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Wisconsin based Multitek North America expands its forestry machinery lineup with recent acquisition of Wood Beaver Forestry. In continuing with the company’s growth and diversification strategy, Multitek North America, LLC announced today the acquisition of Hartford, Wisconsin based Wood Beaver Forestry. Established in 2007 Wood Beaver Forestry manufactures a lineup of wood processing machinery including firewood conveyors, bundling equipment, firewood processors and support equipment related to firewood production. Company President, Douglas Kamps states “Our addition of Wood Beaver will further grow our forestry machinery line and enable us to better serve both small and large producers of firewood. This addition will enable Multitek to add industry leading service, support, and sales throughout its new Wood Beaver line. Scott Eifler, former President of Wood Beaver Forestry said he sees Multitek as the ideal suitor to take his business forward. “We have worked with Wisconsin based Multitek on many occasions in the past and we feel that our clients will benefit greatly from Multitek’s focus and deep roots in the firewood processor industry.” Multitek’s global footprint and additional expertise in engineering, hydraulics, manufacturing, and sourcing will benefit Wood Beavers growing lineup of firewood processors and accessories. Multitek’s full service production facility and manufacturing aligns the two companies for continued product and service expansion and will harmonize best in class offerings from smaller producers of firewood on up to the largest in the world. Manufacturing of the Wood Beaver line is moving to Multitek’s Tomahawk and Prentice, Wisconsin facilities immediately to bring additional advanced manufacturing techniques and abilities to further harmonize the two product lines. About Multitek: Multitek North America, LLC was founded in the 1970’s by the forest industry legend, Leo Heikkinen. Multitek from its early beginning has had a strong focus on the production of firewood and related support equipment. Very early designs incorporated advanced hydraulic technologies and new concepts for the moving of materials and machine components. Early machines that are still in use today still use Multitek’s patented shuttle grapple log infeed system to enable the user to process low-grade logs into profitable firewood. Multitek has continually stayed at the forefront of hydraulic advancements and engineering abilities to produce industry leading machinery for the production of firewood. Multitek has a global customer network and ships machines around the world providing suppliers small and large cost effective solutions to meet the demands of their forestry business. Multitek has firewood processors on 6 of the 7 continents worldwide. The addition of the Wood Beaver line provides a line-up of firewood processors comparable to none. The Wood Beaver little beaver 13 is an entry level model starting under $10,000 and ideal for personal and acreage use. Multitek’s flagship models 2040 and 3040 products offer firewood production up to 7 cords per hour that serve the largest suppliers worldwide. The two product lines offer a combined 14 different models of firewood processors with many additional options to make a truly customized solution. In addition to Multitek’s forestry machinery line-up, Multitek manufactures and distributes machinery for the oil & gas industry and also the power generation industry. Portable flameless heaters, and diesel powered generators are also manufactured at Multitek’s Wisconsin facilities and distributed worldwide. For additional information on Multitek and Wood Beaver Forestry, please visit www.multitekinc.com and www.woodbeaver.net. You can also reach Multitek at 800-243-5438.

New from Woodcracker is a New and Larger Whole Log Splitter, the L1200. Expanding the line of “L” series splitters suitable as a stand alone machine, or mounted on a loader, The L1200 brings 33 tons of splitting force with an opening of over 47 inches.

Woodcracker releases new products for 2017, announces new relationship with Mecalac of North America. Engineered and manufactured in Austria, Woodcracker extends its line of land clearing tree shears with its’ model CL 190, a compact, affordable shear designed for mini excavators in the 2.5 – 7.5 ton range. Suitable for harvesting bushes and small trees up to 10 inches in diameter. Lorusso Heavy Equipment of Walpole, MA, Woodcracker’s newest dealer in New England, is expecting its first CL 190 in early January to mate to the Mecalac 6MCR. According to AJ Lorusso, president of Lorusso Heavy Equipment, “the Woodcracker CL190 is a perfect complement to the Mecalac 6MCR , as it is compatible with the Mecalac quick coupling system, and the extra high reach of the Mecalac boom makes the combination a natural for tree work, while not losing any functionality as an excavator.”

Looking for a buncher or harvester that can handle today’s large cutting attachments without sacrificing performance? Look no further than the TimberPro 765 series. Our 765 series is the pinnacle of large bunchers featuring our legendary closed loop hydrostatic track drive system with stump pulling torque, hydrostatic swing featuring dual motors for the ultimate in swing torque and pin point accuracy. With the 765 series you can expect to get more wood on the ground, faster. All this with class leading serviceability and the best factory support in the industry makes the TimberPro 765 the machine to beat. More information is available at www.timberpro.com.

European bandsaw producer Metamob has relocated into a new facility combining production and commercial activities under one roof. The new facility with 50,000 square feet of space houses new production equipment from Iseli capable of meeting the increased demands from USA markets. Earlier this year Metamob formally annouced an exclusive distribution agreement with Union Grove Saw & Knife. Under the terms of this agreement, Union Grove handles all sales and service of bandsaw blades produced by Metamob in the U.S. Istvan Hutton co-founded Metamob in 1994 to meet demand for woodworking tools in their local markets. In 1997 the company started producing various configurations of extremely high quality bandsaw and frame saw blades at compeitive prices. Professional sharpening services followed in the same year. Today production is extremely focused on the niche market of wide and narrow bandsaw blades for the sawmill industry. The new facility is the cumulative efforts of many individuals but special thanks was given to Production manager and Head Engineer Vasile Sav whom with support from engineer Oana Silaghi developed detailed plans for the facility layout and relocation. The move was officially complete with a cerimonal opening in October attended by nearly 100 employees of the operation. Metamob has the largest installed base of Iseli machines, world reknown as the premium basis for bandsaw production globally. Hutton expressed, ”Customers Metamob can now expect an even higher quality and delivery time as a result of consolidating all operations under one roof.” ”To further complement our growing demand, we are now able to inventory larger amounts of raw material in various sizes to support the U.S. market demands,” Hutton added. Union Grove Saw and Knife, Inc. was founded in 1983 by Ed Bissell. Today it services over 300 customers. Most importantly the company still services and maintains its original 10 accounts. In 2016 a new management team was established with Anthony DeHart leading the expansion efforts. Union Grove has built a reputation for being competitively priced while delivering a consistently high standard of workmanship and quality products, and maintaining timely deliveries in ever changing market conditions. ”Union Grove recognizes that in order to provide customers with the highest possible product quality for every cutting application, unique partnerships with wolrd-class producers have to be established. This relationship with Metamob exemplifies this type of partnering relationship”, stated Anthony DeHart. ”Our goal is to form long-term partnering relationships with customers who seek to gain a competitive advantage through better management of their cutting tool resources. We are committed to helping you achieve better management and efficiency of your tooling which results in a lower total cost of ownership and utilization.” Dehart added. For more information on Metamob or Union Grove, contact Anthony DeHart at 828-217-3739 or anthony@sawandknife.com. Additional details can also be found at: www.sawandknife.com or www.metamob.ro

INVESTORS ARE PREPARING EASTPORT AND SEARSPORT TO SEND CHIPS TO EUROPE TO FEED BIOMASS GENERATORS THERE. Maine is poised to finally begin shipping wood chips to Europe for power generation next year if plans underway at Eastport and Searsport stay on schedule. After years of false starts, these developments would be especially welcome now, as the ongoing decline of the paper and in-state biomass power industries has hit hundreds of loggers and truckers who used to harvest and move fiber to Maine mills and generators. The value of U.S.-based wood fuel sent to the European Union in 2015 exceeded $684 million, according to export research firm WISERtrade, but none of it came from Maine. The state’s first opportunity could come next year in Eastport, where the port authority has been working on export plans since 2009. A company it has partnered with is building special equipment that processes the chips to standards required in Europe. Chris Gardner, the authority’s director, said that while the equipment may be ready by year’s end, he thinks it’s more realistic to begin exporting wood chips in 2017. “We have been reluctant to talk about this in the press,” he said. “We don’t want to put a lot of false hope into the market.” Meanwhile, Arthur House, president and chief executive of Maine Woods Biomass Exports LLC, has begun making railroad ties and other wood products in Millinocket along a rail line that connects the North Woods with Searsport. The ties are being sent by rail to Quebec, but the work is a prelude to shipping logs through Searsport to India in January, and wood chips to Europe in early 2018. “We want to make Searsport a fiber hub,” House said. Behind the optimism is an EU mandate that member countries get 20 percent of their overall energy supply from renewables in 2020. Part of that means converting coal-burning power plants to wood pellets and chips. But wood can carry invasive insects, so European Union regulations require all imported wood to be heat-treated to kill bugs. Suppliers need to receive government certification of their process, called phytosanitation. In Eastport, the port authority has been working with Maine-based Phyto Charter, a company that has been working with the University of Maine to develop a patent-pending system of heating the wood after it’s loaded into the hulls of chip carriers. Once loaded into cargo ships, the chip containers are hooked up to a blower system that delivers heated air that kills any stowaway pests. Maine Woods Biomass, meanwhile, plans to build a phytosanitation plant in Stockton Springs. It plans to start construction early next year, House said. The technology was proven during a test shipment of fiber for papermaking in Germany. House has ambitious plans for developing a supply chain network that will process and heat-treat chips, logs and other wood products, with a goal of exporting 600,000 metric tons per year. House said the company has signed long-term contracts for this volume with utilities in Europe. Roughly three-quarters of the fiber would arrive in rail cars over the Central Maine & Quebec Railway, which connects Millinocket with Searsport, as well as Lac-Megantic, Quebec. The company also has space at the terminal in Searsport to handle the material. A recent story in Biomass magazine outlined technical details of the proposal, which it said carried a price tag of $25 million. House told the Portland Press Herald the company has raised that much through a combination of equity and investor financing. LESS COMPETITION FOR WOOD FIBER Wood pellet and chip cargoes from the United States to Europe and the United Kingdom have been soaring in recent years, but most of it comes from the Southeast. Both House and Gardner say Maine has an advantage over Southeast ports because it’s closer to Europe and buyers can save on shipping costs. But plans to export wood fuel from Maine have repeatedly been delayed over the years for a variety of reasons that include competing for fiber supply with papermaking. Those worries have largely receded in most of Maine following the closures and cutbacks at mills. That has people who work in the woods watching the Eastport and Searsport proposals with interest. “Anything is going to help at this point,” said Brain Souers, president of Treeline Inc. in Lincoln, a logging and forest products company. “I don’t think we can go down any further.” Souers, a past president of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine, has visited the Maine Woods Biomass operation in Millinocket. He said he has been talking to House about supplying chips or logs. Souers and other loggers have been reeling from repeated bad news in the forest products industry. Last week, Verso Corp. announced more layoffs at its Jay paper mill. Loggers estimate that will cut fiber demand by 500,000 tons. Within the past two years, the Expera pulp mill in Old Town, Verso’s Bucksport mill, the Lincoln Paper and Tissue mill, and the Madison Paper Industries mill have closed, along with two biomass power plants. These and other losses have led to creation of a federal task force seeking solutions, as well as a state study of the biomass industry. John Henshaw, director of the Maine Port Authority, said it’s too early to say to what degree wood-fuel exports can offset losses in other markets, but that the state could be entering an era in which chip exports become a regular occurrence. “I think there’s a potential for that,” he said. “I’m cautiously optimistic.” By Tux Turkel, Staff Writer, Portland Press Herald Link to original article - http://www.pressherald.com/2016/11/08/ports-gearing-up-for-chip-exports-to-eu/

Brewco Inc., headquartered in Central City, Kentucky has announced the recent completion and shipment of the Big Jake 6000 Sharp Chain Scragg System to Charles City Timber and Mat, Inc. located in Enfield, North Carolina. The Big Jake 6000 is the latest generation scragg system based upon the Big Jake 4000 from the former Timberland Machinery. Brewco Inc. purchased the manufacturing rights to the Big Jake Scragg line in August of 2015. Since then, Brewco personnel have visited and interviewed Big Jake owners in order to discover what they liked about their Big Jake Scraggs and what improvements and refinements should be made. From those interviews Brewco was able to implement many improvements into this classic scragg, notably structural improvements to make the system more durable. Brewco was able to perform structural analysis on the design by utilizing Solidworks® 3D CAD software. This newest generation scragg system, the Big Jake 6000 is designed to handle logs from 8’ to 20’ in length. In order to facilitate the long log length, this system is over 120’ long. This long length required it to be manufactured in seven different and distinct sections. Once the system’s fabrication was completed, it was set up at Brewco’s headquarters and assembled and tested with logs in order to minimize troubleshooting at start-up at the customer’s site. All of the automation of the various functions of the Big Jake 6000 was designed and the PLC coding was written in-house by Brewco’s Automation Engineer by following the original Big Jake software protocols. The setworks allows the operator to measure the log diameter and enter a cut value into the first set of circle saws. After the log is rolled and set on the sharp chain, the computer system takes over and automates the rest of the processes throughout the system. Both the front set of circle saws and the back set of circle saws allow for cut sets from 6” to 16”. Once the log is cut by the first set of saws a two-sided cant is produced. This two-sided cant is moved downstream and automatically turned 90 degrees, then centered, clamped, and scanned. From there, the second set of circle saws is automatically set based upon the width. Once the saws are set, the cant is re-leased and made into a four-sided cant. The customer, Charles City Timber and Mat, Inc. owns a Big Jake 4000 Scragg System at its other facility in Providence Forge, VA. The location of the Big Jake 6000 in Enfield, NC is a completely new mill for Charles City Timber and Mat. Patrick Evelyn, president of Charles City Timber and Mat states “As I observed the five tractor trailers being unloaded here with my new Big Jake 6000 I was immediately impressed. I could not believe how much beefier and heavier this system is. I know how great my 4000 is, I cannot wait to get my 6000 in place and up and running. This is my first time working with the folks at Brewco so I was a little apprehensive. But from how well they communicated and interacted with me, what I’ve heard from other Brewco customers, and from what I’ve seen with my own eyes, I already know this is the best decision I’ve ever made”. For more information on the Big Jake 6000 please visit us at www.brewcoinc.com or call 800-237-6880.

Precision Sharpening Devices, Inc. is proud to announce the newest member of the "Bevel Buddy" family. With our customers in mind and our "What's best for the customer" focus, the new, innovative and highly requested, "Bevel Buddy Pneumatic" is here. The "Bevel Buddy Pneumatic" sharpener is designed for customers that use air tools, and for whole tree chippers that have air on board. With 90 PSI requirements (an optional inline regulator will be offered), this unit boasts an extra heavy duty drive motor (.9 Horsepower) for extra stall resistance and rear exhaust. It is ergonomic with a soft touch coating that offers ultimate comfort and reduced vibration. The operator can now index the "Bevel Buddy" head 6 times for extended life of the abrasive attached. The "Bevel Buddy Pneumatic" is supplied with an oil bottle that will assist the operator in the tool maintenance, which will assure the extended life and performance of your tool. To learn more about this product, please contact:

The Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA) Board of Directors elected its 2017 slate of officers during its recent Annual Meeting in Williamsburg, Virginia. They are Chairman Kerlin Drake of Canfor Southern Pine, El Dorado, Arkansas; Vice Chair Donna Whitaker of Interfor U.S., Peachtree City, Georgia; Treasurer Steven Mason of Deltic Timber Corporation, El Dorado, Arkansas. The Board also reelected Tami Kessler as Executive Director and elected William Almond of Almond Brothers Lumber Company in Coushatta, Louisiana, to serve as Immediate Past Chairman. The officers assume their duties immediately. “I look forward to continuing the legacy of this association, working with the excellent staff at SFPA,” Chairman Drake said. “Our association is a strong voice in the industry, and I hope to build on that strength as we continue activities through the coming year,” he added. New officers pictured to the left: (Standing L-R) Chairman Kerlin Drake of Canfor Southern Pine, El Dorado, AR; Vice Chair Donna Whitaker of Interfor U.S., Peachtree City, GA; Treasurer Steven Mason of Deltic Timber Corporation, El Dorado, AR. (Seated L-R) Tami Kessler as Executive Director; William Almond of Almond Brothers Lumber Company in Coushatta, LA, as Immediate Past Chairman.

Morbark, a leading manufacturer of equipment used in forestry, recycling, tree care, landscaping, sawmill and biomass markets, announced today the appointment of David Herr as Chief Executive Officer. In addition to being an active member of the current Morbark Board, he brings extensive knowledge from experience with both products and services companies. He replaces Dan Ruskin, who resigned due to health issues. “The Board is thankful for Dan’s leadership over the past six months as the Company has transitioned to the next phase in its development,” said Ray Whiteman, Chairman of the Board. “Our thoughts are with Dan and his family, and we wish him a speedy recovery.” “Morbark is fortunate to have a strong and deep leadership team and Board, and we are pleased that David Herr has agreed to step into the CEO role,” Whiteman added. “We have known Dave for many years and have been impressed by his track record of building high-performing leadership teams that drive growth while respecting core values. The Board is excited about the Company’s strategic direction and commitment to supporting its current and growing customer base, partners and employees.” Ruskin said, “It has been an enormous privilege to have led Morbark during this period of important change and growth. I remain confident that Dave and the team will continue to execute Morbark’s strategy and that the Company will enjoy continued success in the future.” Herr is an accomplished industry executive with more than 30 years of relevant experience in operations, supply chain management and executive management with major companies, including Navistar, GE Aircraft Engines and BAE Systems. He has diverse business experience in the areas of heavy-duty truck manufacturing, commercial avionics, commercial ship repair, munitions production, and information and intelligence analysis. In his most recent role as executive vice president at BAE Systems, he was responsible for one of the largest government service sectors in the U.S. with over 19,000 employees. He also currently serves as a Board Member for MHI Holdings, a ship repair contractor for the U.S. Navy. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from St. Francis College, in Fort Wayne, Ind., and Master of Business Administration degree from Northern Kentucky University. He has generously donated his time to numerous charitable organizations and will be relocating from Ft. Wayne, Ind., to Winn, Mich., in the near future. “Morbark has built a great reputation with its customers and partners. I look forward to moving from a Board position to leverage my operational experience to further grow the Morbark franchise,” said Herr. About Morbark: Morbark, LLC, based in Winn, Mich., has been innovating and manufacturing durable, high-performance equipment for forestry, recycling, tree care, sawmill and biomass markets for nearly 60 years. Morbark equipment helps customers harvest, process and convert wood and other organic waste materials into valuable, useful and profitable products. The Company produces a full line of whole tree and waste wood chippers, flails, brush chippers, horizontal and tub grinders, sawmill equipment, material handling systems and more.

The Kentucky Wood Expo is returning to Lexington, KY on September 15th and 16th, 2017 at Masterson Station Park. The 2017 show will mark the 32nd Kentucky Wood Expo and will be the third Expo at the Lexington location which continues to grow in size and attendance. An expected 5,000-6,000 visitors from around the region will be on hand to see the latest in wood processing equipment for the forest products industry and enjoy all types of educational events and demonstrations. The Kentucky Wood Expo will feature a wide range of both indoor and outdoor exhibits and demonstrations for everyone to enjoy. Sawmill, pallet, logging, secondary, and all types of wood processing machinery will be on display along with a wide range of support services. Inside and outside exhibit space is available and exhibitor registration is now available for the show. Educational displays will also be present and a number of groups will be available to discuss current forestry issues and the latest in local markets. Logger education classes will be conducted both days during the show with the third annual Log Some Miles 5K race to take place at the grounds on Saturday morning. Along with the industry exhibits, a number of activities will be taking place for the entire family to enjoy. Activities will include chain saw carving competition, open lumberjack competitions, knuckleboom and skidder contests, log guess, craft displays and a silent auction to benefit the Log a Load for Kids and the Kentucky Children’s Hospital at the University of Kentucky. Woodworking classes on both days will offer a chance for attendees to make their own free cutting board or birdhouse courtesy of the Wood Expo. The Lexington location has plenty of hotels and a major airport to make it easy for both Exhibitors and potential customers to attend the show. The Expo is in the center of a major hardwood lumber producing and processing area and attracts attendees from the region and the surrounding states. Reserve your space now to get the best location. The Show will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Friday and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. Mark your calendar now to exhibit or attend the Kentucky Wood Expo in Lexington, KY on September 15 & 16, 2017.

One of the primary and secondary wood industries’ most trusted and respected companies is celebrating its 40th year supplying sawmill owners, pallet operations, mulch operations and other secondary wood processing plants with reliable used and new machinery. The company was founded by Ben Jones in Columbus, GA and later owned and operated by his son Mike. In 1993 the company’s present owner, Ken Dickert, started in the sales department. Ken bought the company ten years ago and today continues to lead the operation with a staff of eleven. Its recent move from Columbus to the former Mead Woodlands property near Waverly Hall, GA (about 20 miles from the previous location) allowed the company to expand its operation. In addition to its huge inventory of used equipment, Ben Jones Machinery now stocks new Precision Chippers, new Precision and Webster Vibrating Conveyors and new MDI Metal Detectors. It also specializes in conveyor modification and repair as well as reconditioning of all sorts of processing machinery for the lumber and secondary wood products industries. For more information on the company or to make your next machinery purchase, call 1-800-241-8983, visit www.benjones.com or e-mail sales@benjones.com.