Industry News Roundup

As We See It: Strength In Numbers

In addition to our exclusive mem- training for log truck drivers has ber rebates, access to annual meet- never been more important. Thus, ings, and being a part of the preser- ALC members now have access to

We are pleased to report a combines the power of its vation of logging, log truck driver 30+ online safety training courses surge in individual logger members with state and safety training is now included in that focus specifically on transmembership applications. regional logging associations your ALC membership. The portation of forest products. ALC is the only national across the country to impact description “safety training” is often Members can access training organization solely dedicated our industry positively and a bit taboo for loggers, but the courses at any time using a smartto representing the rights and pro-actively by sharing the unfortunate reality is that most log- device or computer with internet interests of independent log- Smith benefits of education, train- gers are just one wreck and a bill- access. A detailed record of completgers and log truck contractors ing, networking, research, board lawyer away from going out ed courses, the training material used (members) on a national level. ALC promotion, and legislative advocacy. of business. That is why safety for the training, the date and time completed, and a training certificate is available for each course completed through the online training platform. This information can be made available to insurance companies, business owners and logger associations. The convenience of “on-demand” driver safety training will save time and money, allowing more time for productivity while complying with governmental and insurance carrier mandates. If you are already a member, please contact us and a link will be provided to you for access. Lastly, we have had several inquiries regarding the logger relief application process, but we still do not have any new information. The ALC along with state/regional associations are working together to ensure that all affected logging and log hauling businesses, both big and small, are included in the logger relief package. The moment we have more information, we will immediately email out an update.

Kevin Smith represents ALC Communications. American Loggers Council is an 501(c)(6) not for profit trade association representing professional timber harvesters throughout the United States. For more information please contact the American Loggers Council at 409-625-0206, or americanlogger@aol.com, or visit our website at www.amloggers.com

Last Rites Held For Edward Spivey

A graveside service for Edward H. Spivey, a key em ployee of logging company Jerry D. Rose, Inc., Courtland, Va., was held Spivey February 10 at Southampton Memorial Park near Courtland. Spivey, 58, died on February 7. He had undergone treatment for cancer for an extended time.

Known for his work ethic, keen mechanical skills and many other attributes, he had worked for the Rose organization for 38 years and was considered crucial to the company’s logging and chipping oper-

ations. Here is what the Rose family posted on FaceBook about Spivey:

“We are all so blessed to have known him as a mentor, leader, teacher, and friend. Ed came to work with dad just six months after he (dad) started chipping in 1983. They have been a force to be reckoned with from that day forward. They made up what I like to call the ‘dream team.’

“Ed was fiercely loyal and had a work ethic second to none. He was rough and tough on the outside with an authentic lumberjack look, but underneath that beard, mustache, and black sunglasses was a very kind man. If he liked you and was on your side, you were winning. If he didn’t, well, you knew. Ed was like a brother to Davis and I and we all are going to miss him so very much. We will continue to do what he taught us and keep giving it our all.”

Retired logging equipment icon

Jimmy Mitchell enjoyed Spivey’s close friendship, saying: “Ed was a very close friend, a smart guy, and had outstanding mechanical talent.

He was some kind of worker too.

After taking cancer treatment he’d go to the woods and do whatever needed to be done. On weekends during the fall and winter, he’d join some other friends of his and work up firewood, even helping deliver it at no cost to local folks who couldn’t afford to buy it.”

Survivors include his widow, one daughter, one granddaughter, and a sister.

Memorials may be made to the

American Cancer Society, P.O.

Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or online at cancer.org.

Interfor Purchasing Summerville Sawmill

Interfor is acquiring the West Rock sawmill in Summerville, SC

for US$59 million. The Summerville mill produced 125MMBF in 2020. A new permit was received in 2020 that allows for the production of up to 200MMBF and Interfor has identified a number of operational and capital investment initiatives to optimize and increase production going forward.

The Summerville mill is 65 miles southwest of Interfor’s Georgetown, SC mill and 115 miles northeast of Interfor’s Meldrim, Ga. mill. This strategic positioning will allow for log sort optimization and procurement synergies across these three mills, according to Interfor. As part of the transaction, Interfor will enter into a long-term chip and biomass supply agreement with WestRock’s Charleston, SC paper mill. “This transaction is a logical tuck-in with our existing U.S. South platform and reiterates Interfor’s commitment to disciplined growth and investment in the U.S. South,” says Ian Fillinger, President and CEO of Interfor.

Big Transaction Alters Biomass Landscape

Drax Group, the major United Kingdom-based electricity producer, which has converted much of its generation from coal-fired to wood pellet fuel, has entered into an agreement to purchase major Canadian-based industrial wood pellet producer Pinnacle Renewable Energy Inc. The all-cash transaction is valued at $657 million (U.S.) (C$831 million).

Duncan Davies, Pinnacle CEO, comments, “The combination of Pinnacle and Drax will create a global leader in sustainable biomass with the vision, technical expertise and financial strength to help meet the growing demand for renewable energy products around the world.”

The transaction is subject to governmental and regulatory approvals as well as the approval of the Su preme Court of British Columbia. The transaction is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2021.

Pinnacle is the second largest producer of industrial wood pellets in the world. The company operates nine production facilities in Western Canada and one in Aliceville, Ala., with one additional facility nearing startup in Demopolis, Ala. The company also owns a port terminal in Prince Rupert, BC. Pinnacle has entered into long-term, take-or-pay contracts with utilities in the U.K., Europe and Asia that represent an average of 99% of its production capacity through 2026.

Drax notes the transaction more than doubles its biomass production capacity, significantly reduces its cost of biomass production and adds a major biomass supply business. Specifically it adds 2.9 million tonnes of biomass production capacity.

Pinnacle’s existing joint venture minority partnerships carry over to

Drax in the transaction, including relationships with Westervelt and

Two Rivers Lumber in Alabama, and Tolko Industries in Canada.

Pinnacle’s U.S. sites are close to

Drax’s existing operations in the

Southeastern U.S. and will utilize river barges to access the Port of

Mobile and barge-to-ship loading, reducing fixed port storage costs.

Bamboo Project Gains Steam

Resource Fiber, a leader in efforts to manufacture commercial bamboo products, plans to establish its first full-scale production plant in Sulligent, Ala. Resource Fiber plans to invest $3.6 million in the Lamar County facility, where it will produce engineered bamboo products such as bamboo nail laminated timbers.