News

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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The post Bandit Announces Franklin Rock & Recycle & Lano Equipment as New Dealers appeared first on International Forest Industries.

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.

The post Comact Launches the Wide Board Lug Loader — A New Generation of Material Handling for Specialty Products appeared first on International Forest Industries.

 

Tilhill Forestry, the UK’s leading forestry business and a member of BSW Group, is delighted to announce the acquisition of the business and assets of specialist timber harvesting company Duffy Skylining Ltd.

This strategic acquisition allows Tilhill Foresty to further expand its technical harvesting capabilities, following significant investment in its core fleet over the past couple of years.

Duffy Skylining specialises in harvesting on steep and challenging terrain, utilising advanced skylining techniques and operating with three highly skilled crews.

Founded in 2018 and based in Inverness, Duffy Skylining predominantly works along the west coast of Scotland and has been instrumental to various projects, including on the A82.

Graeme Kemp, harvesting director at Tilhill Forestry, said: “We are thrilled to further enhance our steep ground harvestings operations with the acquisition of Duffy Skylining.

“The specialist fleet will allow us to harvest in some of the UK’s most complex forests, and the expert knowledge of the team is second to none. We have a great working relationship already and are very excited to build on this as we look to lead the timber harvesting sector.”

Calum Duffy, founder and owner of Duffy Skylining, added: “This is a very positive move, both for our business and the wider industry. Our team are the very best at what they do, with safety top of the agenda, and joining forces with Tilhill makes for an incredibly compelling service offer.”

Duffy Skylining and its assets, including 12 employees and 12 machines – consisting of skylines, harvesters, forwarders and an excavator – will be integrated into the existing Tilhill Forestry business and brand. Calum Duffy will continue to manage and direct all operations in the specialist division.

 

 

 

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EXO Canter is the culmination of decades of experience building complete primary lines. It reflects everything we’ve learned, what works, what doesn’t, and what’s next. Designed for mills that demand performance without compromise, EXO Canter offers a fully modular, highly configurable platform that adapts to your specific production goals and site constraints.

Every element of EXO Canter is shaped by the five core values of the Paragon Design Standard, including safety.

We have integrated safe work practices into every stage of the process, starting with the design. We use appropriate engineering measures to improve the safe use of the equipment and also reduce the time needed to perform the tasks necessary to keep these complex systems running reliably.

This, along with adherence to the established safety agency standards, ensures best in class results. In choosing EXO Canter you are prioritizing safety conscious designs. This allows organizations to minimize their exposure to risk, prevent accidents, and foster a culture of safety awareness among all team members.

Contact your USNR representative for more information.

USNR – EXO Canter

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Remus, MI – 8/19/2025 – Bandit Industries, an employee-owned global leader in wood processing equipment, recently announced the production of its 100,000th machine. This historic milestone will be celebrated with a special giveaway of the commemorative unit at the upcoming TCI Expo, held November 6–8, 2025, at the America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

The milestone machine, a Bandit Model 12XC hand-fed chipper, is equipped with a Kohler diesel engine generously donated by Superior Diesel. This giveaway underscores Bandit’s long-standing partnership with the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), where Bandit has been a proud member since 1987.

Bandit’s story began in 1983, when founder Mike Morey Sr. and six employees built the first Brush Bandit chipper in a small Mid-Michigan pole barn. Today, the company operates from over 560,000 square feet of manufacturing space, employs a dedicated workforce, and serves customers in more than 56 countries worldwide.

Bandit’s product line has grown to include hand-fed and whole tree chippers, stump grinders, horizontal grinders, and ARJES slow speed shredders. Yet while much has changed since 1983, the company’s mission statement and core values remain the same—guiding Bandit’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and the success of its customers.

“Reaching 100,000 machines is a milestone we are incredibly proud of,” said Jason Morey, Marketing Manager. “It represents decades of hard work, innovation, and the trust of the tree care professionals who rely on Bandit equipment every day. We are grateful not only to our employees, but also to the dedication and hard work of our dealer network, whose efforts have been instrumental in reaching this achievement. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by giving back to the tree care industry.

Attendees of the TCIA Expo will have the chance to see the 100,000th machine on display and participate in the giveaway event at Bandit’s booth #303. The giveaway will be on Friday, November 7th at 3PM CST.

For more information about Bandit Industries, visit www.banditchippers.com.

ADDITIONAL SALES & SERVICES ASSISTANCE

Looking for something specific? Check out all  Bandit® Equipment, or use one click assistance to contact Bandit for immediate assistance or additional information.

Call Toll-Free  (800) 952-0178

 

Contact Bandit

Call Toll-Free  (800) 952-0178

Phone  (989) 561-2270

Fax  (989) 561-2375

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WAYNESBORO, Miss. — Hood Industries, Inc. has announced a major brownfield expansion to the existing facility in Waynesboro, Miss. This strategic $245-million-dollar upgrade will enhance the facility’s capabilities and reflects Hood Industries’ continued investment in operational performance and innovation across its manufacturing operations.

Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. MDA also is providing assistance for road and infrastructure improvements. Wayne County and AccelerateMS are assisting with the expansion, as well. The project is powered by Dixie Electric and Cooperative Energy.

“This nearly quarter-billion-dollar investment by Hood Industries is the latest win in Mississippi’s record-breaking economic development efforts. The things we’re accomplishing in the state are truly impressive, and our momentum is real. Mississippi is a wise investment—that’s why more and more companies are choosing to do business and expand here. It’s another great day for our state.” Gov. Tate Reeves said.

Built in multiple phases on the existing site, the project will be executed in close collaboration between the Hood team, Comact and Piche to ensure the existing facility remains operational throughout the construction process. This phased approach is designed to keep production losses to a minimum, providing as little disruption to employees, timber suppliers and customers as possible. Operations at the modernized mill are set to begin in early October 2026, after which demolition of the existing facility will commence.

“We have partnered with both Comact and Piche on a successful modernization project at our facility in Bogalusa, Louisiana,” says Jay Galloway, President of Hood Industries. “As we began to explore our options for upgrading the Waynesboro facility it became obvious to continue the partnership with these two companies. Their technical expertise, collaborative approach, and proven ability to deliver cutting-edge and reliable solutions made them a natural fit as we continue to invest in the future of our operations.”

The Waynesboro facility will feature a fully integrated sawmill provided by Comact along with two new continuous dual path kilns and a new gas burner installed on the existing continuous dry kiln will increase drying capacity and energy efficiency.

The planer mill will be upgraded with lumber handling equipment from Piche to include a planer infeed system, trimmer and sorter line with a lumber stacker.

In addition, Comact will provide a Miller planer and GradExpert system in the planer mill. Comact’s AI-powered Smart Vision tools will be integrated throughout the process to continuously monitor operations and optimize throughput.

The Comact team is proud to continue working collaboratively with Hood on this critical modernization project in Waynesboro. “Building on the strong relationship and trust we’ve developed over previous projects, our team is fully committed to delivering an integrated solution that enhances reliability, performance, and long-term value of their Waynesboro facility. We have set clear goals to deliver this project on-time and on-budget, ensuring Hood Industries can count on Comact for excellence and accountability at every stage,” said Simon Potvin, CEO of Comact.

The team at Piche is also pleased to partner once again with Hood Industries on this important modernization project in Waynesboro. Since 2020, this is the third major project with Hood Industries. “Building on the trust and successful results achieved together at Bogalusa and Silver Creek, our team is committed to delivering lumber handling systems that combine efficiency, reliability, and innovation,” said Jean-Benoît Piché, President and CEO of Piché. “We look forward to supporting Hood with solutions that ensure smooth installation and startup, and that create long-term value for their operations and their people.”

“This investment is about more than a new mill—it’s about building a sustainable future for our company, our employees, and the Waynesboro community,” Galloway said.

ABOUT HOOD INDUSTRIES

Hood Industries is a blend of wood manufacturing and distribution concerns that includes two plywood and three lumber manufacturing plants and 23 specialty wood product distribution operations, located in 18 states serving the northeast, southeast, midwest and southwest United States. From our corporate headquarters to our facilities, we employ over 1,300 people in communities where our operations are located. Learn about our current career opportunities and how we are making a difference in our communities by visiting us at hoodindustries.com and following us on LinkedIn.

ABOUT MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Mississippi Development Authority is the state’s lead economic and community development agency. MDA focuses on new business recruitment, existing business expansion, workforce training and tourism promotion. For more information, go to mississippi.org.

ABOUT COMACT

For over 100 years, Comact has been a leading OEM in high-caliber wood processing equipment, digital technologies, cutting solutions, project services, and aftermarket support. Driven by innovation and excellence, we are dedicated to helping our customers address their most pressing operational and business challenges in today’s industry. Whether for brownfield or greenfield projects, Comact’s expertise provides wood processing facilities with the confidence that their investments will yield superior performance, throughput, and ROI. This ensures they remain competitive and achieve sustained growth in an ever-evolving market. Trust Comact to deliver exceptional performance every time. For more information, visit www.comact.com.

ABOUT PICHE’

Founded in 1983, Piché has been a trusted partner in the wood products industry, specializing in the design, manufacturing, and installation of complete lumber handling systems. From machining and welding to turnkey project execution, Piché has earned a reputation for delivering reliable, efficient, and innovative equipment to sawmills across North America. Recognized industry-wide for its advanced trimline, sorter and stacker systems as well as the speed and professionalism of its installations, Piché ensures high-value results for its customers. Through its close collaboration with Logitex, an automation and controls specialist, Piché integrates cutting-edge technology to optimize performance on every project. For more information, visit www.picheinc.com.

 

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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 franklinrockrecycle.com 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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Forest Products EXPO 2025 Recap

When we set the agenda for the 38th Forest Products Machinery & Equipment EXPO — Fine Tune Your Strategy — we aimed high. From August 6–8, 2025, the industry returned to Nashville’s Music City Center, and the results exceeded expectations. The hall was buzzing as exhibitors and attendees collaborated, learned, and pushed their operations forward.

Bringing EXPO back to Nashville proved the right call. Connecting with so many industry leaders was energizing, and I’m proud of our exhibitors whose creativity turned the hall into a true hub of innovation and opportunity.

This year’s EXPO was our largest since 2000: 243 companies filled 61,440 square feet with solutions across 185 product categories. We welcomed 60 first-time exhibitors and nearly 1,000 attendees. Check out the official recap by clicking here.

While attendance was tempered by economic conditions compared to 2023’s near-record-breaking show, the quality of decision-makers was unmatched — more than one-third were presidents or owners, representing nearly 100 sawmills across North America.

Safety and Women’s Leadership Summits

A highlight for me was presenting the 2024 John Edgar Rhodes Sawmill Safety Excellence Awards, where seven mills achieved zero incidents for the fourth straight year — a true testament to their safety-first cultures. We also launched our first SFPA Safety Summit, where award-winning mills openly shared strategies that gave attendees practical tools to strengthen their own safety programs.

Equally exciting was the inaugural SFPA Women’s Leadership Summit. The panelists’ insights on mentorship, education, leadership, and communications inspired and empowered attendees, showing real change is underway.

Recordings of both summits will be posted soon on SFPA’s YouTube channel, and I encourage everyone to revisit and share them.

Looking Ahead to EXPO 2027

Forest Products EXPO remains the industry’s longest-running and most trusted event. Even in challenging times, we’re already planning to expand services and opportunities for 2027. Our EXPO Advisory Committee will meet early next year to review feedback and shape the path forward.

If you attended and have not completed the official attendee survey, I hope you’ll take a few minutes and give us your feedback. Click here to get started. Your input is critical. It shapes the future of EXPO for both attendees and exhibitors. If we don’t hear from you, we can’t make improvements.

EXPO 2025 was a powerful reminder that this event is about more than machinery — it’s about people, safety, leadership, and the future of our industry.

I’m deeply grateful to our exhibitors, attendees, partners, and everyone who made EXPO 2025 a success. Together, we’re building an industry that’s stronger, safer, and better connected than ever.

Southern Pine Domestic Promotion Efforts

As Southern Pine lumber use expands beyond the Southeast and into new markets — particularly west of the Mississippi — SFPA is strengthening its domestic promotional efforts.

I’m excited to share that our team, working closely with member manufacturers and our Board of Directors, is developing a new publication highlighting the benefits of Southern Pine lumber.

Designed for new users, customers,  and professionals less familiar with SYP products, it will cover everything from strength and design values to common applications, treatability, and versatility.

I look forward to sharing this new resource soon!

International Promotion Efforts

While we’ve been hard at work on Forest Products EXPO 2025, the SFPA team and our global network of consultants have still been promoting Southern Pine lumber around the world as part of our international program.

We’ve attended eight major trade shows on five continents so far in 2025, with five still to go in the remaining months of the year. We continue our digital efforts to promote the benefits of Southern Pine lumber in the Caribbean, Egyptian, and Philippine markets on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

And we’re excited to host several importers from the Caribbean for a five-day reverse trade mission throughout the Southeast in October to showcase U.S. Southern Pine lumber manufacturing.

I also want to point out a special trade servicing and exploratory trip we took to Colombia, where we saw three major developments that were all made mostly of Southern Pine lumber. I’ll let the story and photos speak for themselves, but it was pretty amazing to see so much Southern Pine used in South America.

Ready to Join SFPA?

At SFPA, we believe strong partnerships are the key to lasting growth and success. And it all begins with our most important partners — our members. Their commitment powers everything we do.

SFPA members are innovators and leaders who know the value of community. The connections built through SFPA fuel progress across the Southern Pine lumber industry — from the forest to the finished product.

There’s never been a better time to join. If you know an organization that could benefit from membership — or if your own has been waiting for the right moment — now’s the time.

Want to learn more about the value of an SFPA membership or start your application? Get started by clicking here.

To read previous SFPA related posts click here.

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The post From Eric Gee the SFPA Executive Director: August 2025 appeared first on International Forest Industries.

SAINT-GEORGES, QUÉBEC, 18 août 2025 — Comact, chef de file mondial des solutions de transformation du bois, est fier d’annoncer le lancement de son poussoir de billes nouvelle génération, doté d’un design à marche simple en instance de brevet, spécialement conçu pour les applications intensives. Ce nouveau modèle s’ajoute à la gamme existante de poussoirs de billes Comact, qui comprend également des modèles à double marche et à marches multiples, offrant ainsi aux scieries des solutions adaptées à leurs besoins opérationnels spécifiques.

Conçu pour résister aux conditions d’exploitation les plus exigeantes, le design à marche simple prolonge considérablement la durée de vie de l’équipement tout en simplifiant l’entretien et en améliorant la sécurité opérationnelle. Les poussoirs de billes traditionnels travaillent dans des conditions extrêmes, recevant et manipulant des matériaux lourds, ce qui peut entraîner une usure rapide et des remplacements coûteux. Le nouveau poussoir de billes à marche simple est conçu pour la durabilité : il permet aux opérateurs de remplacer uniquement la marche au besoin, éliminant ainsi la nécessité de changer le poussoir complet.

Pour protéger davantage l’équipement, le système intègre des amortisseurs pour améliorer l’absorption des chocs, assurant une réception des billes plus fluide et réduisant les contraintes mécaniques. De plus, un système de caméra intégré contrôle la présence des billes dans l’accumulateur, empêchant le poussoir de fonctionner lorsqu’il n’y a aucune accumulation. Cette protection intelligente évite les impacts directs sur la marche et réduit l’usure inutile.

« Chez Comact, l’innovation ne se limite pas seulement à la technologie, elle consiste à offrir des solutions pratiques qui permettent à nos clients de fonctionner au meilleur de leurs capacités. Avec le poussoir de billes à marche simple, nous avons créé un produit qui non seulement prolonge la durée de vie de l’équipement, mais facilite également l’entretien, aidant ainsi les scieries à fonctionner plus efficacement, jour après jour », a déclaré David Gourde, Vice-président senior ingénierie, gestion des lignes de produits, gestion de projets, service et fiabilité mécanique de Comact.

Le poussoir de billes à marche simple est offert dès maintenant pour les nouvelles installations et peut également être adapté aux systèmes existants, ce qui en fait une solution polyvalente pour les scieries cherchant à améliorer leur efficacité, réduire l’entretien et prolonger la durée de vie de leurs équipements.

À PROPOS DE COMACT

Depuis plus de 100 ans, Comact est un équipementier de premier plan pour l’industrie de la transformation du bois, à qui il procure des équipements, des technologies numériques, des solutions de coupe, un soutien aux projets et un service après-vente de haut calibre. Guidés par l’innovation et l’excellence, nous sommes déterminés à aider nos clients à relever les défis commerciaux et opérationnels pressants qui se posent à eux dans l’industrie actuelle.

Qu’il s’agisse de projets nouveaux ou existants, l’expertise de Comact procure aux installations de transformation du bois l’assurance que leurs investissements généreront un rendement, une productivité et des résultats de niveau supérieur. Elles savent qu’elles pourront ainsi rester compétitives et obtenir une croissance soutenue dans un marché en constante évolution. Pour une performance exceptionnelle en tout temps, faites confiance à Comact. Pour plus d’information, visitez le www.comact.com

Renseignements :

ANNE-MARIE LEVESQUE

Vice-présidente, Développement des Affaires et Produits

450-435-2121

anne-marie.levesque@comact.com

To read previous Comact related posts click here.

 

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Through close collaboration with production teams, we’ve identified the real-world challenges lumber manufacturers face. These insights have shaped our approach—from large-scale projects to the smallest design details—guiding the evolution of our equipment to meet the industry’s most critical needs.

Over time, these needs crystallized into a focused set of priorities. These priorities now define the Paragon Design Standard—USNR’s official design framework. It’s a set of principles that drive the development of every piece of equipment we build, setting a new bar for performance, reliability, and innovation.

Achieving this level of excellence means going beyond production metrics. Every component must reflect superior quality. That’s what makes something not just great—but Paragon.

We’ve shaped the Paragon identity around five foundational values.

• Safety
• Maintainability
• Precise Feed Control
• Modularity
• Debris Containment

These values reflect the real-world priorities of modern lumber operations and serve as the guiding criteria for every system we engineer. They ensure that each solution we deliver is not only technically advanced but also aligned with the operational, safety, and performance goals of our customers.

Read the full article on our website.

USNR – Benchmark for Excellence

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SAINT-GEORGES, QC, AUGUST 18, 2025 — Comact, has announced the release of its new-generation log pusher, featuring a patent-pending single step design for heavy-duty applications. This new model expands Comact’s existing range of log pushers, which also includes double-step and multi-step designs, providing mills with tailored solutions to meet specific operational needs.

Engineered to withstand the harshest operating conditions, the single step pusher design significantly extends equipment lifecycle while simplifying maintenance and improving operational safety. Traditional log pushers work under extreme conditions, receiving and handling heavy materials, which can lead to wear and costly replacements. The new single step pusher is built for durability, allowing operators to replace only the step when needed, eliminating the need to change the entire pusher.

To further protect the equipment, the system incorporates dampers for enhanced shock absorption, ensuring smoother log reception with reduced mechanical stress. In addition, an integrated camera system monitors the presence of logs in the pocket, preventing the pusher from operating when a pocket is empty. This smart safeguard avoids direct impacts on the step and reduces unnecessary wear.

“At Comact, innovation is not only about technology, it’s about delivering practical solutions that keep our customers running at their best. With the single step log pusher, we’ve created a product that not only extends equipment life but also makes maintenance faster and easier, helping mills operate more efficiently, day after day,” said David Gourde, Senior Vice-President – Engineering, Product Line Management, Project Management, Mechanical Service & Reliability at Comact.

The single step log pusher is available immediately for new installations and can be retrofitted to existing systems, making it a versatile solution for mills seeking improved efficiency, reduced maintenance, and longer equipment life.

ABOUT COMACT

For over 100 years, Comact has been a leading OEM in high-caliber wood processing equipment, digital technologies, cutting solutions, project services, and aftermarket support. Driven by innovation and excellence, we are dedicated to helping our customers address their most pressing operational and business challenges in today’s industry.

Whether for brownfield or greenfield projects, Comact’s expertise provides wood processing facilities with the confidence that their investments will yield superior performance, throughput, and ROI. This ensures they remain competitive and achieve sustained growth in an ever-evolving market.

Media contact

ANNE-MARIE LEVESQUE

Vice President, Business & Product Development

450-435-2121

anne-marie.levesque@comact.com

 

*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Comact lance un nouveau poussoir de billes à marche simple pour une durabilité et une efficacité accrues

 

SAINT-GEORGES, QUÉBEC, 18 août 2025 — Comact, chef de file mondial des solutions de transformation du bois, est fier d’annoncer le lancement de son poussoir de billes nouvelle génération, doté d’un design à marche simple en instance de brevet, spécialement conçu pour les applications intensives. Ce nouveau modèle s’ajoute à la gamme existante de poussoirs de billes Comact, qui comprend également des modèles à double marche et à marches multiples, offrant ainsi aux scieries des solutions adaptées à leurs besoins opérationnels spécifiques.

Conçu pour résister aux conditions d’exploitation les plus exigeantes, le design à marche simple prolonge considérablement la durée de vie de l’équipement tout en simplifiant l’entretien et en améliorant la sécurité opérationnelle. Les poussoirs de billes traditionnels travaillent dans des conditions extrêmes, recevant et manipulant des matériaux lourds, ce qui peut entraîner une usure rapide et des remplacements coûteux. Le nouveau poussoir de billes à marche simple est conçu pour la durabilité : il permet aux opérateurs de remplacer uniquement la marche au besoin, éliminant ainsi la nécessité de changer le poussoir complet.

Pour protéger davantage l’équipement, le système intègre des amortisseurs pour améliorer l’absorption des chocs, assurant une réception des billes plus fluide et réduisant les contraintes mécaniques. De plus, un système de caméra intégré contrôle la présence des billes dans l’accumulateur, empêchant le poussoir de fonctionner lorsqu’il n’y a aucune accumulation. Cette protection intelligente évite les impacts directs sur la marche et réduit l’usure inutile.

« Chez Comact, l’innovation ne se limite pas seulement à la technologie, elle consiste à offrir des solutions pratiques qui permettent à nos clients de fonctionner au meilleur de leurs capacités. Avec le poussoir de billes à marche simple, nous avons créé un produit qui non seulement prolonge la durée de vie de l’équipement, mais facilite également l’entretien, aidant ainsi les scieries à fonctionner plus efficacement, jour après jour », a déclaré David Gourde, Vice-président senior ingénierie, gestion des lignes de produits, gestion de projets, service et fiabilité mécanique de Comact.

Le poussoir de billes à marche simple est offert dès maintenant pour les nouvelles installations et peut également être adapté aux systèmes existants, ce qui en fait une solution polyvalente pour les scieries cherchant à améliorer leur efficacité, réduire l’entretien et prolonger la durée de vie de leurs équipements.

À PROPOS DE COMACT

Depuis plus de 100 ans, Comact est un équipementier de premier plan pour l’industrie de la transformation du bois, à qui il procure des équipements, des technologies numériques, des solutions de coupe, un soutien aux projets et un service après-vente de haut calibre. Guidés par l’innovation et l’excellence, nous sommes déterminés à aider nos clients à relever les défis commerciaux et opérationnels pressants qui se posent à eux dans l’industrie actuelle.

Qu’il s’agisse de projets nouveaux ou existants, l’expertise de Comact procure aux installations de transformation du bois l’assurance que leurs investissements généreront un rendement, une productivité et des résultats de niveau supérieur. Elles savent qu’elles pourront ainsi rester compétitives et obtenir une croissance soutenue dans un marché en constante évolution. Pour une performance exceptionnelle en tout temps, faites confiance à Comact. Pour plus d’information, visitez le www.comact.com

Renseignements :

ANNE-MARIE LEVESQUE

Vice-présidente, Développement des Affaires et Produits

450-435-2121

anne-marie.levesque@comact.com

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There is no viable alternative to a tropical hardwood that grows in Southeast Asia, according to the American R.V. industry.

American demand for tropical wood that is used in motor homes, conservationists say, is accelerating the disappearance of some of the world’s largest forests.

Anger over well-paid manufacturing jobs giving way to lower-wage work fueled President Trump’s rise. With his movement now in power, who gets blamed as the trend continues?

USNR has introduced EXO Canter, their most advanced and adaptable primary breakdown line ever engineered from the ground up using the Paragon Design Standard.

This next-generation system integrates their core design values into every component, delivering a solution that redefines safety, maintainability, configurability, debris control, and piece management.

EXO Canter is the culmination of decades of experience building complete primary lines. It reflects everything they’ve learned, what works, what doesn’t, and what’s next. Designed for mills that demand performance without compromise, EXO Canter offers a fully modular, highly configurable platform that adapts to your specific production goals and site constraints.

With its first installation scheduled for startup in 2025, EXO Canter is already setting a new benchmark for what a primary line can be.

https://www.usnr.com/en/content/mi-57-exo-canter

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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.

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As a result of long-term cooperation, Hekotek AS has signed a contract for the supply of log feeding equipment, wood chips and sawdust and sawn timber conveyors to the Japanese company Chugoku Mokuzai (Chugoku Lumber Co Ltd.).

Chugoku Mokuzai is one of Japan’s leading wood processing companies with several production units across the country. The new sawmill will be built to replace the production unit destroyed in 2023 by fire in Ibaraki Prefecture on the eastern coast of Japan.

In this new production unit it is planned to saw round logs of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) from North America. The finished sawn timber will be sold by Chugoku Mokuzai mainly on the domestic Japanese market.

The transport capacity of the equipment supplied by Hekotek is expected to be approximately 100 sea containers, the first of which will begin their long sea voyage in the coming months. Production at the new unit is scheduled to begin in early 2027, preceded by an approximately 8-month-long period of installation and testing of the equipment.

The equipment supplied by Hekotek will ensure the feeding of logs at various speeds to the modernmost HewSaw sawline. The entire equipment set supplied by Hekotek is designed and manufactured based on particularly high technological requirements, where the proportion of human labor in the entire production process is minimized.

We would like to thank both the Chugoku Mokuzai project team and our local representative, Oki Kikai Ltd., for their trust and will do everything we can to ensure that the project succeeds as expected.

https://hekotek.ee/equipment-supply-to-leading-japanese-wood-processing-company-chugoku-mokuzai/

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In today’s sawmilling industry, the difference between staying competitive and falling behind often comes down to how intelligently and efficiently a mill can process every log. Fiber variability, labor constraints, cost pressures, and rising customer expectations are reshaping the way sawmills must operate, and Comact is helping lead that transformation.

With its suite of integrated, high-performance technologies — including the Hybrid Sawline and the TBL4 – Canter, Double Profiler, Curve Sawing Gang Edger — Comact delivers a full-spectrum solution that redefines both primary and secondary breakdown. Together, these two systems form a powerful, intelligent, and adaptable foundation for the mill of the future.

Secondary Breakdown Reimagined: The TBL4

Precision, speed, and adaptability come together in Comact’s TBL4, a high-throughput profiler-gang solution built to meet the demanding needs of modern softwood mills. Designed to maximize recovery and reduce processing gaps, the TBL4 features infeed and outfeed positioning tables that maintain continuous cant control throughout the sawing process.

This continuous flow translates directly into higher throughput and greater yield — exactly what mills need in a high-speed environment.

At the core of the system is Comact’s C2-Scan, a powerful real-time optimization tool that calculates the ideal sawing strategy for each cant. Using both geometric and visual data, the optimizer enables infinite profiling and curve sawing, ensuring every piece is processed for maximum value with minimal waste.

With feed speeds of up to 650 feet per minute and a processing range of 3 to 30 inches wide, the TBL4 offers unmatched versatility. Its fixed-tool design ensures reliability and simplified maintenance, while its compact footprint makes it easy to integrate into existing gang lines, minimizing disruption and capital investment.

The TBL4 also integrates seamlessly with Comact’s digital tools, including OPER8, Smart Vision, and EverBlue services, giving mills a comprehensive platform for tracking performance, driving uptime, and ensuring long-term value.

The Hybrid Sawline: Smarter Primary Breakdown

Paired with the TBL4, Comact’s Hybrid Sawline represents a revolutionary approach to primary breakdown. By combining circular saws and bandsaws in a single, unified system, it eliminates the tradeoffs mills have traditionally faced between speed and flexibility.

Circular saws efficiently handle logs up to 20 inches in diameter with high-speed precision and minimal downtime, while bandsaws kick in for larger logs that exceed circular saw capacity. The result is a line that can process a full spectrum of log diameters without compromise, reducing the need for multiple sawlines and associated maintenance complexity.

But the hybrid sawline is more than just a dual-cutting system. Its design supports multiple cutting modes — including double profiling, quadruple circular cutting, and sideboard splitting — allowing mills to produce a wider range of products on a single line. Whether manufacturing standard 2x4s (100×50 mm) or custom wides, mills gain the flexibility to shift production with market demands, without overhauling equipment or layout.

Intelligence That Runs Deep

Both the TBL4 and the Hybrid Sawline are equipped with Comact’s most advanced smart technologies, turning mechanical cutting tools into real-time decision-makers.

The hybrid system features Smart Vision for log singulation, an AI-powered platform that analyzes each log’s size, shape, and characteristics to optimize feeding and spacing. By dynamically managing log gaps and flow, it maintains consistent production speeds and eliminates bottlenecks, even with irregular fiber supply. This smart control is further enhanced by the C1-Scan, Comact’s primary breakdown optimizer, which determines the best cutting strategy for each log to maximize value from the start.

It also integrates the Primary Breakdown Closed Loop Smart Tool, which automates real-time quality control. Drawing data from the mill’s secondary breakdown scanner, this tool makes precise adjustments during the sawing process to ensure consistent, high-value cuts. With industry-leading response time and dashboard-based alerts, it boosts recovery while reducing operator workload and saw variation allowances.

In the TBL4, the C2-Scan optimizer brings that same level of real-time intelligence to cants. Combined with OPER8TM, this enables mills to visualize production data, track performance metrics, and make smarter operational decisions across the board.

A Cohesive Mill Architecture

What truly makes this combination stand out is how seamlessly each stage connects to the next. Logs enter the hybrid sawline, where they’re processed at optimal speeds using the best-suited cutting method. Cants then transition to the TBL4, where they’re scanned, optimized, and profiled with precision. Downstream, the Curve-Saw Versa Gang takes over, offering accurate curve sawing and adjustable width configurations to extract maximum value from every piece. From breakdown to final gang processing, Comact provides a fully integrated and optimized flow.

The benefits are clear:

• Fewer bottlenecks
• Higher fiber recovery
• Faster product changeovers
• Lower downtime and maintenance costs
• Real-time optimization across every step

And because both systems are modular, digital-ready, and scalable, mills can future-proof their investments while adapting to evolving fiber availability, product demands, and labor realities.

Conclusion: More Than the Sum of Its Parts

Comact’s TBL4 and Hybrid Sawline are more than advanced machines, they are complementary pieces of a next-generation mill architecture that delivers measurable results. When combined, they offer a clear path forward for sawmills looking to increase efficiency, yield, and agility in an increasingly complex industry.

With cutting-edge mechanics, powerful optimization software, and deep integration from log intake to board output, Comact is helping mills unlock the full potential of their raw material and their operations.

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Trusted technology with a twist

For the first time in many years, an industrial scale sawmill will be built from the ground up in the UK. USNR is the main supplier and its undertaking comprises the saw line and two edger lines – including optimization and controls. All machinery equipment will be delivered from USNR’s Söderhamn facility in Sweden. USNR will also supply controls for the log handling and residue handling equipment.

The new mill is designed for an annual capacity of more than 250,000 m3 of sawn goods. The Taylormade sawmill at Sherburn Hill, a few miles to the east of Durham, came under the ownership of James Jones & Sons when the company acquired GT Timber Ltd in 2021. The mill, built at the site of an old coal mine, was worn but the geographical location was ideal, so it was decided to build a new mill adjacent to the existing one.

USNR got involved at an early stage of the design work. Marcus Säteri, Senior Project Engineer at USNR, recalls the initial process, “We acted as a speaking partner for the customer long before the deal was settled. There was a lot of things that we had to take into account. The site is located on quite a steep slope and there’s a neighboring village overlooking the mill, so we didn’t want to obscure their view with high buildings. Eventually we honed out a solution where the slope worked to our benefit.”

Experience and optimization

The saw line is designed for maximum yield, using the latest optimization technology and curve sawing capabilities. James Jones & Sons has extensive experience with USNR’s bandsaw technology and continues to follow this path for the new project. Tobbe Sandberg, Technical manager at James Jones & Sons, “James Jones & Sons acquired the Durham mill in 2021 and shortly after the acquisition the decision was made to invest in a new sawmill to increase yield, efficiency and extend the product range. We decided to invest in bandsaw technology and with James Jones & Sons’ previous experience with Soderhamn Eriksson/ USNR it was an easy decision to continue the partnership with USNR. From design through to specifications, we have received excellent support from the USNR team in Sweden. Ground and building work is progressing

well, and we start machine installation in August this year [2025] with the mill due to be commissioned in 2026.

Proven solutions

The mill-to-be is designed with James Jones & Sons’ Lockerbie III production line in mind, but with all the new technology that USNR has developed since 2009 when the Lockerbie site was commissioned by Söderhamn Eriksson (now part of USNR). Precision Geometric Log Rotation (PGLR) is one example of the new technology implemented. It continuously monitors and corrects the rotation angle in the Log Turner 750E. To meet the customer’s demands of a modern mill, the Taylormade saw line will deliver more throughput and higher recovery with higher precision compared to its model.

Thirteen bands

Three Sawmaster 1600 quads and an HBS 1500 horizontal bandsaw constitute the core of the saw line, adding up to a total of 13 bandsaw units. The Sawmaster bandsaws are known for their durability, low energy consumption and low maintenance costs. This proven design serves in hundreds of sawmills all over the world. The horizontal bandsaw adds flexibility to the line and allows for an output of ten pieces from the last quad.

The Sawmaster bandsaws all feature the high-precision feed work technology originally designed for the Logmaster high-speed bandsaw. The HBS has also evolved in later years, with a more stable and precise positioning and a high-precision feed work. A great deal of focus is put on the working environment in this line. The three quad bandsaws and both chipper canters are fitted with extra thick protective covers to reduce noise and dust.

Saw monitoring

The bandsaws are equipped with BMS, Bandsaw Monitoring System, for real-time monitoring of the status and the longitudinal position of the bands. BMS detects cracks in the bands before they grow and cause band rupture. The saws also come with SawSight, USNR’s system for continuous in-line measuring and correction of the sawn goods.

The edge

Two Catech XT high-speed edger optimizers handle the side boards. These state-of-the-art edgers are fitted with the latest USNR optimization technology combined with the highest capacity the market has to offer. Both edgers are equipped with additional edger saw boxes to maximize recovery and flexibility.

USNR is honored to be part of this exciting opportunity.

Photo

Left to right: Tobbe Sandberg, Technical Manager,  James Jones & Sons Ltd.;

Eddie Balfour, Joint Managing Director, James Jones & Sons Ltd.;

Christian Winlöf, Sales and Marketing Director, USNR;

Sten Jarle Solheim, Account Manager, USNR

June July issue Pages  36 / 37

https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/70622971/ifi-june-july-2025-digital-final

 

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Prime Minister Mark Carney wants to fast-track nation-building projects to remake Canada’s economy. Indigenous groups want a seat at the table.