Aitkin, MN – Northern Automation is proud to announce the newest addition to their line of automation solutions, the NA/48-12 Lumber Stacker.  This simple, yet highly advanced modular unit offers sawmills and pallet operations the flexibility to handle a wide ranger of products and dimensions.  From ¾” - 4” thick, 8’ to 12’ lengths are standard, although units to handle lengths from 48” to 16’ are also available.   According to Chief Engineer, Nick Stueven, the first dozen NA/48-12 stackers have proven to be virtually trouble free, very simple to operate, programable for custom or standard thicknesses and lengths and effectively run themselves.  

Based on the success of the long test run of multiple units, Northern Automation CEO, David Burgstaler, said “We’re so confident that you’ll love this stacker, that if you don’t, we’ll buy it back.  You pay only rigging & trucking”.  

For more information on the NA/48-12 Lumber Stacker, Custom Stackers to fit your operation and other sawmill solutions from Northern Automation, visit northernautomation.com or call 218-670-0315.

Akkuslar a 50 year manufacturer of sawmill machinery in Istanbul Turkey and well known throughout the world has chosen Kittrell Sawmill Brokers as their Dealer in the United States. Family and generations are important to the Akkus family this is only one reason why the sought out Kittrell.  The other is the knowledge and expertise that Kittrell has accumulated and still accumulates in their every day business as sawmill equipment appraisers. Landing over 4,000 appraisal assignments in different manufacturing and remanufacturing facilities has given Kittrell the experience they need to help individuals with this new line of machinery.  Kittrell gives options to the industry that will set them up for diversification without major expenditures. . they process 3.5 logs per minute in rail ties, square timbers, dimension lumber and in pallet cants. Sideboards are produced with every cut and can be processed up to with the standard machine with extensions available. The Gang saws from are ready to breakdown cants into grade or industrial lumber. Turkish engineering and hospitality are second to none throughout the world. Their goal is your expectations meet the excellence they provide in their machine construction and service.Visit the YouTube Channel Kittrell Akkuslar for lots of videos

Exciting news! Nolts Power Equipment, based in Shippensburg, PA, is now an authorized dealer of the Vortex by DYNA brush chippers. This month, they received their first chipper, ready to enhance your wood chipping needs. Curious to find your nearest dealer? Reach out to us today for more information!

CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION!
989-823-6200

BATTLE CREEK, MICH — Opticom Tech, a leader in industrial video monitoring solutions, announced today its new CC04-IP5MV3 camera, an upgrade to the CC04-IP3MV camera.

The new CC04 camera offers a higher resolution than its predecessor—5 megapixel compared to 3 MP. It also supports artificial intelligence (AI) functions such as object detection, intrusion detection, line crossing, object counting, and more.

“We’re excited to offer these upgrades to new and existing customers,” said Heidi Schmidt, Global Sales Manager at Opticom. “High-resolution video is vital for operations monitoring and security in industrial facilities. And AI is becoming a reality of our world, so having cameras equipped to support that emerging technology puts facilities ahead of their competition.”

The CC04 camera is NDAA compliant, utilizes the ONVIF protocol and can withstand high-vibration, hazardous and controlled environments. It can also withstand direct hits by logs, boards, rocks, and other objects, making it an ideal video monitoring solution for industrial facilities.

For more information, visit www.OpticomTech.com.

About Opticom Tech

Founded in 1973, Opticom Tech provides integrated video monitoring solutions for industrial applications, including sawmills, mines, food processing facilities, and more. Built to withstand harsh environments, Opticom’s rugged cameras and equipment stand the test of time. For more information, visit www.opticomtech.com.

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March 2024 – Capturing the growing interest of the professional woodworker movement, Wood-Mizer introduces the versatile MP280 4-Sided Planer/Moulder. Starting at $17,995 USD, the MP280 is a perfect choice for entrepreneurs who need a universal, efficient, precise, and affordable woodworking machine. The MP280 Planer/Moulder joins the established Wood-Mizer range of woodworking products that includes jointer/planers, two-sided planer/moulders, four-sided planer/moulders, slab flattening machines, dust collection systems, planer blades, moulder knives, table saws, and more. 

Premium Quality Features, Entry-Level Price 

The MP280 is a versatile and compact machine for professional woodworkers that planes and moulds material on all four sides at one time. This all-in-one machine is a perfect solution that is easy to use and produces premium wood products. Made of a cast iron table, robust steel frame and high-quality components, the MP280 includes 1 horizontal top cutter, 1 horizontal bottom cutter, and 2 vertical side cutters for planing and moulding on the top, bottom, and sides of material at the same time with each pass. All four cutters can be fitted with planing knives or moulding profile knives to produce flooring, planed boards, crown moulding, cabinet trim, paneling, door and window frames, furniture components, and more. 

“Wood-Mizer is committed to providing our customers with the equipment necessary to process material from forest to final form. With its exceptional value and premium components, the MP280 is perfect for woodworkers who value precision, affordability, and the versatility to complete projects from trim and flooring to furniture,” said Chad Sanders, Wood-Mizer Woodworking Product Specialist. 

Market Availability and Ordering

The MP280 Planer/Moulder is now available to order worldwide. For more information or to order, visit woodmizer.com or contact your local Wood-Mizer representative. 

About Wood-Mizer 

Since 1982, Wood-Mizer has earned the reputation as a world-leading wood processing equipment? manufacturer with a strong legacy from its innovative sawmilling products. Serving more than 100,000 customers throughout the world From Forest to Final Form®, Wood-Mizer offers an extensive line of? equipment including narrowband portable and industrial sawmills, wideband sawmilling equipment,? band resaws, board edgers, wood kilns, planer/moulders, firewood processing equipment, pallet? recycling equipment, material handling equipment, sawmill blades, and blade maintenance equipment? for woodworking and forestry hobbyists and professionals all over the world. Visit woodmizer.com for more information. 

Under warm and sunny skies (in February!), the 86^th Annual Oregon Logging Conference (OLC) attracted record numbers of industry professionals, families, friends, and members of the public. 

The entire Lane Events Center and Fairgrounds in Eugene was packed to the brim with over 10 acres of millions of dollars of equipment in the outside area and more than 150,000 square feet of indoor exhibits, educational seminars and events, and social activities. 

“I was very pleased with the turnout, the weather and the speakers,” 86^th Annual OLC President Steve Henson said. “The OLC team did a great job putting on a first-class conference,” he added. 

The Oregon Logging Conference is a significant economic boost to the local economy, and while figures are not available for this year, last year the OLC contributed nearly $9 million to the local economy. This year that amount is expected to be higher than last year, based on increased participation and attendance at the conference.

Keynote Speaker, U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore

Logging and wildfire were two subjects addressed by 86^th Annual OLC keynote speaker Randy Moore. Moore is the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Chief Moore talked about forming partnerships to address the critical impacts of wildfires. 86^th Annual OLC President Steve Henson said, “We need to aggressively step into the partnerships that the USFS Chief laid out and hold the USFS accountable to work with the logging industry to save our forests.” Chief Moore also fielded questions from the audience, critical of Forest Service response to recent wildfires, and indicated a willingness to open a dialogue between the Forest Service and those impacted by Forest Service decisions. 

20^th Annual Desserts for Dreams Luncheon Fundraiser Proceeds Benefit PAVE, Paws Assisting Veterans

At this time more than $20,000 was raised at this event for PAVE, Paws Assisting Veterans, an organization that provides highly trained service dogs to veterans, at no cost, to enhance quality of life. The numbers are still being tallied and the total amount raised is expected to increase. PAVE Lead Trainer and Client Advisor Cheryl Mulick talked about the program at the luncheon and also demonstrated the training. 

Veteran Shelley Corteville, with her service dog Patton, told those gathered how the PAVE program changed her life. 

Future Forestry Workers Career Day

More than 860 high school students and teachers from nearly three dozen Oregon schools attended the 6^th Annual Future Forestry Workers Career Day, held in conjunction with the OLC, in the Livestock Arena on the Lane County Fairgrounds. Industry professionals at this hands-on career day provided students information and the tools they need for entering the logging, forestry, heavy equipment operation, diesel mechanics, wildland firefighting and other related fields. Students learned about both current and future job opportunities. “It was fantastic to see so many young ladies and men from high schools attend this event,” OLC President Henson said. This event is sponsored by the Oregon Logging Conference Foundation.

A high school forestry skills relay was included in the Future Forestry Workers Career Day where students from eight high school forestry clubs competed in activities including cable splicing, choker setting, crosscut and single buck sawing, compass and pacing, tool identification, log scaling, and axe throwing. This skills relay has been part of the Oregon Logging Conference for more than 25 years. 

Waldport High School teams took first, second and fourth places, and third place was Philomath High School. 

Oregon Logging Conference Foundation Auction

More than $28,000 was raised during the Thursday and Friday auction at the Oregon Logging Conference. This money will be deposited in the Oregon Logging Conference Foundation scholarship program. OLCF expressed its appreciation to all donors, winning bidders, auctioneer Jaime Yraguen of Basco Logging, and Will Garrett and other volunteers from Radiator Supply House. 

Log Loader Competition

18 people participated and the first-place winner of the Oregon Logging Conference log loader competition is a familiar name. Zane Bryant, owner/operator of Bryant Logging in Beavercreek, OR claimed the top spot with a time of 3:09:98. Second place was Bryant Logging shovel operator Jeremy Staats with a time of 3:12:25 and 3^rd place was Chuck Walker, of Elk Hill in Florence, OR with a time of 3:32:94.

This popular outdoor event tests the skills of log loader operators, as they demonstrate speed, skill, and efficiency. Operating a Link-Belt log loader, contestants have seven minutes to stack log blocks end-to-end, matching numbers or colors on predetermined marks on the ground.

This event is sponsored by Triad Machinery and Link-Belt.

Guess the Net Scale – Two Loads of Logs and Two Winners

Along with the traditional guess the net scale load of logs, again this year there was a load of chip and saw logs testing the guesser’s scaling abilities.

There were three correct guesses for the net board feet of the load of chip and saw logs, which was 4,250, All three names were put into a hat and the winner drawn was 13-year-old Wyatt Wurzer, whose family owns Wurzer Tree Farms in Molalla, OR.

Tiffany Silbernagel of Little Acre Logging from Lyons, OR was the closest guess to the net board feet of the other load of logs. Her guess was 5,872 and the actual net scale was 5,870.

Wurzer and Silbernagel each received a $250 Cabela's gift card.

Seminars and Panel Discussions 

Topics of current interest were discussed at the 86^th Annual Oregon Logging Conference, while many of those attending earned Professional Logger credits to stay certified and up to date on several issues. 

Subjects addressed included scaling and quality of lesser log species, steep slope logging, updates of the Private Forest Accord, the Washington Forest Practices Act, and how to influence unelected boards and commissions. 

“The Oregon Logging Conference was packed with unique opportunities for forestry and natural resource professionals to network and learn more about their trades,” said OLC Manager Rikki Wellman.

Family Day

Hammering noises were constant just outside the Wheeler Pavilion as the building of wooden bird houses was taking place. Inside the pavilion was live wildlife, face painting and numerous other tree-related activities, as well as free tree seedlings being given away. Family Day is the final day of the Oregon Logging Conference and provides opportunities for industry and non-industry families to learn about and meet industry professionals. 

Oregon Women in Timber Dinner/Auction

The Talk About Trees dinner/auction was a huge success with a sellout crowd of 480 people in attendance. The dinner/auction’s gross proceeds of $143,000 will help support OWIT’s Talk About Trees forest education program, which is offered free to pre-Kindergarten through 8^th grade students. 

Mark Your Calendars for the 87^h Annual Oregon Logging Conference

The dates are set for the 87^th Annual Oregon Logging Conference. Plan to attend the OLC February 20 – 22, 2025 at the Lane Event Center and Fairgrounds in Eugene, OR. 

Doswell, VA will host the premier event for the forestry industry on April 12-13, 2024, with East Coast Sawmill, Logging, and Pallet Equipment Exposition taking center stage. This two-day extravaganza, hosted by the Virginia Forest Products Association and the Cooperative Extension Service at Virginia Tech, promises to be a dynamic platform where industry professionals, manufacturers, and enthusiasts converge to explore cutting-edge technologies and trends shaping the future of the forest products sector.

EXPO Richmond will be held at Meadow Event Park, providing a spacious and state-of-the-art setting for the anticipated gathering of hundreds of exhibitors from around the world. Attendees can expect a comprehensive showcase of the latest equipment, machinery, and innovations related to sawmilling, logging, and pallet manufacturing.

Key Highlights:
1. Global Participation: EXPO Richmond will feature exhibitors from various corners of the globe, offering a unique opportunity for attendees to witness the diversity of forest products technologies and solutions.

2. Cutting-Edge Technology: Industry leaders will unveil their latest advancements in sawmill machinery, logging equipment, and pallet manufacturing technology. From automated sawing solutions to sustainable logging practices, the EXPO will highlight innovations that are shaping the future of the industry.

3. Educational Seminars: In addition to the exhibition, attendees can participate in educational seminars and workshops led by experts in the field. Topics will include hardwood lumber grading, pallet design, and lumber drying practices for small operators.

4. Networking Opportunities: EXPO Richmond provides an ideal platform for networking, fostering collaborations, and building valuable connections within the forest products industry. Attendees will have the chance to engage with professionals, exhibitors, and industry influencers.

5. Live Demonstrations: Witness live demonstrations of state-of-the-art machinery and equipment, showcasing their efficiency and capabilities. Manufacturers will provide insights into the operation and benefits of their products.

6.Weiler Loader Contest: Watch operators show off their speed, agility and accuracy in the Weiler Loader Contest to benefit Log A Load for Kids. Log A Load for Kids is an annual campaign which began in 1988 when loggers and others in the forest products community donated the value of a load of logs to their local CMN hospital. Today, Log A Load is a leader in CMN Hospitals’ fundraising, raising more than $2 million annually through golf tournaments, fishing events, dinners, truck loads of log donations and other events.

The East Coast Sawmill, Logging, and Pallet Equipment Exposition is a must-attend event for anyone involved in the forest products industry. Whether you are a seasoned professional, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a technology enthusiast, this EXPO offers a unique opportunity to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving world of forestry.
To register for the event or for more information, please visit www.exporichmond.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Lesley Moseley
Executive Director
Virginia Forest Products Association
(804) 389-0787
[email protected]

The revised website combines six Southern Pine lumber resources websites under one site

The Southern Forest Products Association has published its newly redesigned website – SouthernPine.com – to provide an easy-to-use, one-stop-shop for all Southern Pine lumber technical guidance, resources, and best-use applications. 

SouthernPine.com combines the following sites into a single resource for all things related to Southern Pine lumber: 

• SouthernPine.com (and the members-only site) 
• SFPA.org 
• Southern Pine Global 
• Southern Pine Decks 
• Raised Floor Living and Raised Floor Living Pro 

“The SFPA team put a lot of thought into the design and functionality of the site, focusing on how users like design professionals, builders, and DIYers would access the valuable information that supports the Southern Pine lumber community,” said Eric Gee, SFPA’s executive director. “The end result is a more unified and user-friendly experience for all, with the goal to further reinforce SFPA as the resource for all things Southern Pine lumber.” 

The re-envisioned website project came out of strategic visioning and planning the SFPA board of directors conducted in 2020. The new site meets all current accessibility requirements, and all content can be translated into 12 languages to drive Southern Pine lumber’s demand and increase user knowledge around the globe.  

“In addition to bringing all our resources under one recognizable brand and URL, we’re very excited to offer the growing international community of Southern Pine users a complete resource in their native languages,” Gee said.  

St. Martin, MN – Rotochopper, Inc. proudly announces the launch of Sarlac, a cutting-edge machine designed to revolutionize material downsizing and recycling for businesses operating across a wide range of industries. Sarlac is an innovative patent-pending shear point shredding solution that offers unprecedented proficiency in downsizing materials efficiently for businesses seeking cost-effective material handling solutions.

As the market demands sustainable and economically viable practices, Sarlac emerges as the go-to choice for businesses looking to maximize profitability while reducing waste. This state-of-the-art equipment efficiently downsizes materials that would typically be discarded, presenting an unparalleled opportunity for revenue generation through recycling. Sarlac enhances workplace safety and comfort, with an impressively low noise level and reduced airborne dust making it the ideal choice for a variety of work environments.

Key features and benefits of Sarlac include:

Compact Design: Sarlac is intelligently designed to occupy minimal space while delivering maximum performance, making it a versatile option for operations and workflows.

Economical Solution: Offering an affordable and cost-effective approach to material downsizing and recycling, Sarlac ensures optimized resource utilization without compromising on quality.

Efficiency in Downsizing: Sarlac excels in downsizing various materials, enabling businesses to process waste effectively, thereby reducing disposal costs significantly.

Revenue Generation Opportunities: By recycling materials that would otherwise be discarded, Sarlac opens new revenue streams for businesses, transforming waste into valuable resources.

Chad Angeli, Rotochopper Vice President of Customer Experience shared, “Sarlac’s versatility allows us to help more customers with their needs.  It’s compact design, low noise level, and reduced airborne dust, allow Sarlac to be used in more applications.  We’re confident it will help us create more partnerships with new and existing customers.”

Sarlac caters specifically to the needs of small pallet manufacturers and similar businesses, providing an alternative solution when larger Rotochopper equipment might not be a suitable option. Customizable to your specific needs, Sarlac offers versatility with different electric motor size options and conveyor configurations, ensuring a perfect fit for your operational demands.

"We are excited to introduce Sarlac to the market, offering a compact and cost-effective solution that empowers businesses to efficiently manage their waste while unlocking new revenue streams through recycling," said Tosh Brinkerhoff, Rotochopper CEO.

Sarlac is not just a machine; it’s a commitment to efficient, space-saving, and cost-effective operations.

For more information about Sarlac and how it can benefit your business, please visit https://www.rotochopper.com/product/sarlac/ or contact your sales representative for more information.

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Headquartered in St. Martin, Minnesota, Rotochopper designs, builds, and supports a complete line of horizontal grinders, wood chip processors, shredders, screening equipment, conveyors, and mobile baggers. Rotochopper is a leading provider of innovative solutions in the waste and wood recycling industries with a commitment to sustainability and excellence. We strive to deliver cutting-edge equipment that meets the evolving needs of our customers.

The Southern Forest Products Association has announced the 38^th Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition will return to the Music City Center in Nashville, TN from August 6-8, 2025.  

 “The move to Nashville in August 2023 exceeded all expectations, and we heard it over and over on the show floor and for weeks after the event from exhibitors and attendees alike,” said Eric Gee, SFPA’s executive director. “We’ve already had booth space requests, so we can’t wait to return to the Music City Center for our 38^th edition.” 

Since 1950, Forest Products EXPO has provided a place for both hardwood and softwood sawmillers to gather, celebrate new technology, network, and learn about the industry’s latest machinery and equipment. 

The three-day tradeshow provides attendees with solutions for nearly every stage of wood product manufacturing. From raw material handling to crane operations; metal detection and scanning technologies; log optimization, drying, grading, sorting, packaging, and distribution. 

“The SFPA team has already started securing hotel room blocks, and our EXPO Advisory Committee is discussing plans to make 2025 even better,” Gee said. Exhibit space sales for the 38th Forest Products Machinery & Equipment EXPO are scheduled to open in May 2024. 

Sawmills are dangerous environments for cameras. There’s dust, debris, and full-sized logs and boards moving at high speeds. 

In a West Fraser mill in Florida, an Opticom CC04 camera took a direct hit by a board moving on the line—and it survived. The camera still works; it just had to be remounted on a new vibration mount. 

Here’s a photo provided by the mill that shows the immediate aftermath of the incident. Because West Fraser puts safety first, the operator was in his cab and all workers were safely outside the danger zone of the board.

This CC04 camera was (and is again) mounted on the mill’s edger to watch the edger tailor because, as the facility’s Lead Electrician, Richard Akers, pointed out, “Sometimes things don’t always move correctly, so the operator can see what’s going on back there.”

In this case, a couple of boards got stuck when the tailor was shifting. Boards behind them ramped up and slammed right into the camera. A board hit the camera and knocked it off its mount, then another board came behind and pushed it farther away. 

“At one point, the camera was hanging from one cord,” said Akers. “We were honestly surprised the cord held up.”

Here’s a zoomed-in shot of the camera right after the incident. The board moved it about 4-5 feet away from its mounted position, which was on the right side of this photo—by the electrical wiring.

You can see how the camera is being held up by the board and one cord. 

As any safety-conscious sawmill would, the team reviewed the footage to see what happened, which is when they discovered the stuck boards that led to the backup, ramping, and direct hit. 

The Opticom camera worked through it all. Akers said, “When we watched the footage, the camera went black for a second, then came back on to a different view because, of course, it had been pushed to a different spot.”  

“All we had to do was replace the mount,” he said. The camera continues to work, even after a high-speed direct hit. “This is a testament to the durability of Opticom cameras.”

West Fraser uses Opticom cameras primarily for monitoring operations in areas that are hard to see from operator cabs. “We’ve done our research, and they’re the best cameras that are available,” said Akers. “Plus, Opticom is super knowledgeable about sawmills and what we need for video monitoring.”

If you’re a sawmill that wants to upgrade your video monitoring to built-to-last cameras that can take a direct hit, let’s talk.

Quadco Corporate - Quadco, a leader in forestry equipment innovation, has purchased the distribution rights to the Bracke Forest AB line from Silvana Import Trading, Inc. This partnership will expand Quadco’s product offerings to include Bracke’s disc trenchers, mounders, planters and seeders, and felling heads.

Founded in 1922, Bracke holds many patents and offers top-quality forestry equipment with a focus on conservation. Their equipment is designed to promote soil reforestation and environmental health while maintaining economic and productivity standards. Located in Bräcke, Sweden, Bracke Forest AB serves customers in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.

This expansion of its product offerings will allow Quadco to provide its clients with additional solutions for their forestry equipment needs. It also supports Quadco’s interest in assisting its clients in meeting their goals for sustainable, renewable forestry practices. Quadco plans to retain key Silvana team members during this transition, ensuring that current Bracke customers in North America experience uninterrupted support and service.

Partnering with Bracke Forest AB is the most recent step in Quadco’s history of revolutionizing the forestry industry. The inclusion of new, regenerative products in its catalog allows Quadco to further support its clients by providing equipment to handle a wider range of forestry projects. With the combined history and innovative expertise of Bracke Forest AB and Quadco, forestry professionals will have greater access to the tools and support they need to operate effectively.

For product inquiries, contact: [email protected]

About Quadco: Quadco is a pioneer in the forestry industry. Incorporated in 1989, the company is recognized worldwide for revolutionizing the forestry industry through the development of the Quad Tooth System® as well as other valuable forestry attachments used by loggers every day. Its mission is to manufacture world-class cutting systems to fulfill customers’ needs, provide satisfying careers for all employees, and earn a fair return. Quadco is continuously improving in order to create partnerships with its customers for a collective successful future.