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A Hatton-Brown Publication

Co-Publisher: David H. Ramsey Co-Publisher: David (DK) Knight Chief Operating Officer: Dianne C. Sullivan Publishing Office Street Address: 225 Hanrick Street Montgomery, AL 36104-3317 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2268 Montgomery, AL 36102-2268 Telephone: 334.834.1170 FAX: 334.834.4525

Volume 40 • Number 5 • June 2015 Founded in 1976 • Our 414th Consecutive Issue

Renew or subscribe on the web: www.timberprocessing.com

Executive Editor David (DK) Knight Editor-in-Chief: Rich Donnell Managing Editor: Dan Shell Senior Associate Editor: David Abbott Associate Editor: Jessica Johnson Associate Editor: Jay Donnell Art Director/Prod. Manager: Cindy Segrest Ad Production Coordinator: Patti Campbell Circulation Director: Rhonda Thomas

5 6 10 28

Classified Advertising: Bridget DeVane • 334.699.7837 800.669.5613 • bdevane7@hotmail.com

Advertising Sales Representatives: Southern USA

Randy Reagor P.O. Box 2268 Montgomery, AL 36102-2268 904.393.7968 • FAX: 334.834.4525 E-mail: reagor@bellsouth.net

THE ISSUES

Surveys Show We’re At Crossroads

NEWSFEED

Simpson Exits The Sawmill Business

SOFTWOOD SURVEY

Steady Optimism Supports New Projects

HARDWOOD SURVEY

Doubts Start To Creep In

LIGNA RECAP

Sawmill Equipment Companies Go Global

SENECA SUSTAINABLE ENERGY Lumber Producer Runs Biomass Power Plant

MAIN EVENTS

Into The Second Half of 2015

COVER: Our annual Sawmill Capital Expenditure Survey reveals softwood and hardwood lumbermen have been busy. PAGES 10-38. (Dan Shell photo at Stimson Lumber, Clatskanie, Ore.)

Midwest USA, Eastern Canada John Simmons 32 Foster Cres. Whitby, Ontario, Canada L1R 1W1 905.666.0258 • FAX: 905.666.0778 E-mail: jsimmons@idirect.com

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.timberprocessing.com Member Verified Audit Circulation

Western USA, Western Canada Tim Shaddick 4056 West 10th Avenue Vancouver BC Canada V6L 1Z1 604.910.1826 • FAX: 604.264.1367 E-mail: tootall1@shaw.ca International Murray Brett Aldea de las Cuevas 66, Buzon 60 03759 Benidoleig (Alicante), Spain Tel: +34 96 640 4165 • FAX: +34 96 640 4022 E-mail: murray.brett@abasol.net

Timber Processing (ISSN 0885-906X, USPS 395-850) is published 10 times annually (January/February and July/August issues are combined) by Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc., 225 Hanrick St., Montgomery, AL 36104. Subscription Information—TP is free to qualified owners, operators, managers, purchasing agents, supervisors, foremen and other key personnel at sawmills, pallet plants, chip mills, treating plants, specialty plants, lumber finishing operations, corporate industrial woodlands officials and machinery manufacturers and distributors in the U.S. All non-qualified U.S. Subscriptions are $55 annually: $65 in Canada; $95 (Airmail) in all other countries (U.S. Funds). Single copies, $5 each; special issues, $20 (U.S. funds). Subscription Inquiries— TOLL-FREE: 800-669-5613; Fax 888-611-4525. Go to www.timberprocessing.com and click on the subscribe button to subscribe/renew via the web. All advertisements for Timber Processing magazine are accepted and published by Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. with the understanding that the advertiser and/or advertising agency are authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The advertiser and/or advertising agency will defend, indemnify and hold any claims or lawsuits for libel violations or right of privacy or publicity, plagiarism, copyright or trademark infringement and any other claims or lawsuits that may arise out of publication of such advertisement. Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. neither endorse nor makes any representation or guarantee as to the quality of goods and services advertised in Timber Processing. Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. reserves the right to reject any advertisement which it deems inappropriate. Copyright ® 2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Ala. and at additional mailing offices. Printed in U.S.A.

Postmaster: Please send address changes to Timber Processing, P.O. Box 2419, Montgomery, Alabama 36102-2419 Publications Mail Agreement No. 41359535 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to PO Box 503 RPO West Beaver Creek, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 4R6 Other Hatton-Brown publications: Timber Harvesting • Southern Loggin’ Times Wood Bioenergy • Panel World • Power Equipment Trade

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THEISSUES

Rich Donnell Editor-in-Chief

ON THE VERGE OF SOMETHING OR NOTHING?

he majority of this issue—nearly 30 pages in fact—is devoted to the results of our annual Sawmill Capital Expenditure Survey. Again we’ve broken it down into two sections—softwood lumber and hardwood lumber. I’m not sure if any of the results catches us by surprise. Softwood lumbermen are showing some concern about their markets and housing, and hardwood lumbermen are showing even more concern than softwood lumbermen. The first wave of capital expenditure projects since the recession is nearing an end, and the lumbermen definitely have their eyes set on specific, additional projects at their mills—the second wave if you will. The question many are asking themselves—if you read between the lines of the survey—is when should they commit to the next wave of projects with the implementation of real capital expenditure? Interestingly, as many lumbermen were souring on the meandering housing market when they completed the survey in early April, actual housing starts in April showed a significant gain. My favorite housing prognosticator is APA—The Engineered Wood Assn. APA said: “Housing starts ran at an annual rate of 1.135 million units in April, well above the consensus expectations of 1.02 million units. It appears that the consensus was not taking into account the impacts of weather that hampered residential construction in the first quarter. In addition, the build-up of multifamily units permitted, but not started, was signaling a likely spike in starts and that occurred in April.” That April housing starts figure was the highest since November 2007. APA was forecasting 2015 single family starts of 735,000 (compared to nearly 648,000 in 2014) and 405,000 multifamily starts (compared to 355,000 in 2014), for total 2015 U.S. starts of 1,140,000 (compared to 1,003,300 in 2014). APA is expecting 2016 housing to reach 1,330,000. APA’s forecast puts it on par with many other forecasting groups. Funny though how I can put a negative spin on when 67% (TWOTHIRDS!) of softwood lumbermen expect their lumber business situation to be good or excellent for the remainder of 2015 and into 2016, and only 9% expect it to be poor. Dare I recall our 2011 survey, when 32% of softwood lumbermen said things were good or excellent and 25% said poor, and that was optimistic, coming off the recession. Still, a year ago, 88% of softwood lumbermen had said it was good or excellent and zero percent had said poor. So that’s about 20% more softwood lumbermen not feeling quite as good as they did a year ago. Hardwood lumbermen follow the same pattern, even less optimistically so with 45% saying business will be good or excellent into 2016, while 14% said poor; compared to a year ago when it was 78% good or excellent and 4% poor. Something happened in the interim to cool at least somewhat their expectations. I think it was the modest housing starts combined with another concern that arises especially out of the softwood survey—the fear of too much production. But if the improved April housing figures bear witness, everybody is on pace; and if 2016 housing projections bear fruit, maybe the next capital exTP penditure projects will commence, if they haven’t already.

Contact Rich Donnell, ph: 334-834-1170; fax 334-834-4525; e-mail: rich@hattonbrown.com TIMBER PROCESSING

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NEWSFEED SPI PLANS NEW MILL FOLLOWING SIMPSON DEAL Sierra Pacific Ingreat support from dustries (SPI) is acthe Shelton commuquiring Simpson’s nity. I am confident sawmill operations in that officials at Sierra downtown Shelton, Pacific Industries Wash., at the nearby will enjoy a similarly Johns Prairie comcollaborative spirit in plex, and at Dayton, Shelton.” Wash. SPI announced According to it will not operate the Dave McEntee, mills at those sites, Simpson’s former sawmill operation at Shelton, Wash. Simpson Lumber Co. but instead will conPresident, the decistruct at least one new, state-of- ing 188 in nearby McCleary. sion to sell follows the compathe-art sawmill and planing op“I deeply appreciate our em- ny’s decision to exit the lumber eration on the Shelton waterployees. They are hardworkbusiness and focus on Simpson front site. SPI anticipates its ing, driven and dedicated to the Door. “SPI is a leader in the new mill will be operational in success of this company, as forest products business in 2017. they have been for our nearly Washington and I am encourSimpson will continue to 100 years of sawmill operaaged by the company’s plans to own its railroad properties, tions in Shelton,” states Colin invest long-term in manufactracks, tidelands and other Moseley, Simpson chairman. turing and jobs here in Shelproperties in the Shelton Har“The decision to sell was exton,” McEntee says. bor area, and is considering op- tremely difficult because Shel“We look forward to being a tions to re-purpose those facili- ton has always been the heart partner with this close-knit, ties. Simpson Door Co. also of our lumber manufacturing supportive community,” says continues to operate, employbusiness, and we have enjoyed SPI President George Emmer-

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son. “We appreciate the opportunity to bring the next generation of lumber manufacturing to Shelton.” It’s anticipated the sale will be completed this summer.

INTERFOR BUYS PRICE SAWMILL Canada’s Interfor purchased a sawmill in Monticello, Ark. from The Price Companies for $29.255 million. The mill produces 75MMBF annually, but has a number of operational and capital investment initiatives in progress, including the construction of a continuous dry kiln that is expected to be completed in the third quarter. These projects should increase the mill’s production to more than 100MMBF per year and provide for drying capacity of 150MMBF annually. ➤8

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NEWSFEED 6➤ Interfor’s total annual lumber capacity will increase to 3.2 billion BF, including lumber capacity in the U.S. Southeast of 1.3 billion BF. The mill started up in 2006 to process plantation pine into timbers, dimension and boards in short lengths. J.P. Price purchased much of the machinery from a Canfor sawmill in Hines Creek, BC. The Price Companies continues to operate multiple chip mills mostly in the Southern U.S.

PORTUCEL BEGINS PELLET PROJECT Portucel Soporcel Group held a golden shovel groundbreaking ceremony March 27 for the construction of its pellet manufacturing plant in Greenwood, SC, according to a report of The Greenwood Partnership Alliance. The facility,

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CHIPS IMPROVE FUEL MIX

which will produce the Colombo Energy brand, should be completed in the third quarter of 2016. It represents an investment of $110 million and will produce 460,000 tons.

COX ANNOUNCES CAPITAL PLAN

Novo Star Wood Products has started up a log processing machine center at the Novo BioPower site in Snowflake, Ariz. Novo Star Wood Products, which partners Novo BioPower, Vaagen Brothers Lumber and Tri Star Logging, is processing 20-30 loads of logs daily coming from national forests. The new venture moved a used HewSaw chipping/sawing machine center from the former Vaagen operation at Eagar, Ariz. The power plant was relying on a challenging combination of pre-commercial forest thinnings, pinyon-juniper thinnings and citrus orchard remnants; but the new setup generates a significant stream of high quality chips, which enhances the biomass fuel mix. (Photo by Brad Worsley)

Cox Industries, Inc., a leading manufacturer and distributor of treated outdoor wood products, is investing $11.2 million to expand and upgrade facilities in Eutawville, Bowman, Orangeburg and Branchville, SC. The investment is expected to create 60 jobs over the next five years. These projects include the installation of a wood-fired boiler at the company’s Eutawville plant. Additionally, Cox is planning to make capacity upgrades at its operations in Bowman and Branchville.

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STILL

UPBEAT By Rich Donnell

Softwood lumbermen may be growing a little wary, but they remain optimistic as their mill improvement projects kick in.

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oftwood lumbermen in the U.S. may not be as “bully” about their immediate futures as they were a year ago, but they remain highly optimistic and mill improvement projects are moving forward, according to Timber Processing’s 2015 Annual Sawmill Capital Expenditure Survey. Asked how they would forecast their lumber business situation for the remainder of 2015 and looking ahead to 2016, 15% said excellent, 52% said good, while 24% said fair and 9% said poor. In the annual survey a year ago, 14% had said excellent, 74% good, 12% fair and

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TIMBER PROCESSING

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zero percent had said poor, when asked to forecast their business situation for 2014 and into 2015. “I doubt it can be as good as 2014, but the next couple of years should remain relatively strong,” commented Steve Anthony, president of Anthony Timberlands in Arkansas. Bill Wilkins, president of WKO/Mt. Hood Forest Products in Washington and Oregon, stated, “I feel the lumber market will remain modest at best, based on housing starts over the next couple of years.” Voicing concerns over housing, overcapacity, lumber prices and subsidized lumber from Canada, Charles Thomas III, vice president at Shuqualak Lumber in Mississippi, added, “If housing does not pick up faster than the past 16 months, our industry will 14

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be overproducing, causing the price of lumber to fall back in the low $300 range. Also, with the expiration of the Softwood Lumber Agreement, Canada will continue to ship large volumes of subsidized lumber into the U.S.” Timber Processing conducted the survey in April by e-mailing a sampling of its readership and providing a link to the survey questions. The survey was directed toward owners, presidents, regional managers, general managers, plant managers, supervisors and corporate executives of sawmill operations. The majority of the respondents said the majority of their production at their mill or mills was 2 in. lumber, followed by significant percentages of respondents who said either timbers or 1 in. lumber accounted

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for most of their production. The respondents represented a range of annual production output at their sawmills. About 12% said their mill will produce (or mills will average) more than 150MMBF in 2015, while 17% will produce 100-150MMBF, 24% will produce 50-100MMBF, 13% at 25-50 MMBF, 11% at 10-25MMBF and 23% less than 10MMBF. About 69% represented single mill operations. The heart of the survey of course asked how much capital investment in machinery and systems their mill (or mills on average) had committed to since the beginning of 2014, whether or not the investment project was completed yet. 16

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Right at half of the respondents said more than $1 million had been committed. Broken down further, 25% said $1-3 million, 11% said $3-5 million, 10% said $5-10 million, and 5% said more than $10 million. Another 13% said $500,000 to $1 million, 8% said $300,000$500,000, 7% said $100,000-$300,000 and 21% said less than $100,000. “Margins are so small that capital improvements must be carefully implemented,” said Gerry Lane, president of Allen Logging in Washington. The survey provided a list of 30 machinery/systems categories and asked the lumbermen to select any of those in which the mill had invested since the beginning of 2014. Number one on the list? Dry kilns and/or controls, 44%, followed by maintenance, 38%, and log yard handling, 34%. Other big winners: lumber handling

(rolling stock), 29%; filing room equipment, 28%; downstream sawing (gang, edger, trimmer), 25%; green end sorting/ stacking, 25%; downstream scanning/optimization, 24%; boilers, 24%; primary log breakdown, 21%; log scanning/optimization, 21%. Numerous other categories also fared well such as conveyors, dust control equipment, chippers/hammermills/screens, debarkers, log merchandising cut up and planer mill sorting/stacking. As to the status of their capital investment commitments and projects since early 2014, two-thirds of the respondents said they had projects in full production mode; 29% said projects were in the startup stage; 36% said installation stage; and 26% said they had projects still in the planning stage. The survey asked several questions about these ongoing or recently completTIMBER PROCESSING

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ed projects. One was for lumbermen to rate their overall satisfaction with their return on investment. An impressive 19% said it was excellent, and 57% said it was good. Another 12% said fair and only 2% said poor, while the remainder said it was too early to tell. Asked to address their startup timeline, 54% said the project stayed pretty much on schedule, while 25% said it ran a little behind schedule, 6% said it stayed ahead of schedule, and 9% said it ran way behind schedule. A lumberman commented, “It stayed great until the end. The contractor’s schedule filled up and was stretched thin.” Equipment vendors scored well in a question that asked the lumbermen to rate the overall cooperation and effectiveness of the vendors who supplied equipment to the project. About 57% of the lumbermen said it had been good, while 15% said excellent, and 18% said it was fair. About 2% said it was a poor or very poor cooperation. One comment: “Like many of us in industry, vendors also have difficulty finding skilled technicians to manage equipment startups 18

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and technical problems.” The survey asked the lumbermen to look further down the road, beyond their current capital investment projects, and select from the same list of machinery and systems categories that their mill or mills may invest in next. Still at the top of the list is dry kilns and/or controls, 40%. Next is downstream sawing, 31%. Maintenance again scores high, 30%. After that it’s log yard handling, 26%; planer mill sorting/stacking, 25%: lumber storage facilities, 23%; debarkers, 23%; primary log breakdown, 23%; green end sorting/stacking, 22%; filing room equipment, 21%; downstream scanning/optimization, 21%; log merchandising cut up, 21%; lumber handling (rolling stock), 21%. An open-ended question asked lumbermen what they are most concerned about as to the efficiency of their mills. A significant number referred to “labor” as a major concern, more specifically finding and maintaining a skilled work force. One lumberman commented, “Employees are a bigger issue than machinery.” David Richbourg, plant manag- ➤ 24

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THE CANADA FACTOR

n the past two years three Canadian-based corporations (Interfor, Canfor and West Fraser) have purchased 13 formerly independent southern pine sawmill operations, adding to their already-purchased southern pine lumber production portfolio since 2000. Given this changing landscape, the survey asked how these developments might impact the lumbermen and provided seven answers, any and all of which the lumbermen could select. The results: l 36% wonder how it will affect the Canadian-U.S. softwood lumber agreement negotiations (the agreement, currently based on lumber pricing which at a certain point kicks in penalties, is set to expire later this year). l 34% said the scenario doesn’t affect them much. l 26% said it gives too much dominance in the U.S. market to Canadian companies. l 19% said it makes the marketplace more competitive. l 17% said it will be a good thing for the efficiency of those mills that were purchased. l 6% said they are employed at one of those former U.S. mills that was purchased. Robert Jordan IV, v-p of operations at Jordan Family of Companies in North Carolina, commented, “Most of those mills were run efficiently before they were purchased. I believe the competitiveness will be good but not necessarily better. Of course, they will probably pull the trigger on large capital expenditures faster.” Other comments: “When the sawmills were U.S. owned they tended to maximize the price of the stumpage they bought. Will the Canadian owners do this or just see all stumpage as fiber that needs to go to their mills?” “You can buy a lot of U.S. sawmills when your own mills have low-cost, longterm log supplies to live on.” “Ultimately the new owners will increase outputs enough to put tension in the Southern log market and log cost will squeeze margins.” “Changing the lumber industry drastically.” TIMBER PROCESSING

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A MATTER OF MAINTENANCE

er at HW Culp Lumber in North Carolina, said his efficiency concerns included “built-in constraints, as in machine center spacing and surge area limitations. Dealing with unscheduled saw changes due to hitting foreign objects.” Other comments as to concerns with mill efficiencies: “Electronic controls (repair and replacement)” “Aging software and scanning equipment” “Boiler MACT impact on mill efficiency” “Still need improvement in breaking down large oversized logs” “Drying capacity and planer capacity” “Producing quality products out of a quality declining timber supply” A survey question asked what percentage of normal capacity did their mill produce in 2014. About 44% said 90-100% and 21% said 80-90%. Only 12% said they took more downtime in 2014 than in 2013, while two-thirds said they took less downtime and 22% said 2014 was about the same as 2013. “The persistent rain had us scrambling for logs the majority of the year,” said Jeff Rogers, executive vice president, Rogers Lumber, Texas. “We ran out and had to take time off at least three different times during the year.” Another lumberman stated that “the only downtime was two weeks to install equipment.” Several responded that capital project installations accounted for their only downtimes. About 46% said their mill will produce at 90-100% of capacity in 2015, while 28% said 80-90%, meaning about 10% more mills are running harder in 2015 than they were in 2014. As for anticipated downtime in 2015 compared to 2014, about half said it will 24

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hat is the key to a good preventative maintenance program? The survey posed this open-ended question and lumbermen weren’t shy about weighing in. Charles Thomas III of Shuqualak Lumber in Mississippi said, “The key to a good preventative maintenance program is the willingness of management to spend money to replace items prior to their failure. We have removed almost every decision in the mill concerning the production of lumber from a human. But we still need really good people to monitor and schedule the equipment for a preventative maintenance program to work.” Todd Johnson, plant manager at Pyramid Mountain Lumber in Montana, stated the key is, “being able to gather information, predict possible downtime, and replace before downtime occurs.” David Richbourg at Culp Lumber in North Carolina said the key is a “top notch maintenance staff that are observant and dedicated to correcting issues before they cause downtime. Machine operators that keep us informed on items requiring maintenance before they break down.” Gerry Lane of Allen Logging in Washington said, “People, people and people. People with skills, people who care, people who really want to work. Find people who want to fix things instead of just replacing things.” Jim Parma, eastern fiber manager for Bell Timber in Minnesota, said, “Continuous improvement on communication between operations and maintenance.” Steve Anthony at Anthony Timberlands in Arkansas was more specific: “The right maintenance superintendent.” Other comments as to the key to a good preventative maintenance program: “Qualified and skilled millwright.” “Schooled maintenance.” “People, supervision, dedication.” “Hard work and an oiler with a very good eye.” “Structured PM, work orders and recordkeeping.” “Good plan, good execution and accountability.” “Not letting the plan disintegrate.” “Make sure each employee checks equipment for problems or changes in how the machines operate on a daily basis and communicates any issues to our maintenance man.” “Software scheduling.” “Having a structured PM program and making sure your employees understand and complete it in a timely manner.” “Consistency.”

Dedicated personnel is one key to good maintenance.

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be the same as in 2014, while 35% expected to take less downtime this year, and 15% said they will take more downtime in 2015. “Demand is weak due to weather plus anemic and slow housing recovery,” said one lumberman. Several said capital improvement projects would account for some downtime in 2015. “Lost mill to fire in March,” stated one lumberman. “Why would anyone take downtime in this market?” asked another lumberman. What are softwood lumbermen most concerned about with regard to their lumber markets? Many lumbermen weighed in, including Bill Wilkins of WKO in Washington. “I am concerned the lumber market will remain soft until we see housing starts at a minimum of 1.25 million+. There are so many variables which we cannot control that I feel sheer volume of housing starts is the only method of measuring potential improvement.” Another lumberman commented, “It feels like it is good long-term, but trucking, economy, strong dollar, reduction in exports, housing…all seem to be mixed in the short-term.” Another comment: “No particular concerns at present. We seem to be selling most of what we’re currently cutting.” A lumberman stated, “Prices will go down. We will once again out-produce the demand.” Other concerns and comments: “Why are 2015 prices lower than 2014?” “Buyers who do not understand what they want.” “Added production is overcoming the small improvements in demand.” Indeed numerous lumbermen expressed concerns about over-production. But one added, “I suspect most existing mills are operating at near capacity. It would be difficult to over-produce even a slightly expanding lumber market for the foreseeable future.” Another question addressed the state of competition for log supply. About 53% said it was pretty competitive, while 28% said it was more competitive than ever, 15% said not much competition in our area, and 4% said “it’s ours for the taking.” One lumberman commented, “Timber is very plentiful and cheap in our (southern pine) region. Many producers disappeared during the recession.” Another commented, “Not much competition for the type of generally small, short Douglas fir logs we’re cutting.” TP 26

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GOOD

FORNOW By Rich Donnell

Hardwood sawmills are running strong, mill improvements are ongoing, but lumbermen are starting to show some angst.

.S. hardwood lumber producers are not as gung ho about their immediate futures as they were a year ago, according to Timber Processing’s 2015 Annual Sawmill Capital Expenditure Survey. But they’re still spending some money on mill improvement projects. A year ago, when asked to forecast their lumber business situation for the remainder of 2014 and into 2015, 22% said excellent, 56% said good, 18% said fair, and 4% said poor or very poor. Fast forward to today, a year later, and when asked to forecast their lumber business situation for the remainder of 2015 and into 2016, 6% said excellent, 39% said good, 41% said fair, and 14% said poor or very poor. “Red oak and hard maple are poor without any bright outlook,” said Tim Walters, president of Walter Brothers Lumber in Wisconsin. “These are two major species we saw.” A related, open-ended question asked hardwood lumbermen what they are most concerned about with regard to their lumber markets. Patrick Chovan, president of Omega Inc. in Pennsylvania, commented, “I feel our markets are holding strong, but 28

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lumber is backing up some places. It should be an interesting summer.” Other concerns and comments: “Continued glut of supply in hardwood flooring market, plus persistent softness in the housing construction market.” “Declining grade lumber prices.” “Low grade hardwood markets need to improve.” “Slow sales of some hardwood species.” “Will housing make any gains?” “Pallet and grade markets are both soft.” “Markets for 2 and 3a flooring oak are tight.” “Hard maple prices.” “Market conditions need to improve significantly and soon.” “Business will be slower and weaker in 2015 versus 2014. 2016 we will be off to the races again.” Timber Processing conducted the survey in April by e-mailing a sampling of its readership and providing a link to the survey questions. The survey was directed toward owners, presidents, regional managers, general managers, plant managers, supervisors and corporate executives of hardwood sawmill operations. The majority of the respondents said the majority of their production at their mill or mills was 1 in. lumber, followed by significant percentages of respondents who said that either furniture grade lumber, pallets or timbers accounted for most of their production. The respondents represented a range of annual production output at their sawmills. About 3% said their mill will produce (or mills will average) 5075MMBF in 2015, while 10% said 2550MMBF, 19% at 15-25MMBF, 16% at TIMBER PROCESSING

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10-15MMBF, 30% at 5-10MMBF and 22% at less than 5MMBF. The most important part of the survey concerned capital expenditures, and included several questions. The first asked how much capital investment in machinery and systems their mill (or mills on average) had committed to since the beginning of 2014, whether or not the project was completed or in the process thereof. About 13% said they’ve committed to more than $1 million in capital expenditure since early 2014. Of that group, 6% said $1-2 million and 3% said $2-3 million. About 5% invested $750,000 to $1 million, 9% said $500,000-$750,000, 22% have spent between $300,000 and $500,000, and 28% have invested $100,000-$300,000. About 7% have spent $50,000-$100,000. One lumberman commented thoroughly: “We will be adding a building to store kiln dried lumber that is currently being stored in unused kilns. We will be 30

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putting in a system to break down lumber in another area instead of using the sawmill. We are going to replace our 2001 model carriage with photocell scanner to a new carriage with 3-D scanner. By breaking down kiln dried lumber in an area other than the sawmill, we will be able to saw lumber 100% of available time. The lumber storage building will free up the dry kiln space to dry the additional production. We anticipate these changes to be completed early 2016.” The survey provided a list of 30 machinery/systems categories and asked the hardwood lumbermen to select any of those in which the mill had invested since the beginning of 2014. Topping the list was log yard handling equipment at 39% 32

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of respondents, followed by lumber handling equipment (rolling stock) with 38%, maintenance with 35% and downstream sawing (gang/edger/trimmer) with 30%. Trucking scored well at 25%, as did lumber storage, 23% and dry kilns and/or controls at 22%, followed by filing room equipment, debarkers and log carriages each with 20% of the respondents. As to the status of their capital investment commitments and projects since early 2014, 25% said those projects were still in the planning stage, another 25% said projects were in installation stage, 15% said startup stage and 58% said they had projects in full operation mode. The survey asked the lumbermen to rate their overall satisfaction with their

return on investment on the completed projects—22% said it was excellent and 51% said good. Asked to address their startup timeline, 52% said the project stayed pretty much on schedule, while 32% said it ran a little behind schedule, and 6% said it ran way behind schedule. A lumberman commented, “Resaws delivery were 60 days late, which threw the whole sawmill project late. Ran us into the worst winter months, which added to the delay and increased installation costs.” Equipment vendors scored well in a question that asked the lumbermen to rate the overall cooperation and effectiveness of the vendors who supplied equipment to the project. About 68% of the lumbermen

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said it had been good, while 14% said excellent. One comment: “Major supplier of equipment was good, but one supplier of equipment was terrible. The survey asked the lumbermen to look further down the road, beyond their current capital investment projects, and select from the same list of machinery and systems categories that their mill or mills may invest in next. Debarkers led the list with 29%, followed by downstream sawing (gang/edger/trimmer) and maintenance expenditures each with 28% of the respondents. Dry kilns and/or controls, lumber handling (rolling stock) and conveyors each scored 22%. A lumberman commented, “We have been on a steady upgrade to the plant for seven years and are almost ready to start a new plan. All of our upgrades have produced exactly what we predicted. Another multi-year plan is in the planning stage.” An open-ended question asked lumbermen what they are most concerned about as to the efficiency of their mills. Pat McGinn, owner at Central Alabama Wood Products in Alabama, commented that his concern was “running below what I think our mill efficiency should be.” Many lumbermen pointed to the age of some of their equipment as a major concern. Maintaining quality labor was also a big issue. More specifically, one lumberman said, “Finding qualified people who are willing and able to keep the new optimization hardware and software running at its best.” Other efficiency concerns and comments: “Running the correct band saws.” “Yield and speed.” “Log prices.” “Quality logs.” “No kilns on site.” 34

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“Need to add another primary breakdown system.” “Too much labor at the resaw operation.” A survey question asked what percent-

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age of normal capacity did their mill produce in 2014. About 45% said 90-100% and 20% said 80-90%. About 15% said they took more downtime in 2014 than in 2013, while 62% said they took less

downtime and 23% said 2014 was about the same as 2013. “A fire in May 2013 destroyed one mill and the new mill was not in production until July 2014,” said Tim Walters

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of Walter Brothers Lumber in Pennsylvania. “Two mills burned. Will have one back up in late spring,” said Larry Smith, owner of Landmark Wood Products in Indiana. Another comment: “We kept employees at 40 hour weeks and stayed steady.” “Better markets and weather,” said an-

other lumberman. About 54% said their mill will produce at 90-100% of capacity in 2015, while 19% said 80-90%, meaning that 9% more mills are running at 90-100% in 2015 compared to 2014. As for anticipated downtime in 2015 compared to 2014, about 57% said it will be the same as in 2014, while 29% ex-

pected to take less downtime this year, and 14% said they will take more downtime in 2015. “Major equipment breakdown that required replacing a horizontal resaw,” said Tim Neff, general manager at AJD Forest Products in Michigan. “Right now we have a good balance between log procurement and lumber mar-

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kets,” another lumberman commented. “Better markets and added employees,” said another lumberman. Another question addressed the state of competition for log supply. About 54% said it was pretty competitive, while 42% said it was more competitive than ever. “Stumpage prices continue to rise and so does the cost of logs,” said Neff of AJD Forest Products. “This trend cannot last much longer in our area. Our margins are getting tight.” “We had some inventory concerns last fall, but at the moment everyone seems to have plenty of logs,” said Chovan of Omega Inc.

MAINTENANCE What is the key to a good preventative maintenance program? The survey posed this open-ended question and most of the lumbermen responded. “Employees taking an initiative to maintain equipment before breakdowns occur,” said Dennis Curtis, president/owner of Buckhorn Lumber in North Carolina. “Monitoring of equipment and potential breakdowns, scheduling maintenance before downtime caused by breakdowns,” added Thomas Perry, owner of Blue Ridge Lumber in North Carolina. “Maintenance personnel with experience, scheduling and documentation,” said Mark Tuck, president of Gates Milling in North Carolina. “Planning, implementation and results!” said another lumberman. “Good proactive people who care for the equipment they run every day,” another lumberman said. “Diligence!” said another. “DO IT!” exclaimed yet another hardTP wood lumberman. 38

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LIGNA LIVES UP TO BILLING Sawmill equipment area has greater global feel. By Rich Donnell HANNOVER, Germany ore than 96,000 visitors—about 40,000 from outside of Germany—and 1,567 exhibitors— on 340,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space—participated in the Ligna 2015 trade fair for the woodworking industries held May 1115 at the exhibition center here. The top visitor nations were Austria, France, Italy, United States, Great Britain, Russia, Belgium, Poland, Sweden, China and Brazil. A significant portion of their

representatives had sawmilling on their minds, as evidenced by the large crowds in the exhibit halls that contained sawmill equipment companies. USNR should be commended for integrating its recently acquired Söderhamn Eriksson into its exhibits in a relatively short time. Visitors were curious about the merger but were more interested in the mix of technologies on display from USNR and Söderhamn Eriksson. USNR officials called Ligna a success, generating numerous project leads and requests for quotations. USNR's

Action at Linck’s new canting machine

USNR welcomed Söderhamn Eriksson into the mix. 40

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Multi-Track Fence was operating and created a buzz. It runs at up to 250 lugs per minute and USNR touts it as the most accurate positioning fence on the market. The Catech edger is renowned for its speed and was well received by visitors. A heavy-duty Cambio 800 debarker anchored the scene representing decades of debarking success. “Attendees were also intrigued by the Transverse High Grader and BioVision systems that are pushing the boundaries of automated grading from the planer mill into in the sawmill,” according to a USNR spokesperson. TS Manufacturing exhibited for the third time at Ligna. “We are constantly surprised at how many ‘local’ customers we get to see at this show, in addition to the continued contacts with customers in Russia, Eastern Europe, Africa, South America and Austral-Asia,” according to Sales Manager Riley Smith, The company’s Accu-Placer stick placing system was far and away the highlight of its exhibit with interested parties from more than 20 mill sites. “The different processing methods of European manufacturers causes this show to have a much more non-conventional sawing interest, with a large interest in log breakdown systems, particularly twins and quad breakdown systems for small log processing,” Smith added. “The Ligna was a great show for us with many visitors and an unusually strong North American presence,” said Gero Springer, CEO of Springer Microtec North America. “We observed a very strong interest in the log sorting philosophy and in products like our screw conveying technology. Many customers were captivated by the capabilities of the CT log scanning system, and we’re seeing an overall trend of customers moving from interest into serious consideration and implementation.” Springer has recently developed a new lug loader concept including a number of technical innovations. It encompasses a singulating unit with which the boards are kept fully under control through the entire feeding process, resulting in smooth transport to the connected scanner or trimmer units. The E-feeder was displayed together with Microtec’s Goldeneye 900 and the E-Cut 200 trimmer. The three-unit combi-

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nation by Springer Microtec offers a productive and cost-effective lumber production solution. The mechanical and electronic interfaces are predefined, providing easy integration into an existing sawmill. Springer and Microtec had two exhibits in different halls. Microtec reported that longtime customers and partners came to the show and many projects were generated. Many customers were interested in CT Log, Microtec’s high-speed CT scanner for x-ray computed tomography, which allows a complete digital reconstruction of the internal characteristics of a log including defects and quality features before the breakdown of the log. Heinola Sawmill Machinery CEO Kari Kiiskinen reported that there were a lot of active visitors on the Heinola stand, and their interest focused on the new Heinola Syncro Cutting System as well as new dryer products. The Syncro system with curve-sawing function encompasses both shafts of the double arbor saw installed on top of one another in the same line. The teeth of the upper saw blades run inside the arc of the lower saw blade. The rotation of the saw blades is synchronized mechanically. During the cutting process, the rollers on either side of the cutting blades guide the cant according to the scanned curve. Pieces are then sawn according to the natural curve of the cant rather than being straightened. Heinola also reported a signed contract for the delivery of infeed conveyors and automation for the first cut on the sawline and a new automation for edger optimizer to the Stora Enso Timber Ala Sawmill in Sweden. North America provided its share of sawmill machinery manufacturer exhibitors, including Brunson Instrument, JoeScan, Metriguard, Newman, Sweed Machinery, USNR, Autolog, Carbotech, Gilbert, Interwrap, Scanmeg and TS Manufacturing, to name several. Also, foreign based manufacturers who have aggressively pursued North America markets were on hand such as Vollmer.

Springer booth always had a crowd.

EWD emphasized slanted sawing.

Sennebogen timber handler had large presence.

Mühlböck had a comfortable look.

Vollmer showcased seven sharpening machines including the CHP 840, CHC 840, CHF 840, CPF 650 and CP 650 for circular saws, the CAG 200 for gang saws and the Vgrind 160 for solid carbide tools. The CAG 200 works on the principle of moving the grinding head rather than the workpiece when machining. The CHC 840 is suitable for complete machining of all commonly used tooth geometries on carbide-tipped circular saw blades. Vollmer enters the tool grinding segment with its new Vgrind 160. Vollmer also emphasized its ongoing relationship with Brazilian company Berneck, and especially the sawmill at Curitibanos, where Berneck’s filing room is equipped with 10 sharpening machines from Vollmer A lot of conversation at the Linck exhibit concerned its sawmill projects at the Klausner sawmills in Florida and North Carolina. On display was Linck’s new compact center, VM 10-4, for processing logs into four-sided cants. Components such as log rotation, log guiding and cutterheads have been further integrated in the new machine. Limab emphasized 3-D lineal scanning, while Dynalyse showed the Kiln Scout monitoring system. Wintersteiger AG from Austria introduced its new DSB Compact 310 thin-cutting band saw, and also the new Banso X-Cut band saw blade, which is available in widths from 27 to 55 mm. Wintersteiger exhibited its complete saw portfolio as well. Serra was celebrating its 25th anniversary with two stands at Ligna, while also unveiling its MK 402—a multi-head band saw with wide-belt technology. Besides demonstrating a broad range of its saw tools in the trade fair’s outdoor area, the inside stand focused on Serra product engineering. Sennebogen showed its new 735 mobile timber handling unit. It features a drive unit that complies with the new Tier 4f emissions standard and newly designed mobile undercarriage. An articulated boom behind the center of the machine ensures ideal weight distribution. During transport, the machine’s center of gravity is always centrally positioned ➤ 61 TIMBER PROCESSING

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CHURCH & CHURCH RAISES THE ROOF In a manner of speaking

fter three generations as a successful hardwood sawmill, Church & Church Lumber Co. was eager for more throughput capacity. The sawmill in Wilkesboro, NC is now operated by its founder’s grandson, Mark Church. Handling a variety of hardwood species, the mill produces primarily poplar, white oak and red oak lumber to be kiln-dried and marketed through another of the family businesses, Select Hardwoods. For years, the facility has consistently output about 23MMBF annually. “Last winter I looked out in the yard and saw all the mud. I saw what was going on out there with the loaders getting stuck and spinning their wheels. I said ‘enough of this’ and we made a huge investment in the yard over the summer to increase our efficiency,” Mark recalls. Church & Church has been at this location for more than 30 years. Mark notes that it’s a relatively small space for the volume it produces, just 2.5 acres with another 3/4 acre nearby for overflow. The rebuilt yard includes new roads and new geotextile laid in under 24 in. of compacted stone to give loading equipment a stable surface to work on. “But did we make any more room?” Mark asks rhetorically. “Can we inventory the logs we need within this surface area? No…so we asked ourselves, ‘how is this going to increase our throughput?’” Church and his team realized that to recoup the investment and meet new pro-

duction goals there was only one way to increase the yard’s capacity: go higher. Church & Church was using traditional log handling equipment, including a knuckleboom loader and wheel loaders. Mark talked to his local equipment dealer, Mark Nelson at ASC Volvo, about upgrading to stack higher. The two discussed getting a wheel loader the next size up, with extra extensions to increase the reach. But in the end, that solution would only give the yard another 2 ft. in stacking height. Church recalls, “I said, ‘two feet… that’s not enough. I want to go higher.’ That’s when Nelson suggested that we go see Sennebogen’s purpose-built material handlers in action. And I said ‘what in the world is a Sennebogen?’” Church gathered his forester and yard manager to visit a log yard about 60 miles from their mill. “They handle mainly softer woods with more uniform lengths and diameters than ours. Our wood is harder to stack, but I understood that the principle would be the same. Then when I saw that cab go up in the air I said ‘oh yeah—that’s the trick!’” The high reach of a Sennebogen log handler would allow Church & Church to stack logs to heights up to 20+ ft., effectively doubling the yard’s inventory capacity. The purpose-built machine features an elevating cab that raises the operator to a perfect eye level. The extra reach and cab elevation answered many With the Sennebogen 825, Church & Church can now stack logs up to 20+ feet.

of Church’s concerns. “I like the safety aspect of it,” he says. “I like that you’re actually looking down on the logs, plus being able to place the logs where you want. Stacking accurately is important with the variation you get in the length of the logs and the variation in diameter from the small end to the butt end.” Church admits that he was still “a bit leery” of how high the Sennebogen could stack, in actual practice. He was also concerned for the safety of the loaders, when they came to de-stack logs from the ricks. Another concern was handling the logs during the summer months, when they dry and the bark tends to fall off the logs in handling. “It makes the logs slippery and harder to handle.” ASC Volvo arranged to bring a Sennebogen machine from another location for Church & Church to test out. “We could see that the demo machine was larger than what we needed. But it was the right idea.” To answer his concerns about logs potentially rolling onto his loaders, Church had planned to have an extra shift de-stack at night for the next day. But as the new yard became so much more efficient, he didn’t have to add the night shift. “Today we have an operator de-stack in the daytime whenever there’s a break in the yard. It’s worked out beautifully. We’re stacking higher and it hasn’t cost me any more for time or another shift. “The maneuverability of the Sennebogen 825 works for us,” he adds. Comparing it to the previous knuckleboom, Church says, “Its reach is better, its visibility is better and we got a larger grapple to move the logs more efficiently.” Church also much prefers the versatility of this machine versus a wheel loader. Church was impressed when he went to Sennebogen’s parts warehouse in Stanley, NC. “With all the parts that were there, the booms, the engines in stock, I thought ‘this is a good company.’ I had never heard of Sennebogen, so I wondered about what if there’s a problem. But when I saw that facility, I knew I could take that concern off the table.” TP Article and photo submitted by Sennebogen. Call 704-347-4910; visit sennebogenna.com.

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Innovative Design Boosts Efficiency Seneca Meeting Goals By Dan Shell EUGENE, Ore. he Pacific Northwest’s newest biomass-fueled combined heat and power facility here is running like a champ and providing renewable power for 13,000 local households. Receiving the facility’s final Title V operating permit from a local air quality authority earlier this year, Seneca Sawmill Co. Vice President and General Manager Todd Payne gained a measure of vindication when it was confirmed the company’s state-of-the-art combined biomass heat and power plant—Seneca Sustainable Energy—had been in full compliance with all air quality regulations since it started up in 2011. Located in a highly environmentallyconscious community, the plant drew some opposition from small but vocal groups and had to pass multiple regulatory hurdles during development. “But in the end it was acknowledged we’ve always been in compliance with our permits, even though some local groups have tried to make people believe differently,” Payne says. Payne, who headed up the project to build the Northwest’s cleanest-running biomass power plant, notes that Lane County sets high air quality standards, “But anything short of exceeding those

standards would have been unacceptable to us. We live and work here, after all. So we set very high standards for this plant,” he says. In developing and designing the biomass plant, Seneca officials used the same approach that has brought the company’s Seneca Sawmills lumber operations legendary status on the West Coast—complete focus on quality, accuracy and efficiency that exceeds expectations. “When we set out to build the plant, we knew it wasn’t going to be an average, run-of-the mill facility; not only were we held to strict standards externally, but we also held ourselves to strict standards—we wanted to employ as much technology and efficiency as we do in our sawmills,” Payne says. Seneca personnel toured other biomass power plants around the country and tried to take the best concepts and practices they saw and incorporate it into their own facility. “The design really developed from an internal group with some outside engineering help,” Payne says, citing O&S Contractors and Wellons as key partners. “Wellons did a turnkey power plant, so from the boiler on out through emissions control system it was their design, but it had to fit within our footprint and what we wanted to do,” Payne says. He adds that thanks to Seneca’s due dili-

gence and the quality of vendors and suppliers who worked on the project, “We ended up with very few surprises in the end, just a few modifications and simple changes was all.” Two key design objectives stand out at Seneca Sustainable Energy: Extensive automation that greatly reduces manpower requirements, and a noticeable cleanliness and neatness throughout the plant even four years after it began operations. The automation is apparent in the fuel handling system, where truck drivers operate the truck dump and also log in their load data—information that the fuel handling system uses to direct raw material to the proper side of the main fuel pile. Compared to many wood bioenergy facilities, the cleanliness is striking, the result of a requirement to operate a fully enclosed fuel handling system from truck dump to the fuel building. “Every place where we have a material handoff from one system or conveyor to another, we pull negative air pressure, so the fine particulates suspended in the air get pulled out, removed to the baghouses and eventually back to the boiler,” Payne says. The troughing belt conveyors that make up much of the handling system leading to the fuel building are also enclosed—with a small box chain conveyor below to catch anything falling off the

For Seneca Sawmills officials full raw material utilization and local power needs have combined into a well-designed, clean-running combined heat and power plant.

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bottom of the belt. The design with cleanliness built in pays off: “There’s nothing on the ground, so we don’t have any cleanup issues,” Payne says. Announced in January 2009, the $65 million plant was operational by April 2011, producing 19.8 MW of renewable power. The Seneca organization had looked at bioenergy projects off and on in the past, but by 2007-8 the combination of government incentives and renewable power sales outlook “made it all come together for us,” Payne says. “And not only those factors, but we also needed additional steam to dry a greater portion of our lumber,” he adds. “What better way to do that than using a renewable resource to create that thermal energy while also creating renewable power?” Payne continues. “We see the plant as a natural extension

Wellons provided turnkey power plant system, including boiler and emissions control system.

of our overall business, which is renewable.” The project qualified for both the Oregon state business energy tax credit (BETC) and a federal renewable energy investment tax credit, two drivers that made the plant possible. A 15-year agreement with the Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) allows the utility to meet future demand and renewable portfolio standard requirements. “We were fortunate in that we had two potential local consumers, and we’re also located near a BPA line that provided access to regional customers,” Payne says. “But we felt strongly that if it was produced locally it should stay locally, and EWEB likes the idea of having a local power source like us in case of a major outage.” Seneca Sustainable Energy also benefited from an Oregon Dept. of Energy energy conservation program, recovering a portion of the $245,000 cost

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Seneca Vice President Todd Payne, left, and Jim Munyon, biomass plant operations supervisor

Automated truck dump features secure operator's booth for dryers.

to install variable frequency drive soft start motors at the plant’s well water pump system, boiler feed water pumps, baghouse fan and hog motor controls.

PRODUCTION The plant’s raw materials, a mixture of dry and green, are sourced from Seneca’s four sawmills, plus biomass from the company’s 165,000 acre sustainably managed tree farm. As much as 75% of the power plant’s raw material comes from its sawmill operations, mostly in the form of bark. While there’s plenty of additional fuel available on the local and regional market, Payne says the amount Seneca could generate internally factored into the planning process and overall plant size and capacity determinations. “We wanted to be able to generate all the raw material ourselves and not be beholden to the local market,” Payne says, adding the sawmill operations are producing more fuel than the power plant needs. “We also buy fuel on the open market because we market our residuals in many cases to a higher value use,” Payne notes. “But if we ever had to source it all internally, we have the ability to do so.” Incoming raw material loads go to a driver-activated Phelps truck dump featuring Rice scale system. The driver operates the dump system in a se➤ 50

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Control room automation enables monitoring and control of multiple areas and operations throughout the plant.

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47 ➤ cured operator room that drivers can only access via pass code to enter their information and activate the dump. Each load is sampled for moisture content; material that needs additional reduction goes to a Jeffrey hog and Acrowood screening system. Fuel handling conveyors were supplied by CTC; Pacific Building Systems provided the fuel storage building; and the reclaim systems inside are from Basic Machinery. Clarke’s Sheet Metal and B&R Sheet Metal provided much of the duct-

ing and fan infrastructure. The fuel building is divided in half: dry fuel on one side, green on the other, and two reclaimers on each side allow the plant to consume fuel out of the piles at whatever rate needed. “We test every load that comes in for moisture, so we have a very good daily track record of what our moisture contents are and what (fuel) products to put on each side,” Payne says. The fuel handling system is automatic, delivering fuel to either the dry or green side depending on data entered by drivers at the truck dump. The BMC HD-3668 linear reclaimers are designed to handle up to 50 tons/hr. each of variable woody biomass and are automatically controlled from the MCC or by an on-board Allen-Bradley PLC for precise adjustment. Reclaimer outfeed is measured and the information relayed to the boiler feed control system, providing the capability adjust the reclaim rate from each unit using variable frequency drives. “It all starts with good fuel and proper boiler efficiency,” Payne emphasizes. “We’re mixing our green and dry fuel in real time based on efficiency numbers at the boiler, and we’re able to make adjustments on the fly.”

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Reclaim system allows real-time fuel mixing for most efficient burn.

Emissions control system features four-field ESP.

Wellons provided the 200,000 lbs./hr. 6-cell boiler. “This boiler allows a lot of flexibility in taking the plant down to minimum base load during off-peak hours and taking it up to peak load during peak hours,” Payne says, noting the plant’s 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Sat. peak hours schedule that requires a regular ramping up to peak, dropping down to base load then ramping up again. Wellons also designed the emissions control system that features vertical cyclones (multiclones) that dissipate energy and drop out heavier ash, followed by a four-field electrostatic precipitator. “Most facilities operate with a two- or three-field ESP, but we wanted to go beyond that,” Payne says, noting that up to 25% of the project’s cost went to air emission control equipment and technology. The plant’s used GE turbine rated at 19.8 MW was supplied by Wellons as part of its overall package, and fully reconditioned by TurboCare. The system is a dual extraction unit with ports feeding steam to the sawmills for dry kiln and process heat. Wellons supplied the boiler and air emissions control systems, while Seneca’s internal programmers and controls personnel did the controls for the fuel handling system. A dieselfired 1 MW backup generator allows operators to take the plant down efficiently in case of emergency or planned outage. According to an Oregon Dept. of Energy report, most traditional power generation facilities have efficiency ratings from 35%-60%. The Seneca Sustainable Energy facility has an 80% efficiency rating. “Our company has been here 60 years, and we’re fully rooted in the community,” Payne says. “We expect Seneca Sustainable Energy to be a long-term addition to our operations that will continue to provide benefits to the local community as TP well as us.” TIMBER PROCESSING

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MACHINERYROW

Doosan Showcases Loaders, Excavators

Doosan Equipment held its 2015 media event in Tucson, Ariz. March 25-26. The opening dinner at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort featured Doosan representatives addressing the company’s extensive lineup of equipment, including several new models of crawler excavators, wheel excavators, wheel loaders, log loaders, material handlers and articulated dump trucks. Doosan product specialist, Mike Stark, announced the company’s newest logging machine—the Tier 4-compliant Doosan DX300LL-5 track log loader. The “dash5” model replaces the interim Tier 4 (iT4) DX300LL-3 log loader. The DX300LL-5 is powered by a 270 net HP Scania DC9 diesel engine, providing 27% more horsepower than the “dash-3” model. “We took the voice of the customer back to Korea when they started designing the 300LL-5 and we think we’ve made a bunch of improvements,” Stark says. To help save valuable diesel fuel, Doosan added an auto-shutdown system for

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is the LED lights. Media members had the opportunity to visit Doosan’s Real Operation Center (ROC) in the heart of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert. Nearly 30 machines were spread out across the desert making it the ideal place for Doosan to show what its machines are all about.

Springer Purchases Sweden’s WoodEye Doosan demo near Tucson

use during non-working conditions. Log loader operators can configure the idle time before auto-shutdown from three to 60 minutes. In addition to auto shutdown, the Doosan DX300LL-5 log loader has several new updates including improved heel design that works in tandem with a log grapple, a more robust front guard, boom cylinder guard, cab guard, standard rock guards and pattern change valve. The unit has a loading reach of 38 ft. and loading height of just more than 43 ft. Its swing speed is 9.8 rpm. One new feature on the DX300LL-5

Seeking to expand its product portfolio with camera-based image-processing systems for the lumber industry, Springer Group has purchased Swedish company, WoodEye. “In WoodEye we gain a very well established, innovative team,” says CEO Timo Springer. “WoodEye is a specialist in measuring and detecting all kinds of defects in lumber.” “We’re looking forward to this future cooperation, which will enable us to bring about growth in our core markets,” says Jonas Eklind, who will remain CEO of WoodEye. Visit woodeye.se/

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PRODUCTSCANNER10 LED Solution Offers Retrofit Lighting LED Solution is an LED lighting company that specializes in retrofitting and applying fixture upgrades for buildings currently using fluorescent and incandescent lights in offices, high and low bay lights in warehouses, parking lot lights, and flood lights to more energy efficient LED lights. LED Solution has the an-

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swer for various lighting options with goals of cost efficiency, energy savings and superior lighting.

LED lights have a longer life expectancy, use less energy, put off less heat, and still provide equivalent or more light than all non LED lighting options being used today, according to the company. LED Solution provides consumers with a free savings assessment involving 3 simple steps. LED Solution is very innovative in providing consumers with superior lighting solutions while positively impacting the environment. Contact LED Solution for a free lighting consultation. LED Solution’s mission is to contact you within 24 hours of first contact. Contact Mckenzie Jones at 334-7996908; e-mail: mjones@ledsolution.net; visit ledsolution.net.

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ATLARGE

Two Certification Agencies Merge Two third-party certification agencies, PFS Corp. and Timberco, Inc. (TECO), have merged. PFS and TECO have been headquartered in the Madison, Wis. area since 1992, at times working out of the same building but never being part of the same company.

Jim Husom, president and CEO of PFS Corp., and Steve Winistorfer, president and CEO of TECO, signed papers merging the two companies. Husom comments, “This merger combines what have been two well-respected and successful companies into one; and as one, we’ll be able to provide even more effective and efficient service to our existing clients and grow our business more than

we could individually.” Adds Winistorfer, “One of my goals when I purchased TECO almost two years ago was to make this merger happen. Now that it has, I am even more excited about the future and for what we will be able to do together.” The two companies together provide certification and testing services for more than a dozen different building products, including engineered wood products like LVL, I-joists, and glulam; plus SIPs (structural insulated panels), OSB, softwood and hardwood plywood, metalplate connected wood trusses, adhesives, pre-cast concrete panels, hearth products, and construction fasteners for approximately 500 manufacturing plants. Their testing laboratories, located in Wisconsin and Oregon, perform a variety of structural tests, durability tests, formaldehyde emissions tests, and some fire tests. The PFS Manufactured Structures Div. provides design approval and factory inspections to over 120 HUD Code and modular building factories in 39 states and Canada. The companies together have offices in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Texas, California, Oregon and Wisconsin, and also operate in Canada, Europe, South America, Russia, China and Japan. The combined company’s most unique project is TECO’s ongoing work with Major League Baseball’s (MLB) Safety and Health Advisory Committee. The Committee commissioned a group of experts in 2008 to study and recommend improvements for the perceived high rate of multiple-piece bat failures (MPFs). TECO has been involved with the implementation of the MLB Bat Supplier Program since 2009, with the goal of improving safety on and off the field through the reduction of MPFs. The program has been successful over the last seven regular seasons, with a roughly 65% reduction in the MPF rate from the 2008 to 2014 season. Visit pfscorporation.com and tecotested.com.

Peter Madden Leads Drax Biomass Drax Biomass announced Peter Madden as its CEO of U.S. Operations. Madden brings nearly 30 years of experience in the forestry industry and will guide the overall strategy and oversee day-to-day operations in the U.S. He most recently served as the vice president of Renewable Energy and Supply Chain for Plum Creek Timber Co. 58

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WOOD PRODUCTS marketplace NORTH AMERICA ■ United States

■ North Carolina

■ Virginia

Cook Brothers Lumber Co., Inc.

Producing Quality Southern Yellow Pine Since 1939

■ Florida CRACKER SAWMILL CYPRESS AND SYP Sawmill, Drying and MillIng facility Custom Cut to Order Lumber, Cants, Specialty Beams to 44’ We will Mill Log Home logs S4S 6”x6” thru 8”x12” T&G Your wood or ours WE DO WHAT OTHERS CANNOT 20253 N.E. 20th Street Williston, Fl 32690 www.Crackersawmill.com Info@Crackersawmill.com

Manufacturer of Appalachian Hardwood Lumber LEONARD COOK, Sales (828) 524-4857 • cell: (828) 342-0997 residential: (828) 369-7740 P.O. Box 699 • Frankin, NC 28744 NATIONAL HARDWOOD LUMBER ASSOCIATION

(352) 529-2070

Buyers & Wholesalers We produce quality 4/4 - 8/4 Appalachian hardwoods

■ Georgia Beasley Forest Products, Inc. P.O. Box 788 Hazlehurst, GA 31539 beasleyforestproducts.com Manufactures Kiln-Dried 4/4 Red and White Oak, Poplar, Ash and Cypress Contact: Linwood Truitt Phone (912) 253-9000 / Fax: (912) 375-9541 linwood.truitt@beasleyforestproducts.com

Pallet components, X-ties, Timbers and Crane Mats Contact: Ray Turner Phone (912) 253-9001 / Fax: (912) 375-9541 ray.turner@beasleyforestproducts.com

■ Indiana

• Red Oak, White Oak, Poplar •

Green Lumber: Air Dried, Kiln Dried Timbers & Crossties • Hickory, Sycamore, Beech, Gum & Elm • Custom Cut Timbers: Long lengths and wide widths

Sales/Service: 336-746-5419

336-746-6177 (Fax) • www.kepleyfrank.com

Next closing: July 5, 2015

■ Tennessee

STACKING STICKS

FOR SALE

AIR-O-FLOW profiled & FLAT sticks available Imported & Domestic DHM Company - Troy, TN 38260 731-538-2722 Fax: 707-982-7689 email: kelvin@kilnsticks.com www.KILNSTICKS.com

P.O. BOX 25 • 628 Jeb Stuart Highway Red Oak, VA 23964 Tel: 434-735-8151 • Fax: 434-735-8152 E-mail Sales: john@morganlumber.com Website: www.morganlumber.com Product Mix: ALL KD, HT STAMPED

1x4 D&BETTER, 1x6 D&BETTER, 1x4 #2, 1x6 #2, 1x4 #3/#4, 1x6 #3/#4, 5/4x6 PREMIUM, 5/4x6 STANDARD, 5/4x6 #2/#3/#4,

Do you produce or buy lumber? Here's your #1 source for effectively promoting your hardwood or softwood service to your top prospective buyers.

WANT TO GET YOUR AD IN OUR NEXT MARKETPLACE? Call or email Melissa McKenzie 334-834-1170 melissa@hattonbrown.com

02/15

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Call Toll-Free: 1-800-669-5613

EMPLOYMENTOPPORTUNITIES SEARCH NORTH AMERICA, INC. IT'S YOUR MOVE...

TS Manufacturing has been designing, building and installing rugged and dependable equipment for the sawmill and lumber handling industries for over 40 years. We need a company Sales Representative, in the American South, to help sell corporate awareness and equipment for the company. This position is available immediately. TS Manufacturing is an equal opportunity employer. Responsibilities • Research, initiate and finalize sales of sawmill and lumber handling equipment, based on specific client needs • Represent TS Manufacturing at trade shows and conferences across the US, independently, or as part of a team • Monitor and provide client support, post-sale, of TS equipment, ensuring it is performing to client expectations Qualifications Desired • Comprehensive knowledge of hardwood and softwood sawmill and planer mill production • Desire to work independently and cooperatively with TS staff to prospect and assist new clients interested in our equipment • Competency with new technology including MS Office, tablets and computers • A valid driver's license and the ability to drive as required, to meet clients or attend shows Interested applicants can submit their resume in absolute confidence to EvaC@tsman.com. 3781

1615

WWW.SEARCHNA.COM

CONTACT CARL JANSEN AT 541-593-2777 OR Carlj@SearchNA.com

Fees paid by employer

Top Wood Jobs

YOU COULD BE READING YOUR AD HERE! Call 334-699-7837

Recruiting and Staffing George Meek geo@TopWoodJobs.com www.TopWoodJobs.com (541) 954-8456

8187

3779

Specializing in confidential career opportunities in the Forest Products industry

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Management Recruiters of Houston Northeast

Gates Copeland 281-359-7940 • fax 866-253-7032

gcopeland@mrihouston.com • www.mrihouston.com

YOU COULD BE READING YOUR AD HERE!

1248

Come join our expanding company. TS Manufacturing is hiring.

The Jobs You Want — The People You Need

Michael Strickland & Associates, LLC Executive Recruiters Wood Products/Building Materials Industries Mike Strickland mike@woodproductjobs.com 601-529-2157 • www.woodproductjobs.com

2200

SAWMILL EQUIPMENT REPRESENTATIVE: SOUTHERN USA

FOREST PRODUCTS RECRUITING SINCE 1978

Call 334-699-7837

LUMBERWORKS

Recruiting Services Executive – Managerial – Technical - Sales

JOHN GANDEE

& ASSOCIATES, INC Contingency or Retainer

Depending on Circumstances / Needs

“Your Success Is Our Business” Serving the Wood Products and Building Materials Industries For more than 21 years.

Toll Free 1-800-536-3884 www.johngandee.com Austin, Texas

3220 4824

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Call Toll-Free: 1-800-669-5613

LUMBERWORKS n LUMBERWORKS

FOR SALE!

GREENWOOD KILN STICKS Importers and Distributors of Tropical Hardwood Kiln Sticks

1974 35 in. MK II Salem Ring De-Barker ..................$34,999 (plus tax) Includes: • Ring Assembly • Ring Housing • HPU for Ring Centering • Motors for: Ring Drive, Log Drive • Well maintained • One Shift • New Ring seals installed

GW Industries www.gwi.us.com

Selling because we are upgrading to a larger Diameter Ring.

Dennis Krueger 866-771-5040

Jackie Paolo 866-504-9095

d.krueger11@frontier.net

jackie@gwi.us.com

YOU COULD BE READING YOUR AD HERE!

3221

Contact for more information:

127

“The lowest cost per cycle”

Call 334-699-7837

aaron@canyonlumbercompany.com 13046

41 ➤ over the slewing ring, which means that the rear ballast can be significantly reduced in terms of its size and weight. Richard Mühlböck, principal at dry kiln specialist, Mühlböck, was very satisfied with Ligna and the traffic at his booth. “For us it was the best Ligna since 2007,” he said, pointing to the overall better market atmosphere combined with the company’s development in high drying quality with less energy Storti canter was on parade. consumption. The company emphasized its progressive kiln with new heat 22-26, 2017, will feature a revamped, recovery technology and ventilating fan visitor-centric layout. system. “The new site layout reflects the comActiw Oy officials said their first time mitment of Ligna’s organizers to meetas an exhibitor at Ligna left them very ing the changing needs of trade visitors satisfied, with visitors interested in their and to making the fair as efficient and container loading solution, Actiw Loadproductive as possible for visitors and plate. “Visitors from all over the world exhibitors alike,” an official commented. said LoadPlate is truly innovative and reThe most notable change is the conalized it saves their container loading solidation of three display categories recosts and makes them more competivolving around processing technologies: tive,” commented Riika Heiskanen, mar- Solid Wood Processing, Furniture Inketing developer. dustry and Woodcrafts (skilled woodA new development at Ligna, and a working trades). These categories will big success, was the Wood Industry now be combined into a new display Summit in Hall 13. It offered presentacategory called “Tools and Machinery tions and discussion with a theme of in- for Custom and Mass Production.” The ternational business development. Timreason for the change, according to offiber Processing magazine and Hattoncials, is that there is now an increasing Brown Publishers, Inc. was a media overlap between the production techpartner for this ongoing event. nologies used by SMEs in the woodHotly rumored during the week of the working sector and those used by indusfair, and which became a reality at trial-scale operations. Official said anshow’s end, was the announcement from other reason for the change is that many Ligna officials that the next Ligna, May companies do not focus exclusively on

solid wood or wood based panels, which has resulted in a broader range of machinery being offered by machinery manufacturers. The main changes for the next Ligna are as follows: l The majority of exhibitors of Solid Wood Processing machines will be located in Hall 27, adjacent the Sawmill Technology exhibits in Hall 25. The closely related Timber Construction displays will be next door in Hall 13. l The close proximity between the Surface Technology exhibits in Hall 17 and the Wood-Based Panel Production Technology exhibits in Hall 26 will exploit the natural synergies that exist between the two display categories. l The “Energy from Wood” displays will be moved next door to the WoodBased Panel Production exhibits. l The Automation Technology exhibits will have their own display category and be given greater prominence in the centrally located Hall 16. “Visitors will find it easier and more efficient to navigate than ever before,” an official commented. The new layout means that nearly all regular exhibitors will be relocated. To allow plenty of time to work with exhibitors on finding the best possible locations for their stands, the fair’s organizers, Deutsche Messe and the German Woodworking Machinery Manufacturer’s Assn., have significantly extended the timeframe for the space allocation process. TP TIMBER PROCESSING

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MAINEVENTS JUNE

OCTOBER

10-12—Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Expo, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Ga. Call 504-443-4464; visit sfpaexpo.com.

2-4—Ohio Forestry Assn. Paul Bunyan Show, Guernsey Co. Fairgrounds, Cambridge, Ohio. Call 614-497-9580; visit ohioforest.org.

16-21—The Vienna International Wood Products/Markets Conference, Expo & Tours, Hotel Savoyen Vienna, Vienna, Austria. Call 604-801-5996; email fredkurpiel@aol.com; visit woodmarkets.com/conference/global-conferences.

NOVEMBER

15-19—2015 Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Assn. annual conference, Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Orlando, Fla. Call 770-6316701; visit slma.org.

31-August 2—Georgia Forestry Assn. annual meeting, Jekyll Island Convention Center, Jekyll Island, Ga. Call 478-9928110; visit gfagrow.org.

14—American Lumber Standard Committee annual meeting, Halifax, NS, Canada. Call 301-972-1700; visit alsc.org. 25-27—Florida Forestry Assn. annual meeting, Wyndham Bay Point Golf Resort & Spa, Panama City Beach, Fla. Call 850-222-5646; visit floridaforest.org. 25-27—Louisiana Forestry Assn. annual meeting, Golden Nugget Resort and Casino, Lake Charles, La. Call 318-4432558; visit laforestry.com.

SEPTEMBER 9-12—FMC China 2015: Furniture Manufacturing & Supply China 2015, Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, Shanghai, China. Call +86-21-64371178; visit expo.fmcchina.com.cn. 10-12—Lake States Logging & Heavy Equipment Expo, UP Fairgrounds, Escanaba, Mich. Call 715-282-5828; fax 715-2824941; visit timberpa.com. 13-15—Alabama Forestry Assn. annual meeting, Perdido Beach Resort, Orange Beach, Ala. Call 334-265-8733; visit alaforestry.org. 18-19—Western Saw Filers Educational Association Annual Workshop and Conference, Monarch Hotel and Conference, Portland, Ore. Email westwm@chwa.com; visit westernsawfilers.org. 18-19—Kentucky Wood Expo, Masterson Station Park, Lexington, Ky. Call 502-695-3979; visit kfia.org.

Visit us online at timberprocessing.com ■

JUNE 2015

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■ TIMBER

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Easy access to current advertisers! www.timberprocessing.com/adindex.html Don’t forget to bookmark this link!

This issue of Timber Processing is brought to you in part by the following companies, which will gladly supply additional information about their products. ADVERTISER

AUGUST

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22-25—AWFS Fair 2015, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV. Visit awfsfair.org.

Listings are submitted months in advance. Always verify dates and locations with contacts prior to making plans to attend.

▲

JULY

24-27—Woodex, 14th International Exhibition of Machines, Equipment and Technologies for Logging, Woodworking and Furniture Production, Crocus Expo, Moscow, Russia. Visit woodexpo.ru.

Advanced Sawmill Machinery Andritz Iggesund Tools Brunette Machinery Brunner Hildebrand Comact Equipment Cone Omega Endurance Equipment Esterer Wd GmbH Evergreen Engineering Gilbert Products Gillingham-Best Halco Software Systems Heinola Sawmill Machinery Holtec USA Hurdle Machine Works Hurst Boiler & Welding JoeScan John King Chains Lanigan Group Linck Linden Fabricating Lucidyne Technologies Metal Detectors Metriguard Microtec SLR GMBH Mid-South Engineering Muhlbock Holztrocknungsanlagen Nelson Bros Engineering Oleson Saw Technology Peninsular Cylinder Pipers Saw Shop Rema Sawco Sennebogen Sering Sawmill Machinery Serra Maschinenbau Gmbh Sicam Systems Soderhamn Eriksson Springer Maschinenfabrik Sweed Machinery Terex Construction Americas U S Blades USNR Veneer Services Vollmer of America Waneshear Technologies West Salem Machinery Wood-Mizer Woodtech Measurement Solutions

PG.NO.

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