more information, call 812/824-4100 or visit www.franklinrockrecycle.com www.banditchippers.com

Lano Equipment Expanding Coverage Across Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota

Bandit Industries recently announced a new partnership with Lano Equipment, a trusted name in heavy equipment solutions across the Midwest.  This strategic collaboration expands Bandit’s dealer network and enhances product availability and service for customers in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

Equipment will now offer Bandit’s full line of Industrial Equipment, including whole tree chippers, horizontal grinders, and slow speed shredders.

With decades of industry experience and a strong commitment to customer support, Lano Equipment is well-positioned to represent the Bandit brand and provides top-tier equipment solutions for land clearing, recycling, and forestry professionals across the region.

“Lano Equipment is a strong addition to our dealer network, and we’re confident their team will deliver the outstanding sales, service and support Bandit customers expect,” Craig Davis, Bandit CEO. “Their long-standing reputation for excellence in sales, service, and support makes them an ideal partner as we continue to grow our footprint in the Midwest.”

Equipment operates multiple locations in Minnesota and is expanding its reach to support customers throughout the Dakotas. Their knowledgeable team will provide sales, parts, and service support for Bandit’s powerful and reliable equipment.

For more information about Lano Equipment, call visit www.lanoequip.com

To find your nearest Bandit dealer, visit www.banditchippers.com/dealers

To read previous Bandit related posts click here.

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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.

To read previous Comact related posts click here.

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