Features Mills Sawmilling
Metriguard acquired by Raute Oyj

April 25, 2017 - We are pleased and excited to announce that Metriguard is now part of Raute Oyj, headquartered in Nastola, Finland. Metriguard will continue to operate in Pullman, Wash., under the legal name Metriguard Technologies, Inc. We want to continue to be known as Metriguard. This joining force will strengthen both Metriguard and Raute's product lines, amalgamating the best practices of both businesses in the future.

Metriguard, established in 1972, is known for high speed strength grading technology for lumber and veneer. Metriguard sells and provides services for its equipment globally, with installations in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Metriguard’s products and technology are complementary to Raute’s current product offerings. Over the years, Metriguard’s products have been integrated into dozens of Raute’s deliveries. Metriguard’s business will continue by a newly established Raute’s subsidiary Metriguard Technologies, Inc.. Its financials will be reported as part of Raute’s wood products technology segment. The acquisition is deemed to have a positive effect on Raute’s net sales in 2017 and on its financial results starting from 2018.

“Metriguard's technology has evolved over more than four decades and has proven to provide veneer and lumber mills with significant benefits in terms of enabling capturing the highest possible value of the given raw material," says Raute’s president and CEO Tapani Kiiski. "Raute's strategy is to provide technology to our customers to help them run their business in a profitable way, but strength grading technology has been missing from our offering. With Metriguard's technology, and its solid and well recognized brand, we will be able to offer even more comprehensive solutions. We believe this acquisition will help Raute grow and open new opportunities for Metriguard."

President and founder of Metriguard Inc. James D. Logan says that this is a great opportunity for the future of Metriguard, its employees and customers. “We are really pleased to be working with Raute, a global company with a most excellent reputation for quality of products and service. Metriguard's customers can look forward to a continuing supply of outstanding production line and quality control test equipment as well new developments that will enhance performance of existing equipment and provide new functionality. The company will continue to operate in Pullman, Washington where its personnel provide equipment and services to the global market. Metriguard's proximity to two major universities provide an excellent environment for research and development.”

Metriguard will continue manufacturing production-line lumber and veneer grading equipment as well as quality control and laboratory testing equipment for the engineered wood products industry. Rest assured that Metriguard will provide ongoing support, repairs, parts and service for installed Metriguard equipment. The Metriguard team will stay intact, with the exception of Jim and Jean Logan, who will remain as consultants for a period of time to oversee the transition before stepping away from the business completely. The new president of Metriguard will be Jani Roivainen, who has successfully managed the Mecano Business Unit for Raute Corporation since their acquisition.

April 25, 2017  By Metriguard