International Forest Industries June July 2026

SAWMILLING • LOGGING • BIOMASS • RENEWABLE ENERGY • CONSTRUCTION JUNE / JULY 2026

Setting Global Standards in Log and Lumber

Handling for the North American Forest Industry

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LOGGING • BIOMASS

CONTENTS

Forwarders

34-35

36

JOHN DEERE 1610g

37

KOMATSU 895-3

42

Ponsse Elephant

VIMEK 870

32

35

46

32 PONSSE BUFFALO PLANTER

Ponsse expands its technology offering

into forest regeneration solutions

JUNE / JULY 2026

35 KESLA

Kesla Launches New F-Series

Forestry Cranes for the Most

Common Forwarder Classes

46 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER

Part of our series of major SUVs

REGULAR FEATURES 6 Sawmilling 48 Advertising Index LUMBER PROCESSING CONTENTS

COVER - Setting Global Standards in Log and Lumber


Efficient log handling is one of the most

important factors in modern sawmill

operations. As production capacities

continue to increase worldwide, the demand

for reliable, high-performance, automated

systems is growing rapidly. For decades,

Springer has been a leading international

specialist in this field, delivering advanced

technologies for the wood processing

industry across global markets.

Headquartered in Austria, Springer develops

integrated solutions for log yards, sawmills,

lumber mills, and wood-processing facilities

worldwide, serving customers of all sizes,

from small-scale operations to highly complex

industrial projects. Today, Springer's systems

are operating successfully worldwide,

supporting customers in achieving efficient,

automated, and reliable production processes.

www.springer-usa.com See pages 24 - 27

SAWMILLING • LOGGING • BIOMASS • RENEWABLE ENERGY • CONSTRUCTION JUNE / JULY 2026

Setting Global Standards in Log and Lumber


International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2026 1

LUMBER PROCESSING

SAWLINES

14

12

20

12 COMACT

Smart Technologies Redefining

the Modern Sawmill

14 IRVING FOREST PRODUCTS

Irving Forest Products to expand Maine

sawmill, adding 80 jobs

20 USNR

31

Uniflow Conversion Exceeds Expectations

24

28

24 SPRINGER

Strong Solutions for the Global

Log Handling Industry

28 MÜHLBÖCK

WIEHAG opts for Mühlböck progressive

kilns with heat recovery and a customised

conveyor system

31 ONTARIO

Ontario Investing $1.6 Million to Protect

Forestry Workers in Mildmay supporting

Bernie McGlynn Lumber Ltd

UP TO

50%

ENERGY

SAVING

PROGRES-

SIVE KILN

DYNAMIC

CONTINOUS DRYING

FOR CONTINOUS

TIMBER PRODUCTION

MÜHLBÖCK Holztrocknungsanlagen GmbH

Antiesen 24, 4906 Eberschwang – Austria

Tel. +43 / 77 53 / 22 96-0

Your contact for North America:

Muehlboeck Drying Technology,

phone (00)1-250-679-4475

www.drykilns.ca

www.muehlboeck.com

2 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2026

ISSUE 111

JUNE / JULY 2026

SUBSCRIPTIONS

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EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL T: +44 (0)1442 877 583

T: F: +44 +44 (0)1442 877 870583

617

F: www.internationalforestindustries.com

+44 (0)1442 870 617

www.internationalforestindustries.com

2 Claridge Court, Lower Kings Road

2 Berkhamsted, Claridge Court, Herts. Lower HP4 Kings 2AF, Road UK

Berkhamsted, Herts. HP4 2AF, UK

Editor

Editor Robin Peach

Robin robin@internationalforestindustries.com

Peach

robin@internationalforestindustries.com

Editorial Board

Dr Patrick Moore – Chairman and Chief

NORTH AMERICAN SALES

Professor Piotr Paschalis-Jakubowicz –

Kevin Lapham J.P.Media Inc

Warsaw Agricultural University (Poland)

Tel: Mr +1 Kim (630) Carstensen 420 9752

Email: Director lapham@jpmediainc.com

General

Forest Stewardship Council

WildspaceAI

Eduardo Morales

jonathan@wildspacemedia.com

South American Forestry Consultant

WEB OPTIMIZATION

Jo English

jo@internationalforestindustries.com

ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONS

ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONS

International Forest Industries Ltd

Advertising Manager

Emma Smith

emma@internationalforestindustries.com

+44 +44 (0)1442 877 583

Publisher Associate Editor

Robin Peach


Advertising Production Enquiries

Emma Smith

emma@internationalforestindustries.com

Studio Manager

Luke International Evans Forest Industries is published

luke@lecreative.co.uk

by International Forest Industries Ltd,


Accounts Berkhamsted, Herts. HP4 2AF, UK

Sachin International MetaForest Industries (ISSN 1755-6732) is

sachin@internationalforestindustries.com

published bi-monthly by International Forest Industries

Ltd GBR and is distributed in the USA by Asendia USA,

17B South Middlesex Avenue, Monroe NJ 08831 and

International additional mailing Forest offices. Industries Periodicals is published postage paid at

by

New

International

Brunswick NJ.

Forest

POSTMASTER:

Industries

send

Ltd,

address

changes to International Forest Industries, 17B South


Middlesex Avenue, Monroe NJ 08831

Berkhamsted, Herts. HP4 2AF, UK

© International Forest Industries Ltd 2007 – 2019

International IFI uses, as preference, Forest Industries SI units (ISSN throughout. 1755-6732) is

published All dollars bi-monthly are US unless by International otherwise stated. Forest Industries

Ltd GBR and is distributed in the USA by Asendia USA,

701C Ashland Avenue, Folcroft, PA 19032 and

additional mailing offices. Periodicals postage paid at

New Brunswick NJ. POSTMASTER: send address

changes to International Forest Industries, 17B South

Middlesex Avenue, Monroe NJ 08831

© International Forest Industries Ltd 2007 –2026

IFI uses, as preference, SI units throughout.

All dollars are US unless otherwise stated.

EDITORS COMMENT

The Tradition Continues —

TP&EE Returns to Portland

Despite consolidation across the Pacific

Northwest wood products sector, the

region remains home to many of North

America’s most innovative sawmills,

panel producers and biomass operations.

That continued spirit of investment and

technological progress is precisely why

Timber Processing & Energy Expo (TP&EE)

returns to Portland in September 2026.

Presented by Hatton-Brown Publishers

and supported by Timber Processing,

Panel World, Wood Bioenergy and

International Forest Industries magazines,

the exhibition will once again take place

at the Portland Exposition Center from

23-25 September 2026. Organisers expect

more than 150 exhibiting companies,

over 1,200 registered attendees and

approximately 40,000 sq ft of exhibition

space, reinforcing TP&EE’s position as the

premier regional gathering for the forest

products industry.

Although the Northwest no longer has

the number of mills it once did, those

that remain rank among the most

technologically advanced in the world.

Investment continues in optimisation,

automation, scanning, continuous drying

systems, biomass utilisation and valueadded

manufacturing, ensuring the region

remains a showcase for modern timber

processing.

That makes TP&EE more relevant than

ever. The exhibition provides a unique

opportunity for mill owners, production

managers, engineers and technology

suppliers to meet face-to-face, exchange

ideas and evaluate the latest equipment

capable of improving productivity, fibre

recovery and operational efficiency.

The timing is particularly significant.

Producers across North America are

operating in an increasingly demanding

environment, balancing fluctuating

timber supplies, volatile lumber markets,

inflationary pressures and labour

shortages while striving to reduce

energy consumption and maximise yield.

Technologies that can deliver even modest

improvements in recovery or minimise

downtime are attracting unprecedented

attention.

Biomass and renewable energy

solutions are also expected to feature

prominently. As mills seek greater energy

independence and improved utilisation

of residual fibre streams, equipment that

converts waste into valuable energy or

marketable products continues to gain

momentum.

Encouragingly, capital investment has not

slowed. Across the continent, companies

are upgrading scanning systems,

modernising dry kilns, expanding

planer capacity, introducing robotics

and embracing artificial intelligence

to optimise production and improve

competitiveness. The Pacific Northwest

has long been at the forefront of such

innovation, and TP&EE offers a practical

showcase for the next generation of

technologies shaping the industry's

future.

The exhibition also fulfils another

important role. In an increasingly digital

world, online demonstrations and virtual

meetings cannot fully replace the value

of seeing machinery in operation or

discussing technical challenges directly

with designers and engineers. Many of the

partnerships and investment decisions

that influence the sector begin with

conversations held on the show floor.

Cont’d on page 10

ROBIN PEACH - EDITOR


med utfall

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10000XT

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When productivity matters, Log Max delivers. As a leader in the forest industry, Log Max harvester

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every head is designed to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and keep your operation moving.

If you want results, you want Log Max.

6000V

Log Max 6000V Top Saw is well-suited for both wheeled

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logmax.com

Major brands on show at TP&EE 2026

September 23-25, 2026 Portland, Oregon

MiCROTEC is the global technology and market leader in

intelligent wood characteristics detection to maximize value

& resource efficiency for the wood processing industry.

Booth 409

GLOBAL LEADER

for innovative solutions in the wood-processing industry.

The family-owned company located in Friesach (Austria)

plans, develops, and produces machines and state of the art

solutions for the forest industry.

Booth 309

For over 100 years, Comact has been a leading OEM in highcaliber

wood processing equipment, digital technologies,

cutting solutions, project services, and aftermarket support.

Booth 627

Jartek Invest is a Finnish family company in the field of

sawmill and wood thermal modification technologies. The

company is dating back nearly sixty years and is famous

for the upper quality class equipment with focus on robust

design and long term durability.

Booth 237

Today’s sawmills require reliable, easy-to-use 3-d scanning,

which is why mills around the world rely on JoeScan

scanners. Since introducing the js-20 model in 2002,

JoeScan has revolutionized how sawmills use scanners.

Booth 337

Combilift, the Irish specialist manufacturer of materials

handling solutions, will have plenty to show at TP&EE.

The company’s product range, which encompasses small

pedestrian stackers, multidirectional forklifts and large

Straddle Carriers, will be well represented at this year’s

event.

Booth 1025

As a global leader in 3D scanning and inspection, LMI

Technologies works to advance quality and productivity with

3D sensor technology.

Booth 807

Delta Motion, is a manufacturer of industrial control

products, with a focus on high-performance motion

controllers for servo hydraulic and servo electric

applications.

Booth 133

HALCO Software's business is computer simulation and

off-line optimization of forest industry operations. We have

helped many clients to maximize profits through better

capital investment and operating decisions.

Booth 960


Gocator 7540

for Log Scanning

coming soon

40+ YEARS

MAKING THE GRADE

EXPERIENCE. INNOVATION. EXCELLENCE.

SCAN TO EXPLORE

Ponsse launches a global Operators Club

Ponsse has launched a global

Operators Club for forest

machine operators, with

Finland being the first country

where the club will begin

its operations. This unique

community offers its members,

among other benefits, free

events and training sessions,

opportunities to network

with other operators, and

direct channel to the Ponsse

Vieremä factory – all the way

to the company’s owners and

product development.

The Ponsse Operators Club

is a new global community

for forest machine operators.

It is open to those currently

operating forest machines,

students training to become

operators, teachers at

forest machine schools, and

professionals working in

forest machine education and

training.

More detailed schedules and

participating countries will

be announced closer to the

launch.

Comprehensive benefits and

an opportunity to influence

By joining the club, members

receive a wide range of free

benefits. These include

invitations to events and

training sessions held at

Ponsse’s premises, where

participants can test Ponsse

products and solutions. These

events also offer opportunities

to network with other forest

machine operators, regardless

of machine brand.

“Operators now have the

opportunity to influence

the development of Ponsse

products by sharing their

experiences and insights

during the events. We want

to involve operators more

strongly in our product

development, and the club

enables this on a larger scale,”

says Marko Mattila, Chief,

Sales, Service & Marketing

Officer at Ponsse Plc.

The club will first take place

in Finland. In the autumn the

Ponsse Operators Club will

expand to Uruguay in South

America. The club will then

be rolled out to other Ponsse

operating countries around

the HALCO world. AD:Layout 3 3/8/10 17:22 Page 1

“Our founder, Einari

Vidgrén, said that forest

machine operators are the

best experts, and Ponsse

wants to listen to them.

Establishing this community is

therefore a matter of honor for

us,” Mattila concludes.

Members of the Ponsse

Operators Club will also

receive useful information

about work ergonomics,

solutions that make daily work

easier, and the technology

behind Ponsse’s cut-to-length

harvesting solutions. Finnish

operators around the country

can now join the club and read

more about its benefits at

www.ponsse.com/fi/

Marko Mattila, Ponsse Chief,

Sales, Service & Marketing

Officer

For further information:

Marko Mattila, Chief, Sales,

Service & Marketing Officer,

Ponsse Plc.

marko.mattila@ponsse.com

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WoodTECH 2026:

Moving from AI hype to mill floor reality

With over 40 international technology leaders now confirmed to exhibit,

WoodTECH 2026 is set to be one of the largest showcases of wood processing

for the Southern Hemisphere. It also highlights a massive regional push

toward autonomous, “zero light” manufacturing.

The sheer scale of the

upcoming series, which

takes place in Rotorua

(18-19 June) and Brisbane (23-

24 June), underscores a pivotal

moment for the sector. As

mills across Australia and New

Zealand face rising costs and

fluctuating markets, the focus

has shifted from incremental

improvements to a total

technological overhaul.

The event has moved

beyond its traditional role as

a conference; it has become

a southern hub where the

world’s most advanced

AI, robotics, and scanning

companies are landing to

demonstrate how ‘digital

twins’ and autonomous

systems are performing in

real-world mill environments.

A powerhouse of global

expertise

The exhibition floor is a major

drawcard this year, featuring

a record number of confirmed

product and service suppliers.

This massive assembly allows

mill managers and operations

leaders to compare, first-hand,

the latest advancements

from companies like Finnos,

DO2, and SiCam Systems.

The presence of over 25

international speakers further

bridges the gap between

global innovation and local

operational reality.

From human-led

to data-driven

The 2026 programme,

themed “Automation, AI &

Action,” reflects a sectorwide

transition. The sessions

are specifically designed to

address the move toward

“zero light” manufacturing—

autonomous production

lines capable of operating at

maximum output with minimal

manual oversight.

Strategic focal points for the

series include:

• Autonomous Operations:

In Rotorua, Tony Johnston

(WET) will detail the path

to optimized engineered

lumber, while Thomas

Schaefer (LINCK) explores

the “one operator, maximum

output” model.

• Value-Added Transitions:

Brisbane sessions will

see Ian Blanden (FWPA)

and Prof. Benoit Gilbert

examining the high-value

potential of Bluegum as it

moves from pulpwood to

glulam.

• Precision Recovery: Nick

Barrett (SiCam Systems)

and Jyri Smagin (Finnos) will

break down how AI-powered

scanning and closed-loop

size control are drastically

reducing waste and

maintenance costs.

• Workforce Resilience:

Acknowledging the human

element, Lance Burdett

will provide a roadmap

for maintaining focus and

operational safety in a

high-tech, high-change

environment.

Securing the Future

By bringing together a recordbreaking

number of exhibitors

and world-class specialists,

WoodTECH 2026 serves as

the definitive staging ground

for the next decade of wood

processing in the Southern

Hemisphere.

Cont’d from page 5

The Tradition Continues — TP&EE Returns to Portland

For equipment manufacturers

and service providers, TP&EE

offers direct access to senior

decision-makers responsible

for future capital expenditure.

For mill operators, it provides

an efficient opportunity

to compare competing

technologies, benchmark

operations and identify

solutions that enhance safety,

efficiency and profitability.

For International Forest

Industries, TP&EE remains

one of the most important

events on the North American

calendar. It reflects not

only the resilience of the

Pacific Northwest forest

products sector but also its

determination to continue

investing in innovation despite

economic uncertainty.

As the industry gathers

once again in Portland,

one message stands out

above all others: markets

may evolve and companies

may consolidate, but the

commitment to technological

progress and collaboration

remains undiminished. In that

respect, the organisers' theme

is entirely appropriate — the

tradition continues.


MAXIMIZE VALUE.

FROM EVERY LOG.

In today’s market, where raw material costs and efficiency

are critical, sawmills must do more with less.

Comact helps leading producers increase recovery, flexibility,

and performance through advanced optimization and proven

sawmill technologies.

WHAT WE BRING

• AI-driven optimization and grading for logs, cants and boards

• Hybrid breakdown solutions for maximum efficiency

• Inline butt-flare reduction to improve flow and recovery

• Modular upgrades to modernize existing mills

WHY IT MATTERS

• More value from every log

• Greater flexibility to adapt to market demand

• Improved operational stability

• Long-term competitiveness

• A partnership approach focused on lasting performance

PROVEN EXPERTISE

• 100+ years in wood processing

• 2,000+ specialists focused exclusively on wood processing

• Proven capability to deliver complex and large-scale industrial projects

• Integrated expertise across mechanics, automation, and optimization

Let’s discuss your next project!

comact.com

SAWLINES

Smart Technologies Redefining

the Modern Sawmill

In today’s sawmilling

environment, fiber

recovery alone is

no longer enough.

Mills must maintain

stable production

flow while adapting to

increasingly complex

operating conditions.

Log supply has become

less predictable, labor

challenges continue

to impact operations,

and customers expect

higher consistency in

finished products. As

a result, the industry

is moving toward

smarter and more

connected production

systems where realtime

scanning, process

monitoring, and

automated optimization

play a central role.

Smart Vision for Log Singulation and Gap Control - Log Measurement and Positioning

Modern sawlines are

no longer defined

solely by mechanical

performance. Their efficiency

increasingly depends on the

quality of the information

available throughout the

process. Scanning and

vision technologies now

provide mills with the

ability to monitor material

flow continuously, validate

positioning accuracy, and

optimize decisions in real

time.

Smart Vision for Log

Singulation

At Comact, this evolution

has led to the development

of integrated Smart Vision

and Smart Tool technologies

designed specifically for wood

processing applications.

These solutions combine

advanced vision systems

and process intelligence to

improve productivity, recovery,

and operational stability

across the entire sawline.

One of the earliest

optimization opportunities

begins before logs reach the

breakdown equipment. Log

singulation and gap control

are critical to maintaining

stable production flow

at high speeds. Irregular

spacing between logs can

create bottlenecks, feeding

instability, and unnecessary

interruptions downstream.

The Smart Vision for Log

Singulation & Gap Control

system addresses this

challenge by establishing each

log’s position within the steps,

while measuring its diameter

at multiple points along its

length. Using this information,

the system optimizes spacing

during singulation based

on the characteristics of the

current and previous logs,

helping maintain the optimal

gap required for sawline

operation. It also tracks the

logs loaded into the conveyor

to increase gap precision. In

addition, the system enables

instant identification of logs

that are too short or too small,

as well as situations where

two logs have been loaded

within the same step.

Rotation Correction and

Confirmation Scanners

Once logs enter the primary

breakdown process,

positioning precision becomes

even more critical. Accurate

rotation directly influences

fiber recovery, board quality,

and downstream efficiency.

Even small positioning errors

at this stage can generate

significant losses throughout

the production line.

To support this process,

Comact integrates both

rotation correction and

rotation confirmation

technologies within the

optimization sequence.

The Rotation Correction

Scanner evaluates log

orientation while the log is

still inside the log turner.

By monitoring the executed

rotation, the system detects

positioning discrepancies

before the log exits the turning

zone, allowing for corrective

adjustments.


Smart Vision for Log Singulation and Gap Control -

Camera System Outside

Through continuous

monitoring and closedloop

feedback, the system

dynamically adjusts operating

parameters to maintain

optimal cutting conditions

and process stability. Rather

than operating as isolated

equipment, the primary

breakdown line becomes

an intelligent system that

responds to changing

production conditions.

This approach helps mills

reduce variability, improve

accuracy, and maintain higher

performance levels even

under demanding operating

conditions. It also supports

predictive maintenance

by identifying abnormal

operating trends before they

become larger issues.

SAWLINES

It identifies misaligned

or improperly positioned

pieces and sends an alert to

the PLC when a cant is not

correctly aligned with the

zero-reference lines, allowing

operators to correct the issue

before it impacts downstream

equipment.

The same system also

enables cant singulation

and indexation toward the

stopping arms or other

positioning devices, helping

maintain stable material

flow throughout the transfer

process.

This capability becomes

particularly valuable when

processing logs with irregular

shapes, sweep, or physical

defects that complicate

rotational control. In these

situations, the executed

rotation may occasionally

differ from the optimizer’s

original target.

Following this stage,

the Rotation Confirmation

Scanner evaluates the final log

position prior to breakdown.

If the executed rotation

does not perfectly match the

initial optimization target,

the optimizer reassesses

the actual log orientation

and determines whether

the original sawing solution

remains optimal or if an

alternative cutting pattern

would generate better fiber

recovery.

This validation layer allows

the sawline to adapt to real

production conditions while

maintaining optimal recovery

despite positioning variability.

Rather than relying solely

on theoretical targets, the

system continuously adjusts

optimization decisions based

on the actual log orientation

entering breakdown.

Smart Vision for Cant Indexation

Smart Tool Primary

Breakdown Closed-Loop

At the same time, process

intelligence within the

breakdown equipment

itself continues to evolve.

Traditional systems often

relied on fixed parameters

and operator intervention to

maintain cutting performance.

Today, advanced solutions

continuously adjust

processing conditions based

on live production data.

The Smart Tool Primary

Breakdown system represents

this new generation of

adaptive process control.

Smart Vision for Cant

Indexation

In sawlines where cants

transition from linear to

transverse flow between

primary and secondary

breakdown, positioning

control becomes critical.

During this transfer, cants

can shift, skew, or become

improperly positioned,

potentially impacting

downstream processing

efficiency and line flow.

This is where the Smart

Vision for Cant Indexation

system plays an important

role. The system monitors

cants at the outfeed in real

time as they transition

between primary and

secondary breakdown.

By improving cant

positioning consistency, the

system helps optimize line

flow, minimize downtime, and

enhance operational safety

through rapid detection of

positioning issues before they

escalate.

Conclusion

As the industry continues to

evolve, smart technologies will

play an increasingly central

role in helping sawmills

improve recovery, stabilize

operations, and maximize

profitability. The future of

sawmilling will not rely solely

on faster equipment, but on

smarter systems capable of

transforming production data

into actionable decisions

across the entire operation.

Learn more at

info@comact.com.


Irving Forest Products, a

subsidiary of Saint John,

New Brunswick-based J.D.

Irving Limited, opened the

68,500-square-foot mill in

2014. Photo by J.D. Irving.

SAWLINES

Irving Forest Products to expand

Maine sawmill, adding 80 jobs

ASHLAND, Maine — Irving Forest Products’ Ashland

sawmill will soon double its space with help from the

Finance Authority of Maine. At their April 30, 2026

meeting, the board of directors of the FAME approved

state new markets tax credit financing to assist with

the planned expansion.

The funds will be used

as part of an overall

multimillion-dollar

project to modernize and

expand its sawmill. The

investment will double the

facility’s annual lumber

production capacity from 130

million to 250 million board

feet while strengthening

its role as a manufacturer

of dimensional lumber. The

sawmill currently supports

the equivalent of 140 full-time

positions and will grow to the

equivalent of approximately

220 full-time jobs upon

completion of the project.

Tax credit financing offers

tax incentives to investors

for backing a project. FAME’s

board of directors approved

a combined total of $16.5

million in tax credits to five

community development

groups, which together

invested $42 million toward

the expansion, the release

stated.

“We deeply appreciate

FAME’s support for this

important project,” stated

Jerome Pelletier of Irving

Forest Products, Inc. “This

investment reflects the hard

work of our team and our

long-term commitment to the

region. It will help us support

good jobs and continue

contributing to the Aroostook

community.” “This investment

reflects the hard work of

our team and our long-term

commitment to the region,”

Jerome Pelletier of Irving said

in a statement. “It will help

us support good jobs and

continue contributing to the

Aroostook community.”

Who Wins the Sawline?

Irving's Maine Expansion

Sparks Industry Interest

Irving Forest Products'

decision to install a new

second sawline at its Ashland,

Maine operation is one of

the most significant sawmill

investments announced in

North America this year. The

expansion will increase annual

production from 130 million

board feet to 250 million

board feet, add approximately

68,000 square feet of

manufacturing space and

create around 80 new jobs.

The new line is specifically

designed to process larger

and longer logs, suggesting

a major investment in highcapacity,

highly automated

technology.

The obvious question is: who

will supply it?

At the time of writing, Irving

has not disclosed any

machinery suppliers, but the

project offers some intriguing

clues.

The leading contenders:

USNR/Comact

If there is a favourite, it is

probably between USNR/

Comact.

The two companies

have become the dominant

suppliers of high-speed

softwood sawline technology

in North America, with proven

expertise in:

• Log scanning and

optimization

• High-production canter and

chipper systems

• Curve sawing

• Edging and trimming

• Automated grading

and sorting

• Integrated controls and millwide

optimization.

Jérôme Pelletier

VP, Sawmills Division

J.D. Irving Limited

Canada

For a greenfield-style

second sawline intended to

maximise throughput while

handling variable log sizes,

USNR or Comact would be a

logical choice.

Could Springer play a role?

Another possibility is Springer,

particularly in the area of:

• Log handling

• Infeed systems

• Conveyors

• Sorting lines

• Timber transport automation

Springer's expertise in

large-scale material flow

makes it a strong candidate

for supporting infrastructure,

even if another OEM supplies

the core sawline.

The scanner specialists

Modern North American

mills increasingly rely on

sophisticated scanning

technology to maximise fibre

recovery.

Potential suppliers could

include:

• LMI Technologies

• Microtec

• FinScan

• Joescan

These systems provide

3D optimisation and defect

detection before breakdown,

helping mills recover more

value from every log.

Cont’d on page p48


JS-50

X6B

CARRIAGES &

SHORT-INFEED

EDGERS

JS-50

WX

TRIMMERS

EDGERS &

MORE

JS-50

Z8

END-DOGGER,

C FRAME &

HI SPEED SNAPSHOT


SAWLINES

Ontario Investing $10 Million to Modernize

Georgia-Pacific North Woods Facility

Provincial investment

will protect 220

forestry workers,

strengthen Ontario’s

forest sector and

increase production

of Ontario-wood

products

The Ontario government

is investing $10 million

in Georgia-Pacific North

Woods to advance a major

$191 million upgrade to its

oriented strand board (OSB)

plant. The project will support

the increased production of

Ontario-made wood products

and protect more than 220

jobs and hundreds of indirect

jobs in the region. As part

of the government’s plan to

protect Ontario, the province is

making strategic investments

to help forest sector

businesses adapt, compete

and grow to stay resilient in

the face of U.S. tariffs.

“Our government is

investing in the tools and

technology to transform how

our forest sector remains

competitive in today’s

challenging and evolving

markets,” said Kevin Holland,

Associate Minister of Forestry

and Forest Products. “This

investment is delivering on our

Kevin Holland,

Associate Minister of

Forestry and Forest

Products

roadmap by putting underused

wood to work, strengthening

supply chains and supporting

the production of highquality,

Ontario-made forest

products.”

The government’s

investment under the Forest

Biomass Program will support

Georgia-Pacific’s $191 million

project, helping modernize

and expand operations at

its Englehart facility. The

project includes upgrades to

log processing operations,

construction of new facilities,

expansion of on-site storage

and modern equipment.

Once completed, these

improvements will increase

production by 14 per cent,

strengthening a key anchor

facility in the northeast.

Georgia-Pacific will also

acquire a thermal energy

system to use wood byproducts

for heat and power,

supporting sustainable forest

management by maximizing

fibre value.

“Local facilities like this

one are critical to Ontario’s

regional economic stability,”

said Mike Harris, Minister

of Natural Resources. “By

investing in upgrades that

boost performance and

expand these operations,

we are protecting goodpaying

jobs and ensuring

communities continue

to benefit from a strong,

competitive forest sector.”

Investing in Georgia-

Pacific North Woods advances

the Roadmap to Protecting

Ontario’s Forest Sector, the

government’s plan to Defend,

Adapt and Grow the industry

and to maintain Ontario’s

position as a G7 leader in

making and selling forest

products.

The province will continue to

make strategic investments

that protect forestry jobs

and ensure the long-term

sustainability of the sector.

Quick Facts

• The forest sector is

an essential industry,

generating almost $21

billion in business revenue

and supporting close to

155,000 jobs.

• The government released

the Roadmap to Protecting

Ontario’s Forest Sector

on April 28, setting out a

10-year plan to maintain

Ontario’s position as a G7

leader in making and selling

wood products, with the

competitive excellence and

transformative technologies

to unlock new global

markets.

• Ontario’s Forest Biomass

Program invests up to

$20 million each year in

projects that increase

biomass usage, create

forest sector opportunity

and find new uses for

wood in collaboration with

stakeholders, industry and

Indigenous communities.

• Since its 2023 launch, the

Forest Biomass Program has

committed over $65 million

in targeted investments

to more than 55 projects,

securing close to $250

million in additional external

funding and creating more

than 110 new jobs.

• This Forest Biomass

Program funding for

Georgia-Pacific North Woods

follows the government’s

recent investment of $5.5

million in Greenwater

Technology to develop a

commercial pathway for

biofuel production in the

forest sector.

Facility Overview

• Location: Englehart,

Ontario, Canada

• Operation: Primarily

manufactures OSB (Oriented

Strand Board) for the global

building and housing

markets.

• Market: Over 70% of

production is shipped to

markets across the United

States, reaching as far as

the Midwest, Northeast,

Utah, and California.

• Parent Company: Owned by

Koch Industries through its

Georgia-Pacific subsidiary

Major Upgrades

The mill is in the middle of a

massive $191 million plant

upgrade expected to be

completed in fall 2027. The

expansion involves:

• Green End Facility:

Construction of a new

70,000-square-foot

processing facility and

upgrades to a third of the

mill with state-of-the-art

technology.

• Production Capacity:

Projected to boost overall

mill production by 14%.

• Sustainable Energy:

Addition of a thermal energy

system that converts wood

by-products into heat and

power.

• Job Security: The project

secures over 220 direct jobs

at the facility and supports

hundreds of indirect forestry

and supply-chain jobs.


The benchmark.

For chain sharpening.

Join the club.

SAWLINES

Economic Support

Georgia-Pacific North Woods refers to Georgia-Pacific Canada's

massive Oriented Strand Board (OSB) manufacturing facility

located in Englehart, Ontario. It is one of the largest wood

processing operations of its kind in the world.

FONOM welcomes this

investment in Georgia-

Pacific North Woods and the

province’s continued support

for Ontario’s forest sector.

Forestry is the backbone of many Northern

Ontario communities, and investments that

modernize mills and protect jobs help ensure

long-term economic stability and growth

across the North

David Plourde

President of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities

The Forest Biomass Program

continues to be a catalyst

for innovation across the

province. Today’s investment

in Georgia-Pacific North Woods

demonstrates a forward-thinking approach

to Ontario's forest industry – maximizing

the value of our forest resources while

strengthening the local supply chain.

Continued industry modernization and

investment will ensure that our sector

remains competitive and ready to meet the

growing demand for Ontario-made forest

products.

Ian Dunn

President and CEO, Ontario Forest Industries Association

Through strategic initiatives like

the Forest Biomass Program,

we’re helping create the

conditions for companies to

invest with confidence and keep

our forestry sector competitive. Georgia-

Pacific North Woods doubling down on

northeastern Ontario is a strong example

of what happens when government and the

private sector work together to strengthen

communities, protect good-paying jobs and

encourage long-term economic growth

George Pirie

Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth

Georgia-Pacific Englehart is

pleased to partner with the

government of Ontario on

our green end project. The

government is committed to

working with us to continue to grow and

modernize the forestry sector through

strategic innovation. This new investment

helps secure our long-term position as a

leader in the Ontario forestry sector

John B. Beers III

President, Structural Panels, Georgia-Pacific

Ontario’s investment in Georgia-Pacific

North Woods is welcome news for Englehart

and area, as well as the surrounding forest

based economy. It reflects the importance

of Northern communities and shows a

commitment to strengthening the long term

economic vitality of our region

Douglas Metson, Mayor, Englehart


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SAWLINES - USNR


Rosboro Company

Converts Double-Track

Kilns to USNR’s Uniflow

Continuous Kilns

Rosboro Company,

based in Springfield,

Oregon, has long been

recognized as a forwardthinking

manufacturer with

a clear growth strategy

particularly in its expanding

glulam operations. As demand

increased, so did pressure

on their production systems,

prompting leadership to take a

closer look at one critical area:

drying capacity.

“We were searching for a

solution to a lumber drying

capacity bottleneck, but we

had nine existing double-track

kilns,” explained Brian Wells,

Vice President at Rosboro. “We

simply didn’t have room for a

tenth.”

Beyond space constraints,

installing a new kiln would

have introduced additional

costs both in terms of capital

investment and ongoing

energy consumption. The

challenge was clear: increase

throughput and efficiency

without expanding the plant

footprint or overburdening

existing energy systems.

Rethinking Drying Strategy

Rather than adding capacity

in the traditional way,

Rosboro partnered with

USNR to explore a smarter,

more efficient path forward.

Known for tackling complex

operational challenges,

USNR proposed an innovative

solution: convert four of

Rosboro’s existing doubletrack

kilns into patented

Uniflow continuous kilns.

This approach offered

a way to unlock hidden

capacity within the existing

infrastructure.


USNR - SAWLINES

We were searching

for a solution to

a lumber drying

capacity bottleneck,

but we had nine

existing double-track

kilns

Brian Wells, Vice President

at Rosboro

Uniflow technology builds

on proven CDK principles but

introduces a key distinction.

While similar to USNR’s

Counter-Flow design, where

lumber courses move in

opposite directions, the

Uniflow system moves

both tracks in the same

direction. This seemingly

simple shift enables greater

throughput and improved load

progression while maintaining

uniform drying conditions.

The result is a more

streamlined process that

maximizes output without

sacrificing quality.

Same Footprint, Greater

Performance

One of the most compelling

advantages of the Uniflow

conversion is its ability to

deliver higher productivity

using existing heat systems.

By optimizing airflow and

load movement, the system

reduces inefficiencies

commonly associated with

batch or legacy kiln designs.


SAWLINES - USNR

In addition, Uniflow kilns

help stabilize steam demand.

Traditional kiln systems can

introduce sudden fluctuations

in steam consumption, placing

stress on boiler operations

and increasing energy costs.

The Uniflow design smooths

these spikes, creating more

consistent energy usage and

reducing overall demand on

the boiler.

At the same time, lumber

quality remains a top

priority. The upgraded kilns

consistently produce material

that is straighter, flatter,

and less prone to checks

and splits, all key factors for

downstream processing and

end-product performance.

For Rosboro, the value

proposition was clear:

increased production,

improved quality, and better

energy efficiency all within

their existing footprint.

“USNR did a very good

job of being creative and

listening to what our real need

was, rather than pushing a

preconceived solution,” said

Wells. “We’re definitely seeing

the financial returns from this

investment.”

Measurable Results

Once the converted kilns were

brought online, performance

gains exceeded expectations.

By upgrading just four of their

nine kilns, Rosboro achieved

production increases ranging

from 10% to as much as 40%,

depending on product mix and

operating conditions.

Equally important were

the improvements in energy

efficiency. More consistent

steam usage not only reduced

operational strain but also

contributed to lower overall

energy costs. These gains

were achieved without

compromising environmental

performance. Emission

levels remained comfortably

below regulatory thresholds,

supporting Rosboro’s

commitment to responsible

manufacturing.

Positioned for Future Growth

The success of the Uniflow

conversion has positioned

Rosboro to confidently pursue

its growth objectives. With

increased drying capacity

and improved operational

efficiency, the company can

support higher production

volumes while maintaining

the quality standards their

customers expect.

Perhaps most importantly,

the project demonstrates how

innovation and collaboration

can unlock value in existing

assets. Rather than investing

in new infrastructure,

Rosboro reimagined what was

possible within their current

operation, with immediate and

measurable results.

USNR is proud to have

partnered with Rosboro on

this transformation and looks

forward to supporting their

continued expansion in the

years ahead.

USNR did a very good

job of being creative

and listening to what

our real need was,

rather than pushing

a preconceived

solution,” said

Wells. “We’re

definitely seeing

the financial returns

from this investment.

Brian Wells, Vice President

at Rosboro


SAWLINES

Springer: Strong Solutions for

the Global Log Handling Industry

High-speed block sorting

technology engineered for maximum

throughput and reliable operation

Efficient log handling is one of the most important factors in modern sawmill operations.

As production capacities continue to increase worldwide, the demand for reliable, highperformance,

automated systems is growing rapidly. For decades, Springer has been a

leading international specialist in this field, delivering advanced technologies for the

wood processing industry across global markets.

Headquartered in Austria,

Springer develops

integrated solutions

for log yards, sawmills, and

wood-processing facilities

of all sizes, from mediumsized

operations to highly

complex industrial projects.

Today, Springer's systems

are operating successfully

worldwide, supporting

customers in achieving

efficient, automated, and

reliable production processes.

Focus on Log Handling

Excellence

One of Springer’s core

strengths lies in advanced

roundwood and log handling

technology. Over decades,

the company has developed

highly efficient systems

that optimise material flow,

maximise throughput and

ensure reliable operation

in demanding industrial

environments.

Today, Springers solutions

are operating successfully in

sawmills around the world.

The company’s extensive

international reference base

includes:

• 13 complete merch systems

worldwide

• 77 log sorting solutions

worldwide

• 69 infeed systems for blocks

to primary breakdowns

worldwide

• 175 high-performance screw

conveyor systems installed

worldwide

These figures underline

Springers’s global experience

and strong position as a

trusted partner for the modern

forest products industry.


SAWLINES

Deep pile infeed solutions ensure continuous, efficient feeding of material to downstream processes

Springer screw unscrambler technology delivers precise singulation and controlled product flow


SAWLINES

Designed for high-capacity

operations and continuous

production environments,

Springer technologies help

customers improve efficiency,

reduce downtime and create

highly automated material

handling processes.

Heavy-Duty Screw

Technology on Display in

Portland

Heavy-duty screw systems designed for reliable material handling in demanding

industrial environments

Automated bucking solutions optimise value recovery and production efficiency

A special highlight this year

will be Springer’s participation

in the Timber Processing &

Energy Expo in Portland from

September 23–26, 2026.

This event is one of the most

important in North America for

the forest products industry.

At the expo, Springer

will showcase one of its

impressive heavy-duty screw

systems — a technology

that plays a critical role in

reliable material transport

and handling processes in

industrial wood processing

environments.

Designed for demanding

operating conditions, these

robust screw solutions

demonstrate Springer’s

engineering expertise in

durable, efficient material

handling technology.

Springer looks forward

to welcoming customers,

partners, and industry

professionals at the show

to discuss the latest

developments in sawmill

automation and log handling.


SAWLINES

Strong Presence

in North America

Over the years, Springer has

built a strong reputation

throughout North America.

Many satisfied customers

in the United States and

Canada rely on Springer's

technologies and expertise for

their daily operations.

To further strengthen

customer support and spare

parts availability, Springer

operates a warehouse and

service location in Greer,

South Carolina. This local

presence enables Springer

to provide fast response

times and close support to

customers throughout the

North American market.

Combined with its global

engineering capabilities, this

regional infrastructure has

helped Springer establish

long-term partnerships with

many leading producers in the

forest products industry.

Global Projects —

Tailored Solutions

Springer’s experience extends

far beyond Europe and North

America. The company has

successfully completed

projects around the world,

adapting solutions to various

production requirements,

capacities, and market

conditions.

Whether for medium-sized

sawmills or major industrial

investments, Springer focuses

on customized engineering,

integrated automation,

and long-term operational

reliability.

By combining decades

of log handling expertise

with modern automation

technologies, Springer

continues to strengthen

its position as a trusted

international partner in the

global wood processing

industry.

Advanced defect sawing technology improves product quality while maximising yield

Precision bucking systems support efficient log processing and consistent production

performance


The Mühlböck Flow

progressive kiln, equipped

with the 1003 PREMIUM heat

recovery system, enables

energy savings of up to 50 per

cent. (Photo: Mühlböck)

WIEHAG opts for Mühlböck progressive kilns with heat

recovery and a customised conveyor system

The Upper Austrian timber construction company WIEHAG Timber Construction is continuing to invest

in the expansion of its production capacities at its main plant in Altheim, once again relying on

technological expertise from Upper Austria: Mühlböck Holztrocknungsanlagen GmbH is supplying a

highly efficient progressive kiln, including an innovative heat recovery system and a custom-designed

conveyor and transport automation system. Construction of the new plant is scheduled to begin in June

2026. Upon completion in early 2027, it will play a central role in the plant’s production concept.

Richard Mühlböck,

Managing Director of

Mühlböck Wood Drying

Systems.

By investing in a new

Mühlböck Flow 1003

PREMIUM progressive

kiln, WIEHAG Timber

Construction is further

expanding its drying capacity

for glulam lamellas at its

Altheim site (Upper Austria)

in a targeted manner. With

its spectacular timber

construction projects, the

internationally successful

timber construction

company ranks among

the world’s leading

providers in engineered

timber construction and is

currently driving forward the

expansion of its production

infrastructure.

The new Mühlböck drying

system will in future dry

around 75,000 cubic metres of

glulam lamellas per year in an

energy-efficient and uniform

manner. In addition to the

actual drying technology, the

project focuses in particular on

comprehensive automation.

At the heart of the system is a

custom-developed conveying

and feeding system that has

been precisely tailored to the

production processes at the

site.

Automated conveyor system

enables buffer times of up to

72 hours

During the engineering phase,

WIEHAG placed particular

emphasis on creating

exceptionally large buffer

zones and highly automated

material flows. The new plant

has been designed to enable

fully automated processes

even over extended periods

without manual intervention.

“We are already taking into

account the requirements of

a possible future four-day

week in the design of our

new production facilities,”

explains Mario Nußdorfer

from WIEHAG’s production

management.

“To achieve this, we need

sufficiently long buffer

times to ensure automated

processes can continue even

during extended weekend

periods.”

Mühlböck’s specially

developed conveyor system

now enables buffer times of

up to 72 hours. The loading,

transport and unloading of

the wood packages are largely

automated and precisely

tailored to the plant’s overall

logistics.

Against the backdrop of a

growing shortage of skilled

workers and increasing

demands for the automation

of industrial processes, this

was a key deciding factor,

Nußdorfer continues: “We

were very pleased to have a

drying plant manufacturer

in our region that could offer

this level of technology and

flexibility.”


At the WIEHAG Timber Construction production site in Altheim (Upper Austria), a Mühlböck Flow

1003 PREMIUM progressive kiln will ensure highly efficient and fully automated timber drying in

future. (Photo: WIEHAG Timber Construction)

Heat recovery system

significantly reduces energy

consumption

In addition to extensive

automation, WIEHAG also

consciously relies on state-ofthe-art

technology for energy

efficiency. The progressive kiln

used is based on Mühlböck’s

1003 PREMIUM heat recovery

system, which is specifically

designed for energy-optimised

timber drying. The system

combines pre-drying, main

drying and recuperationdrying

zones in an intelligently

networked drying process

and utilises the heat energy

multiple times within the

plant. Whilst in conventional

drying systems a significant

proportion of the input

energy is lost unused via the

exhaust air, in the Mühlböck

1003 PREMIUM heat recovery

system the exhaust steam

from the recuperation drying

zones is reused for pre-drying

via a highly efficient heat

recovery system. Thanks to

this intelligent air flow and

the optimised use of exhaust

air heat, thermal energy

consumption can be reduced

by up to 50 per cent compared

to conventional drying

systems. At the same time,

the special air flow ensures

uniform final moisture content,

high drying quality and

significantly reduced exhaust

air and dust emissions.

Particularly at large industrial

timber construction sites with

high throughput volumes, the

efficiency of timber drying

thus becomes a decisive

competitive factor whilst

simultaneously supporting

WIEHAG’s ‘Green Factory’

sustainability concept.

“Timber drying is one of

the most energy-intensive

processes in the timber

industry. This is precisely

where there is enormous

potential for conserving

resources,” emphasises

Richard Mühlböck, Managing

Director of Mühlböck

Holztrocknungsanlagen. “With

our heat recovery systems, we

can massively reduce energy

consumption whilst ensuring

consistently high drying

quality.”

Installation to start in June

2026

The partnership between

WIEHAG and Mühlböck has

been in place for many years.

Mühlböck sees the fact that

two long-established Upper

Austrian companies are once

again joining forces on a

technologically demanding

large-scale project as a

strong signal for Austria as

an industrial location. “We

are delighted to be able to

support a globally successful

company like WIEHAG with our

technologies. The combination

of efficient timber drying

and intelligent Conveyor

system demonstrates how the

modern timber industry can

operate today,” says Richard

Mühlböck.

Preparatory work for the

integration of the new plant

is already underway at the

Altheim site. In addition to

extensive foundation work,

infrastructural adjustments

are currently being made

to facilitate the subsequent

integration of the automated

conveyor system. The official

start of plant assembly is

scheduled for the end of June

2026. The new progressive

kiln is due to be commissioned

in early 2027.

Mühlböck: Comprehensive

expertise in drying

technology

Mühlböck has already made

a name for itself in several

projects with customised

loading and transport

solutions for its energyefficient

progressive kiln

systems.

Last year, for instance, a

comprehensive progressive

kiln solution was implemented

at Holzwerke Ladenburger in

Kerkingen (Germany); another

challenging project of this kind

is planned at the Holzindustrie

Kirnbauer site in Priglitz near

Neunkirchen (Lower Austria),

where the Mühlböck drying

system will be fully integrated

into a fully automated sawmill.

The current implementation at

WIEHAG once again underlines

Mühlböck’s expertise in

developing tailor-made and

energy-efficient automation

solutions for the international

timber industry.

Mühlböck

Holztrocknungsanlagen

GmbH is generally regarded

as one of the world’s leading

manufacturers of wood

drying systems. The company

specialises in energy-efficient

and resource-saving drying

technologies for the timber

industry. More than 13,200

Mühlböck systems are

successfully in operation

worldwide.


SAWLINES

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Its ability to perform

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West Fraser's

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Manufactured in the UK

and engineered to exacting

standards, the panel offers

exceptional strength,

versatility and environmental

credentials, making it the goto

choice for a wide range of

building applications.

The precision-engineered

oriented strand board

(OSB) panel is designed

for structural use in humid

conditions, giving builders

confidence across a variety of

projects and environments.

Its robust composition

ensures consistent strength

and reliability. On roofing

projects, it provides a solid

and dependable base for tiles,

slates and membranes in both

pitched and flat systems.

In wall construction,

particularly within timberframe

builds, it contributes

significantly to racking

strength and structural

integrity. When used in

flooring, OSB forms a durable

subfloor or structural deck

capable of withstanding

everyday loads with minimal

deflection.

Beyond primary

construction uses,

SterlingOSB Zero also

proves its versatility in more

temporary and practical

applications on site. Builders

frequently rely on it for

hoarding and protective

barriers due to its durability

and cost-effectiveness, while

its inherent strength makes it

equally suitable for packaging

and pallet tops where

resilience is essential.

Unlike traditional

plywood, SterlingOSB Zero

is manufactured through

a controlled process

that precisely aligns

wood strands in layered

formations. This approach

creates uniform mechanical

properties throughout

each panel, eliminating the

inconsistencies or weak

spots that can sometimes

occur with other materials.

As a result, builders benefit

from dependable loadbearing

performance,

excellent dimensional

stability and strong, reliable

fixing characteristics. This

consistency translates directly

to efficiencies on site. Panels

are easy to cut, handle and

install, helping to reduce

material waste and minimise

delays, while delivering

predictable results that

support quality construction

from start to finish.

Sustainability is at the

heart of SterlingOSB Zero.

Produced using responsibly

sourced timber, the product

is certified as net carbon

negative, meaning it stores

more carbon than is emitted

during its manufacture. This

makes it an attractive choice

for builders and developers

focused on reducing the

environmental impact of

their projects. In addition,

SterlingOSB Zero contains

no added formaldehyde,

contributing to improved

indoor air quality and

supporting compliance with

increasingly stringent building

and health standards. All

West Fraser panel products

produced in the UK are

net carbon negative and

manufactured in mills that

have obtained the ISO 14001

accreditation. Responsibly

sourced, the panels are

FSC-certified and created

from locally grown timber,

cutting the embodied

carbon associated with

transportation.


SAWLINES

Vic Fedeli, Minister of

Economic Development

Ontario Investing $1.6 Million to Protect Forestry

Workers in Mildmay by supporting Bernie

McGlynn Lumber Ltd.

MILDMAY — The Ontario government is investing $1.6 million in Bernie McGlynn

Lumber Ltd. to support a major expansion and modernization project at the

company’s sawmill in Mildmay. The investment will more than double the

company’s production space, increase output by 47 per cent, create five new goodpaying

jobs and support 13 existing positions. As part of its plan to protect Ontario

forestry workers and businesses, the province is making strategic investments to

help the forest sector adapt, compete and grow in the face of U.S. tariffs.

Kevin Holland,

Associate Minister of

Forestry and Forest

Products

“Our government is proud

to support projects that help

forestry businesses expand,

modernize and remain

competitive in changing global

markets,” said Kevin Holland,

Associate Minister of Forestry

and Forest Products. “Through

our forest sector roadmap, we

will continue making strategic

investments that protect

forestry jobs, strengthen

Ontario’s competitive

advantage and maintain our

position as a G7 leader in

producing and selling highquality

forest products.”

The government’s

investment through the

Forest Sector Investment

and Innovation Program will

support Bernie McGlynn

Lumber’s $5.3 million

project to construct a new

30,000-square-foot facility

and install upgraded

equipment, including a

first-in-Ontario thermaltreating

kiln system and a

double-bladed bandsaw.

This new technology will

help the company produce

higher-quality wood products

more efficiently and support

the launch of new products,

including siding, decking and

fencing, that can compete

with composite and plastic

alternatives.

Once complete, the project

will help strengthen forestry

supply chains across the

region and is expected to

increase log purchases by

50 per cent. This increased

demand for locally harvested

wood will support harvesting,

hauling and trucking

operations while bringing

more Ontario-made wood

products to market.

“In the face of global

uncertainty, Ontario’s

forestry sector has stood as

a testament to the resilience

of our province’s workers

and businesses,” said Vic

Fedeli, Minister of Economic

Development, Job Creation

and Trade. “Through the

Forest Sector Investment

and Innovation Program, our

government will continue

to support local businesses

like Bernie McGlynn

Lumber, ensuring they are

equipped with the tools

and talent needed to grow

their operations and remain

competitive.”

This investment is the

government’s latest action

under the Roadmap to

Protecting Ontario’s Forest

Sector, the province’s plan to

Defend, Adapt and Grow the

industry by protecting forestry

jobs, strengthening supply

chains and growing global

demand for Ontario-made

forest products.



Ponsse expands its technology

offering into forest regeneration

solutions

The innovative Buffalo Planter was developed in

collaboration with Ponsse’s technology company

Epec and Novelquip Forestry, a South African

company specialising in planting equipment.

Juha Inberg,

Ponsse’s Chief R&D

& Technology Officer

Ponsse, a manufacturer

of forest machines,

has developed a new

technology solution for forest

regeneration. The PONSSE

Buffalo Planter is a tillage and

planting unit mounted on the

frame of a forest machine,

enabling mechanised and

automated planting. This

is the first tree-planting

innovation in the company’s

history.

“The Buffalo Planter

is Ponsse’s solution

for mechanised forest

regeneration, with the entire

planting process carried out

by a single machine. “Built on

the Ponsse Buffalo forwarder

platform, the planting

machine performs spot

tillage, plants the seedlings

and waters them – all in one

seamless process,” says Juha

Inberg, Ponsse’s Chief R&D

and Technology Officer.

Ponsse aims for better

support for the forest life

cycle

Developing the Buffalo

Planter marks a new step

for Ponsse, moving from

harvesting technology into

forest regeneration solutions

and broader life-cycle support.

In the first phase, the primary

market for the planting

machine is South America,

where its benefits are most

evident on plantation sites.

“The Buffalo Planter

improves the productivity

and cost-efficiency of forest

regeneration by enabling

large areas to be planted in a

shorter time. The automated

planting process ensures a

high-quality and consistent

planting result, creating good

conditions for seedling growth

and reducing the need for

later replanting. Outside the

planting season, the system

can be converted back into

a conventional forwarder,

which improves the machine’s

utilisation rate,” says Inberg.

The new planting machine

has a reliable and familiar

foundation: the Buffalo has

long been Ponsse’s most

popular forwarder model.

Focus on the operator

In addition to speeding up

the work, the Buffalo Planter

brings safety and ergonomic

benefits to the planting

process. Digital systems

support the monitoring,

reporting and documentation

of work.

To ensure the high quality

of the work, the cameras

installed on the planting

device transmit information

about ground-level events

to the operator in the cabin.

Thanks to automation, only

one person is needed to

control the Buffalo Planter and

carry out the planting work:

the operator of the machine.

• The planting system

consists of four planters,

two on each side of the

machine.

• Each unit has a separate

tillage head, as well as a

planting head that takes

care of planting, watering

and compacting the

seedlings.

• The planting interval of the

trees is adjustable both

laterally and in the direction

of travel.

• The seedlings are fed

through four seedling

cassettes with a total

capacity of up to 960

seedlings per load.

• With spot mounding, the

working rate is around 750

seedlings per hour, while

without tillage, the machine

can plant around 1,300

seedlings per hour.


Low-impact site access in the UNESCO Spreewald

Biosphere Reserve using a Komatsu 951XC

In the UNESCO Spreewald Biosphere Reserve, a log corduroy road is currently

being constructed using round timber to enable low-impact access to a wetland

area. A Komatsu 951XC harvester equipped with an S172 head is being used

for the project. The approximately 800-metre-long timber road will provide the

foundation for future forestry operations.

The Spreewald region in

Brandenburg, Germany,

is one of Europe’s

most distinctive natural

landscapes. The region is

characterized by a widely

branched network of natural

and man-made waterways

as well as permanently

wet, partly marshy soils.

As a UNESCO Biosphere

Reserve, the Spreewald

places special demands on

forestry operations, as the

sensitive site conditions and

the low load-bearing capacity

of the soils make the use

of conventional machinery

considerably more difficult.

Against this backdrop, a

special forestry operation is

currently being carried out:

in a wetland area, a Komatsu

951XC harvester combined

with an S172 head is building

a road made of roundwood,

known as a corduroy road.

The planned road will be

approximately 800 metres

long and will serve as a stable

foundation for further access

to the area.

The main challenge lies in

the ground conditions. The

subsoil is soft and unstable,

which means machines

cannot be used without

preparatory measures.

Building the corduroy road

makes it possible to create the

necessary infrastructure for

the subsequent work steps.

The aim is to enable

adapted management of the

area in the future. Timber

harvesting will be carried out

manually with chainsaws.

A cable yarding system is

planned for transporting the

timber. At the end of the cable

line, the felled trees will be

processed by a harvester. A

forwarder will then handle the

onward transport of the logs

from the stand.

The construction of the

corduroy road is therefore

the first and decisive step

in enabling a structured and

soil-friendly operation in this

challenging environment. This

application demonstrates

how practical solutions

can be developed through

the targeted use of modern

forestry technology, even

under extreme site conditions.

This junction has been

designed so that work can be

carried out in parallel: On one

side, the harvester processes

the stems, while on the

other side the cable yarder is

positioned. The cable yarder

handles timber extraction

from the protected area of

the biosphere reserve, where

the use of machinery is not

possible.


FORWARDERS

Sampo Rosenlew FR48

& KESLA 9FT

Mika Tahvanainen,

Product Management

Director at Kesla Plc.

Kesla Launches New F-Series Forestry Cranes –

Performance, Controllability and Modularity for

the Most Common Forwarder Classes

As timber harvesting operations demand higher productivity, improved

operator control and greater versatility across applications, Kesla introduces

its new generation of forwarder cranes. The new F-series covers the size classes

KESLA 9F/FT, 10F/FT, 12F/FT and 14F/FT. The range has been developed to meet

these evolving industry requirements by combining performance, precision and

modularity with proven durability and life-cycle efficiency.

The four size classes in

the new range offer a

gross lifting moment of

120–180 kNm, covering a wide

spectrum of the most common

forwarder sizes. Each model

is available both as a singleextension

F-version (reach 8.2

m) and a double-extension

FT-version (reach 10.07 m),

enabling an optimal solution

for varying operational and

reach requirements. Two

different pillar height options

for each model allow flexible

integration with different base

machines and applications.

Designed as a complete

range from the ground up

The KESLA F-series has been

developed as a unified product

family, where key structural

solutions and operational

characteristics remain

consistent throughout the

range. This supports:

• efficient production,

• easy maintenance,

• a consistent user

experience,

• smooth integration with

OEM partner machines,

• efficient spare parts

management.

During development,

extensive customer feedback

from existing cranes on the

market was collected and

combined with comprehensive

field testing across different

markets. The cranes have been

tested in multiple applications

and on various base

machines, with highly positive

user feedback – particularly

regarding motion control,

power feel and swing torque.

Key benefits for the operator

Performance: strong lifting

torque and smooth power

delivery across the entire

working range.

Controllability: precise and

predictable movements in all

working situations.

Geometry: optimized

boom dimensions, efficient

operation with minimal crane

movement.

Durability: thoroughly

tested structure both in

forest conditions and on test

benches.

Serviceability: designed for

easy maintenance.

Smart hydraulics: proven

hose routing solutions and

component selection; internal

hose routing inside the

extension boom is a patented

solution.

Modularity and flexibility

The modular design of the

F-series enables a wide range

of configuration options

to meet different customer

needs. The cranes are

compatible with various link

options and offer multiple

pillar height alternatives,

facilitating integration with

different base machines and

applications. The modular

approach also minimizes the

number of spare part items,

supporting efficient product

support.

Thanks to the versatility

of configurations, the new

F-series cranes are also

well suited for feeding

chippers and other industrial

applications.

Kesla’s strategic investment

in the crane market

The new F-series is a key

element of Kesla’s strategy

to strengthen its position

as one of the leading

manufacturers of forestry

cranes. With this range, Kesla

provides a comprehensive and

competitive solution for the

entire CTL harvesting chain.

“The F-series represents

a new level in Kesla’s crane

development. By listening

closely to crane users, we

have combined our long

experience with modern

product development to create

a product family that meets

the needs of both machine

manufacturers and contractors

well into the future,” says

Mika Tahvanainen, Product

Management Director at

Kesla Plc.


FORWARDERS

configurable load space, the

machine is narrow and agile

at thinning sites, but offers

maximum capacity for use

in regeneration felling. The

integrated sorting system

speeds up and facilitates the

handling of different types

of timber, increasing the

smoothness and efficiency of

work at the roadside.

Powerful performance in a familiar package:

1610g forwarder strengthens John Deere forest

machines’ traditional g series

The John Deere 1610G forwarder opens a new chapter in the story of the iconic

G Series. The machine was developed in response to customer wishes to be a

reliable partner for all types of logging sites, improving the productivity of both

thinning and regeneration fellings. The powerful engine, 16-tonne load rating

and large, configurable load space make work smoother and faster, regardless

of the terrain. The comfort-prioritized cabin and familiar, easy-to-use controls

support effortless working even at challenging sites

More power, increased

productivity

The 1610G forwarder not

only complements the G

Series, it also stands out

as a crown jewel with its power

and usability. Compared to

the popular 1510G model, the

1610G’s load space is 15%

larger, which brings more

wood to the roadside per load

and significantly increases

work efficiency.

John Deere’s in-house

engine manufacturing has

made it possible to develop an

even better high- performance

engine to specifically meet the

demands of forest machine

use.With 14% more engine

power and 11% more tractive

force than the machine in

the next lower load-rating

class, the 1610G is not only

stronger but also smarter in

its movements. The increased

load rating has not increased

the weight of the machine,

so the ground pressure is

the same as with the 1510G.

In fact, the strengths of

the new machine are best

demonstrated in driving

conditions that require solid

traction, such as hilly terrain,

deep snow, and heavy loads.

The productivity gains

achieved through product

development are significant

for forest machine contractors

in the long term: up to 2000

tonnes more wood per year to

the roadside – without added

transport or labor costs*.

Sample calculation: 1 load/

hour, 2000 working hours/

year

Versatile and configurable

load space

Thanks to it versatile sizeclass,

the 1610G excels in both

thinning and regeneration

fellings. Its large 6.1 m² load

space stands out in terms of

both design and functionality,

offering 15% more capacity

for transporting wood than

the 1510G. Thanks to its

Precise and efficient boom

At the heart of the 1610G’s

productivity is the standard

CF7S XI Power+ boom, which

is the most powerful in its

size-class in John Deere’s

boom offering. The new

generation 10-meter extension

with internal hoses ensures

reliable boom performance,

reduces wear and tear, and

facilitates thinning work in

dense forests. IBC 3.0 with its

automatic functions to smooth

transitions between different

work phases is optional.

Easy introduction

Introducing and integrating

the 1610G with existing

equipment is effortless, as all

the main functions, servicing

and maintenance routines

are familiar from previous

G Series machines. Despite

its increased load rating,

the dimensions of the 1610G

have not grown, so it can be

transported to the logging

site using existing equipment.

Thanks to its higher transport

capacity, the 1610G is a

particularly good match

for the new, increasingly

popular 1270H harvester. Data

transfer between machines

is seamless, providing the

best possible starting points

for smart decision-making

in both the planning and

implementation of logging

sites.


Komatsu introduces 895-3

forwarder

In the first quarter 2026 Komatsu introduced its

895-3 forwarder to the North American market,

a purpose-built machine with smarter designs and

stronger elements for performance and productivity

in the most demanding forestry operations. It is

an ideal match to the 8-wheeled 951XC-1 harvester

introduced in September 2025.

Engineered for final

felling and large-scale

forwarding, the improved

Komatsu 895-3 forwarder

includes an upgraded

crane, reinforced frame and

redesigned load space to

make moving larger loads

more efficiently.

Key updates include:

• New optional 205F crane

with enhanced lift geometry

and optional reach up to 32.8

feet (10 meters)

• Optional G85H grapple with

4.3 ft2 (0.40 m²) tip-to-tip

area for greater material

control

• Upgraded telescopic gate,

rugged bunks with widening

function and optional

height-adjustable stakes

The 895-3 is well-suited for final felling and large-scale

forwarding.

• Reinforced frame and

articulating joints designed

to accommodate increased

load capacity

• New, electronically

controlled hydraulic pump

improves responsiveness

and fuel efficiency

• Simplified service with a

single-filter hydraulic tank

design

“The 895-3’s enhancements

make it even more well-suited

for big log-hauling, final felling

and ground preparation,” said

Rob Warden, Senior Product

Manager, Forestry.

Cont’d on page p48

Technical Specifications

1610G

Load rating

16 t

Load space

6.1 m2

Tractive force

205 kN

Boom

CF7S XI Power+

IBC 3.0

Available

Rotating and levelling cab John Deere 6068, 6 cylinders, 6.8 l

Peak power

187 kW @ 1800 rpmcab

Peak torque 8.5 m / 10 mcab

Machine weight 6W/8W 16.4 / 18.3 t

Operator’s choice

The rotating and leveling

cabin is designed with

the operators in mind to

support concentration and

work capacity, regardless

of the conditions. Excellent

visibility in all directions

facilitates precision work at

different stages. Working

position remains stable

and comfortable even on

uneven terrain, and the

advanced dampening system

significantly reduces vibration,

minimizing physical strain

during work. Whether a dense

thinning site or a regeneration

felling with heavy loads, the

cabin provides a calm working

environment where the

operator can perform at their

best and still have energy left

at the end of the workday.

A trusted, more powerful

partner

The 1610G answers to forest

machine customers’ wishes

and constantly evolving needs.

It combines the best features

of the popular G Series with

next-level performance and

ease-of-use. Over the years,

the G Series machines have

become trusted partners in

forestry contracting, and the

1610G is now at the forefront

of this development, offering

more capacity, more power,

smart automation, and a

familiar operator experience.

Speak to your dealer to find

out when the 1610G will

be available in the US and

Canada.


Ponsse Forwarder Range

Agility, power,

ergonomics, weight

distribution and

economic efficiency – these

are the features that set

PONSSE forwarders apart.

You can choose from various

modern designs suitable for

soft terrain and steep slopes

alike. Power and the best

comfort in forests are standard

equipment in their forwarders.

All PONSSE forwarder

models have more than

enough power for changing

conditions and difficult terrain

types.

The excellent weight

to load-carrying ratio, the

smallest turning radius in their

size classes and dimensions

that distribute loads evenly

to all wheels are unrivalled

features.

This forwarder has what it takes to ensure

productive operations even in the most

demanding logging sites.

LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY

25,000 kg (55,116 lbs)

POWER

210 kW (286 hp) EU and North America

220 kW (299 hp) other countries

TRACTIVE FORCE

320 kN (71,938 lbf)

LOADER

K121 M/S

LOAD SPACE CROSS-SECTION

6.8 m² (73.2 sq ft)

VLA 8.0 m² (86.1 sq ft)

GROUND CLEARANCE

800 mm (31.5 in)

MINIMUM WEIGHT

28,500 kg (62,832 lbs)

TYPICAL WEIGHT

29,300 kg (64,595 lbs)

TIRES

28,5’’

25T

Powerful engine, never-ending tractive force

and 20-ton load-carrying capacity.


20,000 kg (44,093 lbs)

POWER



TRACTIVE FORCE

240 kN (53,954 lbf)

LOADER

K121 M/S, K111 S/M


5.8–6.7 m² (62.4–72.2 sq ft)

VLA 5.2–6.7 m² (56–72 sq ft)

GROUND CLEARANCE

800 mm (31.5 in)

MINIMUM WEIGHT

22,900 kg (50,486 lbs)

TYPICAL WEIGHT

23,700 kg (52,249 lbs)

TIRES

26,5’’

20T


Forwarders

The extreme tractive force

of their forwarders guarantees

excellent comfort and

efficiency, also over longer

distances.

Ponsse’s range has the

most productive forwarders in

the markets, both for thinning

and regeneration felling!

Ponsse’s forwarders are the

only forest machines in the

world that use a continuously

variable transmission (CVT).

It enables higher fuel economy

and tractive force, particularly

in difficult terrain.

PONSSE forwarders,

equipped with ultimate

tractive force, guarantee

efficient timber transportation

– while saving the

environment as much as

possible.

This workhorse gets the job done in

conditions which often are too challenging

for others.


18,000 kg (39,683 lbs)

POWER



TRACTIVE FORCE

220 kN (49,459 lbf)

LOADER

K121 M/S, K111 S/M


5.8–6.25 m² (62.4–67.3 sq ft)

VLA 5.2–6.7 m² (56–72 sq ft)

GROUND CLEARANCE

800 mm (31.5 in)

MINIMUM WEIGHT

22,000 kg (48,502 lbs)

TYPICAL WEIGHT

22,800 kg (50,265 lbs)

TIRES

26,5’’

18T

A straightforward, yet extremely dependable

tool with well-thought-out technical systems.


18,000 kg (39,683 lbs)

POWER



TRACTIVE FORCE

210 kN (47,210 lbf)

LOADER

K100+ M/S, K101 M/S, K111 M/S


5.2–5.8 m² (56–63 sq ft)

GROUND CLEARANCE

730 mm (28.7 in)

MINIMUM WEIGHT

20,600 kg (45,415 lbs)

TYPICAL WEIGHT

21,100 kg (46,517 lbs)

TIRES

26,5’’

18T


Ponsse Forwarder Range

This forwarder goes where you want it to go,

easily and effortlessly.


14,000 kg (30,865 lbs)

15,000 kg (33,069 lbs) with balanced bogies

POWER



TRACTIVE FORCE

185 kN (41,589 lbf)

LOADER

K90+ M/S, K100+ M/S, K101 M/S,

K111 M/S


4.5–5.5 m² (48.4–59.2 sq ft)

VLA 4.5–6.0 m² (48.4-64.6 sq ft)

GROUND CLEARANCE

680 mm (26.8 in)

MINIMUM WEIGHT

18,600 kg (41,005 lbs)

TYPICAL WEIGHT

19,800 kg (43,651 lbs)

TIRES

26,5’’

14T-

15T

An exceptionally fast forwarder that moves

slickly in all types of terrain and even over

longer distances.


16,000 kg (35,274 lbs)

POWER



TRACTIVE FORCE

210 kN (44,961 lbf)

LOADER

K101 M/S, K111 M/S


4.5–5.5 m² (48.4–59.2 sq ft)

VLA 4.5–6.0 m² (48.4-64.6 sq ft)

GROUND CLEARANCE

680 mm (26.8 in)

MINIMUM WEIGHT

22,000 kg (48,500 lbs)

TYPICAL WEIGHT

22,600 kg (49,824 lbs)

TIRES

26,5’’

16T


A compact, lightweight, powerful, and durable forwarder with

superior agility and excellent weight to load-carrying ratio,

able to cover long distances reliably.


13,000 kg (28,660 lbs)

POWER



TRACTIVE FORCE

180 kN (40,465 lbf)

LOADER

K90+ M/S


3.85–6.1 m² (41.4–65.6 sq ft)

VLA 3.85–6.1 m²

GROUND CLEARANCE

691 mm (27.2 in)

MINIMUM WEIGHT

18,100 kg (39,903 lbs)

The most compact model in the PONSSE forwarder lineup,

the New Wisent offers outstanding weight distribution and

optimized geometry for smooth operation and minimal

impact on the terrain.


12,000 kg (26,455 lbs)

POWER


TRACTIVE FORCE

170 kN (38,217 lbf)

LOADER

K70+ M


3.85–4.85 m² (41.4–52.2 sq ft)

VLA 3.85–4.85 m²

GROUND CLEARANCE

691 mm (27.2 in)

MINIMUM WEIGHT

17,700 kg (39,021 lbs)

TYPICAL WEIGHT

19,100 kg (42,108 lbs)

TIRES

26,5’’ Front & Rear

13T

TYPICAL WEIGHT

18,700 kg (41,226 lbs)

TIRES

26,5’’ Front & Rear

12T


FORWARDERS

Johannes Nilsson, Vimek CEO.

Vimek Marks Major Milestone

with 100th 870 Machine Delivered

Vimek has reached an

important milestone

with the delivery of its

100th 870 machine –

a significant moment

for the brand and a

clear reflection of the

growing demand for

compact, professional

forestry machinery.

The Vimek 870 forms

part of Vimek’s Next

Generation range and

represents a major step

forward in the development

of modern forestry machines.

First sketched out in 2014, the

870 was created with the aim

of delivering a competitive,

professional machine

suited to today’s forestry

requirements. Following years

of development, testing and

refinement, the first serial

production machine was

delivered in January 2022.

Since then, production has

continued to grow, with 100

Vimek 870 machines now

manufactured and delivered.

comfort. Its compact design

enables efficient operation

in dense forests and on

terrain where larger machines

face limitations, while still

delivering the performance

required by professional

contractors.

The operator environment

is designed with a focus on

ergonomics, visibility, and

control, contributing to both

higher efficiency and an

improved working day.

The Beginning of a New Era –

Next Generation

For Vimek, the Next Generation

project – with the 870 model

at the forefront – represents

more than just a new product.

It marks a clear step toward a

more professional offering and

a new strategic direction for

the company.

The platform enables the

development of multiple

machine configurations, such

as 4-, 6-, or 8-wheel machines,

including both harvesters and

forwarders. Through a modular

system, many technical

solutions are shared across

models, creating efficiency in

development, production, and

service.

“This is an important step

for us, but also proof that

we are on the right track.

The Vimek 870 represents

something new in our

offering,” says Johannes

Nilsson, CEO.”

A Strong Start – and Just the

Beginning

Reaching 100 produced

machines in a relatively short

time demonstrates strong

market demand.

“We see this as the

beginning of something

bigger. This is just the starting

point of our continued

journey,” Nilsson adds.

Developed for Modern,

Professional Forestry

The Vimek 870 represents

a clear technological shift

for Vimek and has been

developed to meet today’s

demands in thinning

operations and forestry in

sensitive environments.

The machine combines

Vimek’s traditional strengths

– agility, low weight and

excellent terrain accessibility

– with modern solutions

for increased productivity

and enhanced operator


2027 Forest Products EXPO Heading to Savannah

Forest Products Machinery

& Equipment Exposition

(EXPO), hosted by the

Southern Forest Products

Association, is headed to the

Savannah Convention Center

in Savannah, Georgia, from

August 18-20, 2027.

“EXPO flourished in

Nashville at the Music City

Center in 2023 and 2025,

exceeding expectations and

showcasing the strength

of the longest-running

forest products show in the

industry,” said Eric Gee,

SFPA’s executive director. “In

mid‐2025, SFPA began working

to secure dates for the 2027

EXPO. Due to the increased

popularity of Nashville as an

event destination, traditional

summer dates with the

Music City Center were not

available.”

SFPA staff then conducted

a site selection process and,

after careful review, identified

Savannah as the most suitable

location for EXPO 2027.

“Savannah places EXPO

in the heart of the Southern

Pine lumber community, while

preserving our commitment

to a high-quality, accessible,

and cost-conscious event for

exhibitors and attendees,”

Gee said.

Located right on the

Savannah River just across

from the city’s historic and

tourist district, there is plenty

Eric Gee,

SFPA’s Executive Director

to do after an exciting day on

the show floor.

Stay tuned to SFPAexpo.

com for announcements.

Booth sales for the 39th

Forest Products Machinery

& Equipment Exposition are

scheduled to open in May

2026.

Click here to see why you

need to exhibit at the 2027

Forest Products EXPO.

www.youtu.be/XUKa_kSZ8Ok

Ponsse’s new harvester head for eucalyptus plantations

The forest machine

company Ponsse is

expanding its selection

of harvester heads. The new

PONSSE DH7 harvester head

is designed for the demanding

harvesting of eucalyptus

plantations, where its strong

debarking capabilities enable

high productivity.

“The DH7 offers a more

efficient and durable solution

for harvesting eucalyptus

plantations. We have

developed it from an operating

cost perspective: easy

maintenance, better structural

durability and improved

fuel economy have a direct

impact on the productivity

of harvesting,” says Markku

Savolainen, Ponsse’s Product

Manager for harvester heads.

The DH7 harvester head can

be used on Ponsse harvesters

(Cobra, Ergo and Bear) and on

track-based machines.

Customer-oriented

development for plantation

harvesting

The feed speed of the new

harvester head is up to six

metres per second.

Easy maintenance,

better structural

durability and

improved fuel

economy have a

direct impact on

the productivity of

harvesting

Markku Savolainen

Product Manager

The DH7 comes as

standard with the Opti 5G

information system and

the OptiFeedControl logic,

which simplifies the control

of the harvester head and

the debarking of eucalyptus

stems.

In terms of optional

equipment, an HH360

rotator is available, enabling

unlimited rotation of the

harvester head and thus

increasing the smoothness of

harvesting. The rotator also

extends the service life of the

connection hoses even further.

“The new DH7 strengthens

Ponsse’s position as a

developer of harvesting

solutions for eucalyptus

plantations. It is important

for us to be close to our

customers in areas where

plantations are a key part

of forestry. We develop

products that deliver clear,

practical benefits in day-today

harvesting,” says Marko

Mattila, Ponsse’s Chief Sales,

Service and Marketing Officer.

The previous Ponsse

debarking harvester head

model (H7HD Euca) will also

remain in the product range,

meaning that customers can

choose the product that best

suits their operations. Both

harvester heads offer reliable

measurement accuracy for

harvesting professionals.

Mr. Markku Savolainen

Product Manager, Harvester

Heads Ponsse Plc

markku.savolainen@ponsse.com


Thinning Harvesters

Log Max 3000T

Key Performance Features

The Log Max 3000T is

a lightweight, compact

harvester head

specifically designed

for high-productivity

thinning operations.

Weighing 615 kg, it

is ideal for machines

equipped with longrange

cranes and is

optimized for processing

trees with a diameter

between 8-30 cm.

• True-Cut Saw Unit: Can be

equipped with the Log Max

218 or 318 True-Cut saw

unit, featuring automatic

chain tensioning and a

constant cutting speed of

40 m/s for fast, controlled

cutting.

• High Traction: Designed

with self-cleaning feed

rollers that provide

impressive traction in

both forward and reverse

directions without causing

slippage damage.

• Multi-Stemming

Capabilities: An optional

multi-stemming kit is

available through providers

like Treetop Forestry,

allowing the head to handle

multiple small stems

simultaneously to increase

thinning efficiency.

Technical Specifications

Feature

Weight

Recommended Tree Size

Delimbing Knives

Saw Unit

Application

High-strength unit

with 40mm cylinder

True-Cut (19 cc motor)

Thinning for longreach

cranes

Detail

615 kg

8 – 30 cm

• Durable Design: Includes a

40mm cylinder for increased

lifting force on the lower

delimbing knife and an

adjustable mechanical stop

in the saw box to minimize

cylinder wear.

• Improved Frame Geometry:

The frame is built to reduce

bark penetration in the

measuring wheel hole,

ensuring more accurate

measurement results and

fewer operational stops


New Tigercat 820 Series

The new H820 harvester and

820 feller buncher models are

the simplest, most compact,

and lightest weight carriers in

the Tigercat-TCi lineup.

The 820 feller buncher is

best suited to the 5400 felling

saw and best applied to small

diameter timber and first

thinning applications. It is

equipped with a lighter weight

ER boom with less lift capacity

compared to the 822E feller

buncher.

The H820 harvester is

equipped with a simple,

conventional ten metre (33 ft)

boom system, best suited to

the TCi 544 harvesting head.

Again, the H820 is an excellent

solution for cost effective

harvesting in small diameter

timber stands and thinning

applications where powerful

lifting capacity is not a primary

concern. The long-reach boom

results in reduced machine

travel for improved fuel

economy and track component

life.

The lighter weight,

lower capacity boom sets

for both machines require

less counterweight. This

reduces the overall weight

of the machine for improved

fuel economy and track life,

contributing to lower overall

Tigercat Industries releases new series of lighter weight, compact

track carriers.

cost of ownership. Both boom

systems offer a tight tuck

for excellent performance in

thinning applications.

The 820 series machines

will be marketed under the TCi

brand in Europe.

Revamped 568 Harvesting Head

Designed for track

carriers, the TCi 568 is

a robust, high-capacity

harvesting head optimized

for roadside processing in the

15-55 cm (6-22 in) diameter

range. It has the feed speed

of a 22-inch head with the

feed power of a 23-inch head.

Recent design enhancements

have boosted performance,

increased the strength and

durability, and elevated

the overall harvesting and

processing experience.

The TCi D7 control system

comes in either Priority or

Optimized bucking control,

and both use wireless

communication between the

head and the machine cab.

Cab hardware and wiring have

been simplified to use a single

module that has constant

power for quicker startups

and faster processor speed

to improve performance and

consistency.

The 568 now uses a

full-time four-wheel drive

system which reduces wheel

spin, improves braking

performance, and achieves

greater feed power than other

heads in its class. Balanced

frame motors and an optional

mechanical frame drive locker

improve alignment when

feeding multiple stems. Three

independent valve sections

- one for each arm motor and

one for the two frame motors

in series improve feeding

efficiency. Improved tree

centering provides better

contact with the length

measuring wheel.

The measuring wheel arm

cylinder pin and bushing

arrangement has been

improved, providing better

reliability and serviceability.

And according to Product

Manager Duane Barlow, “We

added additional internal

guarding and a deflector

guard on the measuring wheel

arm to help reduce debris

accumulation around the

measuring wheel.”

The main chassis profile

has been refined and

strengthened for increased

durability and longevity. The

main saw box design provides

improved chip exhaust, easy

cleaning and better protection

of the find end sensor. The

top saw box cover design

makes it easier to service

the saw motor. Top knife

enhancements include an

additional grease fitting, a

keyed thrust washer to prevent

retaining bolts from loosening,

and an upgraded spring unit.


Toyota Land Cruiser

The Toyota Land Cruiser enters

the 2027 model year with

enhancements that further

elevate its signature balance of

rugged capability and refined

luxury.

New for 2027, available features

now include a High Mounted Air

Intake and Heated and Ventilated

Second-Row Outboard Seats.

A new exterior color, Inked,

has joined this year’s palette.

The 2027 Land Cruiser has

arrived at dealerships, with a

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail

Price (MSRP) starting at $57,880.

* Toyota and Land Cruiser are registered

trademarks of Toyota Motor Corporation.

This publication is an independent editorial

review and is not affiliated with, sponsored,

or endorsed by Toyota Motor Corporation or

its affiliates.

2027 Toyota Land Crusier

Tacoma Tacoma SR

Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter


ADVERTISERS INDEX

SALES OFFICES

UK, Europe, South Africa,

US East Coast

CONTACT: Robin Peach

International Forest Industries Ltd

Tel: +44 (0)1442 877 777

Fax: +44 (0)1442 870 617


Japan

CONTACT: Akiyoshi Ojima, Managing Director

Japan Advertising Communications, Inc.

Star Bldg., 3-10-3 Kanda Jimbocho

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051

Tel: 81-3-3261-4591

Fax: 81-3-3261-6126

Email: ojima@media-jac.co.jp

Western USA (AZ, CA, NV, UT)

Australia, & New Zealand

CONTACT: Kevin Lapham

J.P.Media Inc

Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752

Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763

Email: lapham@jpmediainc.com

Combilift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IBC

www.combilift.com

Comact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

https://www.comact.com/

Franzen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

www.franzen-machines.com

Halco Software Systems . . . . . . . . . 8

www.halcosoftware.com

Incomac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

www.incomac.com

JoeScan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

www.joescan.com

LMI Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

www.LMI3D.com

Log Max . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

www.logmax.com

Cont’d from page p37

Komatsu introduces 895-3 Forwarder

Mühlböck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

https://www.muehlboeck.com/en/

index.html

Rawlings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

www.rawlingsmanufacturing.com

Southern Forest

Products Association . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

www.SFPAEXPO.com

Springer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F/C & 3

www.springer-usa.com

tele radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IFC

www.teleradio.com

The Timber Processing & Energy Expo . . 23

https://timberprocessingandenergyexpo.com

USNR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OBC

www.usnr.com

Western USA (MT, ID, OR,WA) & Canada


J.P.Media Inc

Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752

Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763


US Mid-West, Central & Mountain


J.P.Media Inc

1163 E.Ogden Ave, Ste. 705-359 Naperville

IL 60563, USA

Tel: +1 (630) 420 9752

Fax: +1 (630) 420 9763


“It features a more robust frame for

toughness, plus a new more powerful

crane as an option. The load space

offers a lot of adjustability for your

tasks, such as telescoping width and

height adjustments and fully adaptable

gate.”

The 895-3 forwarder is an excellent

match for the newly introduced 951XC-1,

one of the largest harvesters on the

market. Its eight driven wheels deliver

incredible traction, maneuverability

and stability, especially in steep, soft

or rugged conditions. Inside the cab,

operators experience automotivelevel

quality with refined controls and

features built for all-day comfort and

precision.

Together, the 951XC-1 and 895-3

reflect Komatsu’s ongoing innovation

in forestry machinery — empowering

operators to do more with greater

comfort, control and confidence.

*All comparisons are against the

previous model.

Cont’d from page p14

Irving Forest Products to expand Maine sawmill

Drying and finishing

Should Irving also expand kiln

capacity as part of the project, several

established suppliers could come into

contention:

• Mühlböck

• Italian Drying Group

• USNR's drying technologies

• Wellons

• Comact


UNLOCK

EVERY INCH

OF YOUR

LUMBER

STORAGE

SPACE!

25

ENHANCE THE SAFETY, STORAGE

AND EFFICIENCY OF YOUR

LOGISTICS WITH COMBILIFT

For almost 3 decades, Combilift has been revolutionizing

the way companies handle and store goods. We help

companies of all sizes and from every industry to

maximize the capacity, safety and efficiency of their

warehouse and storage facilities.

Our pioneering product range of multidirectional,

articulated and pedestrian forklifts, straddle carriers and

container loaders allows you to manoeuvre long loads

safely, reduce aisle widths and increase the amount of

space available for storage.

CONTACT US TODAY

To find out how Combilift can help you unlock every

inch of your storage space.

combilift.com


The Ultimate Showdown: Intro

ducing Log Max 6000V Top Saw


2000T

3000T

4000T

5000V

6000V

6000V Top saw

7000C

E6

7000XT

7000XT Top Saw

10000XT

12000XT

When productivity matters, Log Max delivers. As a leader in the forest industry, Log Max harvester

heads are built to work harder, cut faster, and last longer. Engineered for maximum output and minimum

med utfall

downtime, they give operators the edge in demanding environments. From thinning to heavy final felling,

every head is designed to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and keep your operation moving.

If you want results, you want Log Max.

6000V

Log Max 6000V Top Saw is well-suited for both wheeled

and tracked harvesters. With the Top Saw, you can

maximize the timber yield from every log, and the

new function, Tilt Control, enables you to place the

head at any desired tilt angle.

Dekaler Log Max 6000V Top Saw rev.1 - 2024-02

- Tilt-Control

- 318 mkII 30cc saw units


See page 5

- Expander pins

- Easy servicing

med utfall

Dekaler Log Max 7000XT rev.2 - 2016-12

194x37 mm

184x36 mm

med utfall

510x56,7 mm

6000V

Log Max 7000XT Top Saw has been designed to be extremely

durable and withstand the toughest conditions. It is equipped

with a top saw and therefore has two saw units, an advantage

when working with process work or in deciduous forest.

- Laser Find-end sensor


- Expander pins

- Easy servicing

- Extremely durable


logmax.com



WHAT WE BRING

• Al-driven optimization and grading for logs, cants and

boards

• Hybrid breakdown solutions for maximum efficiency

• Inline butt-flare reductionto improve flow and recovery

• Modular upgrades to modemize existing mills

WHY IT MATTERS

• More value from every log

• Greater flexibility to adaptto market demand

• Improved operational stability

• Long-term competitiveness

• A partnership approach focused on lasting performance

PROVEN EXPERTISE

• 100+ years in wood processing

• 2,000+ specialists focused exclusively on wood

processing

• Proven capability to deliver complex and large-scale

industrial projects

• Integrated expertise across mechanics automation

and optimization

See pages 13, 14 & 15




Rosboro Company Converts Double-Track

Kilns to USNR's Uniflow Continuous Kilns

Se pages 22 & 23


Springer: Strong Solutions for the Global Log Handling Industry


High-speed block sorting technology engineered for

maximum throughput and reliable operation

See pages 26 - 29




Deep pile infeed solutions ensure continuous, efficient

feeding of material to downstream processes

See pages 26 - 29




Heavy-duty screw systems designed for reliable material

handling in demanding industrial environments

See pages 26 - 29




Precision bucking systems support efficient log processing

and consistent production performance

See pages 26 - 29


Ponsse expands its technology offering into forest regeneration solutions


The innovative Buffalo Planter was developed in

collaboration with Ponsse's technology company Epec

and Novelquip Forestry, a South African company

specialising in planting equipment.

See pages 34 - 35


PONSEE Forwarder Range


Agility, power, ergonomics, weight distribution and

economic efficiency - these are the features that set

PONSSE forwarders apart.

See pages 40 - 43

BUFFALO



incomac.com

nardi.it

THE NEW

STANDARD

IN HEAT PUMP

WOOD DRYING

+20 %

WATER

REMOVAL RATE

-30 %

ELECTRIC

CONSUMPTION

UP TO70

°C

OPTIMISED

PERFORMANCE

See page 9

ITALIAN DRYING GROUP

Montebelluna

(Treviso), ITALY

THEO LEONOV

Agent for North

America Area

CONTACT

T +(613) 297 2261

@ theo.leonov@gmail.com

With the Incotech app,

everything becomes instant:

monitor wood moisture,

relative humidity and kiln

temperature in real time,

receive smart notifications

and request assistance

or spare parts with a

simple touch.


Millwide. Worldwide. +1.360.225.8267 usnr.com

International Forest Industries June July 2026

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