Logging & Sawmilling Journal - July/August 2024

22 Show Guide!

FEATURES

On our cover is a throwback to DEMO International 2016, proudly hosted at the historic Malcolm Knapp Research Forest in Maple Ridge, B.C. This renowned forest, managed by the University of British Columbia, has been a hub for forestry research, education, and sustainable forest management since 1949. Flash forward to today, and excitement is building for DEMO International 2024, the much-anticipated industry event which will feature three days of live demonstrations of forest equipment working in a commercial logging environment, from September 19 to 21, in the Ottawa/Gatineau area.

When it comes to DEMO 2024, Logging and Sawmilling Journal has it all, from the Show Site Map, to Exhibitor Listings to an advance story on the biggest logging equipment show in North America this year, being held in the Ottawa/Gatineau area, from September 19-21, 2024.

6 Spotlight: Securing that all-important fibre in the B.C.

Interior to deal with the wood

supply crunch

B.C.’s Interior Lumber Manufacturers’ Association (ILMA) is working on a new strategic plan with one of its main goals being securing fibre at affordable prices in adequate volumes, to further support their mill members.

12 Building a solid logging team

The Multi Ouellet & Fils logging operation in Quebec has built its business with a solid crew of operators and a hands-on management approach which—combined with top-notch equipment and support— keeps the operation busy and productive.

16 Solid logging equipment approach supports timber harvesting

Quebec-based logging contractor Steeve Ladrie’s business approach is all about the selection of the right equipment based on meeting the needs of his very productive harvesting teams.

DEPARTMENTS

Calendar 10

Suppliernewsline ........................... 59

Ad Index/Subscriptions 61 Classifieds ..................................... 61

42 Wildfire Management

Forestry consultant David Elstone on how the forest industry can better manage the very challenging wildfire situation in B.C.

46 Swedish thinning equipment finds a home in Quebec forests

Malwa’s low impact thinning equipment— including a recently purchased 980 harvester—has been a good fit with the Eco Naud Exploitation Forestierie operation in Quebec.

52 Advance look at TPEE show in Oregon

We take a look at the upcoming Timber Processing & Energy Expo (TPEE), a must attend event for professionals in the lumber, panel, engineered wood products, wood-based energy and biomass sectors, being held in Portland, Oregon, Sept. 25 to 27.

58

Included in this edition of The Edge, Canada’s leading publication on research in the forest industry, is a story from the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre (CWFC).

62 The Last Word

Tony Kryzanowski on how a flurry of acquisitions by Paper Excellence has drawn attention from the federal Competition Bureau and the national media.

Editor

Paul MacDonald

Contributing Editors

Jim Stirling, Tony Kryzanowski

George Fullerton

Tech Update Editor Tony Kryzanowski

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Published July/August 2024

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SECURING THAT ALL-IMPORTANT FIBRE

in the B.C. Interior to deal with the wood supply crunch

B.C.’s Interior Lumber Manufacturers’ Association (ILMA) is working on a new strategic plan with one of its main goals being securing fibre at affordable prices in adequate volumes, to further support their mill members.

By Jim Stirling

he Kootenays and Southern Interior are distinct from other regions in British Columbia. Part of that is due to geography. A parallel series of high mountain valleys effectively separates the southeast corner of the province from the

Another factor is that a considerable number of regional residents—including many involved in today’s forest industry—are the stock of early settlers. Those people tend to share a well-developed resilience and a strong sense of community. They are traits that have become key elements in binding together the membership of the Interior Lumber Manufacturers’ Association (ILMA).

It’s a compact group of 12 member companies and up to 100 associate members. The associates comprise the companies and individuals which provide the services and supplies required by the membership, explained Paul Rasmussen, the ILMA’s president.

Ken Kalesnikoff, representing the

A high percentage of ILMA members are involved in adding value to the wood products they manufacture.

One of the ways the association aims to achieve its goals is by starting with the fundamentals. To that end it is working on a new strategic plan designed to drive the membership’s goals forward. “It’s still in draft form,” emphasized Rasmussen, whose earlier career in the provincial ministry of forests saw him rise to deputy minister level, and included considerable time spent in B.C.’s southeast.

“We believe that B.C.’s independent and community-based forest product

companies should have access to the fibre they need to operate, support local communities and contribute to the diversity of the forest industry in B.C.,” he outlined.

The ILMA’s draft strategic plan contains four basic principles focusing on: • ILMA’s members securing the resources they need to continue operating i.e. suitable log fibre at affordable

to page 8

Kalesnikoff Lumber Company Ltd., based in Castlegar, B.C., is chair of the ILMA board of directors.

Most of the association’s members op erate small and medium sized enterprises. They are run by often multi-generational family ownership—such as Kalesnikoff Lumber.

The result is a resourceful and co-opera tive group, noted Rasmussen. The associa tion’s catchphrase is “When the right log goes to the right mill, great things happen.” The sentiment underscores the ILMA mem bership’s attitude toward doing business.

One of the regional results is a high percentage of the members involved in adding value to the wood products they manufacture. The ILMA membership also share a desire to expand the size and roles of the regional forest industry, and boost the economy in the process, contin ued Rasmussen.

“But if there is one thing that is keeping our membership up at night right now it’s acquiring suitable fibre to make their products. They need access to the land base,” he added.

It’s a sentiment endorsed by the indus try in the rest of the province. The ILMA has taken the issue to heart and it’s work ing toward making suitable fibre available to its member companies on a consistent and affordable basis.

More compact program for ILMA convention

Different timing and a more compact program reflect the 2024 Interior Lumber Manufacturers’ Association (ILMA) annual convention agenda. This year’s event is scheduled for the Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort in Osoyoos in the B.C. Southern Interior September 23 to 24. The changes were made in response to feedback from previous years’ attendees and sponsors, explained Judith Barnaby, the event organizer for the ILMA. Last year’s convention was held in May.

The convention kicks off with a challenge and a choice. On Monday September 23, guests and sponsors can opt for the 9-hole scramble golf tourna-

ment or a winery tour. That will set up a hosted cocktail reception at the resort’s rooftop bar.

The business side of the convention clicks into gear on Tuesday September 24 with a hosted breakfast. The convention’s keynote speaker—not confirmed at press time —will follow, along with presentations and information sessions and a hosted lunch.

“We’ll have the whole thing wrapped up by early afternoon to get everyone back home, or back to work,” summarized Barnaby.

For the latest information about the ILMA convention this year consult info@ilma.com

from page 7

prices in adequate volumes, species and qualities;

• The ILMA membership working with First Nations for mutual benefit;

• Ensuring the ILMA communicates ef fectively with the public and other agencies;

• Ensuring the ILMA is a strong, effective and growing organization.

Other objectives for the association’s membership expand on those principles.

“The ILMA believes forests must be managed sustainably to provide eco nomic, environmental and social benefits and to increase ecosystem resilience to catastrophic events such as flood, drought and wildfire,” continued Rasmussen.

The association recommends fair and equitable access to the land base is necessary to support forest industry diversity. Further, fair stumpage prices and competitive market pricing is required to level the playing field for all forest industry participants.

“Processing of B.C. timber must be done in B.C. to maximize benefits and value for the people of B.C.,” declared Rasmussen.

“The public deserves accurate information about how forests are managed and the value that ILMA members provide.”

Rasmussen added the ILMA’s voice to the establishment and protection of a working forest land base in B.C. “Yes, recognizing timber harvesting as a necessary and useful tool on B.C.’s landscape is important,” reckons Rasmussen. “The concept of forest landscape plans driving operational outcomes should help establish ‘the working forest’ in the diverse regions of B.C. The dynamic and non-static nature of B.C.’s forests requires flexibility over time, so using forest management as an important tool across the landscape to maintain and enhance the full suite of values that B.C.’s forests provide is critical to success. Preservation does not appear to be the answer.”

The quest for a consistent supply of affordable and adequate timber for ILMA member mills in the meantime includes more familiar potential sources. These include regional community forests, private land and the B.C. Timber Sales program (BCTS).

“These sources of fibre are very important to ILMA members,” emphasized

to page 10

COMPACT DESIGN MEETS MAXIMUM VALUE

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BENEFITS:

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from page 8

Rasmussen. “The BCTS program is particularly important to the ILMA as a potential fibre source in terms of the volume that should be made available to an open market.”

to advocate for continuous improvement of the BCTS program.”

Improvements to the BCTS program delivery system would clearly be beneficial during a time of wood supply crunch. “The ILMA is interested in supporting the BCTS to achieve its goals and we continue

Rasmussen said that while the ILMA continues working toward expanding its membership base throughout the region and beyond, some aspects will remain unaltered. The ILMA will continue to be a solution-based organization founded on the principles of working together. That’s just the way the province’s southeast region goes about its business.

September 5-7

Great Lakes Logging & Heavy Equipment Expo, Green Bay, WI 715-282-5828, www.gltpa.org

September 15-18

Canadian Institute of Forestry National Conference & AGM, St. John's, NL 705-744-1715

www.cif-ifc.org/national-forest-week

September 17-18

DEMO International Conference, Ottawa/Gatineau 888-454-7469

www.demointernational.com

September 19-21

DEMO International Equipment Show, Ottawa/Gatineau 888-454-7469

www.demointernational.com

September 25-27

Timber Processing & Energy Expo, Portland, OR 334-834-1170, www.timberprocessingandenergyexpo.com

BUILDING

A SOLID LOGGING TEAM

The Multi Ouellet & Fils logging operation in Quebec has built its business with a solid crew of operators and a hands-on management approach which—combined with top-notch equipment and support—keeps the operation busy and productive.

By George Fullerton

Sometimes with logging operations, it all starts with the family. Logger Kevan Ouellet knows all about that. He worked alongside his father, Normand, in the family contracting business which had grown to twelve chainsaw skidder crews, before they formed the company Multi Ouellet & Fils, and bought a Ponsse Ergo in 2000, and began cut-to-length production.

In 2002, the business invested in a 15 tonne Ponsse Buffalo to handle forwarding wood to roadside, and also added a second Ergo to their harvesting team.

The decision to buy Ponsse CTL ma-

chines was a reflection of a long association with ALPA Equipment based in Balmoral, New Brunswick, which is just an hour-anda-half drive from their Multi Ouellet base in the town of Amqui, in eastern Quebec.

“We built a business relationship with ALPA when we were a skidder operation,” explained Kevan. “ALPA provided comprehensive parts and service support in our early years.

“When it came time, we moved to cut to length and multifunctional harvesters and we knew we could continue to count on ALPA for the same service and also for technical support as we learned how to work with the new machines.”

It’s been through ALPA that they have developed a productive relationship with Ponsse equipment, he noted.

“Ponsse builds very productive and reliable equipment, which has been straightforward to do maintenance on, and work with the electronics. Our relationship with ALPA and Ponsse is more than a business relationship—we also consider them our friends.”

In 2015, Multi Ouellet purchased a Landrich 1.0 tracked harvester with a Ponsse H7HD harvester head, which was manufactured by A. Landry Fabrication, an affiliated company of ALPA, also based in Balmoral, New Brunswick.

In 2021, they added a Landrich 2.0

The Multi Ouellet & Fils logging operation has a close relationship with equipment dealer, ALPA Equipment, relying on ALPA for equipment, parts and service. On the right is Ouellet Logging’s Kevan Ouellet, with ALPA sales rep Miguel LeBlanc.

with H7HD head, and then followed that with the addition of a new Ponsse Elephant King forwarder in 2022.

In 2023, a Ponsse Scorpion harvester with H7 head was added to the harvester team. The Elephant King has the capacity to handle the production of both the Landrich and the Scorpion.

Kevan operates the older Landrich 1.0 when his mechanical talents are not required by the other machines, and Normand, while technically retired, fills in on the Buffalo forwarder and helps out with other tasks like floating, when needed— although he tries to keep his Wednesday mornings free to participate with his bowling league.

The Multi Ouellet team includes four full time operators and Normand on an ‘as needed’ basis. They work four twelve-hour shifts one week, and for the second week, add an eight-hour shift on the Friday.

Multi Ouellet provides pickup trucks for operators as well as renting living quarters for operators who live a distance from the harvest operations. The operators seem to like working with the Ouellet Family; operator Maurice Landry retired in 2024, after 32 years, and current operator Pierre Luc Gagnon has worked 19 years for the Ouellets.

Weekly production goal for the crew is 1,600 to 1,800 cubic metres, with annual production of 50,000 cubic metres.

Over the past number of years, harvest assignments have been increasingly directed to salvaging softwood blocks damaged by spruce budworm, while 2023 also saw harvest operations targeting blowdown areas resulting from a severe windstorm which occurred in December 2022.

“It was a very unusual storm—we don’t normally see such extensive wind damage,” commented Kevan.

Kevan described the size and location of blowdown blocks as irregular. He pointed out that production in blowdown salvage was reduced by 30 per cent on average. Forestry operations in the Bas St. Laurent region focused on blowdown to capture the fibre before it degraded.

In the March 2024 budget, the Quebec government budgeted $8.5 million over two years to support harvesting in blowdown areas. It’s estimated that 17,000 hectares were impacted with blowdown, which represents some three million cubic metres of wood fibre. That’s about three years of mill consumption in the Bas St. Laurent and Gaspésie regions of eastern Quebec.

Earlier this year, Multi Ouellet was operating in a mature balsam fir dominated

harvest block in the Reserve Faunique Duniere, east of the Village of Causapscal on the Matapedia River. Reserve Faunique Duniere has an area of 578 square kilometres, and is managed for timber production and wildlife habitat. The reserve is noted as having the densest moose population in all of Quebec, at more than 33 moose per 10 square kilometres.

The forest type in the reserve is dominated by balsam fir, along with spruce, cedar and a small percentage of hardwood species. The timber production on the reserve is ISO 140001 and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified.

Multi Ouellet staff do annual training with FSC instructors during mud season. Training includes first aid, fire control, workplace safety and environmental standards. The Multi Ouellet operation is subject to two field audits through the

harvesting season.

In addition to staff taking the annual one-week summer vacation (Quebec Construction holiday), the Multi Ouellet crew also shut down operations for a week in the autumn for the moose hunt. Halting forestry operations for moose hunting is a time-honoured tradition, and most forestry workers use the time to do their own hunting.

Harvested wood, eight- and nine-foot logs, from the Multi Ouellet logging operation are transported to Bois D’Oeuvre Cedrico mills at Causapscal on the Matapedia River, and at the company’s mill in Price, which is situated close to the St. Lawrence River.

Cedrico produces around 210 million board feet of lumber annually, and

Top photo, the Multi Ouellet logging operation’s Ponsse Elephant King hauling a twenty-tonne payload. Below is their Ponsse Scorpion King at the end of a harvest strip. Ouellet Logging’s Kevan Ouellet says they have been able to develop a solid, productive relationship with Ponsse and Ponsse dealer, ALPA Equipment.

Quebeclogging

from page 13

directly employs 200 workers in its two operations. The Causapscal mill saws 180 million board feet, about 30 million board feet of that production going on to value add/ secondary manufacturing. The Price operation also saws logs, but has extensive secondary processing directed to the furniture and pallet industries.

Cedrico handles harvest planning with the approval of the owners of Reserve Faunique Duniere and the guidance of the Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks and Quebec’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources.

Cedrico staff map the harvest blocks, and then supply digital maps to Multi Ouellet machines. Additionally, Cedrico forestry staff flag boundaries and other features in the block. Maps also outline the type of harvest in the block. In recent years, about 10 per cent of the harvest has been some sort of partial cut system.

As noted, a lot of the harvesting for Multi Ouellet is done with ALPA-related equipment.

“We have been customers of ALPA since 1989,” notes Kevan. “They maintain

an extensive parts inventory at Balmoral, and other stores in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and we can receive parts within one day. We get exceptional parts service—and we also get great technical support if we are working to fix a problem. They have great staff who can troubleshoot over the phone and quickly help us get a solution—and get us back into production.”

Working with such solid iron, Multi Ouellet operators are committed to doing the very best harvesting job possible, and that extends from first entry into the block through to loading equipment, and moving on to the next block. “I like to look at our wood piles and see a very uniform and neat pile,” says Kevan. “Our supervisors appreciate that level of work and those neat piles are also appreciated by the truckers.”

On the harvesting side, they like the Landrich for its power for swing and travel, and stability when harvesting. The fuel consumption for the Landrich ranges from 17 to 21 litres per hour, depending, of course. on the terrain, tree size and the operator.

For track machine applications, Ponsse

recommends the H7HD harvesting head, because it is manufactured with a heavier frame and sawbox, which fits well with the added stresses that are common to tracked machines.

Landrich harvester development began in 2005, and they launched a prototype harvester in 2008, and went into production in 2010. In 2020, Landrich began manufacturing the upgraded Landrich 2.0, and shortly after moved into an expanded facility at Eel River Crossing, NB.

“We had a lot of feedback from Landrich owners and operators and that led to the many upgrades and improvements into the second generation Landrich,” explained Landrich’s Director of Operations and Chief Engineer, Yves Michel Thibeault. Thibeault has worked on the Landrich since the early development stage.

The Landrich 2.0 features a 20 per cent larger cab with larger windows providing the operator with 180-degree visuals of their work site. The hydraulics have been optimized for smoother operation. The Tier 4 Mercedes-Benz engine is rated at 280 hp, and is remarkably fuel efficient, allowing the 750 litre fuel tank to run

the harvester for three shifts. Hydraulic pumps include a 175cc unit dedicated to harvester head functions, a 175cc unit dedicated to crane function and a 190cc unit for travel power.

Landrich co-operated with Ponsse to adapt their proven Opti4 control technology for measuring, diagnostics and machine control for the Landrich 2.0.

During the spring mud season shutdown, the Multi Ouellet fleet is brought to their home shop, for a thorough cleaning and obvious repairs. During the detailed maintenance, ALPA technicians may also come in if there is any need to check hydraulic pressure for components and set them to spec’s.

Following the spring maintenance, it is not unusual for Multi Ouellet to contract a private woodlot harvest operation in the Bas St. Laurent region, until operations with Cedrico get underway.

Summarizing their operations, Kevan says that the success of Multi Ouellet is due to support from his father Normand, a consistent and conscientious crew of operators, and from his wife, Sonia Rouleau, and their daughters, Audréa and Elodie.

Multi

logging operation’s Landrich 2.0 (above) operating in mature balsam fir that’s been impacted by spruce budworm. Over the past number of years, harvest assignments have been increasingly directed to salvaging softwood blocks damaged by spruce budworm.

“The

is exactly what we were looking for.

The

Ouellet

Sawmill

—Corey White, Hill & Hill Sawmill

SOLID

logging equipment approach supports team timber harvesting Quebec

Quebec-based logging

contractor

Steeve Ladrie’s business approach is all about the selection of the right equipment based on meeting the needs of his very productive harvesting teams.

By George Fullerton

Quebec-based logging contractor

Steeve Ladrie explains that his equipment approach is about meeting the needs of his teams: his selection of harvesting equipment is based on having a diverse set of machines assigned to his two separate teams, so that each

team can efficiently—and productively— handle the diverse forest stand types assigned to them.

Ladrie established Les Chantiers du Lac in 1998 when he began a now 26year association, contracting for Groupe Lebel. Les Chantiers du Lac is based at Ladrie’s home at Riviere Bleu, situated on the Quebec-Maine border, and about

fifty kilometres north of the Quebec/New Brunswick border. Les Chantiers operates on public lands in southern Quebec and on Anticosti Island, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Ladrie actually began his woods ca-

to page 18

Les Chantiers du Lac crew members with one of the operation’s Weiler 457 machines, working in a Quebec logging operation.

From left: Mike Landry with Weiler dealer Toromont; Steeve Ladrie; operator Marcelin Dube; mechanic Joel Gagne; and supervisor Tommy Senechal.

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Quebeclogging

Logging contractor Steeve

says that his equipment approach is about meeting the needs of his teams: his selection of harvesting equipment is based on having a diverse set of machines assigned to his teams, so that each team can efficiently— and productively—handle the diverse forest stand types assigned to them.

from page 16

reer in 1982 as a tree planter, and later joined his father Richard’s chainsaw/cable skidder operation, contracting private woodlots through Groupement Forestier Temiscouta, around their home at Riviere Bleu. In 1986, he joined his uncle’s cable skidder crew harvesting for Abitibi Power and Paper Company.

Ladrie’s first adventure in mechanized harvesting was with a John Deere 693D harvester in 1994.

Les Chantiers du Lac divides their operations into two teams. Earlier this year, Steeve’s son Alex was supervising a team in Reserve Faunique Rimouski, while long time supervisor Tommy Senechal’s team was operating in Reserve Faunique Matane. The harvested wood was shipped to Groupe Lebel mills in the Gaspe region.

Both reserves are managed with Integrated Forest Management Plans (multiple use), which are guided by procedures and rules established by Quebec’s Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. The Rimouski Reserve covers some 729 square

Ladrie

Quebeclogging

kilometres and the Matane Reserve covers 1,275 square kilometres. The Matane Reserve boasts the most dense population of moose in Quebec, and many streams and lakes that offer fishing opportunities. As well, the reserve hosts many recreational trails including a portion of the Appalachian Trail and the approach to the Chic Choc Mountains.

Through the year, Les Chantiers du Lac also contracts for J. D. Irving operations in Quebec and Maine, as well as contracting on private woodlots in Quebec through the Groupement Temiscouta.

The harvest team in Senechal’s Matane operation consists of a Weiler H457 harvester, with a Waratah H415HD head and a John Deere 753 with a 480 Waratah head. The Weiler harvester operates double (twelve-hour) shifts, while the John Deere operates only on day shift. The Weiler/Deere harvester team is supported by a 20-tonne Rottne forwarder, which is double shifted to handle the three harvester shifts. Senechal’s team also includes a second Weiler 457 with a Log Max 7000 Extreme head, matched with a John Deere 1210G forwarder.

Alex Ladrie’s team—harvesting at

Logging operation Les Chantiers du Lac divides their equipment and operations into two teams. Earlier this year, they were operating in Reserve Faunique Rimouski and Reserve Faunique Matane in Quebec, with the harvested wood being shipped to Groupe Lebel mills in the Gaspe region.

Reserve Rimouski—includes a John Deere 803 harvester with 480 Waratah head, and a John Deere 753 with a Log Max 7000XT head. Forwarding capacity is handled by John Deere 1010E and Deere 1110G forwarders.

The Rimouski and Matane teams were operating about 150 kilometres apart.

Alex has 16 years’ experience as an operator, and three years as crew supervisor.

The forest type is dominated by balsam fir, with sites tending through mixed hardwood/softwood to pure hardwood stands.

Quebeclogging

Topography ranges from gently rolling to decidedly steep slopes. Soil types range from very wet to very well drained. Winter cuts are steered toward wet ground operating on frozen conditions.

Ladrie explained that each team has the right equipment mix, allowing them to adapt to the diverse landscape and forest types.

“The Waratah heads are fast and they work extremely well in the more consistently uniform (size) softwood stands,” he explains. “The Log Max works well in the softwood too, but they can handle large diameter trees and especially the large heavy and limby hardwoods, where the Waratahs would not be as productive.”

Their customer, Groupe Lebel, was founded in 1956 by Deniso Lebel and Annette Ciman-Lebel. Louis-Frederic Lebel has served as Chairman and CEO of Groupe Lebel since 2004. Groupe Lebel currently operates 23 sawmills and value added processing plants in Quebec, New Brunswick, Ontario and Maine. Its 14 sawmills have an annual production in the range of 900 million board feet annually. The Groupe Lebel operations employ some 1,400 people.

In addition to those employed at the company operations, harvest and transport employs hundreds of independent contractors and private woodlot owner/ producers.

Forest management is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified on the majority of the (Quebec) land base that Groupe Lebel procures wood from.

Marco Dube has worked the past 15 years for Les Chantiers du Lac, and currently operates the Weiler 457 with the Waratah 415 head. His resume includes an additional ten years of harvesting experience in Alberta.

Dube works a four day/forty-eighthour week. Earlier this year, Dube along with twelve operators and mechanics from the Senechal team were living in a rented maple sugar camp for their work week. Dube returns to his home at Riviere du Loup, (three-and-a-half hours) for weekends.

Dube emphasized the co-operative work culture provided by Les Chantiers.

“We are a team,” he explains. “We have a younger operator with only three years’ harvester experience. He is not very comfortable with steep slopes and really rough mountain terrain, so he works in the less challenging terrain and on day shift only. That allows him to gain

The harvest team equipment-wise in the Les Chantiers du Lac operation includes two Weiler machines, a Weiler H457 harvester with a Waratah H415HD head, and a Weiler 457 with a Log Max 7000 Extreme head.

experience and confidence. Me and my cross shift on the Weiler, have a lot of experience, so we handle the challenging terrain.”

Two shifts with the Weiler and one with the John Deere is sufficient production to keep the 20-tonne Rottne busy putting the wood to roadside.

Dube, operating the day shift, is assigned to the most challenging terrain in the harvest block, while the Weiler on nightshift works in less challenging terrain which ensures the team maintains high production.

Working the day shift allows Dube to provide his maintenance, mechanical and troubleshooting talents, as required, to the harvester.

“I have many years’ experience with Waratah heads—I know them like the back of my hand, so I can analyze and repair or adjust them to keep them in top production.”

In addition, they can also call upon the talents of supervisor Tommy Senechal, who has been with Les Chantiers since 2009. Dube and their crew warmly refer to him as their ‘therapist’, for his talents

to analyze problems both mechanical and human, and quickly come up with effective resolutions.

Dube explained that the Weiler works mostly as a harvester, but for a couple of weeks every spring it operates as a processer behind a feller buncher in big hardwoods on private woodlots.

“I like the Weiler very much—it has lots of power for lift, swing and travel. It has lots of ground clearance, and it is very stable. The machine’s power lets it climb and work on slopes very comfortably.”

Dube also admires the large roomy cab, with great seat and climate comfort. The large front window provides great visibility and doubles as an emergency escape, and a skylight adds visibility and emergency escape.

The Weiler’s clamshell hood exposes engine and components and serves as a large work surface. Fuel and hydraulic tanks are located on the opposite side of the 300 horsepower C9 Cat Tier 5 engine.

The Weiler has two hydraulic pumps, with the smaller one serving the head, and the larger one handling the carrier functions. The hydraulic flow capacity is

287 gpm or 1100 litres/minute. Tractive force is 69,000 pounds per foot, and the 457 weighs in at thirty tonnes. Its reach is 32 feet.

The Weiler machines replaced a pair of Cat 521 harvesters. Ladrie pointed out that the Weilers consume around 25 litres per hour compared to 30 litres per hour for the Cat 521. He added that the Weilers compare well with his John Deere harvesters’ fuel consumption, which range from 27 to 30 litres per hour.

Dube shared that the Weiler machines have proved very reliable. However, he did point out the DEF on the Cat engine has been challenging. “We keep the replacement part in the service truck and when it acts up, we replace it and get back to work. We make sure we always have the part in stock.”

Additional gear in Les Chantier’s machinery line-up includes a Tigercat 870 feller buncher, two Cat 322 excavators, D5 and D6 Cat bulldozers, a Cat 950 wheel loader, and a dump truck. Les Chantiers builds 20 to 40 kilometres of forest road annually. The harvest support fleet includes five service trucks and five tandem fuel trucks. There is also a large service and parts shop located at Riviere Bleu.

The operation also handles some trucking with a Cat-powered Western Star 4900 glider kit, two Freightliner Coronados hauling B-trains, and one International hauling a 48-foot log trailer.

Ladrie has a recognized affinity for Cat and the Weiler equipment’s Cat heritage. Weiler, Inc. purchased the Cat purposebuilt forestry business in 2019.

“I like the Weilers because they are tough. We also get great service and support with our dealers Toromont Chicoutimi and Toromont Quebec City,” says Ladrie.

“I tend to put the Weilers in the toughest terrain that we work in. They can handle the steep slopes and maintain high productivity.”

About 25 per cent of their annual harvest is thinning or partial cut harvest. Over the past six years, some of their harvest operations have involved doing work in severe spruce budworm-damaged areas. Through the past year, they have operated in windthrow blocks. A wind storm that occurred in December 2023 is estimated to have toppled two million cubic metres of wood in the Gaspe region.

Ladrie explained that harvesting in blowdown lowers production by 25 per cent. The blowdown occurred in swaths, with adjacent stands appearing undamaged.

Dube explained that typically the trees in blowdown areas are in a swath (all one direction), and they operate by grabbing the stem at the butt and giving the tree a good shake, in an effort to knock the dirt off before making the butt cut. He said regardless of how well the tree is shook, there is still some dirt and grit on the stems which quickly dulls the saw chain, and there are frequent chain changes.

Steeve Ladrie is proud of his crews, and notes that a number of long term

Quebeclogging

employees have made considerable contributions to the success of Les Chantiers Du Lac. Ladrie noted that his entire crew is focused on achieving a production goal of 200,000 cubic metres annually.

Ladrie is also very happy to have his son Alex working in the family business, and proudly notes that Alex is moving forward to take on more management responsibilities.

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DEMO 2024 Show

Excitement builds for

The excitement is building for DEMO International 2024, being held in the Ottawa/Gatineau area, a region where the Canadian forest industry has very strong historical roots.

By Tony Kryzanowski

Excitement is building for DEMO International 2024, a much-anticipated industry event which will feature three days of live demonstrations of forest equipment working in a commercial logging environment.

Organized by the Canadian Woodlands Forum and hosted by SBC Cedar, the dates for DEMO, which is one of North America’s largest in-woods, in-action equipment shows serving the forestry sector, are from September 19 to 21.

Typically held every four years, the Quebec side of the Ottawa Valley location of this year’s DEMO represents a return to Canada’s forest industry roots, and is being greeted with great enthusiasm. The event four years ago was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic. So it’s been eight years since the last DEMO, and needless to say, forestry equipment has experienced significant technological changes since that time in the areas of telematics,

onboard computer monitoring of production per shift and fuel consumption, maintenance scheduling and general cab ergonomics.

So, there are plenty of good reasons why a logging company owner, with perhaps a few of their operators and head mechanic, would greatly benefit from attending this unique event. In addition to asking questions and actually sitting in the equipment, they can also watch a lot of iron in action in a typical commercial logging setting.

Over 30 exhibitors will hold live equipment demonstrations at different locations along the over 3.2 km exhibition loop at DEMO. The show will also feature over 100 additional exhibitors, many of whom support the logging sector with products and services.

The site itself has a highly diverse mix of common Central and Eastern Canadian conifers and hardwoods, being part of the Great Lakes Forest region.

“The basic motivation behind DEMO,

CWF’s flagship event, is to provide members of the forestry sector, from contractors, woodlands personnel, forest product companies, government representatives and academia, with the opportunity to come together and really view the latest technologies and innovations in the sector,” says Peter Robichaud, former Executive Director and now Project Coordinator with the CWF. “It is all about innovation. Equipment used in the forestry sector has really evolved since the late 1960’s.”

Organizers anticipate that there will be 8,000 to 10,000 visitors at the show, which will feature hundreds of pieces of equipment working and on display.

Participants can expect to see live harvesting, processing, skidding, and forwarding from a variety of well-known and new equipment suppliers. There will also be mulching, chipping and grinding demonstrations as well as small-scale sawmilling and firewood production.

“We are witnessing considerable interest from some of the smaller scale

equipment manufacturers, which typically serve the private woodlot sector located primarily in Eastern Canada,” says Robichaud. “And we also have had considerable interest from companies serving the biomass sector. We will have the leading manufacturers of chippers, grinders, and mulching heads present and giving live demonstrations.”

The shift to smaller scale equipment could be a reflection of shifting logging practices in some areas of the country where more pre-commercial and commercial thinning, as well as selective logging, are being encouraged. Also, loggers may be looking at equipment options that are less capital intensive.

New equipment exhibitors will earn a significant benefit from participating in DEMO as well. Some will likely be investigating and open to talking about setting up dealership networks for their products in North America.

This is the 14th DEMO International and Robichaud says that it has become recognized as one of North America’s largest in-woods, in-action equipment shows serving the forestry sector.

Once DEMO dates were announced, equipment suppliers signed up quickly and within three weeks of online registrations opening, participant pre-registration for the event was four to five times what it was for past shows.

Registered participants are being encouraged to drive to the DEMO International site from Ottawa or elsewhere as there is plenty of parking available or they can take a pre-arranged shuttle from one of the designated pick-up points in Ottawa.

Robichaud emphasizes that the DEMO International program is about a lot more than just equipment. It also has a focus on forest management. That is reflected in the pre-DEMO International conference being held at the Delta Ottawa City Centre on September 17th and 18th.

The theme is “Adapting to New Forestry: Unlocking Innovative Solutions”. CWF is hosting this two-day conference in collaboration with the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre, FPInnovations, and Université Laval. It is designed for industry professionals, forestry contractors, researchers, and stakeholders passionate about forestry innovation and sustainable practices.

It will feature expert-led sessions,

cutting-edge research presentations, and interactive discussions on the latest advancements in forestry technology and management. General themes will include such topics as digitalization, forest management practices, automation, artificial intelligence, climate change, workforce growth and challenges, and forestry in Finland.

One of the advantages of DEMO being held near the nation’s capital is that CWF hopes to attract participation from a number of government leaders to raise awareness about the forestry sector. There is a VIP program planned expressly for this purpose at the event opening on Thursday.

DEMO also has an educational component, hoping to plant the seed for the next generation of forest industry workers and

DEMO 2024 Show

forest managers. Table Forêt Laurentides and Enviro Éduc-Action will welcome high school students from the Laurentides and Outaouais to the DEMO site. This educational activity aims to introduce them to a range of captivating and accessible professions, while awakening them to eco-responsible forestry behaviors, in particular sustainable forest management. Up to 300 students will travel the exhibitor loop, gaining valuable first-hand experience of advanced forest equipment in action.

There will also be some friendly competition with the DEMO log loader competition presented by Barko loaders.

to page 24

DEMO 2024 attendees can expect to see live harvesting, processing, skidding, and forwarding from a variety of well-known and new equipment suppliers. There will also be mulching, chipping and grinding demonstrations.

DEMO 2024 Show

from page 23

When participants in DEMO International 2024 step out of their vehicles at the exhibit site in the Venosta, Quebec region 45 minutes north of Ottawa along the Gatineau River, they will be stepping into history, walking the same paths as their Canadian forest industry ancestors.

The SBC Cedar site is a private woodlot where the foundation of an old homestead is still evident, speaking to the site’s history.

This area in Quebec, which is tied geographically to the entire Ottawa Valley, is the birthplace of a seminal transition in Canada from the fur trade to the timber trade.

White pine and oak harvested from the region was used to build ships for the much-vaunted British navy, helping them defeat the French Emperor Napoleon. The jobs created by the booming forest industry there would fuel Canada’s first immigration wave and clear land to make way for the establishment of farms. Later, with the transition from timbers to sawn lumber, it would not only provide the building materials for housing for new arrivals, but the lumber would also be shipped to places like New York, Boston and throughout the American Northeast.

The region is blessed with the highest quality White pine, Red pine and hardwoods in North America, according to historians. But back when the industry began, it also boasted an exceptional natural water transportation system consisting of the Ottawa River and its tributaries, which includes the Gatineau River. The Ottawa River feeds into the St. Lawrence, providing access to commercial centres like Montreal and Quebec.

Entrepreneur Philemon Wright, the founder of Gatineau, Quebec, formerly known as Hull, and described as the ‘Father of the Ottawa Valley Logging Industry’, was the first to prove this water transportation system in 1806. Timber merchants had established themselves in Quebec City, but the question was how to transport logs and squared timbers there from further upstream.

Wright was the first to establish a large raft at the mouth of the Gatineau River loaded with freshly-squared timbers, intending to transport them 300 kms to Quebec City to fulfill a contract. After a lot of backbreaking work and negotiating around several large rapids, he and his

Over 30 exhibitors will hold live equipment demonstrations at different locations along the over 3.2 km exhibition loop at DEMO. The show will also feature over 100 additional exhibitors, many of whom support the logging sector with products and services.

crew finally arrived—too late to fulfill their contract, but finding plenty of buyers because of the trade embargo Napoleon had set between the British and their usual Baltic timber suppliers.

The rest is literally history, as this ushered in the ‘timbering’ era where the new occupation of the log driver was invented, responsible for breaking log jams from the tributaries to where transportation rafts were established on the Gatineau River.

The industry proved highly lucrative for a variety of domestic and international lumber barons as well as for local farmers who supplemented their income working in the timber industry either as fallers, log drivers, or timber squarers, as well as everything else, to maintain the massive logging camps that sprung up everywhere.

To avoid the river rapids, log chutes skirting the rapids were established and this also led to the construction of a large canal system, including the Rideau Canal that runs through Ottawa, to transport all sorts of goods but mainly timber to market.

Eventually the squared timber industry and British demand gave way to more sawn lumber and markets closer to home between 1850 and 1900. Capital investment poured into the development of sawmills, and the river and canal transportation system was supplemented and then superseded by railways and roads.

In 1871, the lumber industry was running at full capacity with six large sawmills in what was known as the Chaudiere dis -

trict in the vicinity of Ottawa-Gatineau— and definitely in the area where DEMO International 2024 will be held.

At its peak, they produced 30 million board feet of lumber annually and later there was the development of both a pulp and paper as well as a newsprint industry, particularly in places like Gatineau, which is situated across the river from Ottawa.

For decades, the E.B. Eddy pulp mill was a mainstay of the view across the river.

What also helped with the development of the forest industry overall was steam power and hydroelectric energy to improve efficiency and output.

But without a reforestation plan, the industry began to falter from a lack of timber—something that workers in the 19th century thought would never happen because of the abundance of wood fibre in the region.

Today, through a combination of natural regeneration and silviculture, the area once again supports a variety of thriving wood product industries like SBC Cedar, and a number of area organizations have shown an eagerness to participate in DEMO International to remind and inform participants about the region’s historical significance as it relates to the forest sector.

Logging and forest management have come a long way over the past 225 years in Canada—and DEMO International is a good yardstick to use to understand where we are now, showcasing the latest technologies, products and services.

A bit about our DEMO hosts...

By George Fullerton

All through the month of July, Peter Robichaud, Project Co-ordinator with the Canadian Woodlands Forum, and forest engineer Marc Bergeron were busy getting the DEMO International 2024 site in shape, and ready to host the live show September 19 to 21.

The show will be spread out over a 3.2 kilometre loop, and feature 20 active sites, up to 40 major static displays and more than 60 small booths, all promoting forestry-related products or services.

Bergeron is a co-owner of the 900-acre woodlot which is host to the live-in-thewoods show. The woodlot is located near the settlement of Venosta, about a onehour drive north of Ottawa.

Bergeron with his partners, including Marco Belanger, manager with SBC Cedar, purchased the woodlot in 2017. The woodlot lies within one of the largest white tail deer management areas in western Quebec. Over the years, the owners have undertaken management to enhance deer habitat, with small clearcuts and thinning harvests. The harvest activity has generated 10,000 cubic metres of wood fibre which has been marketed to regional mills.

Bergeron explained that the habitat management strategy works toward maintaining both food and winter cover in reasonable proximity, so that deer do not have to expend a lot of energy through the winter months. He went on to point out that preparing the loop trail for DEMO, and making small patch cuts for the exhibits, fits well with the habitat management strategy.

Their past management harvesting occurred mostly through the winter months, which involved dropped trees that the resident deer population could browse with ease. He added that operating in winter meant the forwarding trails were packed and frozen, making good travel for the deer to reach the browse.

Bergeron says that the deer habitat improvements also generated good habitat elements for grouse, hare and turkey, and consequently for predators (coyote, bobcat, fox, fisher marten) which feed on other game.

Marco Belanger is the son of Gilles

The woodlot that is host to DEMO 2024 lies within one of the largest white tail deer management areas in western Quebec. Over the years, the woodlot’s owners have undertaken management to enhance deer habitat, with small clearcuts and thinning harvests.

Belanger and Rita Rancourt, and along with his parents, and his brothers Francis and Michel, manage SBC Cedar.

SBC has a major eastern white cedar shingle milling, finishing and mulch production operation at St. Prosper, Quebec, just east of St. George de Beauce. Additionally, they operate another eastern white cedar shingle milling operation at St. Andre, New Brunswick.

The Belangers descend from a long line of shingle mill operators. Marco’s great grandfather had a shingle mill at Riviere Bleu, Quebec. Both of his grandfathers also operated shingle mills, and his farther Gilles operated a shingle mill at St. Quentin, New Brunswick before he moved to the Beauce Region.

The St. Prosper mill sources eastern white cedar logs from Quebec producers, as well as from operations in the state of Maine. SBC Cedar supplies both natural and finished shingles throughout Canada and the United States. SBC is also a major supplier of cedar shims, a very important wood product used for the installation of doors and windows and other construction uses.

In fact, SBC is the largest supplier of eastern white cedar shingles and shims in North America.

SBC has developed many technological innovations used in the production of cedar shingles. They grade shingles on both sides, market shingles wider than the minimum industry standard, square

shingles to an accuracy of 1/64 of an inch, and emboss a nail line on every shingle which aids in efficient installation.

SBC manufactures a line of finished shingles in a range of colours. Following kiln drying, this line of shingles is dipped twice in acrylic paint or stain, guaranteeing an attractive and long service life.

Additional innovations at SBC include manufacturing technologies such as scanning and robotics. SBC has also developed an installation tool which simplifies and speeds up shingle installation.

SBC’s St. Prosper facility includes a mulch production facility which allows for complete utilization of the cedar resource that the operation sources. Bark and other residuals are ground and stockpiled through the autumn and winter months, and then shipped to retailing businesses in the spring.

“Traditionally, SBC has not held forest land, but in the past number of years we have purchased land as part of an investment strategy,” explained Francis Belanger, Vice-President of Sales and Administration with SBC. “We became aware that the Canadian Woodlands Forum was seeking a property in eastern Canada to host DEMO International, and we contacted CWF, and worked directly with Peter Robichaud, and came to an agreement to host the event.

“SBC is very happy to be a partner in this major forestry event, the largest outdoor forestry event in North America,” Francis added.

DEMO 2024: Exhibitor List

A.M. LUDWIG SAW SHOP LTD.

Site: SB-52

Website: www.ludwigsawshop.ca

Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario

High-quality saws, knives, and filing room equipment. Highlighting products like CNC saw grinding, knife grinding services, and top brands such as Quadco and Function Chain.

AFM FOREST

(LES EQUIPMENT MARQUIS INC)

Site: A-4A

Website: www.equipementsmarquis.com

Location: Sherbrooke, Québec

High-quality harvester heads for forestry operations. They will showcase their latest harvester heads and other forestry equipment designed for efficient and productive operations.

ALPA EQUIPMENT

Site: A-20

Website: www.alpaequipment.com / www.landrich.com

Location: Balmoral, New Brunswick

A full suite of brands, including Ponsse, Landrich, JCB, Hyundai, and Fuchs. The display will feature the Landrich 2.0 Track Harvester, known for its efficiency in cut-to-length logging and equipment from their other brands.

AMEX HARDWOOD

Site: SB-16

Website: www.amexhardwood.com

Location: Plessisville, Québec

High-quality hardwood products including hard maple, cherry, walnut, and oak. The display will focus on their wide range of hardwood lumber and sawlogs, highlighting their commitment to sustainable resource management.

ASCENSO TIRE NORTH AMERICA

Site: S-6

Website: www.ascensotiresna.com

Location: Stow, Ohio

A comprehensive range of tires for agriculture, off-the-road (OTR), construction, and industrial applications, emphasizing high-quality, durable products designed for heavy-duty use.

ASTEC INDUSTRIES

Site: A-26

Website: www.astecindustries.com

Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee

Equipment for the forestry and environmental recycling sectors, including grinders and chippers like the 5710E Grinder and 4310 Chipper. They will showcase their innovations in infrastructure and road construction solutions.

AXIS FORESTRY INC.

Site: S-37

Website: www.axisforestry.com

Location: Kamloops, British Columbia Rebel T22HD Harvester and Cypress Gen6 Controller. The Rebel T22HD is designed for tough forestry conditions, and the Cypress Gen6 offers advanced measuring and control systems.

BANDIT INDUSTRIES

Site: A-25

Website: www.banditchippers.com

Location: Remus, Michigan

An extensive lineup of forestry and wood processing equipment including hand-fed and whole tree chippers, stump grinders, horizontal grinders, and Arjes slow speed shredders.

BARKO

Site: S-8, A-4A

Website: www.barko.com

Location: Superior, Wisconsin

Forestry equipment including loaders, harvesters, and utility vehicles known for their durability and innovation in logging and material handling.

BFL CANADA SERVICES

DE RISQUES ET ASSURANCES INC.

Site: SB-31

Website: www.bflcanada.ca

Location: Montreal, Québec

Insurance and risk management services tailored for the forestry and construction sectors, emphasizing comprehensive coverage solutions.

BKT TIRES

Site: S-32

Website: www.bkt-tires.com

Location: Akron, Ohio

A range of tires designed for off-the-road (OTR) applications in agriculture, construction, and industrial sectors, focusing on durability and performance.

BRIGADE ELECTRONICS CANADA LTD.

Site: SB-38

Website: www.brigade-electronics.com

Location: Cambridge, Ontario

Vehicle safety systems including cameras, alarms, and radar systems designed to improve safety in forestry and construction operations.

BRON

Site: S-21

Website: https://www.bronrwf.com/

Location: Woodstock, Ontario

Specializing in forestry equipment, RWF BRON offers heavy-duty plows, mulchers, and trenchers designed for top performance in tough conditions.

CANNON BAR WORKS LTD.

Site: A-24

Website: www.cannonbar.com

Location: Langley, British Columbia

High-performance chainsaw bars designed for precision and durability in professional logging and forestry applications.

CATERPILLAR / WEILER FORESTRY/ TOROMONT CAT

Site: A-1

Website: www.cat.com / www.weilerforestry.com

Location: Peoria, Illinois / Knoxville, Iowa

A range of forestry equipment including feller bunchers, skidders, and harvesters. Caterpillar and Weiler will focus on showcasing machinery that enhances productivity and efficiency in forestry operations.

FRONTLINE MACHINERY / CBI

Site: A-8

Websites: frontlinemachinery.com / cbi-inc.com

Location: Chilliwack, British Columbia

Overview:

Frontline Machinery, located in Chilliwack, showcases CBI grinders, chippers, and shredders. As the dealer for these cutting-edge forestry machines, they provide innovative solutions for efficient and effective forestry processing.

CENTRE DE FORMATION

PROFESSIONNELLE MONT-LAURIER

Site: A-9

Website: www.cfpml.qc.ca

Location: Mont-Laurier, Québec

Centre de Formation Professionnelle Mont-Laurier will present their training programs for forestry and heavy equipment operation. They focus on providing hands-on training and education to prepare students for careers in the forestry industry.

CLARK TRACKS/NORDIC TRACTION GROUP

Site: S-7

Website: www.clarktracks.com / www.nordictractiongroup.com

Location: Dumfries, Scotland

High-quality tracks for forestry machinery designed to improve mobility and reduce ground impact in challenging terrains.

CLEANFIX NORTH AMERICA

Site: SB-22

Website: www.cleanfix.org

Location: Stratford, Ontario

Cleanfix will be showcasing their reversible cooling fans designed for heavy machinery used in agriculture, construction, and forestry. These fans are known for improving efficiency by automatically cleaning radiators and air intake screens, which helps prevent overheating.

CLOVERDALE PAINT

Site: SB-40

Website: www.cloverdalepaint.com

Location: Surrey, British Columbia

Cloverdale Paint will display their range of industrial coatings, including protective coatings and finishes specifically formulated for the forestry and construction industries. Their products are designed for durability and to withstand harsh environmental conditions.

CMI MULCHING

Site: S-39

Website: www.cmimulching.com

Location: Toronto, Ontario

CMI Mulching will showcase their powerful mulching machines, designed for clearing large areas of vegetation quickly and efficiently. These machines are particularly effective in forestry management, land clearing, and utility maintenance.

COMAIRCO EQUIPMENT

Site: SB-37

Website: www.comairco.com

Location: Laval, Québec

Comairco Equipment will present their wide range of air compressors and related equipment. They will highlight solutions for energy-efficient air systems that are used in various industrial applications, including forestry and construction.

CREIGHTON ROCK DRILL

Site: S-23

Website: crdcreighton.com

Location: Mississauga, ON

Overview:

Creighton Rock Drill is a leader in providing high-quality drilling equipment, wear parts, and specialized tools for forestry roadbuilding, construction, and mining. Their products are designed for durability and reliability, ensuring peak performance in the toughest environments.

CREVIER LUBRICANTS

Site: SB-14

Website: www.crevier.ca

Location: Montreal, Québec

Crevier Lubricants will showcase their extensive line of lubricants and related products designed for heavy machinery in forestry, agriculture, and construction. Their offerings include engine oils, hydraulic fluids, and greases that ensure optimal equipment performance and longevity.

EASTONMADE WOOD SPLITTERS

Site: S-17

Website: www.eastonmadewoodsplitters.com

Location: Perth, Ontario

Eastonmade will showcase their wood splitters, known for their durability and efficiency. These machines are designed for both commercial and residential use, making wood splitting faster and easier.

DEMO 2024: Exhibitor List

from page 28

EASY-KLEEN PRESSURE SYSTEMS

Site: SB-63

Website: www.easykleen.com

Location: Sussex, New Brunswick

Easy-Kleen will showcase their range of industrial pressure washers designed for heavy-duty cleaning in forestry, construction, and industrial applications. Their products are known for their durability, efficiency, and ability to handle tough cleaning tasks in challenging environments.

ECHELON SUPPLY AND SERVICES

Site: SB-71

Website: www.echelonsupply.com

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Echelon will present their range of industrial hoses, fittings, and related products. These are essential for fluid handling in forestry and other heavy-duty industrial applications, focusing on durability and efficiency.

ECO LOG

Site: A-17

Website: www.eco-log.com

Location: Gävle, Sweden

Eco Log will showcase their advanced forestry machines, including harvesters and forwarders. Known for their robust construction and cutting-edge technology, these machines are designed for efficient timber harvesting in various types of terrain.

ECOFORST GMBH

Site: A-21

Website: ecoforst.at

Location: Werksgasse 1, A-8734

Großlobming, Austria

Overview:

EcoForst offers a range of T-Winch models, each designed to enhance safety and efficiency in steep slope logging. These models include the T-WINCH 10.1, 15.1, and 20.1, varying in pulling capacity to meet different operational needs.

ELTEC

Site: A-21

Website: www.eltec.ca

Location: Roberval, Québec

ELTEC will showcase their line of purpose-built forestry machines, including harvesters and feller bunchers. These machines are engineered for high productivity and reliability in demanding forestry operations.

EMPIRE ATTACHMENTS

Site: A-6

Website: www.empireattachments.com

Location: Blainville, Quebec

Empire Attachments will display live mulchers and whole tree chippers, and more, at DEMO.

ENERGREEN CANADA

Site: SB-9

Website: www.energreencanada.com

Location: Brampton, Ontario

Energreen will present their multifunctional machines designed for vegetation management, including slope mowers and remote-controlled equipment. These machines are used for maintaining roadside vegetation, clearing, and forestry management.

EQUIPEMENT JYL INC.

Site: S-38

Website: www.jyl.ca

Location: Québec City, Québec

Equipement JYL will showcase their selection of forestry and heavy equipment, including loaders, processors, and mulchers. Their focus is on providing durable and reliable machinery for the forestry and construction industries.

ENGINE ARMOUR TECHNOLOGIES

Site: SB-61

Website: www.enginearmour.ca

Location: Newmarket, Ontario

Engine Armour Technologies will showcase their engine protection solutions, including oil and fuel additives designed to enhance the performance and longevity of heavy machinery engines.

FAE WESTERN CANADA

Site: S-13

Website: www.fae-group.com

Location: Kelowna, British Columbia

FAE will showcase their line of forestry mulchers, tillers, and stone crushers. Their equipment is designed to handle extreme conditions and is widely used in forestry, agriculture, and road construction.

DEMO 2024: Exhibitor List

FERNTREE EQUIPMENT & DISTRIBUTION

Site: S-27

Website: www.ferntreeequipment.com

Location: Terrace, British Columbia Ferntree will present their range of forestry equipment, including processors, harvesters, and trailers. They focus on offering robust solutions for logging and timber processing operations.

FLAIL CHAIN

Site: SB-28

Website: www.flailchain.com

Location: Vernon, British Columbia Flail Chain will display their heavy-duty flail chains used in debarking and mulching applications. Their products are designed for durability and efficiency in high-impact forestry operations.

FLO COMPONENTS

Site: SB-60

Website: www.flocomponents.com

Location: Mississauga, Ontario

Flo Components will present their automatic lubrication systems and related products. These systems are designed to ensure that machinery remains well-lubricated, reducing downtime and maintenance costs in forestry and construction operations.

FMDC WATERMIST CANADA LTD / FOGMAKER

Site: S-31

Website: www.fmdcwatermist.com

Location: St. Catharines, Ontario

FMDC Watermist will showcase the Fogmaker fire suppression system, designed for use in heavy machinery. This system is particularly valuable in forestry and mining, providing rapid fire detection and suppression to protect both equipment and operators.

FP INNOVATIONS

Site: S-19

Website: www.fpinnovations.ca

Location: Pointe-Claire, Québec

FP Innovations will showcase their research and development in forest products and innovation. They focus on creating sustainable solutions for the forestry industry, including new technologies and practices that enhance productivity and reduce environmental impact.

FUCHS, A TEREX BRAND

Site: A-19

Website: www.terex.com/fuchs

Location: Bad Schönborn, Germany

FUCHS will showcase their material handlers, designed for heavy-duty applications in scrap recycling, port operations, and forestry. Known for their precision and durability, FUCHS machines are essential for efficient material handling operations.

GA LOGIX LOGICIEL INC.

Site: SB-48

Website: www.galogix.com

Location: Saint-Jérôme, Québec

GA Logix will showcase their innovative software solutions de-

signed for the forestry and wood processing industries. Their software helps optimize operations, improve decision-making, and increase efficiency in managing forestry resources.

GB EQUIPMENT INC.

Site: S-15

Website: www.gbequipment.ca

Location: Victoriaville, Québec

GB Equipment will showcase their range of forestry machinery, including harvesters, forwarders, and processors. They focus on providing high-performance equipment that enhances productivity in the forestry sector.

GILBERT

Site: S-44

Website: www.gilbert-tech.com

Location: Roberval, Québec

Gilbert will present their forestry equipment, including felling heads, planers, and rotators. Their machinery is known for its durability and efficiency in the forestry industry, designed to meet the challenges of modern logging operations.

GREEN LINE HOSE & FITTINGS INC.

Site: SB-32

Website: www.greenlinehose.com

Location: Burnaby, British Columbia

Green Line will showcase their extensive range of industrial hoses, fittings, and related accessories. These products are essential for fluid transfer and hydraulic applications in forestry and other heavy-duty industries.

to page 34

STATIC BOOTHS

Logging & Sawmilling Journal .................................... SB-1

MRC Vallée-de-la-Gatineau SB-2

Multiflow Solutions SB-3

Simson Maxwell SB-4

Groeneveld Lubrication Solutions Inc.

SB-6

Supply Post SB-7

Pedno-SCP 89 Inc.

Energreen Canada

Crevier Lubricants

SB-8

SB-9

SB-14

AMEX Hardwood SB-16

JDI Woodlands SB-17

Lussier .................................................................... SB-18

LIM Geomatics......................................................... SB-20

Prevention Incendie Safety First SB-21

Cleanfix North America SB-22

Hebdraulique SB-23

Theo Turgeon (Oregon) SB-25

Iron Dog Logging SB-27

Flail Chain SB-28

ProSilva Oyj SB-29

Workplace Safety North SB-30

BFL Canada Services SB-31

Green Line Hose & Fittings SB-32

Igrip Industries Inc. .................................................. SB-33

GTDS Inc. ................................................................ SB-34

OTR Engineered Solutions ........................................ SB-35

Sylvilac / Jean Lapierre Mechanique (Gator) SB-36

Comairco Equipment

SB-37

Brigade Electronics SB-38

Cloverdale Paint Inc.

SB-40

Tracbuster Ltd. SB-42

Maibec SB-43

Services Energetiques MT SB-46

Ritchie Bros Auctioneers SB-47

G.A.Logix Logiciels Inc. SB-48

Groupe CARVI

SB-49

PACCAR Winch SB-50

Pro-Innov SB-51

A.M. Ludwig Saw Shop .................................. SB-52

Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts SB-53

Groupe Systeme Foret Inc. SB-55

Hargassner North America

Flo Components

Engine Armour Technologies

Groupe PG

SB-59

SB-60

SB-61

SB-62

Easy-Kleen Pressure Systems SB-63

Hydra Dyne Technology Inc.

Echelon Supply & Service

SB-65

SB-71

Portable Winch Co. SS-01

SMG - Sciere Mobile Gilbert ........................... SS-02

DEMO 2024: Exhibitor List

from page 31

GROENEVELD LUBRICATION SOLUTIONS

Site: SB-6

Website: www.groeneveld-beka.com

Location: Laval, Québec

Groeneveld-BEKA will present their automatic lubrication systems designed for heavy machinery. These systems help reduce wear and tear on equipment, improve performance, and extend the life of critical components in forestry and construction machinery.

GROUPE CARVI INC.

Site: SB-49

Website: www.groupecarvi.com

Location: Quebec City, Québec

Groupe Carvi will showcase their solutions for the wood transformation industry, including machinery and tools for sawmills, wood manufacturing, and material handling. Their products are known for enhancing efficiency and productivity in wood processing.

GROUPE PG

Site: SB-62

Website: www.groupepg.com

Location: Quebec City, Québec

Groupe PG will present their range of forestry management services, including sustainable logging practices and innovative forest resource management tools.

GROUPE SYSTEME FORET INC.

Site: SB-55

Website: www.gsf.ca

Location: Saint-Félicien, Québec

Groupe Systeme Foret will present their software solutions tailored for forest management and operations. Their systems help streamline planning, data collection, and analysis, making it easier to manage forest resources efficiently.

GTDS INC.

Site: SB-34

Website: www.gtds.ca

Location: Sherbrooke, Québec

GTDS Inc. will present their data collection and management systems for forestry operations. Their solutions help forestry professionals optimize their operations by providing accurate and timely data on resource usage, productivity, and environmental impact.

H.J. SEARSON LIMITED/SERCO LOADERS

Site: S-48

Website: www.sercoloaders.com

Location: New Holstein, Wisconsin

H.J. Searson Limited will showcase Serco Loaders’ line of heavy-duty log loaders, designed for efficient material handling in forestry operations. Their loaders are known for their reliability, strength, and versatility.

HARGASSNER NORTH AMERICA

Site: SB-59

Website: www.hargassner-northamerica.com

Location: Montreal, Québec

Hargassner will showcase their advanced biomass heating systems. These systems are designed to use wood chips and pellets as fuel, offering an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional heating methods in the forestry industry.

HEBDRAULIQUE

Site: SB-23

Website: www.hebdraulique.ca

Location: Chicoutimi, Québec

Hebdraulique will showcase their hydraulic systems and components, including custom hydraulic solutions for forestry and industrial applications. Their products are known for their durability and reliability in demanding environments.

HULTDINS INC.

Site: S-1

Website: www.hultdins.com

Location: Brantford, Ontario

Hultdins will showcase their range of forestry grapples, saws, and accessories. Their products are designed for high performance and durability, making them a trusted choice for logging professionals.

HYDRA DYNE TECHNOLOGY INC.

Site: SB-65

Website: www.hydradyne.com

Location: Ingersoll, Ontario

Hydra Dyne Technology will showcase their custom hydraulic and pneumatic systems, including cylinders and actuators designed for heavy-duty forestry and industrial applications.

IGRIP INDUSTRIES INC.

Site: SB-33

Website: www.igripstud.com

Location: Saint-Jérôme, Québec

IGrip Industries will present their innovative tire stud solutions, designed to improve traction and safety for forestry and off-road vehicles. Their products are essential for ensuring stability and control in challenging terrains.

IRON DOG LOGGING

Site: SB-27

Website: www.irondoglogging.com

Location: Campbell River, British Columbia

Iron Dog Logging will showcase their logging and forestry services, including sustainable logging practices and advanced harvesting techniques. They focus on maximizing efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.

JDE SOUZA

Site: S-46

Website: www.usamericas.com

Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

JdeSouza will present their forest engineering and consulting services, focusing on sustainable forest management and resource optimization. They offer solutions that help forest owners maximize their yield while maintaining ecological balance.

JDI WOODLANDS

Site: SB-17

Website: www.jdigroup.com

Location: Saint John, New Brunswick

JDI Woodlands will showcase their forest management services, including sustainable timber harvesting and forest regeneration. They focus on creating long-term value through responsible forest stewardship.

KESLA SAMPO ROSENLEW

Site: A-10

Website: www.kesla.com

Location: Joensuu, Finland

Kesla will present their forestry machinery, including harvesters and forwarders designed for efficient timber harvesting. Their equipment is known for its durability, precision, and adaptability to different forestry conditions.

LANDRICH

Site: A-20

Website: www.landrich.com

Location: Balmoral, New Brunswick

Landrich will present their forestry machinery, including the Landrich 2.0 Track Harvester. This harvester is designed for maximum efficiency and reliability in cut-to-length logging operations.

LES INDUSTRIES FORESTIERES

PRO PAC LTEE

Site: S-28

Website: www.propac.qc.ca

Location: Matane, Québec

Les Industries Forestieres Pro Pac will showcase their range of forestry equipment, including delimbers, processors, and harvesters. Their machinery is known for its robustness and efficiency in forestry operations.

LIEBHERR CANADA

Site: A-23

Website: www.liebherr.com

Location: Burlington, Ontario

Liebherr will present their construction and forestry machinery, including excavators, loaders, and cranes. Their equipment is recognized for its advanced technology, durability, and performance in heavy-duty applications.

LIM GEOMATICS INC.

Site: SB-20

Website: www.limgeomatics.com

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Lim Geomatics will showcase their geospatial technology solutions for forest management. Their software and tools help forest managers make data-driven decisions, improving efficiency and sustainability in forest operations.

LOG MAX QUEBEC INC.MALWA FOREST AB

Site: A-24

Website: www.logmax.com

Location: Québec City, Québec

Log Max Quebec will present their forestry attachments, including harvester heads and processors. Their equipment is designed for high productivity and precision in timber harvesting operations.

LOGGING & SAWMILLING JOURNAL

Site: SB-1

Website: www.forestnet.com

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia

Logging & Sawmilling Journal will showcase their industry publication, which covers the latest news, trends, and technologies in the logging and sawmilling industries. They provide valuable insights for forestry professionals.

LOGSET

Site: S-40

Website: www.logset.com

Location: Vaasa, Finland

Logset will present their range of forestry machines, including harvesters and forwarders. Their equipment is known for its reliability, efficiency, and advanced technology, making it a preferred choice for professional loggers.

LUSSIER

Site: SB-18

Website: www.lussier.co

Location: Drummondville, Québec

Lussier will showcase their insurance and financial services tailored for the forestry and agricultural sectors. They offer comprehensive solutions to help businesses manage risk and protect their assets.

MAIBEC

Site: SB-43

Website: www.maibec.com

Location: Lévis, Québec

Maibec will present their range of wood products, including siding, shingles, and decking. They focus on providing high-quality, sustainable wood products that enhance the aesthetic and durability of buildings.

to page 36

DEMO 2024: Exhibitor List

MALWA

Site: S-30

Website: www.malwaforest.com

Location: Skene, Sweden

Malwa will present their compact forestry machines, including harvesters and forwarders designed for thinning and selective logging operations. Their equipment is known for its light footprint and versatility in various forest conditions.

MASKINEN INC.

Site: A-17

Website: www.maskinen.ca

Location: Québec City, Québec

Maskinen distributes high-performance forestry and construction equipment, including Ecolog machines, SP Maskiner heads, and OMEF attachments. They focus on optimizing productivity with top-tier machinery and provide ongoing service and support.

MDE MACHINERY

Site: S-24

Website: www.mdemachinery.com

Location: Collone, Northern Ireland

MDE Machinery will showcase their range of forestry and construction equipment designed for durability and efficiency in tough working conditions.

MECANO MOBILE R.L. INC.

Site: A-10

Website: www.mecanomobile.com

Location: Québec City, Québec

Mecano Mobile will present their mobile maintenance services for heavy machinery, including on-site repairs and preventive maintenance. Their services are essential for keeping forestry equipment operational in the field.

MINISTÈRE DES RESSOURCES NATURELLES ET DES FORÊTS

Site: SB-53

Website: www.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca

Location: Québec City, Québec

MRCVG

Site: SB-2

Website: www.mrcvg.com

Location: Québec City, Québec

MRCVG will showcase their custom manufacturing and repair services, specializing in forestry and industrial applications. They offer solutions designed to enhance the efficiency and longevity of machinery.

MULTIFLOW SOLUTIONS

Site: SB-3

Website: www.multiflowsolutions.com

Location: Québec City, Québec

MultiFlow Solutions will present their fluid transfer systems, including hoses, fittings, and connectors designed for forestry and industrial applications. Their products help maintain efficient and reliable fluid management in heavy machinery.

MULTISTAR

Site: S-12

Website: www.multistarsystems.com

Location: Terrebonne, Québec

Multistar will showcase their dust suppression and material handling systems designed for forestry and construction industries. Their solutions are designed to improve workplace safety and environmental compliance.

NEUSON FOREST

Site: A-5

Website: www.neuson-forest.com

Location: Linz, Austria

Neuson Forest will present their range of forestry machinery, including harvesters and forwarders designed for sustainable logging operations. Their equipment is said to be known for its innovation, reliability, and efficiency in various forestry environments.

OLOFSFORS

Site: S-1

Website: www.olofsfors.com

Location: Nordmaling, Sweden

OMEF

Site: A-17

Website: www.omefgroup.com

Location: Bastia Umbra, Italy

OMEF will present their range of forestry attachments, including tree shears, grapples, and stump grinders. Their equipment is designed to enhance the versatility and productivity of forestry machinery.

OTR ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS

Site: SB-35

Website: www.otrwheel.com

Location: Rome, Georgia

OTR Engineered Solutions will showcase their tires, wheels, and undercarriage components designed for forestry and heavy-duty off-road applications. Their products are known for durability and performance in challenging environments.

PACCAR WINCH

Site: SB-50

Website: www.paccarwinch.com

Location: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

PACCAR Winch will showcase their industrial winches and hoists, designed for use in forestry, oil and gas, and construction industries. Their products are known for their reliability, strength, and ability to handle heavy loads in demanding conditions.

PARKER

Site: S-41

Website: www.parker.com

Location: Cleveland, Ohio

Parker will present their range of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, including hoses, fittings, and connectors. Their products are essential for maintaining the efficiency and reliability of heavy machinery in forestry and industrial applications.

PEDNO-SCP

Site: SB-8

Website: www.pedno.com

Location: Saguenay, Québec

from page 34 to page 38

The Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts will present their initiatives and programs related to forest management, conservation, and sustainable resource use. Their display will focus on promoting responsible forest stewardship and sharing information about the latest policies and regulations affecting the forestry sector in Québec.

Olofsfors will showcase their range of tracks and chains designed for forestry machinery. Their products are engineered to provide superior traction and durability in challenging forest terrains, improving the efficiency of logging operations.

Pedno-SCP will showcase their range of forestry attachments, including tracks, chains, and custom metal fabrication solutions. Their products are designed to enhance the performance and durability of forestry machinery.

DEMO 2024: Exhibitor List

from page 36

PICKENS FARM EQUIPMENT

Site: S-34

Website: www.picken.ca

Location: Flesherton, Ontario

Pickens Farm Equipment will present their range of agricultural and forestry equipment, including tractors, loaders, and attachments. Their products are designed to improve productivity and efficiency in farming and logging operations.

PORTABLE WINCH CO.

Site: SS-1

Website: www.portablewinch.com

Location: Sherbrooke, Québec

Portable Winch Co. will showcase their portable capstan winches, which are used for various applications in forestry, including pulling logs and equipment in remote locations.

PONSSE

Site: A-20

Website: www.ponsse.com

Location: Vieremä, Finland

Ponsse will showcase their forestry machines, including harvesters and forwarders designed for sustainable logging. Their equipment is known for its durability, efficiency, and advanced technology, making it a preferred choice for forestry professionals.

PREVENTION INCENDIE SAFETY FIRST

Site: SB-21

Website: www.preventionincendie.com

Location: Saint-Eustache, Québec

Prevention Incendie will showcase their fire safety equipment and services, including fire extinguishers, alarms, and training programs. They focus on providing comprehensive fire protection solutions for the forestry and industrial sectors.

PRINOTH

Site: A-18

Website: www.prinoth.com

Location: Granby, Québec

Prinoth will present their range of tracked vehicles, including mulchers and carriers designed for forestry, construction, and land management. Their equipment is known for its versatility, durability, and performance in extreme conditions.

PRO-INNOV INC.

Site: SB-51

Website: www.pro-innov.com

Location: Victoriaville, Québec

Pro-Innov will showcase their innovative solutions for industrial automation, including custom machinery and control systems. Their products are designed to enhance the efficiency and productivity of forestry and industrial operations.

PROSILVA OYJ

Site: SB-29

Website: www.prosilva.fi

Location: Jämsä, Finland

ProSilva will present their forestry machines, including forwarders and harvesters designed for sustainable forest management. Their equipment is known for its adaptability, precision, and efficiency in various forestry environments.

QCCANADA

Site: S-33

Website: www.qccanada.com

Location: Toronto, Ontario

QCCANADA will showcase their range of quality chains and accessories for forestry and industrial applications. Their products are designed for durability and reliability in demanding working conditions.

QUADCO

Site: A-24

Website: www.quadco.com

Location: St. Eustache, Québec

Quadco will present their forestry attachments, including cutting heads and harvester bars. Their products are known for their innovation, durability, and ability to enhance the productivity of forestry machinery.

RAGNARTECH

Site: S-29

Website: www.ragnartech-inc.com

Location: Quebec City, Québec

Ragnartech will showcase their innovative forestry technology solutions, including advanced logging equipment and forest management systems designed to optimize productivity and sustainability in forestry operations.

REMABEC/ARBEC

Site: S-47

Website: www.remabec.com

Location: La Tuque, Québec

Remabec will present their comprehensive forestry services, including sustainable forest management, logging, and wood processing solutions.

RITCHIE BROS AUCTIONEERS

Site: SB-47

Website: www.rbauction.com

Location: Burnaby, British Columbia

Ritchie Bros will present their auction services for heavy equipment, including forestry machinery. They are known for their large-scale auctions, where industry professionals can buy and sell equipment with confidence.

ROTOBEC INC.

Site: S-36

Website: www.rotobec.com

Location: Sainte-Justine, Québec

Rotobec will showcase their range of material handling equipment, including grapples and loaders designed for forestry and recycling applications. Their products are engineered for strength, durability, and precision in tough working conditions.

ROTOCHOPPER

Site: A-13

Website: www.rotochopper.com

Location: St. Martin, Minnesota

Rotochopper will present their grinding equipment, including horizontal grinders and wood chippers designed for forestry and recycling operations. Their machines are known for their high efficiency and ability to produce uniform end products.

ROTTNE CANADA INC.

Site: A-2

Website: www.rottne.com

Location: Rottne, Sweden

Rottne will showcase their range of forestry machines, including harvesters and forwarders designed for sustainable timber harvesting. Their equipment is known for its reliability, innovation, and efficiency in various forest conditions.

SENNEBOGEN

Site: A-3

Website: www.sennebogen.com

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

Sennebogen will present their material handling equipment, including cranes and loaders designed for forestry, scrap recycling, and port operations. Their products are recognized for their versatility, strength, and precision.

SERVICES ENERGETIQUES MT

Site: SB-46

Website: www.servicesenergetiquesmt.com

Location: Laval, Québec

Services Energetiques MT will showcase their energy solutions, including fuel and lubricant supply services for the forestry and construction industries. They focus on providing reliable and efficient energy products tailored to the needs of their clients.

to page 40

Our purpose-built material handlers deliver maximum uptime and increased productivity, backed by industry leading service & support.

Maintenance & Inspection Programs

Customer Experience Specialists

Repair Parts & Kits

Free Factory Training

Online Learning Hub

Optimization Consulting

DEMO 2024: Exhibitor List

from page 38

SILVANA IMPORT TRADING

Site: A-4

Website: www.silvanatrading.com

Location: Québec City, Québec

Silvana Import Trading will showcase their range of forestry tools and equipment, focusing on innovative solutions for timber harvesting and processing.

SIMSON MAXWELL

Site: SB-4

Website: www.simson-maxwell.com

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia

Simson Maxwell will present their power generation solutions, including generators and power systems designed for industrial and remote applications. Their products are essential for maintaining reliable power supply in challenging environments.

SMG - SCIERE MOBILE GILBERT

Site: SS-2

Website: www.smggilbert.com

Location: Sherbrooke, Québec

SMG will showcase their mobile sawmill solutions, designed for efficient and flexible timber processing in various forestry environments.

SOLENO

Site: S-35

Website: www.soleno.com

Location: Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec

Soleno will showcase their water management solutions, including stormwater management and drainage products designed for forestry, agriculture, and urban infrastructure. Their solutions focus on sustainable water management practices.

SP MASKINER

Site: A-17

Website: www.spmaskiner.com

Location: Ljungby, Sweden

SP will present their range of harvester heads, known for their precision and reliability in various forestry operations. Their equipment is designed to maximize efficiency in timber harvesting, from thinning to clearcutting.

SUPPLY POST

Site: SB-7

Website: www.supplypost.com

Location: Langley, British Columbia Publications.

SYLVILAC/JEAN LAPIERRE MECANIDUE

Site: SB-36

Website: www.groupeval.com

Location: Saint-Félix-de-Valois, Québec

Sylvilac/Jean LaPierre Mecanidue will present their GATOR line of forestry equipment, including mulchers, shredders, and other attachments designed to enhance the efficiency and productivity of forestry operations.

TANGUAY

Site: S-45

Website: www.tanguayequipment.com

Location: Québec City, Québec

Tanguay will showcase their forestry equipment, including forwarders and harvesters known for their robustness and ability to handle the tough conditions of Canadian forests.

TERAPRO CONSTRUCTION

Site: S-20

Website: www.terapro.com

Location: Laval, Québec

Terapro Construction will present their range of construction and heavy equipment, including products specifically designed for forestry operations. Their focus is on providing machinery that enhances productivity and safety in the field.

THEO TURGEON EQUIPMENT INC.

Site: SB-25

Website: www.theoturgeon.ca

Location: Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec

Theo Turgeon Equipment will showcase their range of forestry tools and equipment, including Oregon brand chainsaws and accessories. They focus on providing high-quality products that meet the rigorous demands of professional loggers.

TIMBERPRO

Site: S-45

Website: www.timberpro.com

Location: Shawano, Wisconsin

Timberpro will present their line of forestry machinery, including feller bunchers and forwarders designed for efficient logging operations. Their equipment is recognized for its durability, innovation, and operator comfort.

TIMBERMAX

Site: A-22

Website: www.timbermax.com

Location: Lévis, Québec

TimberMax will showcase their winch systems, designed to enhance the performance and safety of forestry operations. Their products are used for skidding, forwarding, and other applications in steep and challenging terrains.

TOROMONT CAT

Site: A-1

Website: www.toromontcat.com

Location: Concord, Ontario

Toromont Cat will present their range of Caterpillar machinery, including excavators, loaders, and forestryspecific equipment. They focus on providing powerful and reliable solutions for heavy-duty applications in forestry and construction.

TRACBUSTER LTD.

Site: SB-42

Website: www.hheltd.com

Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Heavy Equipment Repair Ltd will present their Tracbuster track pin press systems, designed for field repairs of heavy equipment tracks. These systems are essential for maintaining the efficiency and functionality of tracked machinery in forestry and construction.

VALLÉE

Site: S-9

Website: vallee.ca

Location: Saint-Alban, Quebec

Vallée manufactures compact, durable industrial loaders and offers a range of attachments and customization options, ideal for forestry, construction, and other demanding industries.

VERMEER CANADA

Site: A-14

Website: www.vermeercanada.com

Location: Brampton, Ontario

Vermeer Canada will present their range of equipment for forestry, land clearing, and recycling, including brush chippers, stump grinders, and whole tree chippers. Their products are designed to be durable, efficient, and operator-friendly.

VIMEK FASSI GROUP

Site: A-4

Website: www.vimek.se

Location: Vindeln, Sweden

Vimek Fassi Group will showcase their compact forestry machines, including harvesters and forwarders designed for thinning and selective logging. Their equipment is known for its maneuverability, low environmental impact, and efficiency in small-scale forestry.

VOGHEL

Site: A-13

Website: www.voghel.com

Location: Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Québec

Voghel will present their range of recycling and forestry machinery, including crushers, shredders, and screeners. Their products are designed to be robust, efficient, and environmentally friendly, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications.

WALLINGFORD’S

Site: S-42

Website: www.wallingfords.com

Location: Oakland, Maine

Wallingford’s will showcase their range of logging supplies, including chainsaw accessories, safety equipment, and logging tools. They are known for their high-quality products that meet the needs of professional loggers.

WORKPLACE SAFETY NORTH

Site: SB-30

Website: www.workplacesafetynorth.ca

Location: North Bay, Ontario

Workplace Safety North will showcase their health and safety services and resources tailored for the forestry, mining, and paper industries. They focus on providing training, auditing, and consulting services to improve workplace safety standards.

YOKOHAMA TIRE

Site: S-5

Website: www.yokohamatire.com

Location: Fullerton, California

Yokohama will present their range of off-the-road (OTR) tires, designed for forestry, construction, and mining applications. Their products are known for their durability, traction, and performance in challenging environments.

The aftermath of a severe wildfire in 2023, along the Cassiar Highway, in B.C.

By David Elstone, Managing Director, Spar Tree Group, Publisher, View From The Stump (www.spartreegroup.com)

Those who work in the woods know all too well that wildfires are undiscerning in what they burn: working forest, parks, old growth forests, wildlife habitat—if there is fuel, it will burn. No matter what your view on how our forests should be managed, it is hard to avoid the reality that wildfire is a threat to our businesses, our livelihoods, as well as to our health and well-being.

Wildfire is not an issue relegated to the backwoods of this B.C.. We have seen its impacts on Lytton, West Kelowna, and just earlier this year near Fort Nelson. To gain a better sense of community perspectives regarding wildfire resiliency, the BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) worked with Abacus Data to survey 1,500 British Columbians last spring1. The survey found the public perceives wildfires as a problem that is getting worse.

ARE WE WILLING TO CHANGE IN THE FACE OF WILDFIRE?

Polling showed that 75 per cent of the public follows the news about wildfires closely; in other words, it is a top-ofmind subject; 35 per cent reported that wildfires have already had a large impact on their lives with 74 per cent having experienced smoke from wildfires. This data tells us that wildfire is a relevant topic for all British Columbians, even for those in urban centres like Vancouver.

Fortunately, for a province covered in forests, we are not without options.

A recent study from the USDA Forest Service reviewed scientific literature from over 40 studies and concluded “proactive ecological forest management can change how fires behave and reduce wildfire severity, under a wide range of conditions and forest types… in reducing surface and ladder fuels and tree density through thinning, coupled with prescribed burning or pile burning could reduce future wildfire severity by more than 60 per cent, relative to untreated areas.”2

The good news is that public opinion is aligned with the science on efforts to manage wildfire. Abacus Data noted that 90 per cent of people surveyed believe it is possible to reduce the risk of extreme fires. Furthermore, 84 per cent of the public thinks it is a good idea to conduct fuel reduction treatments such

as thinning. The polling showed almost everyone thinks forest fire severity can be reduced, that proper forest management is a good idea and that there is an acceptable solution available.

There are several approaches to reducing biomass or wood-based fuels in our forests. No single approach will be effective across the province. Treatments should be aligned with the ecology of the sites where treatments are planned. Wildfire ecologists advocate that some of these fuel reduction practices should include using fire as a tool (as was historically deployed by Indigenous peoples). Even post-harvest broadcast burning is under consideration to be reintroduced after falling out of favour in the 1990s due to concerns, ironically, over smoke. Another approach is changing our practice of reforesting solely with conifer tree species, thereby allowing more deciduous trees to grow.

Mechanical work such as commercial thinning to reduce tree densities and opening up the crown canopy offers promising results that not only help to enhance resiliency to wildfire, but promote stand conditions favourable for wildlife and biodiversity. And of course, fibre collected from thinning could potentially be consumed by B.C. mills, which currently struggle to access fibre.

So, it’s a positive that forestry is viewed by the public as part of the solution to the wildfire crisis, and even could become a win-win scenario in terms of fibre supply. Adding support for the cause is the growing anecdotal evidence here in B.C. that these fuel reduction treatments, including thinning, are effective in slowing down the pace of spread of a fire and reducing a fire’s severity. Unfortunately, the amount of area treated so far is miniscule in comparison to the task at hand for the province.

Frustratingly, despite the obvious threat, funding has not yet matched the need. While B.C. has budgeted $60 million over three years to the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC), it will take billions to create a meaningful impact across the landscape. To quote someone right on the frontline who has seen the value of fuel reduction work, at UBC Forestry’s Wildfire Coexistence in BC: Solutions Symposium in June, West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund, stated: “we are spending dollars on the wrong end of the problem”, in reference to the billions currently being

to page 44

forestmanagement

Public opinion is aligned with the science on efforts to manage wildfire. In a recent survey, 84 per cent of the public said they think it is a good idea to conduct fuel reduction treatments such as thinning. Below is lodgepole pine, thinned and pruned, in the Burns Lake Community Forest.

forestmanagement

from page 43

spent on suppressing wildfires, and the comparatively small amount allocated to proactive measures.

The challenge is monumental given the vast area of forests in B.C. So far, most public conversations have centred around describing the wildfire threat, but there seems to be significantly less conversation to operationalize the effort required. How does the forest sector including industry rise to the occasion?

Last May, I visited a couple of recently thinned areas in the Prince George region and was told the thinning portion of the fuel mitigation work was cash positive. If that remains the case, a major ramp-up on commercial thinning presents significant opportunities for contractors and for the broader fuel reduction campaign. Should this practice begin to catch on, is the forestry services supply chain prepared to support this new area of activity?

Looking specifically at those who do the physical work of reducing fuels, to tackle the challenges ahead, B.C. may once again be on the cusp of another

wave of new innovative practices including new equipment. I would liken it to 2015 when new ground-based, steep slope tethering systems from New Zealand were being introduced in the province. At that time, operators were just at the start of the learning curve on what worked best in terms of productivity, costs and safety. Several questions are now being asked on potential thinning and other fuel reduction work:

• Can contractors use their current fleet of equipment, or will they need more specialized equipment?

• What works best and in what conditions - tracked or wheeled machines?

• Do we need smaller cutting and processing heads?

• Does size of machine matter - regular versus new micro-equipment?

• Do we have sufficiently trained professionals to prescribe the work?

• Do we have enough skilled machine operators, particularly if there is a shift to wheeled machines?

Just like with the surge of new steep slope specific equipment that came from New Zealand, there are several equipment options from Europe where

There are several approaches to reducing biomass or wood-based fuels in B.C. forests, and no single approach will be effective across the province. Shown is a thinned ponderosa pine stand, near Kelowna.

thinning has been practiced extensively. To answer these questions, the sector needs to come together, like in the early years of tethering and winch systems, to figure out best practices to embrace that technology and instill confidence to build capacity.

While the provincial budget has yet to match the amount of work needed, the B.C. government is starting to think about the future in terms of equipment. The B.C. government just recently launched WREST—the Wildfire Reduction Equipment Support Trust with $5.25 million to encourage the purchase of specified equipment for the purposes as outlined in this article. WREST will provide reimbursement for the lesser of 10 per cent of the total cost or $100,000—refer to wrestrust.ca for more details. More is needed.

There is no denying that there is a wildfire crisis facing British Columbia. Wildfire ecologists are sounding the alarm. While fuel reduction work has begun, it is nowhere near enough at pace to tackle the problem. Even though the potential need for this work is staggering, it will not all happen overnight—time is

required to build up the expertise and acquire, if necessary, new equipment.

One final set of insights from the Abacus Data polling suggests there is strong support for the B.C. government in adopting (or funding) fuel reduction treatments with broad, cross-partisan support for action—this means a difference in politics is not preventing us from moving forward. Furthermore, people think industry and government should work together. Collaboration on ramping up the effort, figuring out the funding when necessary and answering the many questions is the way forward.

Given the public survey findings, the B.C. forest sector, including government and industry, is clearly supported in implementing forest management activities to reduce the risks of wildfire. Climate change and increasing severity of wildfires will continue without question. So let’s get busy and make the necessary investments and collaborations to turn that public support for forest management solutions for forest fuel reduction into reality!

lowimpactharvesting

SWEDISH THINNING EQUIPMENT FINDS A HOME IN QUEBEC FORESTS

Malwa’s low impact thinning equipment—including a recently purchased 980 harvester—has been a good fit with the Eco Naud Exploitation Forestiere operation in Quebec.

By George Fullerton

Eco Naud Exploitation Forestiere is a harvesting and silviculture operation managed by Sylvain and Francis Naud, with their operations based from Sylvain’s home, just outside the Village of Saint-Raymond, about an hour northwest of Quebec City, on the Sainte-Anne River.

The topography of the Saint-Raymond region is a mix of flat alluvial plains that currently supports cash cropping grain, soy and potato and corn, along with hilly terrain and river valleys wooded with a mix of softwood and hardwoods. The region also hosts vibrant maple sugar operations.

Sylvain began contract harvesting in 1991 with a chainsaw and farm tractor, supplying regional mills. Francis, Sylvain’s son, began his forestry career following Sylvain to logging operations, primarily on private woodlots. Francis went on to complete a heavy equipment operator course and was employed on various forestry operations, public and industrial lands.

In 2018, the Naud’s bought their first mechanized harvester, and Francis trained himself to operate it.

The Naud’s most recent harvesting kit consisted of a Prentice harvester with a Log Max 7000 Extreme head, and a John Deere 1010 forwarder.

In recent years, their conventional

harvest team has been used to handle contracts harvesting wood on private woodlots in the region, as well as contracting to harvest woodland that was converted to agriculture production.

According to Francis, the family business became increasingly aware of the requests from woodlot owners for thinning services, to plantations and stands where natural regeneration had been precommercially thinned. Francis explained that Eco Naud had undertaken some first commercial thinning with the Prentice/ John Deere team but the results were not completely satisfactory as a result of the wide trails and actual or perceived occurrence of track ruts.

As they got familiar with the Malwa 560 Combi, Sylvain and Francis Naud evaluated their enterprise and decided there was a good opportunity for expansion—and decided to build on the commercial thinning business, and made a deal to purchase a new Malwa 980 harvester, which is equipped with a Log Max 3000T head (above).

“We were receiving a lot of requests for first commercial thinnings in plantations, but a lot of the landowners looked at our equipment and then declined, because they felt the harvest equipment would cause rutting and root damage,” commented Francis.

A solution to the big equipment challenge came when their Log Max rep Anthony Pelletier let them know that Log Max Quebec Inc. had become a dealer for Malwa Forest AB, which manufactures small scale harvesting and forwarding equipment in Sweden, specifically designed for commercial thinning.

Smaller thinning equipment results in less area required for trails compared to larger harvesters and forwarders. Smaller and lighter machines have less ground pressure resulting in less rutting (which is actually a chargeable Forestry Act offence in Sweden). Less ground pressure also means less damage to the roots of crop trees in commercial thinnings, and is also very important for thinning and management work for maple sugar bush development.

Smaller trails mean more trees remaining, to develop and grow into larger timber and contribute to carbon sequestration. Smaller trails also result in quicker crown closure, and reducing the susceptibility to windthrow in the thinned stands.

After attending a Malwa demo near Log Max Quebec’s headquarters at Causapscal, Quebec, Sylvain and Francis came away convinced that the small Malwa would work well to treat the potential: the many thousands of acres of plantations in their region. Following their

intuition, they purchased their Malwa 560 Combi machine in 2021.

Their six-wheeled Malwa 560 Combi machine is equipped with a Log Max

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Power for the Malwa 980 harvester comes from a Cat engine rated at 173 horsepower. The transmission is hydro-mechanical, manufactured by Bosch-Rexroth. Work hydraulic pumps are 220 and 145 litres per minute variable load sensing axial piston design by Bosch-Rexroth.

lowimpactharvesting

from page 47

2000T harvesting head (max 41 cm cutting capacity) in harvester mode. Log bunks are added to the rear frame and the harvester head is exchanged for a log grapple to work as a forwarder with a Grippen 020 grapple on the crane. The Combi’s crane is a Cranab FC45 with 6 metres of reach.

The Naud’s also purchased a Malwa forestry trailer, which increases forwarder capacity when operating on long forwarding hauls on smooth trails.

Francis says that with a bit of experience, it takes about 15 minutes to switch the Malwa 560 Combi between harvester and forwarder modes.

The six-wheel 560 Combi weighs only 5700 kgs, and is 1.95 metres wide. It is rated to carry a net load of 5500 kgs. Power comes from a Cat C28 engine rated at 75 horsepower. Transmission is a Bosch-Rexroth hydro-mechanical unit

which functions separate from the works’ hydraulic system, which is a load-sensing axial piston pump, also by Bosch-Rexroth.

As Eco Naud began to take on its first commercial thinnings with the Malwa 560 Combi, and as woodlot owners saw the lightweight machine, the requests for commercial thinning services continued to grow.

As familiarity with the Combi increased, Sylvain and Francis evaluated their enterprise and decided there was a good opportunity for expansion—and decided to build on the commercial thinning business, and made a deal to purchase a new Malwa 980 harvester.

The 980 came in a double bogie concept, with more horsepower, longer reach, stronger crane and a larger Log Max 3000T head, and went on Eco Naud operations in April 2024.

The 980 harvester weighs in at 9800 kg., with a width of 2.2 metres. The 980 is equipped with a Kesla 875 parallel

crane with a indexator rotator, which provides 7.6 metres of reach, and sports the Log Max 3000T harvesting head with maximum cut capacity of 52 cm.

Power for the 980 harvester comes from a Cat engine rated at 173 horsepower. The transmission is hydro-mechanical, manufactured by Bosch-Rexroth. Work hydraulic pumps are 220 and 145 litres per minute variable load sensing axial piston design by Bosch-Rexroth. Both the 560 machines and the 980 harvester utilize IQAN-based control systems with touch screen.

With the new 980 handling harvesting, the Combi now spends a lot more time dressed as a forwarder, teamed with the 980 harvester. Francis explained that the Combi continues to work occasionally as a harvester, for certain jobs.

Fuel consumption for the Malwa 980 to page 50

The move into Malwa equipment seems to have brought smiles all ‘round with the Eco Naud Exploitation Forestiere folks; from left, Francis Naud, Sylvan Naud, forwarder operator Simon Beaupre and harvester operator David Genius.

lowimpactharvesting

Search for low impact logging equipment led to development of Malwa

The Malwa forest harvesting machines came about through the inspiration of Malwa founder and designer Magnus Wallin.

Wallin had a career that was built around inspection and certification of cranes used in industries in his native Sweden.

After Wallin began managing his own woodlot, he began looking for harvesting equipment which would have a low ground impact, and be small enough to only require narrow trails.

Anthony Pelletier is with Log Max Quebec Inc., a dealer for Malwa Forest AB, and he explained that Wallin initially invested in a small Asian-built utility tractor, removing the steering axle and attaching a forestry trailer. His early efforts determined the Asian equipment was not reliable, and after a number of mechanical failures, abandoned the effort.

Wallin then decided that in order to get a reliable and productive machine,

he should build one from the ground up—and thus the adventure in building the Malwa equipment began.

Malwa Forest AB was established in 2009 by Magnus and Madeleine Wallin. After building the first Malwa 360 forwarder, Wallin soon had plans for the Malwa 460 forwarder model, with larger tires and other improvements.

In 2011, he launched the Malwa 460 as a combi forwarder and harvester, with a Cat 60 horsepower engine and Keto head. In 2013, the Malwa 560 launched with a Cat 75 horsepower engine and Log Max 928 head.

Innovations in 2016-2017 included Malwa-designed die cast bogie, improved mid-joint, improved cab climate control and software and data collection.

In 2020, Malwa introduced the fourth generation of the Malwa 560, making it available as harvester, forwarder and as a combi model. In 2022, Malwa introduced the double bogie 980 harvester.

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harvester is eight litres per hour, while the Malwa 560 Combi consumes about three litres per hour forwarding and about six litres per hour as a harvester.

Francis pointed out that the size of their commercial thinning operations on private woodlots range from one hectare to around 36 hectares. Operations for harvest and commercial thinning are, for the most part, within an hour commute of Eco Naud’s home base.

On a recent visit to the Eco Naud operation and to see the Malwa team in action, they were working on a Naud family-owned woodlot, targeting spruce and Balsam fir which was in decline. As advertised, the Malwa team operated with narrow trails, leaving a mixture of softwood and hardwood trees from emerging seedlings to healthy maturing hardwoods and softwoods. It was obvious that crown closure would extend to shade the trails after only a couple years’ growth.

A visit to a second woodlot owned by Sylvain featured commercial thinning in red pine and spruce plantations completed earlier in the year. The woodlot was formerly owned by Université Laval, and used as a research site. The commercial thinning exhibited very sensitive work, with virtually no damage to crop trees, and the narrow trails exhibited no evidence of rutting. Crowns of crop trees are expected to close over the trails with one or two growing seasons.

Eco Naud’s thinning and harvesting operations ship softwood and hardwood logs to the Dion et Fils sawmill in Saint Raymond, as well as eight-foot studwood logs down to a four-inch minimum diameter. Hardwood pulpwood is marketed to the Feuille D’erable charcoal plant in Ste-Christine d’Auvergne, near Saint Raymond. Francis explained that they lack a viable market for softwood pulpwood in their region.

Eco Naud operates day shift only, and are training new operators. Francis explained that with about three years of commercial thinning booked ahead, he and Sylvain are consequently seriously considering adding another Malwa harvester to their team.

With the recent major fires in northern Quebec, and the resulting shift of conservation goals to standing live forests, the forest industry in Quebec is expected to look for more wood supply from private woodlots, and as a result increasing the demand for commercial thinning to grow more timber.

Anthony Pelletier, with Log Max, who is a dealer for Malwa equipment, illustrated the narrow trail width the machines are able to work with in the Eco Naud operation.

CONNECTS KEY FOREST INDUSTRY PLAYERS

The upcoming Timber Processing & Energy Expo (TP&EE) in Oregon will connect key equipment players with an industry seeking greater optimization and bio-product options.

By Tony Kryzanowski

There is great interest within the wood product manufacturing industry to further optimize and automate production. The upcoming Timber Processing & Energy Expo (TP&EE) in Portland, Oregon provides an excellent opportunity to connect with companies developing this technology and much more.

This year, the TP&EE takes place from September 25 to 27 at the Portland Exposition Centre and admission is free with pre-registration or a small walk-in registration fee at the time of the event.

Exhibitors will range from small consulting and software firms to major hardware and machine centre suppliers, all gathered in one place. And there will also be representatives for mobile equipment, used in the millyard, as well.

This is the seventh biennial (every two years) event produced by Hatton-Brown Expositions LLC, and for the third time in a row, exhibition space is sold out, with well over 170 domestic and international exhibitors occupying over 45,000 sq ft of display space.

“Events like TP&EE are so valuable in that you get to actually speak to company representatives and touch and inspect the equipment,” says Jessica Johnson, senior editor at Timber Processing Magazine, part of the Hatton-Brown corporate family, and key facilitator for exhibitors at the Expo. Being at the show is so much better than doing a virtual meeting, “where a

camera doesn’t give you the same experience as a live show.”

The event is all about sawmilling for lumber, panelboard or engineered wood products, she adds, but also much more, including exhibitors promoting the use of biomass byproducts to potentially save on power costs, heat buildings and dry lumber. There are also opportunities to monetize this biomass into such products as wood pellets. Exhibitors at the Expo can show attendees how and what technology is available.

As always, the Expo’s focus is to connect representatives of the vibrant wood product manufacturing industry primarily in the American Northwest and Western Canada with industry suppliers. Portland and the Exposition Centre, with its large parking area and shuttles from area hotels, has proven to be an excellent gathering locale for what is one of the premier events where people can not only connect with industry suppliers, but also have conversations with industry colleagues about what is currently driving the industry. At the present time, higher interest rates and its impact on construction, lumber prices, and demand in North America are probably near the top of that list.

Two years is a long time in terms of technological advances, so it is important for industry representatives to keep abreast of the latest technology, as well as becoming acquainted with new companies serving the sector. In addition to domestic suppliers, the Expo will include

a number of international suppliers to the industry—some well known and others interested in introducing themselves.

Whether domestic or overseas, these suppliers understand industry’s need and desire to optimize the value from every log, especially in some regions in the Northwest where annual timber allocations are being severely curtailed by government or due to catastrophic events like wildfire. Attending such industry-focused events as the TP&EE can help companies design a path forward, especially in this era of a changing climate, by acquainting decision makers and workers with the latest and greatest technology available to maximize their production potential with the wood fibre basket available to them.

Organizers expect that as in past years, companies and suppliers will use the Expo to unveil new technology and make project announcements. In fact, Johnson says that she knows for sure that there will be some announcements.

She describes the Expo as a “must-see” event for the sawmilling, panelboard and engineered wood product sectors, adding that it is a unique opportunity for attend ees to meet, discuss and maybe even sign deals with key industry suppliers all under one roof.

On Wednesday, September 25th, the first day of the Expo, Andy Pollard, of Pollard Lumber in Appling, Georgia will be introduced as the Timber Processing Magazine 2024 Person of the Year, cosponsored by industry supplier, Carbotech Group. A veteran of the sawmilling industry, Pollard has contributed to many industry innovations and holds several patents related to the curve sawing gang and continuous dry kiln.

There is a lot of industry buzz these days around digital technology and what influence Artificial Intelligence (AI) will have on the wood product manufacturing industry now and into the future.

“Artificial Intelligence is definitely one of those issues currently being discussed within industry, and we have a number of exhibitors that will be bringing both the technology and technical experts to share what they have to offer with attendees,” Johnson says.

Artificial Intelligence is also one of the key topics that will be discussed during conferences chaired by Johnson that will be held concurrently with the Expo in the same building. On Thursday, September 26th, a half-day will be dedicated to discussions about the current state of Arti ficial Intelligence and how it can and will be introduced into wood product manu

industryevents

Timber Processing & Energy Expo exhibitors will range from small consulting and software firms to major hardware and machine centre suppliers, all gathered in one place: the Portland Exposition Centre.

facturing facilities. The second half of the day will be focused on more efficient use of byproducts. In another area of the Expo Centre, there will be a half-day conference on veneer, plywood and engineered wood products, with the focus being on

executives. Companies are encouraged to send a wide variety of employees to the Expo, as well as people they might know who are looking for a possible career in wood processing.

TP&EE is seen as a central place to become acquainted with the cutting edge

The LMG chipping plant operation includes two Fuchs 350 F HD material handlers/log loaders.

woodchipping LMG CHIPPING

finds its chip niche

The award-winning chipping operation LMG Chipping has found a solid niche supplying high-quality wood chips to New Brunswick pulp mill, AV Cell.

By George Fullerton

At the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) Awards of Excellence proceedings held last year, LMG Chipping, of Listuguj, Quebec, was awarded the prestigious Indigenous Business Leadership Award.

on LMG Chipping’s unsurpassed attention to quality control practices which deliver consistent high quality fibre for the AV Cell pulping process.

He also pointed out LMG’s focus on health and safety in the workplace, and their attention to environmental practices. Laflamme added that he has watched the LMG operation grow over nearly 20 years, and he was confident that the relationship between LMG and AV Cell would remain

strong and productive into the future.

Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government (LMG) Chipping became a business partner with the AV Group’s Atholville, New Brunswick mill in 2003, when they entered into a memorandum of understanding to chip 120,000 cubic metres of hardwood to supply Atholville’s dissolving pulp operation.

The Listuguj First Nation Community is located in Quebec, just across the estuary of the Restigouche River from the AV Cell Atholville mill.

The Listuguj First Nation is located in the region of Gespégewági, the seventh and largest district of Mígmági, which includes the area known as the Gaspe, areas of mainland Quebec, Maine and northeast New Brunswick. The First Nation group counts more than 4,000 members living both on and off the reserve.

In 2008, after five years of successful production, the chipping contract grew to 200,000 cubic metres of maple and softwood, and in 2014, LMG assumed woodyard supervisory responsibilities, handling biomass (generated through debarking) to

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Tim Dedam (left) and Travis Isaac (right) of LMG Chipping, with Stephane Laflamme (centre), Project Superintendent at New Brunswick pulp mill AV Cell.

56

woodchipping

New Brunswick mill made successful transition to pulp used in making fashion fibres

The Atholville, New Brunswick pulp mill site—now home to the AV Cell division of the Aditya Birla Group—has a long forest industry history.

It was the site of a lumber, lath and shingle mill owned by Gilmour Shives in the 1880s. The lumber and shingle mills were purchased by the Fraser Companies Limited in 1920, and in 1928, it became Restigouche Company, a subsidiary of the Fraser Companies.

In 1928. Fraser announced they would build a bleached sulphite pulp mill on the site, which would require 100,000 cords of softwood pulpwood and produce 45,000 tons of sulphite pulp annually. Power for the mill was transmitted on Fraser’s own power line from the hydro electric generating station in Grand Falls, a distance of 160 kilometres.

The modern mill included two settling ponds which allowed the oxidization of sulphite from the mill effluent before it entered the Restigouche River, which continues to be famous for its Atlantic Salmon population.

Production began in 1930, and included sulphite pulp and dissolving pulp, which was used in the manufacture of rayon and cellophane.

In the 1980s, Fraser invested $170 million in the mill to convert the process to a magnesium bisulphite process, similar to the process in the Fraser pulp mill in Edmundston, NB.

In 1987, Fraser created Atholville Pulp. There was a subsequent decline in pulp markets and the operation closed in 1991, and was sold to Repap in 1994. Repap resurrected the operation, but closed it down in 1996.

In 1998, Tembec proposed a partnership with their client Aditya Birla Group to purchase and resurrect the operation. In 1998, the mill began producing magnesium bisulphite pulp and shortly thereafter converted the process to dissolving pulp. The mill was renamed AV Cell.

The operation’s current owners, the India-based Aditya Birla Group, are the world’s largest producer of viscose staple fiber, which is used to manufacture rayon, which in turn are used for fashion fibre and other fibre products.

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the AV Group mill. In 2023, the contract increased to 240,000 cubic metres.

Through its operating history, LMG Chipping has employed 38 Listuguj community members. The LMG Chipping business has generated some $2.2 million for the First Nations group, which has supported community development and community activities.

Tim Dedam, general manager with LMG Chipping and a member of the Listuguj First Nation, started out working as a labourer in 2019, and progressed to production supervisor in 2020, and currently serves as general manager, in addition to being responsible for Economic Development Leadership with the Listuguj community.

Dedam explained that when he took the position of production supervisor, the operation was seeing a significant amount of downtime due to equipment failure.

“Our production was suffering because of equipment failures, and in large part that was because there was not a systematic service or maintenance program for the equipment,” he said. “We have since instituted a preventative service schedule to ensure equipment has routine service and maintenance, and replacement at the end of its life.”

The chipping plant operation is wholly owned by the Listuguj government and consists of two Fuchs 350 F HD material handlers/log loaders hauling triaxle trailers, three Liebherr handler/loaders with tandem trailers, two tractor/chip trailers (biomass), three Fuji King Carmanah debarking

Carmanah Design. The two Fuchs log handlers/loaders were supplied through ALPA Equipment, in 2023. ALPA’s headquarters are in Balmoral, only a half-hour away from the Atholville mill.

“ALPA maintains a comprehensive parts supply for Fuchs products and their service technicians are very knowledgeable,” says Dedam. “They have been very supportive of our operation. The triaxle trailers were built by AL Fabrication, a sister company of ALPA, and they have proved reliable and much more efficient than the tandem units we worked with previously. ALFAB has been manufacturing trailers since 1987. The trailer can support a full truck load of wood. The three axles combined with a Ridewell suspension deliver a smoother ride for the operator, and the trailer is well balanced to prevent excessive tongue weight on the machine.

“We also have a very good working relationship with local machine shops, which have provided great repair and fabrication services,” added Dedam. “We look to local businesses first for parts and supplies.”

The Fuchs/trailers haul wood from the pile down the yard, on an oldest-stock -consumed-first basis. The Fuchs transfer the loads onto the debarker infeed. Once the load is on the infeed, the empty Fuchs travels to reload, and a second Fuchs moves into position to load onto the infeed.

LMG Chipping began production in 2003 with a Fuji King Carmanah 20-foot debarker unit on the infeed side, and a 20-foot unit on the outfeed. Since then, an additional 30-foot Fuji King Carmanah

owners, the Aditya Birla Group, are the world’s largest producer of viscose staple fiber, used to manufacture rayon, which in turn is used for fashion fibre and other fibre products.

which were formerly bolted directly to the rollers. The new system has holders welded to the rollers and the blocks bolted to the holders.

The debarking process is controlled from an operator’s cab, which also controls a Serco loader which can be employed to straighten logs as they drop on a belt, which feeds the debarked logs to the chipper.

In 2023, LMG Chipping replaced the original chipper which had done 30,000 hours of service with a new 96-inch Morbark unit. The new chipper had some start-up tweaks, but the LMG team worked through those issues. The chipper is powered by two 500 hp electric motors. The infeed on the Morbark has a 29” opening and 24” exit.

Chips from the chipper are delivered to a cyclone, which drops chips on a belt delivering chips to a stockpile. A bulldozer pushes a mixture of LMG (hardwood) chips, and softwood chips procured from regional sawmills, in to a hopper which delivers the mix to a screening building, which produces properly spec’ed chips for the AV Cell dissolving pulp process.

LMG Chipping receives a detailed chip quality report from AV Cell on a weekly basis. Dedam explained that the debarker/chipper operator will get immediate verbal notification from AV Cell staff if the chip size gets abnormally large.

Dedam was recently mentoring Travis Isaac to the position of production supervisor. Isaac comes to the position with red seal qualification as a Heavy Equipment and Heavy Truck mechanic.

Dedam pointed out that one of the current challenges for LMG Chipping is recruiting skilled workers. LMG employs workers from Listuguj as well as workers from outside the community. It operates two daily work shifts, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

One of the Fuchs 350 F HD machines loading logs (above) from the AV Cell wood pile to haul to the one of the three Fuji King Carmanah debarkers that LMG has as part of its equipment line-up.

“It’s been difficult to find workers either from Listuguj or outside the community,” he says. “Recently, we find that we rely a lot on overtime work from our employees in order to operate with a full complement of workers and meet our production goals.”

Operating crew on each shift consists of one lead hand with heavy equipment and log loader qualifications, two log loader operators, and one heavy equipment operator/truck driver. Additional shift or on-call personnel include the general manger, the production supervisor/ mechanic, one millwright/welder and one administrative assistant.

The summer of 2023 had delivered record-breaking rainfall for New Brunswick, leaving the LMG operation yard with more than a comfortable amount of mud, not unlike many operations across the province. In an effort to improve the yard operation, AV Cell staff brought in geotextile and shotrock to control mud and provide a cleaner work environment for the LMG operation.

“Our woodyard borders on the Restigouche River since in the early years a good deal of the wood supply for the mill

came by river drive,” explained Stephane LaFlamme, of AV Cell. “Essentially, the woodyard is at sea level and we are challenged by drainage issues.

“A development project not far from the mill is blasting rock, so we have arranged to get some of that material and build a better and more efficient yard for the chipping operation yard.”

In terms of upcoming changes, Dedam is looking forward to replacing a mobile trailer unit, which served for years as the onsite headquarters, with a permanent well-equipped building for administration, lunch room and parts supplies.

“The new building will provide greater comfort for our workers, compared to the old trailer which was on blocks and subject to heaving and settling through the seasons, which caused many problems including plumbing.

“The trailer was very cold in winter and very hot in summer, and lacked space for our crew of 10 people. The new building will be a big morale booster for our employees, and it will certainly raise the image of LMG Chipping when we bring visitors to our production site,” he said.

ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF INDUSTRY INNOVATION

Innovative forest practices to adapt to the major issues arising from a changing climate

BY TONY KRYZANOWSKI

Given our changing climate and the growing intensity and frequency of wildfires, pests and pathogens—as well as combinations of these natural forest risks—it is becoming abundantly clear that for forest companies to protect the enhanced productivity that they are achieving in the regeneration of natural managed stands, they must also address forest vulnerability at the same time.

For example, what’s become obvious is that there is a great need to manage ground vegetation in clearcuts or large disturbances, in particular, five to eight years’ post-harvest or disturbance, as dry grass, perennials and shrubs have been identified as a significant wildfire ground fuel source in both spring and summer, and spread factor due to the corridor-wicking effect in windy and dry conditions.

At the present time, the impact of a changing climate in conjunction with current forest management practices demonstrates the need to review the research and development that has taken place over the past 40 years, geared not only toward achieving greater productivity in managed stands but also to build greater resilience within those stands through the implementation of more innovative forest management practices.

By manipulating and diversifying natural plantations through such practices as partial harvest systems with multiple entries to control site volume and spacing while capturing commercial value, it is possible to not only harvest multiple crops from one site but also minimize risk by managing vegetation at the same time.

The Canadian Wood Fibre Centre (CWFC) in conjunction with its partners has a long history of research and development related to innovation in the areas of forest regeneration, forest partial harvest systems, afforestation, and the management and reduction of risk.

Following are some innovative methods developed and demonstrated by CWFC and its partners for building greater forest resilience in tandem with potentially enhancing forest productivity.

Regenerating forests with greater species diversity by including both hardwoods and softwoods in different combinations and ratios, with less emphasis on monocultures, can contribute to a more resilient forest. Innovation can mean designs and possible inclusion of species that don’t hold their leaves and needles through the winter while also contributing to site fertility, moisture management, increased albedo and fibre production. Also, it is possible to manipulate the faster growing trembling aspen, balsam poplar, white birch and maple hardwoods within a

diverse forest, which also contributes to habitat and social benefits. Timely and biologically/ecologically beneficial site preparation with the implementation of partial harvest systems, either in patches or strips, can contribute to both productivity enhancement and building resilience.

“We can manipulate multiple tree species and their density to impact their influence and contribution to the stand,” says Derek Sidders, Program Manager, Technology Development and Transfer at the CWFC, “as well as enhance our ability to manage the conifers, which we consider to be a primary commercial species.”

If a coniferous monoculture is preferred, Sidders adds that there should still be some effort to at least reduce stand vulnerability at one level, either at the ground organic level, mid-range level or crown level through the use of partial and/or selective harvest with timely multiple entries.

CWFC can suggest a number of enhanced forest management strategies that may include selective and partial harvest methodologies which it has tested and refined over the past 40 years.

To discuss innovative options and opportunities to adjust forest management practices for a changing climate, contact Derek Sidders at derek.sidders@nrcanrncan.gc.ca.

Managed Group: Partial harvest systems to reduce mountain pine beetle susceptibility and rehabilitate stands (6 year-old understory), wildfire in May 2023; Multiple entry commercial thinning of Red Pine 2023; Mixedwood partial harvest with selective patch site preparation 2016.

Natural Group: All sites were impacted by wildfire in May 2023: Mature Lodgepole pine stand; Mature Aspen stand with sucking 4 months post-fire; Black Spruce organic site with seismic line. Note: In all cases, the spring fire behaviour caused extreme damage to the base of the trees.

SUPPLIERNEWSLINE

By Tony Kryzanowski

Tigercat 6900 grinder built for high throughput and extreme duty

The Tigercat 6900 grinder is the first production grinder designed and built by Tigercat. The 6900 is a heavy-duty upswing grinder made for high throughput material reduction and mulch production.

The versatility of the 6900 makes it the perfect solution for grinding a variety of materials such as forest biomass from logging operations, trees, stumps and root mass from land clearing operations, demolition debris and scrap sawmill material, says Tigercat.

The rotor is belt driven and uses a tensioner system to engage the drive belt, eliminating the need for a clutch. The tensioner system is hydraulically controlled and can be lowered while in service mode, so that the rotor may be turned manually when changing tips or knives.

With Tigercat’s legendary build quality, the 6900 is designed for extreme duty and long life, using only the highest quality components. The upswing rotor and large infeed opening with outward wing walls maximize processing capacity.

Thick steel plate infeed walls are tapered to assist in directing the feedstock into the hog box. The discharge uses a 20” head pulley that is available as magnetic or non-magnetic. The entire underside of the discharge is open to prevent

Carbotech Group announces new partnership with Finnos

Carbotech Group has signed a collaboration agreement with Finnish company Finnos. As a result of the agreement, Carbotech Group will become the exclusive distributor of Finnos’ innovative products.

Through its Autolog business unit, Carbotech Group will be working with Finnos on projects involving X-ray systems and wood grading at sawmills and planing mills for both hardwood and softwood species. Autolog’s expertise will allow it to provide local technical support to customers as a

buildup of material.

Another unique feature of the 6900 is the pivoting frame. The grinder’s upper frame pivots on the undercarriage, allowing the operator to adjust the infeed angle or discharge height for different material lengths. The adjustable angle eliminates the need for outriggers. The pivoting upper frame allows transport on a 18” lowboy trailer without the need to fold the discharge conveyor.

The machine has remote control functions for simple operation and mobility on site, along with an easy-to-use 10” display screen for machine monitoring and function adjustment.

Maintenance is made easy with

result of this new collaboration.

Finnos was founded in 2016, early in the sawmill industry’s digitalization era, and took on a pioneering role in the sector right from the start, says the company. It is said to be a trailblazer in AI-based scanning technology, offering superior X-ray solutions for sorting logs and transverse scanners for grading sawn timber. Finnos has grown from a group of seven to over 130 professionals. It has 120 X-ray systems installed in 13 different countries, making it a world leader in manufacturing X-ray systems for logs. The company has recently put two of these systems into operation in North America.

“We are delighted to be able to collaborate with Finnos on business development and optimization projects involving internal and external scanning systems for different species of wood. With this partnership, the two companies will be able to combine their respective expertise in the field of wood analysis to achieve su-

convenient service access. The split hog box opens over centre to fully access the rotor and screens. The anvil and screens are hydraulically retractable. The single discharge conveyor is open on the bottom for clean operation and easy servicing. A tool storage area is mounted on the side of the machine that hydraulically raises and lowers for added convenience.

An optional large diameter magnetic head pulley is available to effectively remove metal from the end product. The machine is also prepared to accept overband magnet systems.

www.tigercat.com

perior performances,” says Eric Michaud, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at Carbotech Group.

www.carbotech.ca

Saskatchewan invests to grow indigenous workforce in forestry

The Government of Saskatchewan is investing in the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) to deliver two training initiatives to address workforce needs and grow the Indigenous workforce in the forestry sector.

SIIT delivers programs that reflect current labour market needs of Saskatchewan’s Indigenous communities. The Forestry Log Haul Step Program will support up to 20 individuals in gaining the 980 hours of experience required to become

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a fully licensed log haul driver. SIIT will assist new drivers in finding employment opportunities and establishing connections with employers in the forestry sector.

In addition to the Log Haul Step Program, this funding will support the purchase of two Simlog Simulators for SIIT’s mobile job connection program, which helps job seekers in First Nations and northern communities gain virtual worksite training, and learn safety-conscious operating habits for heavy equipment.

“This investment will help bridge existing skill gaps and cultivate a more diverse and inclusive workforce,” says Robert Follett, General Manager of Mistik Management Ltd, based in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan. “We’re excited to see the positive impact it will have on our province, and especially in our community.”

www.gov.sk.ca

Canadian Timberframes acquires machine with 6-axis robot to process mass timber

On the occasion of its 25th anniversary, Golden, B.C.-based, Canadian Timberframes (CTF), a leading design and manufacturer in the timber frame industry, has unveiled its new Hundegger K2i 1300 6-axis robot CNC machine, in response to the growing demand for high-quality, heavy, and mass timber products.

This positions the company to process both rough-sawn and mass timber sizes up to 18” x 51” x 80’, enabling the execution of projects with unprecedented scale and complexity, says the company.

CTF says that it is well-regarded for its expertise and versatility in integrating mixed media projects with unique design specifications, including large cross-section glulams or a combination of solid sawn timber, glulam, CLT, and custom metal works components into timber frame structures. Their flexibility in design scope, with decades of experience in manufacturing, and delivering mixed media design

scopes, sets them apart in the industry. This expertise combined with an onsite sawmill and extensive log inventory streamlines the supply chain for hybrid projects, ensuring a one-stop solution for clients’ construction needs and facilitating the achievement of tight deadlines. The company delivers across the U.S. and globally.

“For Canadian Timberframes, celebrating 25 years is a testament to our journey of continuous improvement and innovation. The acquisition of the Hundegger K2i machine demonstrates our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of luxury timber frame and commercial mass timber construction,” says Jeff Bowes, President & Owner of Canadian Timberframes Ltd.

www.canadiantimberframes.com

Timo Savornin appointed as Ponsse Area Marketing and Communications Manager, Europe and North America

Timo Savornin has been appointed as Ponsse Area Marketing and Communications Manager, Europe & North America, and a member of the Ponsse global dealer development team.

In his role Timo is responsible for the marketing activities in Europe and North America, managing marketing and customer and dealer communications, as well as working for global dealer development.

Timo has 15 years of experience as Area Manager, North America and Sales and Marketing Director for several harvester head manufacturers, most recently at Nisula Forest. He has also worked as a harvester and forwarder operator in Finland and France. Timo has a degree in Forestry Engineering.

Timo will be located in Finland, and he will report to Jussi Hentunen, Area VP of Asia and Sales Excellence Team Lead. www.ponsse.com

Husqvarna introduces first battery-powered chainsaws with clutch

Husqvarna says that it has revolutionized how tree pros approach their workday with the introduction of the world’s first battery-powered chainsaws with a clutch.

The T542i XP and 542i XP batterypowered chainsaws have the power equivalent of a 40cc gas engine.

With the introduction of the clutch, users experience a kick-start of energy at

the beginning of every cut as the clutch engages. They can cut up to 10 per cent more when compared to Husqvarna’s current professional 40 V battery chainsaw platform without the clutch feature.

Equipped with a clutch, the new T542i XP and 542i XP provide the familiar feel of a gas-powered engine but with a fraction of the noise and no fumes. With the average takedown of a tree requiring up to 40 pull-starts, the ability to start these saws with the push of a button means climbing arborists can maximize efficiency while on-the-job.

Operating on Husqvarna’s 40 V ecosystem, the T542i XP and 542i XP require minimal downtime for maintenance. Gone are the hassles of gas, air filters and costly engine repairs. Husqvarna’s innovative active cooling technology provides consistent power and longer battery life. An IPX4 rating ensures operation in most weather conditions. Additionally, these chainsaws come equipped with SP21G X-Precision cutting equipment to further enhance the cutting performance of the chainsaw.

www.husqvarna.com

Tigercat releases redesigned carbonizer for onsite wood conversion to organic carbon

Tigercat has announced the official release of the 6040 carbonizer. This longawaited product replaces the 6050 carbonator that Tigercat marketed for a brief time after acquiring the product through the purchase of ROI in 2019. The mobile onsite wood conversion system is once again available in the marketplace after a comprehensive, ground-up redesign.

Tigercat says that the 6040 is one of the most environmentally friendly wood debris reduction and conversion systems available on the market. The machine inputs woody debris and produces a high quality organic carbon with up to 90 per

cent material reduction. It is an ideal solution for converting unwanted logging and agriculture residue into a useful, high grade organic carbon that can be left onsite as a soil additive or marketed for many different commercial uses.

The process captures 20 to 30 per cent of the available carbon in the feedstock and sequesters it for thousands of years, furthering the goals of greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction.

The innovative conversion process operates at high throughput levels and produces very low emissions because the gasses are combusted in the controlled combustion zone.

The overall machine weight has been reduced from 96,000 lbs. to 83,000 lbs. Extended track frames improve load distribution on the trailer and reduce soil compaction on the ground.

www.tigercat.com

Patrick Lumber adds sawmill to Oregon operations

Patrick Lumber Manufacturing (PLM) has begun work to add a sawmill at its manufacturing facility located in Philomath, Oregon. The mill is being

funded in part by a $1 million (U.S.) Community Wood Grant provided by the USDA Forest Service.

The new mill will be tooled to cut hardwood lumber, an unusual move in Oregon where the vast majority of mills process softwoods such as Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine, the state’s most common tree species. While softwoods dominate, the forests of Oregon and Northern California also contain large volumes of Oregon white oak, Pacific maple, tan oak, madrone, chinquapin, myrtle, and Oregon ash.

Its fibre sourcing area will extend hundreds of kilometres, from northwest Oregon to northern California, making it a critical outlet for land managers fighting pathogens such as Sudden Oak Death in Southwest Oregon and Northern California. Logs for the mill will be supplied from private, tribal, state, and federal lands.

The company expects most of the lumber it makes will find its way into end uses such as wood flooring, wall paneling, moulding and millwork, countertops and butcherblocks, as well as niche markets such as guitar heads and necks and picture frame manufacturing. www.patlbr.com

Flurry of acquisitions by Paper Excellence draws attention from federal Competition Bureau and national media

By Tony Kryzanowski

In the span of 15 years, Paper Excellence has become Canada’s largest pulp and paper producer, and even expanded into solid wood products in Canada and the U.S. with the acquisition in 2023 of Montreal-based, Resolute Forest Products, for $2.7 billion (U.S.). So there is a new player at the Canadian lumber manufacturing table.

Owned by Jackson Wijaya, with family roots in both Indonesia and China, Paper Excellence arrived on the Canadian scene in 2007 with the purchase of a mechanical pulp mill in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan. The company has been on a buying spree in the last five years that has included the purchase of B.C.-based Catalyst Paper in 2019 and Montreal-based Domtar for $3 billion (U.S.) in 2021.

An interesting question as it relates to the Canadian forest industry is where will Paper Excellence go from here?

The company is said to own and operate about 20 per cent of all pulp and paper mill capacity currently in Canada, which is 50 per cent larger than its closest rival, Canfor.

The CBC recently published a detailed investigation concerning its potential connections with Indonesian-based, Asia Pulp & Paper (APP), as well as its past connections with Chinese banking concerns. The fundamental questions they raised were where all the financing for these transactions is coming from and what is the end goal?

“A months-long investigation by CBC News, in collaboration with Canadian and international media partners as part of a wider look at the global forestry industry by 40 media outlets under the umbrella of the Washington-based International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, has found that the reality and the rhetoric often don’t align,” the CBC reported in spring 2023, concerning how Paper Excel-

lence says it operates, and actual connections and close collaboration with APP that this investigation says it discovered. Paper Excellence has denied a business connection with APP although the family connection can’t be denied. Jackson Wijaya’s father, Teguh Ganda Wijaya, is the chairman of APP.

Greenpeace has also recently entered the picture, calling on the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) last November to revoke Paper Excellence’s sustainability certification in concert with an Indonesian-based NGO, for what they have claimed to be a too-cozy relationship between Paper Excellence and APP, a company described in another CBC investigative report as having, “a record of rainforest destruction and lost its FSC designation in 2007.”

Recently, the FSC declared that it had examined ties between APP and Paper Excellence on multiple occasions and had concluded that there was no majority ownership relationship between the companies. But in an eyebrow-raising move in the latest investigation it conducted, it hired a law firm that had represented Paper Excellence on several of its business transactions, resulting in cries of conflict of interest from Greenpeace and others working in environmental advocacy.

Given its meteoritic rise in Canadian forestry, Paper Excellence has also caught the attention of the Competition Bureau of Canada. It is an independent enforcement agency that protects and promotes competition for the benefit of Canadian consumers and businesses. Concerned about concentration of ownership within the pulp sector in northern Ontario, Domtar responded by selling the Dryden and Thunder Bay, Ontario pulp mills it acquired as part of the Resolute purchase, to satisfy competition concerns expressed by the bureau.

Perhaps in a move to demonstrate that it recognizes the scrutiny that it is attracting, Paper Excellence and its affiliates have put a couple of its legal annoyances behind them.

It recently announced that it has reached a settlement with the Province of Nova Scotia regarding its purchase and plans for the Northern Pulp plant in that province. The agreement acknowledges plans to transform and re-open Northern Pulp Nova Scotia in Pictou, a facility the company acquired in 2011, will not proceed. It provides for a review process agreed between the Northern Pulp group and the Province of Nova Scotia that is aimed to determine whether a new, modern mill in Nova Scotia is viable. The agreement also provides for the settlement of outstanding litigation and loans between the two parties, and fully addresses the pensions of former mill employees.

Also, Resolute, now owned by Paper Excellence, and Greenpeace announced in April that they have resolved and ended their longstanding and ongoing litigations which began over a decade ago.

The question from an industry perspective is whether Paper Excellence is good for Canadian forestry? The answer to this point is an unequivocal yes, if plans like the one to rebuild the Prince Albert, Saskatchewan pulp mill are any indication. We should be reminded that the pulp and paper sector was struggling mightily before they began making acquisitions in Canada, and these facilities are critical to the viability of sawmills that rely on chip sales.

But being the largest, they are now the biggest target and so regular scrutinizing of their affairs and transactions shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone.