News

Tigercat Industries recently announce that Cuoq Forest Diffusion (CFD) based in Saint Pal de Mons is now representing the TCi equipment brand at the national level in France. Previous TCi dealer for France, Clohse Group, will continue to service the Benelux region and northwestern Germany.

Founder and CEO, Jean-Marie Cuoq has been involved in the French forest sector as a forester and contractor since 1984 and has used mechanized equipment in his harvesting operations since 1990. In 2005 Jean-Marie started an equipment repair business. In 2016 he expanded into equipment sales, naming the new entity Cuoq Forest Diffusion. CFD has developed strong service capabilities and a focus on parts support and availability.

“I am grateful for the trust that Tigercat Industries has placed in me and my team,” says Jean-Marie. “We are ready to work diligently, promoting the TCi brand and establishing a strong presence throughout France.”

COO, Philippe Wion adds, “This partnership marks an important step for Cuoq Forest Diffusion. Tigercat Industries is renowned for its robust and high quality forestry equipment. To be entrusted with such a renowned brand is of course a great satisfaction. The arrival of TCi products is consistent with our strategy of representing only premium quality brands.”

Matt Roberts, Tigercat Industries sales manager for Europe comments, “We are excited to work with such an exceptional organization as Cuoq Forest Diffusion to grow our population of TCi products in France. We are confident in the team’s abilities to support the forestry professionals of France. We look forward to a long and successful collaboration.”

Photo: The Cuoq Forest Diffusion team. (L-R) Adrien Leaute, Matthieu Rivière, Charlotte Ribeyron, Jean-Marie Cuoq, Bertrand Defarges, Florian Debard, Philippe Wion, Laure Rivière, Damien Portail.

To read other Tigercat related posts click here.

Follow IFI on Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post New TCi Dealer in France appeared first on International Forest Industries.

For a long-standing customer Moelven Edanesågen AB from Sweden, part of the Norwegian-Swedish Moelven Group, which produces wood elements and systems for the construction sector, Ledinek will manufacture and deliver a new planer line for exterior elements. As part of a major investment at the Edane site in Sweden, a new production line for planing and sorting will also be built.

They were chosen as a strategic partner in this project because of their ability to provide all key equipment from their own production along with the entire design, implementation and optimization process. The new line will replace the two older lines at this site and will take over the production programme of the adjacent site. The products from this line will go to the Norwegian and Swedish markets.

Ledinek has been manufacturing some of the fastest planing machines for 25 years. The new generation of machines, called Stratoplan, allows four-sided planing and profiling of boards up to 300 mm wide. The new fourth generation Stratoplan, introduced this year, offers even greater profiling capacity for larger cross-sections of external profile elements.

High automation and integration and a new higher capacity machine will increase the productivity of the new line. The centrepiece of the line is the Stratoplan, with a machining speed of up to 400 m/min. The 10 spindles, combined with the integrated tool measuring and positioning system, allow short set-up times and rapid flexibility of the entire line. To improve efficiency in smaller cross-sections, the Splitcut machine, which allows horizontal cutting of workpieces into thinner boards, further increases the capacity of the line.

Due to the high processing capacity of up to two boards per second, the entire line is optimized for automatic operation, including the evaluation and sorting processes. Additional processing by profiling the ends of the boards will increase the value of the products. Stacked packages will be automatically bundled and protected.

This new line will allow faster flexibility and greater capacity for a variety of products, enabling the customer to produce high volumes of products at lower cost. The planned line will be the most powerful production line for this type of product once it is operational.

To read other Ledinek related posts click here.

Follow IFI on Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post Ledinek to deliver a new generation planer line to Moelven Edanesågen AB, Sweden appeared first on International Forest Industries.

Demand for an eight-wheeled harvester for final logging has been great, and finally it is here, in the shape of the new Komatsu 951XC. A machine that combines tried and tested innovations with new solutions. Joakim Johansson, Product Manager Harvesters at Komatsu Forest, reveals more about the ideas behind the new eight-wheeler.

The Komatsu 951XC is a final logging specialist and the third addition to Komatsu’s eight wheeled harvester range.

“We now have a complete range of eight wheeled machines specially designed for demanding conditions,” says Joakim Johansson, Product Manager Harvesters at Komatsu Forest.

Compact yet strong

Demand for an eight-wheeled harvester for final logging has been great, and the idea of an eight-wheeled 951 has been around for some time. The challenge was to design a machine for harvesting large trees without making it too cumbersome.

“What’s special about the 951XC is that it combines the strength of a 951 with an extremely compact design. It actually has about the same dimensions as a 931XC and so can even be used in denser stands,” Joakim explains.

The Komatsu 951XC is optimized for use with the Komatsu C164 – a harvester head specially designed for logging large trees.

“However, naturally, it works just as well with our highly popular C144 head. This makes it a versatile machine with the capacity to harvest extremely large trees,” says Joakim.

Low ground pressure and great stability

Thanks to the eight-wheel design, the 951XC delivers lower ground pressure, meaning less impact on the forest floor. It is mainly intended for final logging in hilly terrain and on soft ground. Another important factor when working in steep terrain is stability. The Komatsu 951XC has a number of features that make it one of the most stable harvesters on the market. In addition to the tried-and-tested Komatsu concept, the eight-wheeled XC series harvesters have a bogie on the rear frame with two suspension systems – comprised of the swinging rear axle and a bogie – giving the machines completely unique handling characteristics.

“Our bogie with twin suspension systems is an innovation of which we’re extremely proud. As well as increasing stability by lowering the machine’s centre of gravity, the machine follows irregularities in the terrain in a forgiving manner while delivering excellent manoeverability in challenging terrain conditions,” Joakim explains.

A workplace to long for

The cab is one of the most important parts of a machine – after all, this is where you spend your working day as an operator. Just like all Komatsu harvesters, the 951XC has a comfort- able operator environment with a spacious cab, excellent visibility, and a pleasant cab climate. Thanks to the machine’s stability and leveling cab, the operator is always seated level without the need to stretch and strain to maintain a good seating position.

“A relaxed operator can keep their energy level up as well as maintain their focus and a high production rate for longer. And if you choose the Smart Crane option, you get an even more easily manoeuvred crane that delivers amazing precision,” Joakim comments.

Based on tried-and-tested solutions

In the development of the Komatsu 951XC, the engineers at Komatsu Forest have been able to turn to innovative, tried-and-tested solutions devised in the development of previous models. Over the years, these have been refined by means of continual improvement. One example is the parallel crane, which thanks to its clever design is fast in its outward movements, when the head is unloaded, and powerful in its return movements, when the head is heavily loaded. Another example is the levelling function for the cab and crane that makes the machine a strong performer even on inclines, which is, of course, especially advantageous when harvesting in hilly terrain.

“There are many good examples of innovations that have stood the test of time. My favourite probably remains the Komatsu concept, a feature that came about back in 1984 and means that even today we still have some of the most stable machines on the market,” Joakim ends.

To read other Komatsu related posts click here.

Follow IFI on Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post The ideas behind the new Komatsu 951XC appeared first on International Forest Industries.

Ponsse Plc has completed an asset item transaction related to its business activities in Oregon. On 7 August 2023, Ponsse announced that it has signed a deed of sale, in which it undertook to sell its maintenance service operations in Coburg, Oregon, in the US to PacWest Machinery (hereinafter referred to as “PacWest”).

The transaction included the service centre in Coburg and its machine and spare parts stocks owned by Ponsse North America, Inc, Ponsse’s subsidiary in the US. At the same time, Ponsse North America Inc. signed a retail agreement with PacWest.

The conditions set for completing the transaction have been met, and the transaction was September 1st. PacWest will be responsible for the sale and maintenance of PONSSE forest machines in the states of Oregon, Washington and Idaho on the West Coast of the United States.  Ponsse North America Inc. continues to provide PONSSE sales and service in the other states together with its other retailers Chadwick-BaRoss Inc and Kleis Equipmentin LLC. Ponsse ensures the positive continuation of local business activities in close cooperation with PacWest employees and regional customers.

The transaction price was not made public by the parties’ mutual agreement, and the price has no impact on the measurement of Ponsse’s value.

Ponsse Plc specialises in the sale, production, maintenance and technology of cut-to-length method forest machines, and is driven by a genuine interest in its customers and their business operations. Ponsse develops and manufactures sustainable and innovative harvesting solutions based on customer needs.

The company was established by forest machine entrepreneur Einari Vidgrén in 1970 and has been a leader in timber harvesting solutions based on the cut-to-length method ever since. Ponsse is headquartered in Vieremä, Finland. The company’s shares are quoted on the NASDAQ OMX Nordic List.

To read other Ponsse posts click here.

Follow IFI on Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post PONSSE services in Oregon transferred to PacWest Machinery appeared first on International Forest Industries.

Metsä Group plans to boost biodiversity on its land areas in Kemi. Covering more than 650 hectares, the designated site encompasses Metsä Group’s mill area and other areas in the Kemi urban environment. Metsä Group’s operations in Kemi include a bioproduct mill, currently under construction, and a paperboard mill. The company aims to increase regional biodiversity at all its mill locations across Europe, which number more than 20.

The goal is to modify land use on the Metsä Group Kemi site to improve the state of nature in the industrial environment. The special features of local nature will be taken into account in the project, and the living conditions of endangered species will be improved. Biodiversity in the area will be increased experimentally and by adopting new operating methods.

For example, more than 12 hectares of meadows and sunlit habitats will be added to the Kemi mill area. Only local vegetation will be used in establishing open habitats, and these habitats will be made suitable for endangered species. Various other approaches to increasing the biodiversity of industrial environments will also be tested on the mill site.

The biodiversity plans will also extend outside the mill site to land areas owned by Metsä Group that belong to the Kemi built environment. Residents use these areas for recreational purposes. New ways to increase biodiversity are being developed collaboratively with the town of Kemi.

“Improving the state of nature is one of the goals of Metsä Group’s regenerative forestry approach, and the Kemi pilot project will expand its scope from the forest to the mill area and urban environments. Their biodiversity can also be improved if you have the will and competence and if things are done together. This could be a course adopted industry-wide,” says Ilkka Hämälä, Metsä Group’s President and CEO.

Metsä Group’s collaborative network will grow as the project progresses. One of the key partners is the Villi Vyöhyke association, a leading expert in the biodiversity of the built environment.

“Metsä Group is showing courage, as well as an impressive and high ambition in protecting biodiversity in Kemi. The scope of the new nature targets is exceptionally wide and varied, encompassing the built environment as part of regenerative land use. Metsä Group is a big operator, which gives our actions greater leverage for a wider cultural change towards the international mainstream of biodiversity protection,” says Jere Nieminen, Chair of Villi Vyöhyke.

“Metsä Group’s initiative is important for the town of Kemi. Together, we can develop and strengthen the pioneering role that the Sea Lapland region plays in protecting our nature. The coexistence of industry and nature benefits all of us,” says Matti Ruotsalainen, Mayor of Kemi.

The Kemi pilot project is now underway. The various measures concerning other Metsä Group mills will be carried out gradually over the next few years, using the operating models developed in Kemi.

Metsä Group intends to make the mill areas’ biodiversity plans part of the environmental reporting of mills.  In the next few years, the company also plans to collaborate with its stakeholders to develop the plans for the built environment into internationally approved criteria and standards.

To read other Metsä Group posts click here.

Follow IFI on Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post Metsä Group to draw up biodiversity plans for its mill areas – Kemi the first in line appeared first on International Forest Industries.

Jair Candor combs the forest for Indigenous people who want no contact with outsiders. The goal: to prove they exist so their land can be legally protected.

Pakyi y Tamandua son los últimos miembros aislados conocidos del pueblo piripkura. Ellos plantean un desafío complicado para Brasil: ¿quién tiene derecho a la selva?

Pakyi and Tamandua are the final known isolated members of the Piripkura people. They are posing a tricky challenge for Brazil.

How much money is needed to save the rainforests?

Estimating the exact amount of money needed to save the rainforests is challenging due to the complex and diverse nature of rainforest conservation efforts across different regions. The costs involved can vary significantly based on factors such as the size of the rainforest area, the level of deforestation and degradation, the implementation of conservation strategies, and the involvement of local communities.

However, it is widely recognized that significant financial investments are required to effectively address the threats facing rainforests and implement conservation measures. Some of the key areas that require financial support include:

Forest Protection and Law Enforcement: Adequate funding is needed to strengthen law enforcement efforts against illegal logging, land encroachment, and other activities leading to deforestation. This includes supporting ranger programs, surveillance technologies, and the implementation of stricter regulations.

Sustainable Livelihoods and Community Engagement: Engaging local and indigenous communities and providing sustainable livelihood alternatives are critical for effective rainforest conservation. Supporting community-led initiatives, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and providing economic incentives for forest conservation can help reduce pressure on rainforest resources.

Research and Monitoring: Investing in scientific research and monitoring programs is essential to understand the dynamics of rainforest ecosystems, assess the impacts of human activities, and develop evidencebased conservation strategies. This includes funding for biodiversity surveys, ecosystem monitoring, and technological advancements in remote sensing and data analysis.

Restoration and Reforestation: Restoring degraded rainforest areas through reforestation and restoration projects requires significant financial resources. This includes efforts to plant native tree species, restore wildlife habitats, and rehabilitate degraded land.

International Cooperation and Funding Mechanisms: Global initiatives, partnerships, and funding mechanisms are crucial for supporting rainforest conservation efforts. International organizations, governments, and philanthropic institutions play a vital role in providing financial assistance and coordinating efforts across countries and regions.

While an exact figure is difficult to determine, a study published in the journal Science Advances in 2018 estimated that an annual investment of around $35 billion could be needed to halt deforestation in tropical regions worldwide. However, it’s important to note that this estimate includes broader tropical forests beyond just rainforests.

Ultimately, the financial resources required to save the rainforests depend on various factors and the scale of conservation efforts undertaken. Continued support and increased funding commitments from governments, private sector entities, and international organizations are crucial for achieving long-term rainforest conservation goals.

Also visit:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/12-billion-donor-support-tohalt-and-reverse-forestloss-and-protect-land-rights

Illegal cattle farming in the Brazilian Amazon

Illegal cattle farming has been a significant issue in the Brazilian Amazon for many years. The expansion of cattle ranching has been a leading cause of deforestation and environmental degradation in the region. While not all cattle farming in the Amazon is illegal, there are illegal practices associated with the industry that contribute to deforestation and other environmental problems.

Here are some key points about illegal cattle farming in the Brazilian Amazon: Deforestation: The expansion of cattle ranching has been a major driver of deforestation in the Amazon. Forests are often cleared illegally to make way for pastureland for cattle. This not only leads to the loss of valuable ecosystems but also contributes to climate change by releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Land Grabbing: Illegal land grabbing is a common practice associated with cattle farming in the Amazon. People encroach upon protected areas, indigenous lands, or public lands, illegally claiming ownership and converting them into cattle ranches. This further exacerbates deforestation and undermines the rights of indigenous communities.

Violation of Environmental Laws: Illegal cattle ranching often involves the violation of environmental laws and regulations. These include clearing forests without proper permits, operating in protected areas, and using illegal means to obtain land titles.

Supply Chain Issues: The beef produced through illegal cattle farming can enter the formal supply chain, making it difficult to trace the origin of the meat. This creates challenges for companies and consumers who seek to avoid supporting deforestation and human rights abuses associated with illegal practices.

The Brazilian government has made efforts to address illegal cattle farming and reduce deforestation rates. Initiatives such as increased law enforcement, satellite monitoring, and the expansion of protected areas have been implemented. Additionally, consumer awareness and pressure have led some companies to commit to sourcing only deforestation free beef. However, tackling illegal cattle farming requires a comprehensive approach that includes stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, land tenure regularization, support for sustainable land use alternatives, and addressing the underlying socio-economic factors driving deforestation.

Also Read: Andrew Wasley, Elisângela Mendonça, Youssr Youssef and Robert Soutar in the Guardian

www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/02/more-than-800m-amazontrees-felled-in-six-years-tomeet-beef-demand

 Action urgently needed

The global warming crisis is increasing at an alarming rate. Rising temperatures are fuelling environmental degradation, natural disasters, weather extremes, food and water insecurity, economic disruption, conflict, and terrorism. Sea levels are rising, the Arctic and Antarctica are melting, coral reefs are dying, oceans are acidifying, and forests are burning.

Create a World Fighting force

Now is the time for the United Nations to make a radical decision. Create a fighting force that has to be adopted by Brazil, The Congo Basin countries and others to step up policing and putting an end to illegal logging, illegal cattle farming etc or face the dire consequences of intense global warming.

Glaring World Cost Anomalies

Positive: Glasgow COP 26

$12 billion donor support pledged to halt and reverse forest loss and protect land rights.

A new public finance pledge from 12 countries to support ambitious forest-related climate action in developing countries.

Negative:

During a recent visit by President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President Biden pledged 1 Billion pounds towards Rainforest conservation. Da Silva went on to China but it is reported President Xi Jinping was unwilling to pledge any amount

• Consider the cost of a nuclear submarine $3.45 billion

• The war in Afghanistan is estimated to have cost upwards of 2.2 trillion dollars.

• The HS2 UK rail extension is likely to cost upwards of 100 billion pounds.

• The 2023 US defence budget is Circa $770 billion.

• The 2023 Chinese defence budget is $224 billion dollars.

• That’s around 1 Trillion dollars from 2 countries in 2023!

How much is needed to save the Amazon and The Congo basin et al?

Hardly anything in comparison.

Photo: Robin Peach

To read more Editors comments click here.

Follow IFI on Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post How much money is needed to save the rainforests? appeared first on International Forest Industries.

Addressing the demand for innovative solutions within the wood industry, MiCROTEC introduced an interactive platform through the launch of their North American website following the global site launch in May.

This platform offers an opportunity to experience MiCROTEC’s complete product portfolio. Covering a spectrum of cutting-edge optimizations and enhanced support services, the website includes click-maps that interactively depict wood processing sectors, a range of customer care choices, customer testimonials, and a quick product finder.

Explore MiCROTEC’s solutions by visiting us today.

For more Microtec related posts click here.

Follow IFI on Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post MiCROTEC Launches North American Website appeared first on International Forest Industries.

A mission to undo decades of damage to the redwoods of California caused by unchecked logging involves even more logging — and chain saws.

Södra Ädla is a new partner of Nordic Forestry Automation (NFA). The company develops next-generation operator support systems for forest machines based on sensor technology from autonomous vehicles and AI algorithms. The investment is done together with Sveaskog and Almi Invest Syd and comprises a total of SEK 10 million.

Thinning a forest involves constant decision-making about which, and how many, trees to harvest in order to best promote the various values of the forest. How the thinning operation is carried out is important for the long-term development of the forest, but is usually done manually and based on the experience of each individual operator. To make the thinning task easier, Nordic Forestry Automation (NFA) has developed an AI-based system to continuously support the operator in forest management decisions.

The company started in 2021 based on the founders’ research work on self-driving vehicles and AI algorithms. The founders met during their PhD studies through the national Swedish research initiative Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP). NFA recently received investment capital of SEK 10 million from Södra’s investment company Södra Ädla, Sveaskog and Almi Invest.

“Forest thinning is a craft that requires 100-percent focus and takes several years to master. The total cognitive load is comparable to that of a fighter pilot. Sensor-based operator support provides better conditions for operators and forest owners to promote forest values. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue developing this technology together with our new partners,” said Lars Svensson, CEO of NFA.

Investment to accelerate development

By supporting the operator, the NFA system makes harvesting more cost-efficient, which improves profitability for forest owners. In addition, the technology creates new opportunities for local forest adaptations, and enables systematic and cost-efficient execution of alternative forest management methods that promote biodiversity and carbon storage.

The new investment will enable NFA to further accelerate the pace of its development. In 2022 and 2023, the system was tested in pilot projects with SCA and Sveaskog and in the autumn of 2023, the company will start rolling out preseries products with Södra, Sveaskog and SCA.

“The investment and close collaboration with forest companies means that we can deploy the systems at an early stage and continue working closely with the operators. This is absolutely essential for building systems that can make a real difference out in the forest – for both operators and forest owners,” said Lars Svensson.

Better opportunities for forest owners

NFA’s operator support can be retrofitted to any type of forest harvester and supports operators in forest management decisions. The system measures, positions and classifies all trees around the machine automatically and in real time. It also gives the position of the machine and cutting head with centimetre accuracy. Data on each individual tree is continuously collected and delivered to the forest owner together with a report, enabling increased transparency, quality assurance of the harvesting and new opportunities for forest owners to apply alternative methods of management.

This factor and an improved work environment for machine operators are some of the reasons for Södra Ädla’s investment.

“We are delighted with our investment in NFA. The company’s AI-based operator support is a good example of the business models and technology that Södra Ädla wants, and intends, to invest in. The technology makes thinning easier and more precise, and enables a wider range of forestry measures. The technology also makes thinning easier for operators, which could eventually attract more contractors and forest machine operators to the industry. NFA’s technology generates direct value for forest estates and we are looking forward to contributing to the company’s development,” said Erik Bengtson, Investment Manager for Södra Ädla.

To read other Södra posts click here.

Follow IFI on Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post Södra invests in AI company and becomes a partner in Nordic Forestry Automation appeared first on International Forest Industries.

Thousands of trees are set to be planted to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III with a new government fund launching today (Saturday 5 August), celebrating His Majesty’s passion for the environment.

The new £2.5 million fund will enable local authorities to create green spaces and connect communities with nature as a permanent reminder of the Coronation, while helping meet the government’s targets to treble tree planting rates by the end of this Parliament and ensure that 16.5% of land area is under tree cover by 2050.

The projects could include initiatives such as the creation of community orchards and tree nurseries, new ‘Miyawaki’ miniature woodlands in urban areas, and tree planting on farms.

This tree planting initiative aligns with His Majesty’s interest in nature, having held a number of patronages for wildlife and conservation charities during his time serving as the Prince of Wales.

The Fund follows the launch of a number initiatives to mark the Coronation of His Majesty earlier this year, including the renaming of England’s longest national trail as the ‘King Charles III England Coast Path’, the launch of the ‘King’s series of National Nature Reserves’, and Forestry England’s creation of the first official Coronation Woodlands in April 2023.

Through the Government’s Environmental Improvement Plan we want to be the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than we inherited it and for more people to get out and experience our incredible wildlife and landscapes in this Coronation year.

Environment Secretary, Thérèse Coffey said:

“Building on the launch of the first Coronation Woodlands this year, I am delighted that communities across the country will be able to create new spaces to enjoy trees which will serve as a permanent reminder of His Majesty’s Coronation in their local areas.

“These new trees will mark His Majesty’s passion for trees and woodlands and deliver a range of benefits for the natural environment – from carbon sequestration, to habitat creation and the boosting of human health and wellbeing”.

Chair of the Forestry Commission, Sir William Worsley said:

“I am delighted that today we are opening the Coronation Living Heritage Fund to commemorate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. This will enable communities to grow new and diverse trees to enrich the environment in which people, wildlife, and nature coexist for generations to come”.

Applications are welcome today (5 August) from upper tier local authorities and district and city councils in England, for grants between £10,000 – £50,000. Projects eligible for funding will cover:

• Coronation Community Orchards: to provide grants for local people and groups to establish community orchards;
• Coronation Miyawaki Woods: to plant miniature areas of woodland in urban areas using the Miyawaki method, involving careful soil preparation to rapidly plant dense native woodlands that are usually the size of a tennis court;
• Coronation tree packs: free or subsidised tree schemes, administered by local authorities for local residents and organisations;
• Trees on farms: to provide grants for local farmers and residents to plant trees on agricultural land;
• Small and Community tree nurseries: to support small and community-run tree nurseries to set-up, increase production, improve their biosecurity practices, or fund audits, advice, or support for the Plant Healthy Certification Scheme.

These projects will be run by local authorities that apply successfully to the fund. Other groups, such as parish councils and housing associations, that are keen to get involved can contact their relevant county, unitary, metropolitan borough or district council.

The fund will be open for five weeks from Saturday 5th August to Monday 11th September.

To apply, please visit this page.

To read other Tree planting posts click here.

Follow IFI on Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post Thousands of trees to be planted to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III appeared first on International Forest Industries.

In W.B. Laughead’s 1916 logging industry pamphlet, a minor Midwestern folk hero underwent a major growth spurt.

The roots of Wacker Neuson date back to the year 1848. Innovative solutions have revolutionized the industry time and again. The focus has been on the customer and his requirements for 175 years.

The foundation for Wacker Neuson’s success story was laid by Johann Christian Wacker in 1848, when he set up a blacksmith’s shop in Dresden. Since then, the company has introduced innovations time and again, which have revolutionized work on the construction site. In 1930, for example, Hermann Wacker set new standards in the construction industry of the time with an innovative electric rammer. The vibratory rammers are used for soil compaction to this day. This was followed, among other things, by the internal vibrator for concrete consolidation, which captured the market from 1934 onwards, or the first reversible vibratory plate, which set a milestone in soil compaction.

Wacker Neuson also kept coming up with new developments in the compact machines segment. The Vertical Digging System VDS is an innovation in the field of compact excavators. Since 1988, the VDS has made work more efficient, faster and more pleasant for the operator: This system, which tips up the superstructure, allows exact vertical digging even on uneven ground surfaces, on curbs and slopes. Since 2005, articulated wheel loaders, and later even compact telehandlers have been part of Wacker Neuson’s portfolio, in order to offer customers everything from a single source. The first Dual View Dumper was also a real innovation in 2019: Thanks to the wheel dumper’s 180° rotating seat and control panel, the operator always keeps an overview, which ensures greater safety and flexibility on the construction site. This way, hazards are minimized on the construction site.

The zero emission success story

With the introduction of the zero emission series, Wacker Neuson broke new ground in 2014 and took on a pioneering role once again: The first electrically powered machines and equipment were two battery-powered rammers and the WL20e battery-powered electric wheel loader. Since then, the portfolio has been steadily expanded. It now includes electric vibratory plates, excavators, wheel and track dumpers, and in the near future also electric telehandlers. This means that, already today, a typical inner-city construction site can be operated without direct exhaust emissions and with extremely low noise levels. For Wacker Neuson, however, in addition to its diverse product portfolio, this means handling the entire zero emission ecosystem: from charging infrastructure to service performances, financing offers and different usage models, right through to a life cycle view of the battery. One example is the Charging Box – a “power bank for the construction site”. This mobile energy storage device based on lithium-ion batteries enables a continuous supply of energy – even if no power supply is available on site.

Digital solutions for efficient work

Innovation is part of the Wacker Neuson DNA – then and now. With digital solutions, Wacker Neuson is bringing greater efficiency and transparency to the construction site. One example is the ConcreTec assistance system for concrete consolidation. It enables concrete components to be compacted easily and transparently and in high quality in a reproducible manner. In the service area, the mixed reality glasses “smart glasses” make work more efficient: They have already been in use since the beginning of last year at Wacker Neuson in South Africa. Digitization also plays an important role in the development of machines: The new EW100 wheeled excavators include an intelligent Attachment Management System and a Human Machine Interface, which assist the operator in changing attachments via the 10-inch touchscreen display. In the future, Wacker Neuson will continue to focus on digitization. This will simplify, and make more efficient, work on construction sites and also collaboration between all the parties involved through intelligent networking, digital solutions, products and business models.

You can find more milestones in the history of Wacker Neuson here.

Follow IFI on Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post A reliable partner for 175 years appeared first on International Forest Industries.

Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) announces the launch of LIMS PRO, a new cloud-hosted version of its widely used Log Inventory and Management System (LIMS) to manage sawmill raw material procurement. As a cloud-based log settlement solution, LIMS PRO is designed to improve operational visibility for mills. It enables small- and medium-sized forest product companies to realize productivity and growth gains that only large companies have historically been able to afford by digitizing lumber supply chain workflows.

Taking the power of LIMS and creating a more accessible Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) version, this robust business management software streamlines contracts, receiving, inventory and settlement processes into a single platform, providing forestry companies with a complete picture of their operations. In addition, the software assists with mobile ticketing in the woods before the logs make their way to sawmills, eliminating the need for manual recordkeeping.

Comprised of a mobile application, web-based applications and an onsite receiving application connected to the weigh scale, LIMS PRO provides an easily accessible reporting dashboard that shows exactly what is happening from forest to sawmill. Whether in the woods or at the weighing scale, this new software simplifies the complete process for sawmills—taking it from days to hours through improved data accuracy, real-time reconciliation, minimization of processing errors and faster truck turn times.

“At Trimble, we work closely with our customers to digitize their supply chain data,” said Kevin Toohill, general manager of Trimble Forestry. “LIMS PRO enables partners and others along the value chain to digitally transform their operations—moving from paper tickets, log sheets and manual data entry to modern workflows. This means increased accuracy and less time spent tracking down paper copies or entering data multiple times.”

“Leveraging our work with more than 500 large forestry customers, we have developed a hosted, cloud-based solution that gives small- and medium-sized businesses the opportunity to benefit from our enterprise expertise while having digital workflows tailored to meet their needs,” said Toohill. “This takes the complexity out of managing and maintaining a dedicated on-prem log and inventory management system.”

In addition to digitizing the supply chain, this new software enables forestry organizations to:

• Simplify load reconciliation by syncing the weigh scale to the settlement system within minutes
• Automate invoicing and financial settlements
• Track yard inventory while monitoring costs to procure timber inventory
• Manage key performance indicators and assess the overall health of the business
• Seamlessly share data with partners
• Eliminate need for additional IT infrastructure as the solution is hosted and managed in Trimble’s secure AWS cloud environment
• Integrate mobile tickets, using the LIMS mobile application, with weigh scales to replace hand-written tickets and log sheets

About Trimble Forestry

Trimble’s forestry division offers SaaS and enterprise software to improve the productivity and sustainability of the world’s most recognized integrated forest product companies, forest managers, conservation organizations, government departments, finished product manufacturers, and the partners that connect the global forest supply chain. Trimble’s Connected ForestⓇ solutions manage the full raw materials’ lifecycle of planning, planting, growing, harvesting, transporting and processing. For more information, visit: forestry.trimble.com.

Follow IFI on Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post Trimble Launches New Cloud-Based Version of its Log Inventory and Management System for Forestry (LIMS) appeared first on International Forest Industries.

TNT Wholesalers, a wholesale distributor of lumber and plywood goods is pleased to announce the acquisition of Sierra Forest Products in Terra Bella, California, by Sierra Forest Products Holdings, Inc, a sister entity.

TNT Wholesalers was founded by Dave Thomas and soon partnered with lumber industry veteran, Greg Mitchell. Through their business and industry experience TNT has made a name as a premier resource to fellow wholesalers, lumber distributors as well as end-users of industrial lumber products. Together Dave and Greg have diversified TNT’s product line, broadened its customer base and grown their sales team establishing itself as a multi-million-dollar sales company.

“This important step forward will ensure the continued success of TNT’s scalability,” said Dave Thomas. Greg Mitchell continues, “We are humbled and honored by the torch of Sierra Forest’s unparalleled reputation of quality softwood lumber products being passed on to us.”

Dave and Greg will be joined in partnership by Seth Hokit, current sales manager at Sierra Forest Products, as owners of Sierra Forest Products Holdings, Inc. Seth’s experience in sawmill sales has earned him a reputation as a creative and talented lumberman. He has built his lumber career on the development and maintenance of business relationships. His insight and knowledge of the workings of the industry will allow Sierra Forest Products to continue being a market leader.

Sierra Forest Products President Kent Duysen will continue to be an integral part of Sierra Forest’s success and will remain on staff as a mentor and leader with the company. With Kent’s 46 years of industry experience, he will help to lead SFP into the future.

TNT’s wholesale distribution arm will be led by Greg Mitchell and his team of traders that include industry veterans with over 35 years of wholesale lumber trading.

About Sierra Forest Products

Sierra Forest Products was established in 1967 and boasts over 300 acres of sawmill and forest land in Central California. SFP will now add 10 acres of lumber and plywood distribution. Pine commons, Dimensional lumber, Industrial lumber will join along with Upper Grades, various domestic and imported hardwoods as well as a vast inventory of plywood and other panel products. This centrally located site will allow statewide distribution for just in time buying clientele. With abilities to service throughout the SouthWestern United States as well as Mexico, Sierra Forest Products’ reach will be greatly expanded. The sawmill will continue to produce dimensional lumber, pine commons and industrial grades of softwoods.

Source: TNT Wholesalers, LLC.  Company Press Release

Follow IFI on Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post TNT Wholesalers Adds Sierra Forest Products to its Family appeared first on International Forest Industries.

Living the legacy of innovations that have shaped the industries it serves and equipping Vermeer for the future.

Built on Founder Gary Vermeer’s legacy of finding a better way, for Vermeer Corporation the last 75 years have centered around impacting people and the world for the better. As the company looks to the future, third- generation family member, President and CEO Jason Andringa says the next 75 years will continue to aim for the same purpose.

“What started as a small machine shop to meet the needs of local farmers in and around our hometown of Pella, Iowa, soon became the ground floor for my grandfather (Gary) to open Vermeer Manufacturing in 1948,” said Andringa. “With the guiding principle of treating other people how you’d want to be treated yourself, we’ve created a culture over the last 75 years of making a real impact on the way work gets done that continues to drive our company forward. Ultimately, it’s a commitment that is part of every interaction we have among ourselves, suppliers, dealers, customers and the communities we live and work in.”

Today, Vermeer has expanded from its modest beginnings to an organization of more than 4,000 team members worldwide, recently having been recognized by Forbes magazine as one of America’s Best Midsize Employers. Operating eight facilities in six continents and offering service and support in more than 60 countries, the iconic yellow iron equipment is distributed through a global network of more than 600 industrial and forage dealers.

From Gary Vermeer’s first invention of the wagon hoist followed more innovative equipment. With the invention of the hydraulic horizontal directional drill, large round baler and stump cutter — Vermeer has shown its commitment to developing high quality equipment that addresses the challenges its customers face. Helping connect people to the necessities of life, manage natural resources and feed and fuel communities, new innovations Vermeer plans to bring to market will include expanding digital product offerings, developing next-generation machines and introducing new equipment.

“As we look to the future, we are committed to carrying on the legacy of innovation and continuous improvement to make a lasting impact around the world,” Andringa explained. “We understand the important work our customers and equipment are doing, and we support them, wherever they are. Together, we are equipped to do more.”

About Vermeer Vermeer delivers a real impact on the way important work gets done through the manufacture of high-quality agricultural, underground construction, surface mining, tree care and environmental equipment. With a reputation for being built tough and built in a better way, Vermeer equipment is backed by localized customer service and support provided by independent dealers around the world. To learn more about Vermeer, products, the dealer network and financing options, visit vermeer.com

Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make changes in engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing at any time without notice or obligation. Equipment shown is for illustrative purposes only and may display optional accessories or components specific to their global region.

To read other Vermeer related posts click here.

Follow IFI on Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post Vermeer Looks to the Future After 75 Years in Business appeared first on International Forest Industries.

As fires still impact Canada, a fourth crew from Fire and Emergency is on its way to the province of Alberta to help fight wildfires. The crew of 22 will spend up to six weeks providing specialist support for what has been the worst wildfire season in Canada.

The fourth contingent is made up of a 20-person fire strike team, an agency representative, and an air attack supervisor from across the country. Twelve of the firefighters are from Fire and Emergency, while five each are from Department of Conservation and Forest Protection Services.

Fire and Emergency Deputy National Commander Steph Rotarangi says the crew will head to Alberta in Canada then north of Peace Lake where they will assist international crews already on the ground. “While the work will be physically and mentally tough for our crew, the skills they will gain from an international deployment will be invaluable when they re-join their brigades and teams back in New Zealand.”

Since May, Fire and Emergency has sent a total of 90 personnel at the request of the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC). The crew will join a third deployment in Canada and two crews have returned home to New Zealand.

To read more Firefighting posts click here.

Follow IFI on Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post Fires – Fourth NZ firefighting crew deployed to Canada appeared first on International Forest Industries.

How much money is needed to save the rainforests?

Estimating the exact amount of money needed to save the rainforests is challenging due to the complex and diverse nature of rainforest conservation efforts across different regions. The costs involved can vary significantly based on factors such as the size of the rainforest area, the level of deforestation and degradation, the implementation of conservation strategies, and the involvement of local communities.

However, it is widely recognized that significant financial investments are required to effectively address the threats facing rainforests and implement conservation measures. Some of the key areas that require financial support include:

Forest Protection and Law Enforcement: Adequate funding is needed to strengthen law enforcement efforts against illegal logging, land encroachment, and other activities leading to deforestation. This includes supporting ranger programs, surveillance technologies, and the implementation of stricter regulations.

Sustainable Livelihoods and Community Engagement: Engaging local and indigenous communities and providing sustainable livelihood alternatives are critical for effective rainforest conservation. Supporting community-led initiatives, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and providing economic incentives for forest conservation can help reduce pressure on rainforest resources.

Research and Monitoring: Investing in scientific research and monitoring programs is essential to understand the dynamics of rainforest ecosystems, assess the impacts of human activities, and develop evidencebased conservation strategies. This includes funding for biodiversity surveys, ecosystem monitoring, and technological advancements in remote sensing and data analysis.

Restoration and Reforestation: Restoring degraded rainforest areas through reforestation and restoration projects requires significant financial resources. This includes efforts to plant native tree species, restore wildlife habitats, and rehabilitate degraded land.

International Cooperation and Funding Mechanisms: Global initiatives, partnerships, and funding mechanisms are crucial for supporting rainforest conservation efforts. International organizations, governments, and philanthropic institutions play a vital role in providing financial assistance and coordinating efforts across countries and regions.

While an exact figure is difficult to determine, a study published in the journal Science Advances in 2018 estimated that an annual investment of around $35 billion could be needed to halt deforestation in tropical regions worldwide. However, it’s important to note that this estimate includes broader tropical forests beyond just rainforests.

Ultimately, the financial resources required to save the rainforests depend on various factors and the scale of conservation efforts undertaken. Continued support and increased funding commitments from governments, private sector entities, and international organizations are crucial for achieving long-term rainforest conservation goals.

Also visit:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/12-billion-donor-support-tohalt-and-reverse-forestloss-and-protect-land-rights

Illegal cattle farming in the Brazilian Amazon

Illegal cattle farming has been a significant issue in the Brazilian Amazon for many years. The expansion of cattle ranching has been a leading cause of deforestation and environmental degradation in the region. While not all cattle farming in the Amazon is illegal, there are illegal practices associated with the industry that contribute to deforestation and other environmental problems.

Here are some key points about illegal cattle farming in the Brazilian Amazon: Deforestation: The expansion of cattle ranching has been a major driver of deforestation in the Amazon. Forests are often cleared illegally to make way for pastureland for cattle. This not only leads to the loss of valuable ecosystems but also contributes to climate change by releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Land Grabbing: Illegal land grabbing is a common practice associated with cattle farming in the Amazon. People encroach upon protected areas, indigenous lands, or public lands, illegally claiming ownership and converting them into cattle ranches. This further exacerbates deforestation and undermines the rights of indigenous communities.

Violation of Environmental Laws: Illegal cattle ranching often involves the violation of environmental laws and regulations. These include clearing forests without proper permits, operating in protected areas, and using illegal means to obtain land titles.

Supply Chain Issues: The beef produced through illegal cattle farming can enter the formal supply chain, making it difficult to trace the origin of the meat. This creates challenges for companies and consumers who seek to avoid supporting deforestation and human rights abuses associated with illegal practices.

The Brazilian government has made efforts to address illegal cattle farming and reduce deforestation rates. Initiatives such as increased law enforcement, satellite monitoring, and the expansion of protected areas have been implemented. Additionally, consumer awareness and pressure have led some companies to commit to sourcing only deforestation free beef. However, tackling illegal cattle farming requires a comprehensive approach that includes stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, land tenure regularization, support for sustainable land use alternatives, and addressing the underlying socio-economic factors driving deforestation.

Also Read: Andrew Wasley, Elisângela Mendonça, Youssr Youssef and Robert Soutar in the Guardian

www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/02/more-than-800m-amazontrees-felled-in-six-years-tomeet-beef-demand

 Action urgently needed

The global warming crisis is increasing at an alarming rate. Rising temperatures are fuelling environmental degradation, natural disasters, weather extremes, food and water insecurity, economic disruption, conflict, and terrorism. Sea levels are rising, the Arctic and Antarctica are melting, coral reefs are dying, oceans are acidifying, and forests are burning.

Create a World Fighting force

Now is the time for the United Nations to make a radical decision. Create a fighting force that has to be adopted by Brazil, The Congo Basin countries and others to step up policing and putting an end to illegal logging, illegal cattle farming etc or face the dire consequences of intense global warming.

Glaring World Cost Anomalies

Positive: Glasgow COP 26

$12 billion donor support pledged to halt and reverse forest loss and protect land rights.

A new public finance pledge from 12 countries to support ambitious forest-related climate action in developing countries.

Negative:

During a recent visit by President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President Biden pledged 1 Billion pounds towards Rainforest conservation. Da Silva went on to China but it is reported President Xi Jinping was unwilling to pledge any amount

• Consider the cost of a nuclear submarine $3.45 billion

• The war in Afghanistan is estimated to have cost upwards of 2.2 trillion dollars.

• The HS2 UK rail extension is likely to cost upwards of 100 billion pounds.

• The 2023 US defence budget is Circa $770 billion.

• The 2023 Chinese defence budget is $224 billion dollars.

• That’s around 1 Trillion dollars from 2 countries in 2023!

How much is needed to save the Amazon and The Congo basin et al?

Hardly anything in comparison.

Photo: Robin Peach

To read more Editors comments click here.

Follow IFI on Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

The post How much money is needed to save the rainforests? appeared first on International Forest Industries.