6 minute read
PRODUCT NEWS
Stela Celebrates 100th Anniversary
Stela Laxhuber GmbH celebrated its 100th anniversary on June 24 at its operations in Massing, Germany. In the course of a century, the company has developed from a wind well producer to an agricultural machinery dealer to today’s world-renowned specialist for drying systems of all kinds. The new factory halls actually served to celebrate a double birthday party—100 years of stela and 40 years of stela Steuerungstechnik. Also, the recently awarded Bavarian SME Prize—which went to stela this year—was presented by Peter Glas, Vice President of the Lower Bavarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, who praised the unconventional approaches to challenges on the part of stela. More than 900 guests from all continents were able to attend the celebration. Welcomed with drinks, small A double birthday celebration in Massing on June 24 snacks and a delicious ice cream stand, the new and festively decorated factory halls filled up in no time.
As stela has now installed 4,012 plants in 67 countries, the guest list was indeed a long one. The guests also reflected the company’s customer base, as stela offers solutions for the small organic maize farmer as well as plants for huge sewage treatment and OSB plants.
One of the guests of honor was Mr. Baumer, who was the first customer to opt for a stela drying system back in 1967.
First and foremost, Mrs. Thea Laxhuber, mother of today’s Managing Director Thomas Laxhuber, looked back on the past decades. Her touching choice of words emphasised the diligence that was able to turn an idea into a globally active company despite all the turmoil of the 1920s.
As a company supplying energy-efficient systems and despite its growth, stela has also become more energy-efficient itself. Since 2020, the company has been climate-neutral, the vehicle fleet has been converted to electric drives, and “refuelling” is achieved by an in-house solar system.
In his speech, Rainer Hettwer, the second Managing Director, referred to this typical stela hands-on mentality when it comes to training future workers for consistent growth. This also explains why 20 years ago stela employed 50–whereas today it employs 220.
Christian Thiel, Mayor of Massing, highlighted the social commitment of the family-run company, not only for employees, clubs and institutions in the area, but also during crises abroad, such as the conflict currently being fought in Ukraine. At the outbreak of the war, an opportunity was quickly provided for people in the area to drop off donations in-kind and in money—whereby stela has been taking care of the transport of the necessary goods in an attempt to play its part in alleviating the suffering.
The drying of recycling material is becoming increasingly important in times of climate crisis. “When it comes to recycling, we now only talk about raw materials—and no longer about waste,” commented Thomas Laxhuber. In the next few years the company will grow in the area of drying for chipboard and pellet production.
The cuisine offered also lived up to the event’s festive setting. A mouth-watering choice of dishes and desserts was followed by a magical evening of music played by the extremely popular Bavarian band LaBrassBanda. Dancing and festivities continued until the early hours of the morning. A good mood and a longing to meet again characterized Elmia Wood 2022 held in June in the forest of Bratteborg outside Jönköping, Sweden. The three-day event attracted 26,000 visitors and 270 exhibitors from 22 different countries. Anders Roman, program manager for Elmia Wood, comments: “The fair ran smoothly, thanks in large part to great teamwork, but also thanks to the terrific engagement of the exhibitors and, not least, among all the visitors. It’s been fantastic to encounter the joy and energy along the visitor trail. It’s obvious that many people have longed for the fair as a meeting place.”
Elmia Wood Back On Track
28 Wood Bioenergy / August 2022
John King Chains USA Inc. in Birmingham, Ala.: Left to right, Brandon Ringstaff, warehouse associate; Frans Piennar, general manager; Ollie Wadsworth, sales director; Gary Booth, production coordinator; Marc Hatcher, welder and robot operator
John King UK has relocated John King Chains USA Inc. to Birmingham (Trussville), Ala. The need for increased manufacturing space was required and Birmingham was considered to have a major advantage as an industrial center of the Southern U.S. with improved logistics and access to high quality subcontractors and experienced labor.
John King USA has been importing UK made chains into the U.S. since the 1960s, but has been manufacturing chains and sprockets for
August 2022 / Wood Bioenergy 29
John King Chains USA Inc. has moved operations to Birmingham, Ala. multiple industries domestically for approaching two decades. To lead the charge the management has transferred Frans Pienaar, formally general manager of the South Africa division. Pienaar has worked in the industry for more than 20 years and is a chain engineer with huge experience and capability.
Oliver Wadsworth, USA Sales Director, comments, “Our principal industry focus is lumber/paper, cement and bakery. The new location and investment in new CNC machinery, robotic welding and increased stock levels of common chain types allow us to react quickly to meet the ever-increasing demand of our USA customers. Our technical group knowledge and know-how has really boosted our reputation of not just being a chain supplier but a material handling solution provider. We are really excited about the future.”
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TEC Is Named Sennebogen’s Best
Sennebogen LLC announced its 2021 annual Dealer of the Year winners, including its Top Dealer—Tractor & Equipment Co. (TEC), based in Birmingham, Ala. Employee-owned TEC operates 20 machine sales and service branches.
Envimat, a recent addition to the Sennebogen network and the first from South America to win recognition in Sennebogen’s distributor awards, was second, and Tyler Equipment of East Longmeadow, Maine rounded out the top three.
Chairman of TEC, Dan Stracener, relishes the recognition for his company and his tight-knit team, which has seen changes at its top level in the past year. Chad Stracener is now CEO after many years of working his way up through the ranks. He is succeeded as President by DeVaughn Pettit.
Stracener is impressed by Sennebogen’s continual development of its product line. “They are totally dedicated to the product and that really shines through. They design that into their machines so you can diagnose problems on the spot; things that are simple enough that a customer can even troubleshoot it themselves.”
30 Wood Bioenergy / August 2022
