June 23, 2017 - Bosch Rexroth Canada Corp. is pleased to announce the appointment of TRC Hydraulics www.trchydraulics.com as Authorized Distributor for Industrial and Mobile Hydraulics products in all of Atlantic Canada effective May 1, 2017.

June 23, 2017 - Wallingford’s Inc. has recently been appointed as a new Carlton Harvester & Slasher chain distributor to serve customers all across North America.

June 22, 2017 - It’s February and -40C outside. You’re starting your workday long before the sun rises, deep in the forest. You will be working on roads that hardly anyone uses, especially now in the dead of winter. Most notably, you’re working alone. If anything were to go wrong, no one would know. Knowing the risks, you go out and start your day because this is your livelihood.

June 20, 2017 - Canadian Forest Industries tracks down the newest forwarder products available for loggers in Canada.

June 20, 2017 - A Canadian product that combines innovative research and leading-edge technology to produce dramatic differences in performance is revolutionizing the lubricant industry for industrial and heavy equipment operators across the country.

June 19, 2017 - According to research published in the Southern Journal of Applied Forestry 35(4), using in-forest weighing scales can boost the payload efficiency of log trucks.

June 12, 2017 - A seven-kilometre stretch of forest in Sweden welcomed almost 42,000 visitors from around the world last week to view the newest advancements forestry manufacturers have to offer.

June 9, 2017 - Bandit Industries, Inc. has expanded its line of skid-steer loader attachments to include the Model SA-25, a hydraulically powered stump grinder attachment that operates off a loader’s existing high flow hydraulic systems. The SA-25 features a 24.5” diameter Revolution cutterwheel, the same size cutterwheel found on some of Bandit’s largest self-propelled stump grinders. The Model SA-25 joins Bandit’s already-robust lineup of skid-steer loader attachments that includes the Bandit Stump Gun vertical stump grinder and the Model 60FM and Model 72FM forestry mulchers. All Bandit attachments bring the power and productivity of a Bandit to the versatility of a skid-steer loader. “Skid-steer loaders are already on the job all over the world,” said Bandit sales manager Jason Morey. “Adding a Model SA-25 or Stump Gun stump grinder makes quick work of stump removals in land clearing, right-of-way or construction jobs. And a Model 60FM or 72FM can turn your skid-steer loader into your most productive mulching machine.”

June 9, 2017 - On a rainy April morning in B.C.’s Fraser Valley, I almost missed a chance to spend time with Dillon Lind, the son half of a father-son logging business, DLind Contracting, based in Chilliwack.

June 9, 2017 - Donny Glover is a unique guy. It’s not just that he is one of a shrinking number of first-phase subcontractors in B.C., or Canada for that matter . . . there is something else about him that makes him unique. Maybe it’s his grit.

June 9, 2017 - Without fail, Kelly McGlynn, the owner/operator of McGlynn Contracting based near Grande Prairie, Alta., will walk the block of his next harvesting location.

June 19, 2017 - Canadian Forest Industries and Canadian Biomass are highlighting dust safety best practices, technical information and solutions, during Dust Safety Week 2017 from June 26 to 30!

June 15, 2017 - What would you do if the 2x4 market suddenly collapsed overnight? Would you be able to quickly pick up the pieces and adapt? The thought of this happening is what prompted Maibec to develop a $25-million investment plan for its mill in Saint-Pamphile, Que.

June 13, 2017 - Dallan Holdings, a mill yard services company based in Thunder Bay, Ont., exemplifies what a company can accomplish when it focuses on its people. Co-owner and general manager, Dale Levesque is the man behind that focus.

June 12, 2017 - Gilles Plante, general superintendent of the newly opened Resolute Forest Products Atikokan sawmill in northwestern Ontario, has plans for the future of his mill: to be the best.

June 9, 2017 - WorkSafeBC data collected by employers in 2015 from more than 150,000 hearing tests of workers in all industries in B.C. shows noise-induced hearing loss is trending upwards among forestry workers – increasing from 11 to 20 per cent between 1995 and 2015.

June 6, 2017 - The trade of sawfiling goes back to when men first started cutting wood with saws. In the beginning, filers were largely self taught and performed their mysteries behind the locked doors of their shops where even the mill owners needed permission before being allowed to enter the shadowy realm of the “Saw Doctors.”

June 6, 2017 - For the last five years most woodworking facilities have seen an increase in efforts to ensure wood processing facilities which create combustible dust meet the safety standards as defined by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association). In several instances this is their first exposure to the NFPA and how it affects safety and cost.

May 26, 2017 - Don’t be complacent about chain shot safety! That’s the message of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) as it outlines basic steps to reduce risk. “Even very experienced operators can be exposed to the risk; manufacturers strive to design out hazards but a design that completely eliminates the chain shot hazard is a tall order,” notes Nathan Burton, a technical & safety services manager for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). Tree harvesters and processor attachments equipped with hydraulic bar saws cut with great power and speed, and chain breaks can cause a “crack the whip” event, explains Burton, who added that chain shot occurs usually without being noticed. When a chain breaks, if a resulting whipping action projects a chain shot link, the link often has a mass, velocity and resultant energy, in some cases enough to reach an operator in a cab, which has potential to cause damage, harm or severe injury. This may be complicated by the remote nature of forestry operations. AEM’s Forestry Equipment Council offers these tips to help advance chain shot safety. 1. Use correct machine settings Know and follow recommended settings of machine and attachment manufacturer. Read operator manuals for safe operating guidance. This includes hydraulic settings. Out of spec pressures and speed adds considerable strain, which can contribute to the risk of chain failure. Follow recommended guide bar feedload and linear speed (ft/min) recommended for the chain. Maintain the bar force according to manufacturer specifications. 2. Check every chain before and after sharpening Always use high quality chain recommended for the attachment. Inspect each chain before mounting. Look for link pin wear, signs of strain, and accidental damage during sharpening. Discard questionable chains. 3. Avoid habits that risk chain damage Keep the saw above ground. Remove chains at the first sign they need sharpening. Dull chains place more stress on the links. Be sure the harvester/processor attachment is equipped with a “chain catcher” and “energy absorbing shot guard” - these greatly reduce chain shot hazards*. Inspect the shot guard and chain catcher with every visit to the attachment. Replace or repair as needed. *The chain shot guard should meet the requirements of ISO 11837:2011 “Machinery for forestry - Saw chain shot guarding systems - Test method and performance criteria.” 4. Know and respect the “shot cone” The likely path of shot or “shot cone” is the area of most danger as it represents the most likely route of chain shot travel. The shot cone follows the plane of the bar in both directions so all in the shot cone are at risk.  In use, orient the attachment so the “shot cone” is pointed away from you and other machine operators, co-workers, or bystanders. Check that no persons in the shot cone area are masked from your sight. Know where the chain shot zone is relative to the bar and chain; don’t align to look directly down the bar during cuts! 5. Care for the cab windows Cab windows that can be exposed to the “shot cone” should meet the appropriate requirements to serve as effective guards. Don’t make unauthorized modifications to the glazing or the mount, and follow appropriate maintenance procedures. Some cleaners are not suitable for many window materials. AEM and safety awareness AEM supports safety awareness year-round by offering an extensive array of safety products, including operator safety manuals, for major equipment types covering forestry, aerial, agricultural, compact/portable, earthmoving, lifting, road paving and utility excavation applications. AEM’s Forestry Equipment Council was established in 1975 as a manufacturers’ forum to discuss and work cooperatively on issues affecting forestry and forest harvest operations, including operator safety. Forestry-specific products include log skidders, tracked and wheeled fellers, tracked and wheeled harvesters, log forwarders, and knuckleboom loaders. Visit www.aem.org for more information.

May 19, 2017 - Laser-based wood processing line BLT WoodCut from Biatec Laser Technology will premiere at the Ligna 2017 trade fair May 22–27 in Hanover, Germany. Biatec Laser Technology introduces the new era in wood processing with its technology designed for optimal cuts in timber and other wood with up to 80 millimeters’ thickness using an ultimate laser cutting system that opens a whole new window of opportunity for production. The main challenge wood processing companies face is pressure to maximize material yield and production value. Only a low percentage of the wood is ever utilized and too much is wasted, and with constantly rising raw material costs, profit is negatively affected. Decisions sawmill workers usually make often cause errors and quality material to be lost. BLT WoodCut was developed as a comprehensive production line to solve these long-existing problems by significantly increasing material yield, minimizing waste and maximizing profit from each board. Intended to cover more areas of production, this technology processes valuable temperate and tropical woods as well as softwood. Besides timber and other primary wood products, it can also be used with product groups such as parquet top layers, veneer and furniture components. With its unique laser system which enables cutting of wood material in thickness up to 80 mm, it brings an innovative alternative to traditional saw-cutting. Complemented by an enhanced scanning and x-ray solution and fully automated robotic handling, high-tech manufacturing in wood sector becomes the new reality. Biatec Laser Technology s.r.o., based in Bratislava, Slovakia, specializes in custom development of laser cutting machines and special laser solutions for wood processing, tooling industry, automotive, healthcare and other sectors.

May 19, 2017 - Simonds International and Scies B.G.R. Inc. announced the merger of the companies in a transaction that will create a producer and marketer of cutting tools and related equipment for the primary wood fibre industry. The combined entity will continue to operate in the United States and Canada with nine facilities located in the major wood fibre regions of North America. All products and customers segments currently served by Simonds and B.G.R. Saws will continue uninterrupted during the integration process and thereafter. “This merger will combine the two leading companies in our industry with a deep history of product innovation, quality products and customer focused organizations providing value added services to our customers. The cultures of the two companies are similar and will strengthen our service to the industry. The Simonds and B.G.R. brands are prominent in the industry and will remain a core part of the combined company in the future," said president and chief executive officer of Simonds Ray Martino.“The merger brings together the strengths of two great companies with a common goal, efficient and innovative solutions to the industry we serve. The products and services offered by the merger will enable both companies to go beyond the product offering and bring a complete solution through products, services and equipment that reflect the changes in the industry requirements," said president of B.G.R. Saws Sylvain St-Hilaire.

May 19, 2017 - Vida Alvesta has chosen to invest in a continuous kiln from Valutec. This deal is the second within a short space of time between Valutec and Vida Alvesta, a customer that chose a drying solution of the same type just five years ago. The investment will increase the drying capacity at Vida Alvesta from around 175,000 m3 to 225,000 m3 and will help to even out production and facilitate stock management. “We already have a very good relationship with Valutec. They are highly knowledgeable and provide excellent support. Therefore we saw no reason to switch supplier,” says Christian Drott, chief executive officer of Vida Alvesta.   The plant to be delivered is a 2-zone FB continuous kiln, which means that drying takes place in two separate zones. The first zone provides quicker humidifying, which reduces the risk of dry cracks at the input end. The second zone acts as an equalisation zone and reduces moisture distribution. The continuous kiln is equipped with Valutec’s Valmatics control system and will solely be used for drying spruce down to a moisture ratio of 18 per cent.   “Opting for an FB once again was a fairly obvious choice. Logistically, everything runs smoothly with continuous kilns, and our existing FB continuous kiln runs problem-free with no stoppages. By siting the new kiln right next to the existing one we also hit on a financially beneficial solution for both parties,” says Christian.   Vida is Sweden’s largest privately-owned sawmill group with around 950 employees at 18 production facilities, nine of which are sawmills. Production mainly focuses on construction lumber for a number of different markets. Roughly 85 per cent of the production output is exported to Europe, the USA, Australia, Africa and Asia.   “It’s a great feeling to be involved and continue to contribute to Vida Alvesta’s development. We know one another well and look forward to continued positive collaboration with Vida,” says Robert Larsson, chief exective officer of Valutec.  The continuous kiln will be delivered and installed in the autumn and put into operation in November. Vida Alvesta already has ten batch kilns and one continuous kiln from Valutec. 

June 6, 2017 - It’s time to talk about mass timber.You can’t go to an industry conference today without hearing about the mass timber movement, and more specifically about cross-laminated timber – the wood panels that make up the 18-storey UBC Brock Commons building, the world’s tallest wood building to date.

April 4, 2017 – An 18-storey wood building with a fire code that has left even fire chiefs impressed? That is what has been achieved in Vancouver at the University of British Columbia where mass timber was used to build the world’s tallest wooden building. Fire Fighting in Canada magazine’s feature on the project explains that the building is much taller than the six-storey limit for wooden buildings laid out by the National Building Code of Canada. The naturally fire resistant mass timber material used for it also requires its own permit. According to the article, the National Building Code of Canada may consider encapsulated mass timber wood construction of up to 12 storeys come 2020. “The building’s 169-millimetre-thick CLT panels, used for the floors, were constructed with five layers of dimensional lumber oriented at right angles to one another and then bonded together. Glulam, used in the columns, is also composed of bonded dimensional lumber, with the grain running parallel to the beam’s length,” the article reads. A fire demonstration done in Quebec showed that in the event of a fire in with the same CLT panels, with temperatures reaching their highest, the fire would be contained to the compartment it started in, and even burn itself out in about two hours. “I would call this extremely safe from a fire perspective,” Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services assistant chief of community safety Ray Bryant told FFIC magazine. “It’s a very safe building, once completed.”  Bryant told FFIC that the use of mass timber in the construction of the building is what made it safer than a stick-built structure. The building is being used to house university students living on the UBC campus this spring. The success of this building could be a catalyst for similar uses of wood in the future. | READ MORE

March 21, 2017 - Why does glue stick? What makes wood unique when it comes to gluing it together? The adhesive bonding of wood is becoming increasingly important as large timber becomes more and more scarce.

Feb. 17, 2017 - Oregon is setting the pace for the nation in mass timber manufacturing, design and construction. A new report by the Oregon Forest Resources Institute offers insights from the architecture, engineering and construction communities on this burgeoning trend.Forest to Frame showcases the public and private partnerships contributing to a growing movement that's redefining how apartments, hotels and offices are constructed. The 20-page report profiles Oregon developers, architects and contractors who are at the forefront of using advanced wood products such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) to build multistory structures – even skyscrapers – almost entirely out of wood. It also highlights prominent projects in the state that are changing perceptions about wood construction, including a 12-story timber tower in Portland that will be one of the first CLT high-rises in the United States.Other topics covered in the report include groundbreaking research in Oregon demonstrating the safety of mass timber buildings, the many environmental benefits of building with wood, and how its use for construction supports economic development in Oregon's rural timber towns."Forest to Frame offers a fascinating overview of mass timber construction and why it holds great promise on a number of fronts," says OFRI Director of Forest Products Timm Locke. "The report demonstrates that it's both possible and practical to meet our growing construction demands with the most remarkable building material we've ever known: wood."Digital and print copies of Forest to Frame are available to download and order through OFRI's website, OregonForests.org.The Oregon Forest Resources Institute was created by the Oregon Legislature to advance public understanding of forests, forest management and forest products and to encourage sound forestry through landowner education. OFRI is governed by a 13-member board of directors and is funded by a portion of the forest products harvest tax.

Jan. 26, 2017 - Whether the structure you’ll be erecting is something that has been built a thousand times, or if it is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, an efficient and cost-effective construction process is heavily dependent on how well-organized and prepared your trades are. Major construction projects find multiple trades working in conjunction, and one crucial way to ensure success is to incorporate pre-fabrication into the process. Mass timber manufacturer Structurlam Products is a Penticton, B.C.-based company that uses pre-fabrication in every project it undertakes. The company champions this process because they find it results in cost savings for clients, fast on-site assembly, safer work sites and an opportunity for higher quality structures. Preparation is key in pre-fabrication The important first step in pre-fabricating the pieces that will ultimately be put together to form a building is the creation of a 3D model. Mocking up the building exactly as it will need to be created — also known as virtual construction — from the walls, to the holes for plumbing and electricity, is a means of testing and fine-tuning the details to ensure everything is in place before anything is produced and sent to site. Structurlam advocates that all trades use a single geometry model during this process, as it reduces confusion and saves time for all involved. Once the modelling is underway, Structurlam can make adjustments to the building as needed to allow for tolerances and fabrication details. Once the 3D model is complete, the customized data can then be used to create a list of materials that are needed, the exact shop drawings can be completed and then the pre-fabrication of the pieces can begin. The modelling work results in a process that creates the CNC machine codes for the geometry needed to produce each unique panel. This begins what will ultimately make completing the building akin to putting together a dresser from IKEA. “At Structurlam we work closely with all trades involved to ensure everything that will go into the building is reflected perfectly in the 3D model,” said president of Structurlam Bill Downing. “Our ability to incorporate every detail into the pre-fabrication process allows us to deliver the pieces to a building that will come together smoothly and benefit all who are working together to erect it.” Upon completion of the individual pieces, these fabricated panels are placed in order of delivery to the site. They are loaded on to the trucks perfectly to match the installation sequence. While this requires a tremendous amount of pre-planning, it is what results in the time and cost savings for the project and allows for buildings to be erected in high-traffic, small footprint areas, as there is no material stored on site. Tall wood and pre-fabrication Pre-fabrication is an essential element the construction of mass timber buildings. For example, this process was utilized at the recently completed Brock Commons at UBC, the world’s largest tall wood building. The 18-storey mass timber structure will be a student residence building, housing more than 400 students when it is completed in May 2017. Structurlam provided 169 mm, 5 layer CLT panels measuring 2.9 x 11.8 m for floors, along with glulam columns for the building’s interior. Steel connectors allowed the building to be put together quickly and safely. The steel connectors allowed for a direct load transfer between columns and also provided a bearing surface for CLT panels. The seamless construction of this record-breaking project was well served by pre-fabricating the pieces. Benefits of pre-fabrication Pre-fabrication can be realized for any size or scope of project, from record-breaking towers to multi-family homes in dense urban areas; no matter the project the benefits will be the same: ·       Fast assembly: Perfect pieces delivered in order allows for an efficient and quick assembly; this can minimize the total schedule duration of a project. ·       Cost-effective: Pre-fabricating the pieces reduces waste and allows for a fast assembly, cutting down on costs and encouraging efficiency across the trades. ·       Safer work site: Many tasks are accomplished in Structurlam’s shop, removing the need for complicated work to be undertaken on site or at jarring heights. ·       Reduced labour on site: Prefabrication ultimately requires less people on site to install the structure.   ·       Higher quality: Critical elements of the building are completed in a controlled shop environment. An organized and efficient construction site is ultimately dependent on how well the trades involved work together. Incorporating pre-fabrication supports these efforts and encourages collaboration and close working relationships from the onset of the project. Utilizing the impressive power of pre-fabrication serves projects of all sizes and delivers tremendous benefits across the board.   Photos//Structurlam Photos//Structurlam   View the embedded image gallery online at: https://www.woodbusiness.ca/index.php?option=com_k2&view=latest&layout=latest&Itemid=1#sigProGalleriafe6aac1396

Jan. 3, 2017 - German supplier Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH increases its stake in Pallmann Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG to 75 per cent.In the range of services offered by the Siempelkamp Group, Pallmann plays an important role as the specialist for size-reduction technology and preparation systems. For plant operators from the wood-based materials industry, size-reduction equipment and preparation systems belong to the in-demand scope of supply. The main benefit for the customers: precision technology for the production of higher quality strands, flakes, and fibrous materials and the expertise in the ever more important area of recycling.The Krefeld machine and plant engineering specialist therefore decided to continue the integration of the company from Zweibrücken. The 45-per cent increase in shareholding in Pallmann Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG and Ludwig Pallmann Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, last recorded in the beginning of 2016, was increased by Siempelkamp as of Dec. 15, 2016 to 75 per cent.The taking over of a majority holding by the Siempelkamp Group was followed by a reorganization of the management of Pallmann Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG.Dipl.-Kfm. Stefan Wissing, to date spokesman of the management of Siempelkamp Maschinen und Anlagenbau GmbH, was appointed spokesman of the management of Pallmann Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG with effect from Dec. 15, 2016.At the same time, as the spokesman of the worldwide operating Siempelkamp Logistics & Service GmbH, Mr. Wissing is responsible for the entire service business of the Siempelkamp Group.At the end of 2016, Dr.-Ing. Hans Fechner and Dr. Claus Maack are stepping down from the management of Pallmann Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG.For 2017 many challenges are on the Pallmann agenda. We will focus on the process of fiberizing raw materials to fibers used in MDF production, the milling of raw materials to strands and flakes for particleboard and OSB production as well as the agglomeration process used in the production of insulation material. Thus, wood-plastic-composites made of wood flour and plastics or fiber-plastic-composites containing natural fibers from hemp or cork are produced. Under the heading “end of life tire”, the company furthermore will focus on the recycling of old tires.Zweibrücken is home to 120 size reduction machines in the in-house research and development center. With this equipment the team focuses on process improvements, further development of our machines, and testing new developments. Customers from all over the world use the Pallman center to carry out tests with our process engineers to develop innovations for their industries.The Siempelkamp Group is a supplier of technological equipment, and its three business units, Machine and Plant Engineering, Foundry Technology, and Engineering and Service, are oriented towards international markets. Siempelkamp Machine and Plant Engineering is a system supplier of press lines and complete plants for the wood-based materials industry, the metal forming industry, and the composites and rubber industry. Siempelkamp Foundry, one of the largest hand-molding foundries in the world, manufactures large cast components from cast iron with nodular graphite, with unit weights of up to 320 metric tons. Siempelkamp Engineering and Service specializes in the dismantling of nuclear facilities, and supplies transport and storage cask for radioactive waste. www.siempelkamp.com

Dec.15, 2016 – The future of North America’s oriented strand board (OSB) market is forecast to look up in 2017. And the continuation of that success lies on how balanced the OSB market proves to be in the next few years. Wood Markets’ five-year outlook report has analyzed the data. As our forecasts have warned over the past few years, the timing of increased OSB supply — from the restarting of another seven curtailed OSB mills and two greenfield mills that will come on stream at some point in 2017-2021 — will determine the exact trend in prices over the forecast period. The forecast shows that OSB demand should increase by over 6 billion sf between 2016 and 2021 – that balances relatively well with the expected new capacity additions and normal annual incremental production gains. However, the exact timing of new capacity installations and their start-up date relative to rising demand will have the greatest impact on OSB prices – this “Goldilocks effect” of trying to get the temperature right, or the balance of OSB supply versus demand, will create some price volatility at various times in the next five years. For OSB, this is nothing new, where prices could easily move by US +/-$50/Msf or more in consecutive quarters. As a result, OSB prices are expected to improve in 2017, as demand remains strong and production tightens, before new mills start up. With five OSB mills scheduled to start up by the end of 2018, the pendulum is expected to swing later in 2018, to a temporarily over-supplied market at times. As a result, OSB prices could ease in 2018 and bottom out in 2019 until the incremental supply base is absorbed. After that, rising prices are again expected. Any potential delays in OSB mill capacity restarts will improve the whole market situation by minimizing any oversupply situations. The real question is: will any company’s strategy be to delay capacity restarts to allow for a better market situation, where their competitors who have restarted mills earlier will then benefit from this situation? History would suggest “no.” And the other question is: if the OSB market situation looks too good, will any new greenfield mills be announced to create more over-supply issues? Forecast Highlights: •   U.S. South OSB production is forecast to almost meet the previous OSB peak production volume (of 2007) in 2017 – moving from 2016’s anticipated 11.2 billion sf to over 15 billion sf in 2021 (+7% annually from 2016). •   A growing concern will be the raw material supply and costs for existing, restarted and new OSB mills, particularly in the U.S. South. The rapid expansion of wood pellet manufacturing plants continues to rise at a very fast rate where some of the new pellet capacity as well as sawmill expansions (that take advantage of soaring lumber prices after Canadian export duties kick in) will both compete directly with OSB mills for pulp logs and small SYP sawlogs •   If new wood biomass competitors in the U.S. South drive raw material supply prices higher, Canadian OSB mills may develop a raw material cost advantage (over and above the lower Canadian dollar), relative to U.S. South mills, and could gain market share. •   The strength of the U.S. dollar versus most global currencies, combined with increasing US demand, will drive imports from Canada and attract more offshore supply higher over the forecast period. •   Canadian OSB exports are forecast to increase from 6 billion sf in 2016 to 7.6 billion sf by 2021 — 28% increase over this five year period, with 98% going to the strong U.S. market. •   From an estimated 8 billion sf in 2016, Canadian OSB output is forecast to rise to over 10 billion sf in 2021 — an average annual increase of 5.6% from 2016 to 2021. Full details of the five-year outlook for the U.S. and Canada’s lumber and panels consumption, imports, exports, production and price trends are available in Wood Markets 2017 – The Solid Wood Products Outlook – 2017 to 2021.

Nov. 28, 2016 - A new massive plywood building panel developed by an Oregon company and tested at Oregon State University may be the largest such product ever manufactured. Builders are familiar with standard plywood sheets that measure 4-feet wide, 8-feet long and between a quarter-inch and more than one-inch thick. The new panels made by the Freres Lumber Company of Lyons, Oregon, can be as much 12-feet wide, 48-feet long and 2-feet thick. The company announced its new panels in October, capping more than a year of development and performance testing at Oregon State’s Advanced Wood Products Laboratory. “The results look very promising,” said Ari Sinha, assistant professor in OSU’s College of Forestry, who oversaw the tests. “This is a unique product with the potential for creating jobs in rural Oregon.” Versatility is one of the benefits of the product known as a Mass Plywood Panel (MPP). “These panels can be customized for different applications. Because they have very good compression qualities, they could be used for columns as well as panels,” said Sinha. The veneer manufacturing process enables manufacturers to orient wood grain and to distribute the defects found in smaller trees, such as knots, in a way that maintains the strength of the final product, Sinha added. Tests in Sinha’s lab focused on the panels’ structural and physical properties such as density, adhesive bonding and resistance to the kinds of vertical and horizontal stresses experienced in an earthquake. Additional tests are planned after the first of the year. Mass Plywood Panels can achieve the performance characteristics of a similar product known as Cross Laminated Timber panels with 20 to 30 per cent less wood. “The market is wide enough that this product can compete in niche applications,” said Sinha. “MPP can be made to order.” Sinha’s lab conducts wood-product testing year-around for companies in Oregon, Washington and other states. He evaluates connections between building components as well as component stresses stemming from wind, earthquakes and other forces. With support from businesses, Oregon BEST and the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the new National Center for Advanced Wood Products Manufacturing and Design will continue to conduct tests on Mass Plywood Panels and on Cross Laminated Timber panels manufactured by companies in the Northwest and elsewhere. Housed at the OSU College of Forestry, the center is a collaboration between the college, the OSU College of Engineering and the University of Oregon School of Architecture and Allied Arts.

Nov. 9, 2016 - USNR has acquired the business of Ventek, Inc., the industry leader in veneer scanning, grading, and handling systems for the plywood industry.

Oct. 28, 2016 - Two OSB mills in Quebec will swap ownership after a mill exchange agreement was reached today between Norbord Inc. and Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LP).

Sept. 27, 2016 - Mauro Calabrese, a planning forester for West Fraser in Williams Lake, contributed an article about Williams Lake Plywood for the Williams Lake Tribune's National Forest Week Celebrating Forestry 2016 supplement."Williams Lake Plywood has been operating at its Williams Lake location since 1953, but it didn’t start out as a West Fraser owned plant and it didn’t always make plywood.  It was originally known as “All Fir”- finishing rough lumber from the surrounding bush mills."Read the full story.

Sept. 15, 2016 - You won’t read about it in the sports section any time soon, but a number of Canadian cities are competing in a high-stakes global race that will directly affect more than 200 of our communities.

March 22, 2017 - Hardwoods Distribution Inc. has announced financial results for the three months and full year ended December 31, 2016.  Hardwoods is North America's largest wholesale distributor of non-structural architectural grade building products to the residential and commercial construction markets, with a strong US and Canadian distribution network.Highlights (For the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2016) On July 15, 2016, Hardwoods acquired Rugby Architectural Products ("Rugby") for a purchase price of US$107 million. Revenue increased 69.8% in the fourth quarter and 38.1% for the full year, compared to the same periods in 2015. The Company increased gross profit by 74.2% in the fourth quarter and by 44.3% in the 12-month period, compared to the same periods in 2015. Fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA climbed 42.6% to $10.9 million, and full-year Adjusted EBITDA increased 32.6% to $46.1 million. Fourth quarter profit increased 47.4% to $6.6 million, while full-year profit climbed 18.4% to $23.9 million. Fourth quarter adjusted diluted profit per share increased to $0.29, while full-year adjusted diluted profit per share increased to$1.33. The Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.0625 per share, payable on April 28, 2017 to shareholders of record as at April 17, 2017. "We achieved record top and bottom line results in 2016 as we benefited from the addition of Rugby Architectural Building Products and generated organic growth in mixed market conditions," said Rob Brown, President and CEO."The Rugby acquisition was the highlight of the year and has already proved accretive to our results with adjusted diluted profit per share growing 10.8% to $1.33 in 2016, from $1.20 in 2015. Rugby is a large and successful US wholesale distributor of architectural grade building products to customers that manufacture end-product to the commercial market. With the addition of Rugby's 28 distribution facilities, Hardwoods has emerged as the number one North American distributor in our sector with a total of 58 distribution facilities, more than 35,000 customers and a pro forma annual sales of approximately $1 billion.  During the five-and-a-half months we operated this business in 2016, Rugby contributed revenues of $175.1 million."Organic growth accounted for $20.4 million of Hardwoods' year-over-year sales growth. Foreign exchange was also a factor in the Company's performance, but affected the fourth quarter and full-year periods differently. Results for the three months ended December 31, 2016 were negatively impacted by a decrease in the value of the US dollar compared to the Canadian dollar, while full-year results were positively impacted by a strengthening in the average value of the US dollar during that period. A stronger US dollar benefits the Company by: i) increasing the value of sales and profits earned in the US operations when translated into Canadian dollars for financial reporting purposes; ii) increasing the selling price of US dollar-denominated products sold to Hardwoods' Canadian customers; and iii) improving the export competitiveness of the Company's Canadian industrial customers, many of whom have the capability to sell their manufactured products in the US."Our global product sourcing and commercial market strategies continue to play an important role in our business. We have the size, scale, and strong balance sheet position to pursue growth by acquisition, and the highly fragmented nature of the US architectural building products distribution industry provides numerous opportunities. We will continue to pursue opportunities that take us into new US markets, expand our presence in existing markets, and that can be added on an accretive basis for shareholders."On March 13, 2017 the Company acquired Eagle Plywood and Lumber ("Eagle") for a purchase price of US$0.4 million plus up to an additional US$0.2 million subject to future sales performance. "The Eagle acquisition  is an example of our ability to expand our presence in an existing market," said Mr. Brown.  "We've now completed five successful acquisitions in the past five and a half years and have a demonstrated ability to achieve profitable growth in this way," Mr. Brown concluded.OutlookThe recent change in US government administration is expected to usher in new approaches to trade and economic growth in the US. While it is still too early to identify what specific policies will be implemented or how they will impact the US economy, proposals for a large infrastructure spending program, a reduction in the corporate tax rate, and a more protectionist approach to trade, including the potential for a border adjustment tax (BAT), have been discussed.With 85% of its operations now domiciled in the US, Hardwoods is positioned to benefit from policies that stimulate the US economy or prove generally positive for business.   Conversely, the Company could be negatively impacted, at least in the near term, by trade decisions that affect its import program. As discussed in Hardwoods' press release of November 21, 2016, a trade case has been initiated in the US with respect to imported hardwood plywood from China. Although Hardwoods sells more domestically sourced hardwood plywood than imported, approximately 11% of the Company's total sales could be affected by this case. In the event that trade duties are levied against hardwood plywood, this would impact the market for hardwood plywood in the US with the potential for significant changes in selling prices, margins, and/or product supply availability. Should the US government move to impose a BAT, similar effects could be seen on a wider range of import products and not just those from China. We are watching both the current trade case and broader US trade policy decisions closely, and have worked to secure a range of alternative supply solutions.  Furthermore, we have increased our inventory balances and positioned ourselves to respond in the event significant changes occur.Notwithstanding the uncertainty around US trade and economic policy, Hardwoods' outlook for 2017 is positive. Gross profit margin as a percentage of sales is expected to remain above the levels Hardwoods has traditionally achieved, reflecting Rugby's higher-margin product mix. Operating expenses are also expected to be moderately higher due to Rugby's sales model. While EBITDA on a dollar basis is expected to benefit from increased sales, EBITDA as a percentage of revenue is expected to be moderately lower due to the increased operating expenses.On the market front, the unevenness and relatively slow growth experienced in the US residential construction market in 2016 is expected to continue into 2017.  As a result Hardwoods expects organic growth to remain modest in the near term. Market fundamentals remain sound however, with US job growth and income levels gaining momentum. Harvard's Joint  Center for Housing Studies report on the "state of the nation's housing" concluded that housing construction should average at least 1.6 million units a year over the next decade in order to replace older units and meet demand. With average housing starts at 1.2 million in 2016, there is considerable room for growth in this market, although it could take time to reach the 1.6 million level.In the non-residential construction market, the American Institute of Architects predicts moderate growth of 6.7% in 2017, with the strongest gains anticipated for the commercial sectors that Hardwoods focuses on.Strategically, the Company will continue to implement its strategies, including leveraging its excellent global product sourcing capabilities, capitalizing on opportunities in the commercial market and pursuing strategic acquisitions.The Board will continue to review Hardwoods' financial performance and assess dividend levels on a regular basis. However, the primary focus will be to retain the cash necessary to finance the significant market growth opportunity in the US and to keep the balance sheet strong, reduce debt and support future strategic acquisitions.Results from Operations - Year Ended December 31, 2016For the year ended December 31, 2016, total sales increased by 38.1% to $789.3 million, from $571.6 million in 2015. Of the $217.7 million year-over-year increase, $175.1 million, representing a 30.6% increase in sales, was driven by the addition of the Rugby operations, $20.4 million, representing a 3.6% increase in sales, was due to organic growth and $22.2 million, representing a 3.9% increase in sales, was due to the positive impact of a stronger US dollar when translating US sales to Canadian dollars for reporting purposes.Hardwoods' sales growth came primarily from its US operations, where sales activity increased by US$142.5 million, or 40.1%, toUS$498.2 million. Rugby, which was acquired on July 15, 2016, contributed sales of US$132.6 million. Organic growth accounted forUS$9.9 million of the US sales uplift as Hardwoods increased sales volumes in response to higher demand and yielded sales gains from its strategy of leveraging import products and strengthening sales into commercial construction accounts. Sales in Canadaincreased by $13.1 million, or 11.2% in 2016, reflecting Hardwoods' success in winning new business, as well as the positive impacts of a stronger US dollar.Gross profit for the 2016 year increased 44.3% to $143.8 million, from $99.6 million in 2015. This gain reflects the increased sales, together with a higher gross profit margin. As a percentage of sales, gross profit margin increased to 18.2%, from 17.4% in 2015.Full-year operating expenses increased to $104.9 million, from $67.4 million in 2015. The increase includes $29.3 million of Rugby operating expenses, $2.4 million of transaction expenses related to the Rugby acquisition, a $3.0 million increase in expenses due to the impact of a stronger US dollar on translation of US operating expense, and $2.7 million of added costs to support organic growth. As a percentage of sales, annual operating expenses were 13.3%, compared to 11.8% in 2015.Adjusted EBITDA for 2016 increased to $46.1 million, from $34.8 million in 2015.  The 32.6% gain primarily reflects the $44.1 millionincrease in gross profit, partially offset by the $32.8 million increase in operating expenses (before expenses related to the Rugby acquisition and before an increase in depreciation and amortization).  Adjusted profit for the period increased 26.0% to $25.4 million, from $20.1 million in 2015. The year-over-year increase reflects the higher Adjusted EBITDA partially offset by a $1.4 million increase in income tax expense, a $1.6 million increase in net finance costs, and a $2.2 million increase in depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization in 2016 includes $0.9 million intangible assets amortization relating to customer relations acquired in connection with the acquisition of Rugby.A more detailed discussion of the Company's financial performance can be found in Hardwoods' 2016 Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A). The MD&A will be posted, along with the Company's audited financial statements, on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and on the Company's website (www.hardwoods-inc.com) on or before March 17, 2017.Results from Operations - Three Months Ended December 31, 2016For the three months ended December 31, 2016, total sales increased by 69.8% to $239.4 million, from $141.0 million in Q4 2015. Of the $98.4 million year-over-year increase, $93.5 million, representing a 66.3% increase in sales, was due to Rugby's operations and$5.8 million, representing a 4.1% increase in sales, was due to organic growth. The sales gain was partially offset by a $0.9 millionnegative foreign exchange impact resulting from a stronger Canadian dollar, representing a 0.6% decrease in sales.Hardwoods' US operations, which accounted for approximately 85% of fourth quarter revenues, increased sales by US$71.3 million, or 84.5%, to US$155.7 million.  The Rugby operations contributed US$70.1 million of this increase, with the remaining increase related to organic growth.Sales in Canada, which comprised approximately 15% of fourth quarter revenues, grew by $3.6 million, or 12.9%, to $31.7 million.  The improvement in Canadian sales reflects Hardwoods' success in winning new business.Fourth quarter gross profit increased to $43.5 million, an increase of 74.2% from $25.0 million in Q4 2015. The year-over-year improvement reflects higher sales revenue combined with a higher gross profit margin from both the Rugby and Hardwoods operations. As a percentage of sales, fourth quarter gross profit margin increased to 18.2%, from 17.7% in Q4 2015.Operating expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2016 were $34.8 million, compared to $18.0 million in Q4 2014.  This increase primarily reflects Rugby operating expenses of $16.3 million, $0.1 million of transaction-related expenses, and $0.5 million of added costs to support organic growth. These increases were partially offset by a $0.1 million decrease in expenses due to the impact of a stronger Canadian dollar on translation of US operating expenses. As a percentage of sales, operating expenses increased to 14.5% from 12.8% year-over-year, primarily reflecting Rugby's higher ratio of operating expenses as a percentage of sales.Fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA increased 42.6% to $10.9 million, from $7.7 million in Q4 2015. The $3.3 million gain reflects the increase in gross profit, partially offset by higher operating expenses (before expenses related to the Rugby acquisition and before an increase in depreciation and amortization).  Profit for the period increased 47.4% to $6.6 million, from $4.5 million during the same period in 2015. The year-over-year increase reflects the higher Adjusted EBITDA and a $1.1 million decrease in income tax expense, partially offset by a $0.8 million increase in net finance costs and a $1.4 million increase in depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization includes $0.9 million intangible assets amortization relating to customer relations acquired in connection with the acquisition of Rugby.

March 2, 2017 - Georgia-Pacific Wood Products LLC (GP) announced that it has signed a patent license agreement with Huber Engineered Woods LLC (HEW) to settle litigation related to GP's ForceField System products. HEW, the maker of ZIP System branded products, has a portfolio of patents and related pending applications for a structural roof and wall system incorporating water resistant and air barrier technologies that streamline the weatherization process. These technologies provide an advantaged means to weatherize a home. The confidential settlement terms grant to GP a license to offer its ForceField System products with the payment of an undisclosed upfront amount and ongoing royalties. "Our license with Huber provides GP with the flexibility to meet our customers' needs for products that install more quickly than house wrap," said Clarence Young, vice-president of oriented strand board (OSB) at Georgia-Pacific Wood Products. "We are pleased to bring closure to the lawsuit with Huber so that we can continue to serve our customers with innovative products that solve real challenges in the building community," added Young. For additional information regarding the ForceField System, visit www.gpforcefield.com.

Feb. 13, 2017 - Ever had your eyes glued to the screen watching elaborate cottage and cabin renovation shows? Well Log Cabin Hub magazine has created an infographic offering a peek at log homes that go beyond your typical, humble abode. Belonging to public figures ranging from Ralph Lauren and Paul McCartney, all the way to Oprah Winfrey and Queen Elizabeth II, here are 20 log cabins of the rich and famous:(Click on the image below and expand to see the full list.) Infographic//Courtesy of Log Cabin Hub Infographic//Courtesy of Log Cabin Hub   View the embedded image gallery online at: https://www.woodbusiness.ca/index.php?option=com_k2&view=latest&layout=latest&Itemid=1#sigProGalleria3609fdb794

Jan. 26, 2017 – Canadian forest products company Western Forest Products (WFP) is permanently closing its South Vancouver Island remanufacturing plant. The announcement came on Wednesday and follows WFP’s plan to strengthen the company through recapitalization and consolidation. WFP’s goal is to become a global competitor, according to a statement. The statement also mentions that all employees of the consolidated South Vancouver Island plant have either received compensation or been located to other facilities within WFP. WFP also consolidated its sawmills in Nanaimo, B.C. in October 2014. President and CEO Don Demens said that the decision was also part of the strategy to make WFP more competitive worldwide. “This strategy involves the evaluation of new market programs and operating configurations designed to improve our operating results," Demens said. According to the company, “Since 2011, Western has invested over $260 million in recapitalizing its coastal operations, including more than $94 million in strategic investments towards upgrading technology, with a focus on reducing costs while maintaining product flexibility.”

Jan. 16, 2017 - Stella-Jones Inc. has provided preliminary unaudited results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2016. These preliminary results are based on information available to the company as of Jan. 13, 2017 and are subject to revision upon finalizing the audit of Stella-Jones' annual consolidated financial statements. Financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2016 will be reported on March 17, 2017.Stella-Jones is providing this update to inform of lower year-over-year financial results in the fourth quarter. For this period, the company is currently anticipating sales in the range of $340.0-$342.0 million, compared with $357.5 million last year, while operating income is expected to be between $27.0 and $29.0 million, versus $48.3 million a year ago.2016 will mark the sixteenth consecutive year of sales and net income growth for Stella-Jones. For the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2016, consolidated sales are expected to show a year-over-year increase of nearly 18.0 per cent, reaching close to $1.84 billion, while operating income should be between $232.0 and $234.0 million, up from $220.1 million last year.The year-over-year decrease in sales and profitability in the fourth quarter of 2016 was primarily driven by lower railway tie demand at the end of the year, as anticipated in management's discussion and analysis for the third quarter of 2016. For the current fiscal year, total sales and operating margins are expected to remain comparable to 2016, assuming stable currencies. 

Jan. 3, 2017 - Growing interest from Asia in resort-style living that is market by specialty wood products is opening doors for B.C.'s remanufacturers.

Nov. 17, 2016 - A fire at the Tolko Industries remanufacturing plant in Lake Country, B.C. prompted an evacuation Tuesday night. Castanet reports the fire was small and got put out quickly. “The workers ... managed to put a fire hose on it and got it knocked down before our engine arrived on scene,” Lake Country Fire Chief Steve Windsor told Castanet. Read more here.

Nov. 8, 2016 - Stella-Jones is profiting from acquisitions and a greater reach in the residential lumber product category, reporting a sales jump of 18.4 per cent from one year ago. 

Oct. 5, 2016 - Damage from a fire that burned through DAG-Wood Products in Osler, Sask., on the weekend is estimated at $1 million. 

Sept. 14, 2016 - The federal government is investing close to $4.5 million in an East Coast startup working to commercialize a technology that uses rejected wood fibers to make high-strength, lightweight composite building materials, packaging and furniture.Corruven Canada Inc. plans to use the investments, as well as about $2 million in private funds, to install its first industrial-scale corrugating line and build a market for its products in the U.S. and Canada. The company’s technology allows it to process and press veneer rejects into usable products such as packaging and bed platforms. The company says its materials are approximately 75 per cent lighter and six-time strong than traditional building materials.Supporting the Canadian forestry industry, the Canadian government’s Investments in Forest Industry Transformation Program provided Corruven $2.5 million in funding for the project, while the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency contributed the remaining $2 million in government funding.The startup expects the corrugating line and associated research will create 10 new jobs at its base in Saint-Basile, N.B., as well as an additional 14 if the project proves successful.

Aug. 26, 2016 - Brink Forest Products Ltd. has entered into an agreement with the BID Group of Companies to purchase Vanderhoof Specialty Wood Products Ltd.