News

USNR – Thank you to everyone who attended the weekend’s West Coast Dry Kiln Association meeting at Rosboro in Springfield, OR!

The event drew a sizeable crowd and included an exclusive tour of the mill’s recently converted dry kilns. USNR turned four of their existing double-track kilns into their patented UniFlow continuous kilns. Because of this, they have been able to increase production by 10-40% with more consistent steam use.

USNR have issued a big thank you to the West Coast Dry Kiln Association for hosting and to Rosboro Company LLC for the use of their facilities.

If you’re interested in learning more about USNR’s UniFlow continuous kiln, contact a USNR representative today!

https://lnkd.in/gHVn8vWn

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Holmen will reduce its output by 90,000 m3 at its sawmill in Braviken, Sweden reports Pulp and Paper news.  As a consquence, the company will reduce its staff by 40 positions. That’s a third of the workforce.

Of course, it’s really sad and a great shame, this is not at all what we would like to do, says Johan Padel, business area manager at Holmen Trävaror, to Norrköpings Tidningar.

The sawmill is struggling with profitability problems. According to Padel, there are two reasons why the profitability calculation does not add up: the American tariffs and reduced access to timber from the surrounding area at a competitive cost.

To adapt to this new situation, the sawmill must reduce production volume, from 450,000 cubic meters to 360,000 cubic meters of sawn timber.

According to Johan Padel, the notice was expected.

Holmen’s paper mill in Braviken will not affected by the notice.

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–          Climate change demands the development of optimally adapted forest stands.

–          Active forest management delivers real added value to society.

–          The use of state-of-the-art technology accelerates the sustainable reforestation of large areas.

Hanover, Germany. The supply of wood as a raw material is of central importance to the global woodworking and wood processing industry, which will gather at LIGNA 2025 in Hanover from May 26 to 30. Reflecting this, the forestry section of the world’s leading trade fair will showcase all aspects of optimized timber harvesting methods. Modern large-scale forestry equipment, mobile sawmills, smart logistics, and safe transport – as technical pioneers for the material and energy use of wood – will be in focus, alongside the critical efforts to preserve forests as a sustainable source of raw materials for future generations and to prepare them for future challenges. As a platform for the digitalization of process chains in the forestry and timber industry, LIGNA 2025 also opens up access to new growth markets.

The focus is on people

“The various types of forest damage in recent years have left large areas that now need to be replanted,” says Stephanie Wagner, Head of LIGNA at Deutsche Messe. “At LIGNA, exhibitors will showcase how to develop forest stands that are better adapted to local conditions and the changing climate, and how to secure the future supply of renewable, climate-friendly wood for the industry – with sustainably operating forest managers increasingly using wood as a resource-efficient raw material. People are at the heart of all these efforts. This includes ensuring optimal and, above all, safe working conditions, as well as honoring the special relationship people have shared with forests for centuries,” Wagner adds.

Pavilions 33 and 35: The central point of contact at LIGNA

Traditionally, pavilions 33 and 35 in the outdoor area under the Expo roof serve as the central meeting point at LIGNA 2025. This is where all the key players who bring the forestry exhibition area to life are located. In Pavilion 33, exhibitors include the Forestry Training Center of the Lower Saxony State Forests (NFBz), the Association of Forestry Contractors AfL Niedersachsen e.V., the German Forest Contractors Association (DFUV), the Social Insurance for Agriculture, Forestry and Horticulture (SVLFG), the 3N Competence Center for Renewable Resources and Bioeconomy (3N e.V.), the German Forestry Council, the Lower Saxony Forest Owners Association, PEFC – the world’s largest independent certification system for sustainable forestry – and the Lower Saxony State Forests (NLF). As the host in Pavilion 35, Wald und Holz NRW presents a wide range of topics, featuring participants such as the startup TechTinyHouse from Detmold, Aachen University of Applied Sciences and the Aachen Center for Wood Construction Research, Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences (TH OWL), and the University of Siegen.

Use of technology is necessary and sensible

This year, Pavilion 33, the “Forestry Pavilion”, is dedicated to the theme “People – Technology – Raw Materials”. “We want to make it clear that people’s needs, which can be very well aligned with nature, come first,” says Dr. Maurice Strunk, Federal Managing Director of the German Forest Contractors Association (DFUV) and Managing Director of AfL Niedersachsen e.V. “Our forests will inevitably change in the face of climate change. Through active forest management, we can positively support these processes and create real added value for society. At the same time, it is crucial to make forest work safer, as dozens of people still lose their lives every year. The use of technology is both necessary and sensible – helping to minimize risks on one hand and enabling us to meet the enormous challenge of reforesting large areas on the other,” Strunk explains. The forestry scientist and his colleagues are committed to ensuring that future generations can rely on a sustainably produced, ecologically valuable, and climate-friendly raw material. “We will be setting the course for this in the coming years. The title ‘People – Technology – Raw Materials’ of the Forestry Pavilion reflects all of these challenges,” Strunk concludes.

Three strong partners for the future of forestry

NFBz, AfL, and SVLFG are jointly organizing the Forestry Pavilion. The NFBz (Forestry Training Center of the Lower Saxony State Forests) is responsible for the inter-company training of young people in the forestry profession as well as for advanced training to become master foresters. It also develops new working methods for sustainable forest management. AfL Niedersachsen represents forestry service companies, a professional group that not only carries out around 80 percent of timber harvesting across Germany but also handles the majority of planting and maintenance work in forests on behalf of forest owners. “As a practical partner in Pavilion 33, AfL Niedersachsen aims to engage in dialogue with political representatives at LIGNA 2025 to provide information about the industry’s demands and the necessary steps to ensure forests are well equipped for the future,” says Strunk. Finally, SVLFG acts as the employers’ liability insurance association for private service companies and also provides social insurance for private forest owners, working to make forest workplaces safer – particularly through its extensive prevention efforts.

Remote-controlled wedges and cooling clothing protect forestry workers

In Pavilion 33, visitors to LIGNA 2025 will learn all about the latest developments in the safe felling of damaged trees, especially deciduous trees such as beech. New working methods and techniques for greater protection of forestry workers will be presented, such as remote-controlled wedges, which are used to bring prepared trees to the ground from a distance and thus very safely using chainsaws and felling cuts. “This is because the greatest risk in forestry work comes from branches breaking off while the tree is falling,” explains Strunk. As a lot of work will be required in open areas in the forest in the coming years to plant young trees, keep them free of grass and brambles and maintain young forest stands, the focus will also be on sun protection. “Skin cancer is one of the most common occupational diseases in forestry and is promoted by planting and maintenance measures in open areas, which will now occur even more frequently after the calamities,” explains Strunk and adds: ”The SVLFG will raise awareness of the issue and offer solutions to increase skin protection. Cooling clothing is also an option to make working in open spaces in the forest more bearable. So far, such innovative clothing is hardly widespread in forestry.”

Current methods for stand establishment

The NFBz Münchehof provides information through illustrative demonstrations and films about current methods for stand establishment, as well as young growth and cultivation care using battery technology. In forestry, stand establishment refers to the planting of new tree stands on bare forest land and open areas. Since young trees are particularly vulnerable to high competition from grasses, brambles, and ferns in their early years, clearing these competing plants is essential. Later, it becomes necessary to regulate the composition of tree mixtures by selectively removing individual specimens. This ensures that no single tree species dominates, that particularly vigorous plants maintain good growing conditions, and that a healthy mixture of different tree species develops.

This important work is increasingly being carried out with battery-powered tools instead of petrol-driven machines, and entirely new methods have also been developed. For example, the laborious task of planting with spades is now partly eased through the use of battery-powered drills. However, setting up the necessary charging infrastructure for lithium-ion batteries, along with their storage and transportation, poses new challenges. Batteries present a risk of lithium fires, which are difficult to extinguish. Therefore, occupational health and safety must always be a key consideration when introducing new work processes involving battery technology.

Solutions for the circular use of wood as a raw material

Just a few meters away, in Pavilion 35, the Centre for Forestry and the Wood Industry of Wald und Holz NRW, together with the partners of the NRW joint pavilion, will present current research results on the use of new hardwoods and softwoods, innovative timber construction products and systems, as well as solutions for the circular use of wood as a raw material. This will be showcased in the context of a sustainable, forest-based bioeconomy under the guiding theme: “New Raw Material Basis Wood – Transformation of the Forestry and Wood Cluster in NRW.”

“We are looking forward to exchanging ideas with industry players on the changing raw material basis of wood and new wood applications at LIGNA 2025,” says Dr. Stefanie Wieland of Wald und Holz NRW, Centre for Forestry and the Timber Industry. She also highlights other key topics such as the digitalization of forestry and timber industry process chains, the dry storage of spruce calamity wood, and the use of modern wood heating in combination with other renewable energy sources.

New timber construction systems and wood applications

Pavilion 35 will also showcase new timber construction systems and wood applications, such as the use of birch supporting structures for mobile living concepts, new hardwood and hybrid supporting structures for multi-storey timber construction, and the use of wood in alternative tool technologies. These innovations will be presented through corresponding mock-ups and machine concepts.

Another focus will be on material-saving and resource-efficient timber construction products. The practical demonstration “From Tree to Wood Product” under the EXPO roof in front of the NRW pavilion will illustrate the technological properties and potential uses of “new deciduous and coniferous tree species in a changing climate”, including birch, red oak, sweet chestnut, and various types of fir.

Special show “Follow the Timber” in Pavilion 35

Current and future technologies for tracking and tracing raw timber along the supply chain – “from the standing tree to the factory entrance” – will be presented by the Kuratorium für Waldarbeit und Forsttechnik (KWF) and its project partners in Pavilion 35. “Traceability means recording all the processes that a raw material undergoes during its provision,” explains project manager Alexander Kaulen from the KWF. He adds: “In forestry, traceability serves to verify the legal origin of raw wood from sustainable and climate-positive forestry practices, while also optimizing processes from a business management perspective. Technically, this involves tracing the path of the raw wood from the standing tree to the factory entrance.”

With the special show “Follow the Timber”, the KWF will showcase historical, current, and innovative forestry technologies for tracking the flow of raw timber. The digital infrastructure needed for future implementation will be presented through three demonstrators: Timber Supply, Digital Marketplace, and Data Trustee. Visitors can also look forward to live demonstrations, guided tours, lectures, a video arena, and various exhibits.

Current topics discussed at the NRW stage

The NRW Stage in Pavilion 35 will serve as an ideal platform for the exchange and discussion of current topics among players across the forestry and wood value chain. Visitors can experience discussions with decision-makers from the EU Parliament and industry representatives on the forestry and wood sector’s contribution to a sustainable economic and climate policy in Europe.

Also featured are presentations on circular strategies for the wood industry and mechanical engineering, as well as the EFI Bioregions Forum highlighting current start-up initiatives from across European regions. Other highlights of the NRW Stage include the Forest Owners’ Day and the presentation of recommendations and proposed measures for the transformation of the forestry and timber industry in NRW.

Festive award ceremony and thrilling forwarder championships

On LIGNA-Wednesday, the Qualifizierungsfonds-Forstwirtschaft e.V. will present the “Hans-Jürgen-Narjes Prize” during a festive forestry evening in Pavilion 33. The award will be given to a person, announced shortly before LIGNA, who has made outstanding contributions to training and further education in private forestry service companies. Following the award ceremony, Deutsche Messe AG, together with the Arbeitsgemeinschaft forstwirtschaftlicher Lohnunternehmer (AfL) Niedersachsen e.V. and the Deutscher Forstunternehmer-Verband (DFUV), cordially invites attendees to a networking event offering an excellent opportunity for socializing and professional exchange. “Another highlight for AfL Niedersachsen is the Forwarder Championship, a professional competition taking place on Ascension Day on the open-air grounds east of Pavilion 33,” announces Maurice Strunk. AfL Niedersachsen has been organizing forwarder championships at LIGNA for 30 years. On competition day, more than a dozen drivers from across Germany will compete against one another. “They must master two disciplines using large forestry machines, known as forwarders,” explains Strunk. “In addition to speed, a high degree of precision is essential. Only the best performers in each discipline will advance to the next round, culminating in the final to determine the overall winner.” The competition starts early in the morning and will conclude with the award ceremony at approximately 4:00 p.m.

About LIGNA

The world’s leading trade fair for the woodworking and wood processing industry is jointly organized by Deutsche Messe and VDMA Woodworking Machinery in Hannover, and is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025. It showcases the entire range of products and services for the primary and secondary industries – tools, machines and systems for custom and mass production, surface technology, wood-based panel production, sawmill technology, energy from wood, machine components and automation technology, as well as machines and systems for forestry. Further information on LIGNA is available at www.ligna.de

Number of characters (including spaces): 14,581

Your contact for further information:

Silke Gathmann

Tel.: +49 511 89 31027

E-mail: silke.gathmann@messe.de

You’ll find additional press releases and photos at https://www.ligna.de/en/press/

Mit freundlichen Grüßen / Sincerely

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Springers team is already in full production of the machines for the customer. Starting in July this year, the system will be fully pre-commissioned at our headquarters in Friesach. The tested system is scheduled for delivery to the customer site (south of Austria) at the end of 2025.

The system will be equipped with a Robotic Sorting Line for the fully automatic and combined sorting of green and dry sawn timber with robots. The system is designed for a cutting volume of appr. 15,000 cubic metres of logs per shift and year (30.000 in two shifts). Power consumption is less than 500 kWh (!) . The Sawbox can process logs up to 100 cm in diameter. Main type of processed wood is spruce, pine and larch. The dry sorting module is equipped with a modern cross-cut saw, moisture measurement and high-end quality board-scanners

This innovative sawmill needs just 1.500 square meters, is equipped with robots and can be operated by just one (!) single operator.

A very big thank you to our great partners for making this innovation possible says Manuel Manuel Seiß CFO / CDO bei SPRINGER Maschinenfabrik GmbH

To read previous Springer related posts click here.

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Milan, 17 April 2025 – Clessidra Private Equity SGR – one of the largest Italian private equity firms focused on the upper-mid market and part of Clessidra Group, a leading alternative investment operator in Italy – announced the acquisition of MiCROTEC, a leading player in wood and food scanning solutions, from the Austrian GSS GmbH. Federico Giudiceandrea, founder and Chairman at MiCROTEC, will retain his stake in the company and continue his crucial involvement in the company’s R&D strategy, shepherding the business through its next wave of innovation.

Since its foundation, MiCROTEC has secured its competitive edge thanks to a complete in-house development – conducted by a skilled team composed of more than 150 engineers – of all relevant key components and software solutions. Today, MiCROTEC is able to offer integrated scanning solutions for both the wood processing and the food quality control markets. The company’s flagship product, with integrated computerised tomography technology, is unique in the market and its technology was recently in the spotlight thanks to its precious contribution in the identification of the most suitable oak trees required to rebuild the spire of the medieval Catholic Paris-based church Notre Dame. MiCROTEC’s technology allowed the foresters to make informed decisions and guide the selection process with precision without wasting any trees.

Over last decade, MiCROTEC’s expansion was pushed by the European core market, the ramp up of the Northern American market and the addition of the service business. Globally, machine vision solutions continue to grow significantly across a series of end markets as clients tend to invest robustly in such solutions to improve their production processes and to achieve higher levels of efficiency, yield and quality.

MiCROTEC has established long-standing relationships with global top-tier sawmills and food players, and the business is well-positioned to continue its attractive historical growth trend recording today around Euro 100 million of revenues, with around 95% in exports.

MiCROTEC, headquartered in Brixen (Italy), has direct presence in Italy, Northern America, Sweden, Finland and Germany and employs approximately 450 people across the world.

The investment in MiCROTEC represents the seventh transaction of Clessidra Capital Partners 4 and will support management’s ambitious growth plans building upon MiCROTEC’s strong momentum.

Alongside Clessidra, other investors in the transaction include: Italmobiliare, ISA-Istituto Atesino di Sviluppo, Botzen Invest Euregio Finance, 035 Investimenti, BNP Paribas BNL Equity Investments, and Narval Investimenti.

As part of the transaction, Federico Giudiceandrea will reinvest in the business, and remains instrumental, along with key senior managers, CEO Frank Jöst and CSO Arianna Giudiceandrea, in ensuring continuity for the company’s next phase of growth.

Clessidra’s investment team was coordinated by Rebecka Swenson, Managing Director and included Davide Roveda, Investment Director, Leonardo Biemmi, Associate and Luca Vallini, Analyst.

“We founded, in 1980, a company that has evolved into an international leader in its space. We are very pleased to partner with Clessidra, whom we believe will accelerate MiCROTEC’s global expansion and segment diversification,” said Federico Giudiceandrea, Chairman at MiCROTEC. “Clessidra appreciates our uncompromising commitment to innovation and excellence to keep our company at the utmost forefront in the machine vision industry, and we know their financial and operational expertise will be invaluable during this next phase of growth. Together with Clessidra, we look forward to increasing our global footprint and continuing our expansion path while staying true to the qualities and values that have permitted us to reach our current position.”

Timo Springer, Managing Director of GSS GmbH, together with his family shareholders in MiCROTEC since 1997, commented: “We are honored to have had the opportunity to support MiCROTEC in its exceptional growth path over the last decades. MiCROTEC’s success was enabled by an extremely talented and committed management team, and we are very proud of what we have achieved together. We are confident that MiCROTEC will carry on this success in its next chapter, as it continues to design industry-leading solutions for its clients, and we look forward to continuing our commercial partnership with MiCROTEC in the best interests of our customers.

“We are thrilled to partner with MiCROTEC, which over last years has established itself as preferred partner for world leading players, both in the wood and the food industry”, said Andrea Ottaviano, CEO at Clessidra Private Equity SGR. “MiCROTEC has consistently outperformed its reference markets generating double digit revenue growth for the last 15 years. We would like to thank the Springer family for their invaluable role in past years and we look forward to continuing the successful collaboration.”

Rebecka Swenson, Managing Director at Clessidra Private Equity SGR added: “We see tremendous market expansion opportunities given continued focus on innovative scanning solutions, and as we project to build on current success, our aim is also to identify adequate targets across core segments to accelerate the already outlined organic growth path. In this context, we are thrilled to work with Federico and the outstanding team at MiCROTEC to support their vision.”

Terms of the transaction are not disclosed.

Clessidra was assisted by Fineurop Soditic (M&A and debt advisor), Advant NCTM (legal), EY (financial and operations), Goetz partners (business), KPMG (tax and structuring), ERM (ESG), Marsh (insurance), and Groupe Electa (funds flow).

The sellers were assisted by MP Corporate Finance (M&A advisor), Binder Grösswang (legal advisor), Di Stefano Auer Partner (legal advisor) and EY (financial and tax).

The financing was underwritten by BNP Paribas BNL and Banco BPM.

To read previous Microtec related posts click here.

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After Show: This was LIGNA 2023

More than 80,000 professional visitors from the woodworking and wood processing sectors come to LIGNA, the world’s leading trade fair for woodworking and wood processing plant, machinery and tools, from all over the world to discover innovative machinery, plant and technology from across the entire wood industry. Global market leaders welcome this opportunity to stage live demonstrations of their plant and machinery in operation. Every two years the wood industry has its own season ‒ LIGNA!

LIGNA is not only the place to discover innovations, conclude deals and build networks. In addition to the pure exhibition, the show has numerous special formats to offer for the entire spectrum of the woodworking and wood processing industry that go beyond the pure exhibition area.

Buy your Ticket

At Ligna’s ticket shop you can buy your ticket conveniently and in good time online.

https://www.ligna.de/en/application/ticket-shop/index-2

26.05. – 30.05.2025    Exhibition Grounds, Hannover | Germany

To read previous Ligna related posts click here.

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Expo 2025: From the Executive Director: March 2025

 We’ve already exceeded the number of exhibiting companies and exhibit space from 2023. The success of EXPO 2023, where exhibitors saw their sales soar, made them eager to return in 2025.

We’re down to just 2% of available exhibit space remaining, so if you haven’t secured your booth, now is the time!

• Check out the list of exhibitors.
• Reserve your space today.

Welcome New Member

SFPA is proud to welcome Laidig Systems as an associate member of SFPA!

Our associate membership continues to reach new heights with 172 organizations or individuals who are engaged in some business connected with the manufacture of Southern Pine lumber.

Are you ready to join our community? Check out the benefits by clicking here, then submit your application!

EXPO 2025 Housing

 We’re finalizing housing and registration plans for Forest Products EXPO 2025, and we’re thrilled to help you secure your accommodations!

SFPA has contracted with four hotel properties surrounding the Music City Center, ensuring convenient access to the event. Our exclusive official housing block offers attendees the best rates, proximity, and amenities, all designed to enhance your EXPO experience.

Why Book in the SFPA Housing Block?

 Booking within the official housing block secures your spot at a preferred hotel near the event and provides several key benefits:

• Best Rates and No Hidden Fees: SFPA negotiates the most competitive rates, ensuring you get the best deal with no unexpected charges.
• Convenience and Networking: Staying in an official hotel keeps you close to the action, making it easier to attend sessions, network, and maximize your time at EXPO.
• Exclusive Perks and Amenities: Attendees booking within the block may enjoy perks such as free Wi-Fi, discounted parking, or other special incentives arranged through SFPA.

Key Dates for Housing

Our current schedule (subject to change) is:

• April 9: Housing open exclusively for member exhibitors.
• April 23: Housing open to all exhibitors and the general public.

Booking within the SFPA housing block ensures a seamless, cost-effective, and engaging experience at Forest Products EXPO 2025. More details, including hotel options and booking links, will be available soon.

The service kit, which includes all the information on how to plan a successful EXPO, is scheduled for release in late April and will be available through the Map Your Show exhibitor portal. Please keep in mind these dates are subject to change.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Nashville! Stay tuned for updates.

EXPO 2025 Hotel Notice

 The official EXPO 2025 housing block opens in early April — these are the only authorized hotel rooms for the event.

Beware of hotel scammers. Many EXPO 2025 exhibiting companies have reported receiving calls and emails from unauthorized housing groups attempting to sell hotel rooms for EXPO. These groups are not affiliated with SFPA or Forest Products EXPO.

SFPA does not condone or support these activities and never sells or shares exhibitor information. The only safe way to book your hotel is through SFPAEXPO.com — reservations made elsewhere are not guaranteed. Stay protected and book direct!

Photo  :  Eric Gee Executive Director at Southern Forest Products Association

To read previous Forest Products Expo related posts click here.

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Since 2023, the Ponsse Scorpion Giant with 24 tonnes operating weight is the new model in the Scorpion family.

Thanks to a reinforced middle frame and the stronger C50+ crane, this harvester can even be equipped with the H8 unit with a 10 m crane reach.

With its unique and distinctive design, the Scorpion offers the driver maximum visibility during all work. The new frame construction consists of three segments that are connected to each other via robust swivel joints.

The front and rear segments with the bogie axles can adapt to the ground independently of the middle segment with the cabin. The movements that occur are compensated by hydraulic cylinders, which allows the driver to work very ergonomically.

The proven 8-wheel chassis and the low centre of gravity ensure extremely high stability when working. There is also an actively controlled stabilisation system. This patented system controls the support cylinders on the rear frame depending on the crane and load situation.

To read previous Ponsse related posts click here.

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UNMATCHED FLEXIBILITY AND CONNECTIVIT Y FOR INDUSTRIAL MOTION CONTROL

Delta Motion, a leading innovator in industrial motion control, announced the addition of EtherCAT MainDevice capability to its RMC200 Motion Controller.

By partnering with acontis technologies and leveraging their robust software suite, Delta Motion has successfully implemented a full-featured and highly flexible product. The addition of EtherCAT MainDevice capability to the RMC200 offers unparalleled flexibility for connecting to and controlling any devices needed for high-performance hydraulic and electric motion control in industrial applications.

Why acontis

Delta Motion faced challenges with other options that didn’t meet their standards. Turning to acontis, they immediately recognized acontis’ renowned competency, comprehensive product portfolio, and responsive support. acontis provided detailed support and accommodated numerous requests, enabling Delta to tailor the software for a seamless customer experience.

With acontis’ 20-year track record as a leader in EtherCAT technology, and ongoing maintenance and updates of its software, Delta is confident this will be an enduring partnership that keeps Delta’s software abreast of the latest EtherCAT developments.

“Delta is known for providing the best possible combination of performance and ease of use,” says Steve Nylund, CEO of Delta Motion. “We wanted our EtherCAT implementation to be as user-friendly and robust as our customers have come to expect from Delta. Teaming up with acontis technologies was crucial for achieving this, and our engineers were pleased with their responsiveness and support during the integration process. Initial response to the product has confirmed that we are meeting our high standards.”

Tested and Proven Reliability

In addition to the decades of testing and field experience that acontis’ has put into its EC-Master EtherCAT MainDevice stack, Delta’s integration of the stack into the RMC200 has undergone extensive beta testing with a range of customers and applications. These trials allowed Delta Motion to fine-tune the EtherCAT implementation, ensuring stability and performance across diverse use cases. Multiple firmware updates during the beta phase incorporated real-world feedback, creating a product ready for immediate deployment.

“Our beta testers played a crucial role in helping us refine the EtherCAT modules capabilities,” says Steve Nylund. “The feedback we received confirmed that our solution delivers exceptional performance and reliability right out of the gate.”

I/O Your Way

The RMC200, already renowned for its robust performance and versatility, now offers more options with the addition of EtherCAT support. The RMC200 can handle up to 50 axes of position and pressure control, and supports any combination of directly-connected and EtherCAT I/O. For example, on machines incorporating

both hydraulic and electric motion, users may choose EtherCAT-enabled drives for electric axes, paired with traditional directly-connected servo-proportional valves and feedback sensors for the hydraulic axes.

“Electric drives with EtherCAT often provide significant advantages with no cost adder, while the benefits for other devices depend on the application,” says Steve Nylund. “Our goal is to give our customers the capability to implement best-in-class systems.”

Why EtherCAT

High-Speed Communication: EtherCAT technology, known for its high speed and minimal jitter, ensures precise real-time control of complex motion systems.

Scalability: The RMC200 supports up to 50 axes of motion, extending its application into larger systems. EtherCAT can handle a large number of networked devices without significant performance degradation.

Flexibility: The widespread global adoption of EtherCAT, especially for motor drives, means more devices can easily connect to Delta’s RMC200 Motion Controllers.

Reduced Wiring: EtherCAT can significantly reduce wiring costs and complexity for many systems, reducing installation time and costs.

Contact Information

For more information about the RMC200 with EtherCAT support, please contact:

Delta Motion

Phone: +1 (360) 254-8688

Email: technicalsales@ deltamotion.com

Website: www.deltamotion.com

For more information about EtherCAT software and services, please contact:

acontis technologies

Phone: +49 751 5 60 30 30

Email: sales@acontis.com

Website: www.acontis.com

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An aging but sturdy Newnes tilt hoist at Western Forest Products’ Nanaimo, BC, mill has received a major upgrade thanks to the USNR Upgrades Department. Following a full service audit, the USNR Service Team determined exactly what needed to be upgraded and improved to ensure the tilt hoist would keep running at peak efficiency.

These upgrades included a new tilt hoist knee assembly and skate wheel rack assembly, complete with affordable replacement parts for long-term maintenance savings. Through close collaboration with Western Forest Products, the upgrades were approved and installed, allowing for more reliable production.

USNR is pleased to work with Western Forest Products on this upgrade project. You can also view their full list of standard upgrades on their website

USNR – Upgrades and Conversions

To read previous USNR related posts click here.

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EXHIBITORS RELY ON LIGNA AS AN ECONOMIC DRIVER

Hanover, Germany. LIGNA in Hanover from 26 to 30 May 2025 will be one of the most important milestones for the woodworking and wood processing industry on the way to the hoped-for industry turnaround. Three months before the trade show opens its gates in its 50th anniversary year, more than 1,200 exhibitors from all over the world occupy around 112,000 square metres of exhibition space, sending a strong signal in a challenging industry situation.

“LIGNA is currently almost at the same level as the previous event,” says Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Executive Board, Deutsche Messe AG. “In view of the economic conditions, we are very grateful to everyone involved for their confidence in LIGNA. We are convinced that the world’s leading trade fair for the industry will ensure greater productivity and sustainability through fantastic innovations and thus provide the much-needed motivation and confidence for investments.”

“Hardly any exhibitor skips LIGNA – and for good reason. Especially in challenging times, direct dialogue with customers is crucial to generating new investment momentum through innovative solutions. LIGNA is the platform where pioneering technologies are presented to an international audience of experts. And it’s not just manufacturers who cannot afford to miss this opportunity – customers, too, must be there, as the future course of the industry is set right here in Hanover,” says Dr. Bernhard Dirr, Managing Director of the VDMA Woodworking Machinery Association, Frankfurt am Main.

About LIGNA

The world’s leading trade fair for the woodworking and wood processing industry is jointly organized by Deutsche Messe and VDMA Woodworking Machinery in Hannover, and is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025. It showcases the entire range of products and services for the primary and secondary industries – tools, machines and systems for custom and mass production, surface technology, wood-based panel production, sawmill technology, energy from wood, machine components and automation technology, as well as machines and systems for forestry.

Further information on LIGNA is available at www.ligna.de

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LIGNA, the world’s leading trade fair dedicated to woodworking plants, machinery and tools is back and, like Incomac, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Join them from 26 to 30 May 2025 at Booth L22, Hall 25 of the Hannover Messe to hear all the news of the Incomac world and the newcomer Nardi.

Systems for the treatment of any type of wood

Incomac drying systems are designed to treat all types of wood. The kilns are built to meet all structural and operational requirements, ensuring durability against extreme temperatures and varying environmental and weather conditions.

Incomac’s technicians handle the installation and testing of the kilns on-site. At Incomac, every detail is focused on enhancing the performance and extending the lifespan of the drying system, from the load-bearing structure and weld joints to the doors and screws. They use aluminium and stainless steel for their corrosion resistance, durability, and ability to endure temperature fluctuations and high production cycles.

Each model is engineered to support snow loads of 160 kg/m², with an optional upgrade to 300 kg/m² upon request. They are also resistant to wind pressures up to 120 km/h and can be equipped with enhanced thermal insulation for colder climates.

Their systems offer capacities ranging from 5 to over 1000m³, with pre-drying capabilities. They offer a range of drying systems tailored to different supply methods and treatment types, all designed to meet the specific needs of every customer. Available in various sizes, our models come with either front or tunnel loading options.

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GLAD 2025: The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) has announced the return of Global Lifting Awareness Day (GLAD) 2025 on Thursday 12th June 2025, with the theme “Lifting Careers, Building Futures.” This year, GLAD is dedicated to tackling the growing skills shortages across the lifting industry, promoting practical tools to attract new talent, and using the day as a launchpad to inspire the next generation to explore careers in lifting.

The lifting industry plays a crucial role in global infrastructure, construction, manufacturing, logistics, and more, yet many employers are struggling to recruit and retain skilled professionals. As recruitment challenges intensify, GLAD 2025 aims to provide practical solutions to help businesses identify, develop, and retain top talent.

What to Expect on GLAD 2025

Throughout the day, LEEA and its industry partners will roll out a series of activities, resources, and discussions designed to:

 Support Employers – Providing insights into recruitment best practices, apprenticeships, military resettlement programs, and effective interview techniques to help businesses attract and retain the best talent.

 Empower Job Seekers – Showcasing why the lifting industry is a fantastic career choice, highlighting career pathways, training opportunities, and advice on how to enter and progress in the field.

 Promote Industry-Wide Engagement – Encouraging all stakeholders, from business leaders to training providers, to collaborate and invest in the workforce of tomorrow.

A Special Industry Report & Webinar

As part of GLAD 2025, LEEA CEO, Dr. Ross Moloney and Matt Barber, LEEA Director of Membership, will host a special webinar launching an exclusive industry report that highlights the most pressing issues related to skills shortages, skills gaps, and recruitment across the lifting sector. This report will provide valuable insights into the challenges facing businesses today and actionable strategies to ensure a sustainable and skilled workforce for the future.

A Launchpad for the Next Generation

GLAD 2025 is not just about today’s challenges—it’s about securing the industry’s future. By raising awareness of the diverse and rewarding careers available, GLAD will serve as a springboard for young people, career changers, and underrepresented groups to explore opportunities in lifting. Dr. Ross Moloney, CEO of LEEA, commented: “The skills shortage in our industry is a challenge that we must address together. GLAD 2025 provides a platform for businesses, educators, and job seekers to come together, share solutions, and shape the future of lifting. It’s time to lift careers and build futures.”

Get Involved

LEEA invites industry professionals, businesses, and training providers to join the conversation on GLAD 2025 by sharing success stories, promoting career opportunities, and engaging with the wealth of resources available. Follow the campaign and share your stories using #GLAD2025.

For more information, visit globalliftingawarenessday.com

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USNR’s Automated Lineal Grading System is a cutting-edge solution for planer mills, offering advanced lineal optimization and grading capabilities. Its compact design allows for easy installation and seamless integration into existing production lines.

Leveraging precise measurements and AI-driven technology, this system delivers exceptional accuracy while handling both standard and custom grades, all of which are fully configurable. Additionally, a specialized configuration for hardwood grading, based on USNR’s renowned NHLA-grade rules, is also available.

This elegant AI-driven system accurately and efficiently grades lumber at mill speeds. Its simple design throughout the hardware, software, and mechanical frame makes this system easy to use and maintain.

With over 70 units installed in North America, this grading system’s proven results speak for themselves.

To join the list of planer mills that have benefited from USNR’s Automated Lineal Grading System, contact your USNR representative today.

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Komatsu has introduced its newest log loader, the TimberPro TN230D. The new machine was built from the ground up based on customer and distributor feedback and was carefully engineered to help improve productivity and provide additional operator benefits.

The 197-HP TN230D offers a 36-foot reach and 58,224 foot-pounds of swing torque. It also features Power Max, which temporarily increases engine horsepower and hydraulic flow to support tough forestry tasks.

The machine is built with proven, high-quality Komatsu components and its hydraulic system, powertrain, control valve and interior components are designed and manufactured in-house to help ensure performance and quality control.

The TN230D is the first machine in its class segment to feature dual service platforms with electrically actuated platforms on the left and right sides, offering improved access for service and cleaning.

New benefits include easy access via a large, rear entry cab with service walkways and safety railings, premium heated and cooled seats with adjustable armrests, an elevated cabin with large windows and a front view camera to improve visibility, LED lights and a large overhead skylight.

“We know how demanding forestry environments are – the tough work requires equipment capable of standing up to the job,” said Kyle Kovach, Product Planning Manager. “When we set out to develop a new log loader, we gathered feedback on customer needs then unleashed a team of talented engineers to design this product from the ground up. The result merges quality components with the latest technology to offer a range of productivity, safety and comfort benefits.”

The TN230D will be on display at the Oregon Logging Conference Feb. 20-22, 2025.

Photo:  The TN230D merges quality components with the latest technology.

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Edmundston, NEW BRUNSWICK – February 10, 2025 –

Acadian Timber Corp. (“Acadian”) (TSX:ADN) has signed an agreement to purchase assets of A & A Brochu, LLC (“A & A Brochu”) and its affiliates for a total price of U.S. $4.8 million.

The assets include harvesting, trucking, and road building equipment, as well as related real estate, in the Millinocket, Maine region. “We are pleased with the opportunity to purchase this turnkey operation,” commented Adam Sheparski, President and Chief Executive Officer. “A & A Brochu has provided contractor services to Acadian for many years.

The transaction will address the historical harvesting capacity challenges in Maine and enable greater control over costs as well as sustainable forestry practices, while allowing Acadian to invest in the communities in which we live and work.”

The asset purchase agreement was signed on February 10, 2025 and the transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of 2025.

Photo Adam Sheparski, President and Chief Executive Officer.

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During 2025, Setra will investigate the possibilities of divesting the sawmill in Malå. A divestment is expected to contribute to Setra’s opportunities to further strengthen its position in Central Sweden, where the company’s raw material supply is expected to improve in the coming years.

During 2024, Setra took major steps in an extensive upgrade of the sawmill in Malå with new timber intake, new sawing line, updated raw sorting and increased drying capacity. The new saw line has been installed and start-up of the saw is proceeding according to plan.

The full potential is expected to be reached in 2027 when the capacity of sawn goods increases from the current 160,000 m3/year to 340,000 m3/year.

Malå is located in one of Europe’s most attractive raw material areas, both in terms of quality and growth.

The geographical location, combined with a well-invested sawmill, equipped with the latest available technology, creates good conditions for long-term good earnings and the opportunity to find a good industrial home for the sawmill in Malå.

The sales process will take place in a structured process during the first half of 2025, where Access Partners has been mandated as coordinating advisor.

For further information please contact: CEO Marcus Westdahl: or CFO Johanna Lindén

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In 2025, it will be 55 years since forest machine entrepreneur Einari Vidgren founded a forest machine factory in Vieremä, Finland. The anniversary year will start on a high note as the 21,000th PONSSE forest machine has been manufactured and will be delivered on February 6th, 2025, to Scheff Logging & Trucking Inc. from Minnesota, USA.

Scheff Logging & Trucking Inc. is a family business established in 1977. Today, Jhace Pearson, the company’s representative in the third generation, came over to the Ponsse factory with his best friend Matthew Vosika to receive their new Ponsse Buffalo.

It is an honour for Scheff Logging & Trucking Inc. to receive Ponsse’s 21,000th forest machine. Scheff Logging considers it vital that Ponsse’s entire personnel are committed to excellent service. Scheff has grown into a three-generation harvesting and transport company and employs more than 40 professionals. Scheff Logging would like to thank everyone at Ponsse for this magnificent machine!

Logging together worldwide for 55 years

Throughout its history, the Finnish family-owned company has focused on the development and production of cut-to-length forest machines and the provision of maintenance services for them. While all forest machines are still manufactured in Vieremä, Ponsse is at home in forests around the world, as the company currently operates in the logging sites of almost 40 countries.

“Since the earliest days, Ponsse’s driving force has been the belief that only the best people, in cooperation with customers and stakeholders, can develop and manufacture the best forest machines in the world. Still today, forest machines are developed and manufactured in the same way by more than 2,000 Ponsse employees. As a result of long-term cooperation, Ponsse has grown over the years to become the world’s leading manufacturer of cut-to-length forest machines,” says Jarmo Vidgren, Chair of Ponsse’s Board of Directors. In honour of the anniversary, we are going on a worldwide tour to meet our customers and stakeholders,” Vidgren emphasizes

Events around the world

In accordance with the theme of the anniversary year “Logging together worldwide”, Ponsse is celebrating the milestone by inviting customers, stakeholders and Ponsse people to join the anniversary tour. The anniversary tour starts from Finland on March 18 and continues around the world during the year.  Welcome to the events: https://events.ponsse.com/

Jarmo Vidgren

Chair of the Board of Directors

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Southeastern Timber Products announced this week it is investing $123.4 million to expand its operations in Ackerman, which could create as many as 40 jobs.

Southeastern Timber Products is a family-owned-and-operated manufacturer of southern yellow pine lumber, timber and decking products. The company is expanding its Ackerman sawmill to increase production capacity from 120 million board feet per year to 300 million board feet per year.

To facilitate the project, Southeastern Timber Products will install a new sawmill line, new dry kilns and storage facilities.
Southeastern Timber Products has a joint venture partnership with Tolko Industries Ltd., a company based in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada.

One of the largest Canadian investments in Mississippi, Tolko has embarked on what will ultimately be a $150 million investment in the STP lumber mill that was announced in 2022. Under the banner of Southeastern Timber Products LLC, the project is a joint venture with STP Holdings, LLC.

“Today’s announcement enables us to further invest in our people, customers and local community,” said David Manley, Tolko Industries U.S. Ltd. vice president. “We greatly appreciate the Mississippi government’s support of all strategic investments that will help us by continuing to grow STP’s capacity to 300 million board feet per year.”

The news comes at a time President Donald J. Trump wants to sign an executive order introducing a 25% tariff on all goods coming from Mexico and Canada and a 10% tariff on goods from China. The order on China went into effect on Tuesday, while the orders on Canada and and Mexico have been put on hold as of Wednesday.

Canada is Mississippi’s largest trading partner and Mississippi would likely feel negative impacts from a 25% tariff on all goods coming from Canada. There also would likely be some reactionary impacts on goods that are exported from Mississippi to Canada.

Reported by Ross Reily Mississippi Clarion Ledger

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