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March/April 2023

NEW SCANDINAVIAN LOGGING EQUIPMENT in British Columbia

ALTERNATIVE LOGGING APPROACH DEMO’ED in B.C. Interior

CANADA’S Top Lumber Producers WITH THIS ISSUE...

ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF INDUSTRY INNOVATION

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SHOW GUIDE

FEATURES March/April 2023 Volume 54 • No. 2 Editor Paul MacDonald Contributing Editors Jim Stirling, Tony Kryzanowski George Fullerton Tech Update Editor Tony Kryzanowski Publisher/CEO Anthony Robinson • (778) 991-3500 E-Mail: arobinson@forestnet.com Associate Publisher Hannah Rayment • (778) 688-9127 E-mail: hannah@forestnet.com Social Media: Kaitlin Davidson Digital Marketing: Hannah Rayment Email: hannah@forestnet.com Subscription Enquiries (604) 990-9970 Fax: (705) 434-9052 E-mail: SubscribeLSJ@forestnet.com Design & Art Production Manager Sheila Ringdahl E-mail: artwork@forestnet.com Accounting Manager Shelina Jessa • (604) 731-1535 E-mail: accounting@forestnet.com Office P.O. Box 86670 North Vancouver, BC V7L 4L2 Phone: (604) 990-9970 Website: www.forestnet.com Subscriptions: Canada $58 a year; two years $70; three years, $85. Group accounts, six or more subscriptions, $25 per subscription per year. Outside Canada, $95 per year. Airmail $165. Single copy, Canada $6; elsewhere $10. Reproduction prohibited without permission of the publisher. ISSN 0226-7572. Back copies from 1996 onward are available through our website www.forestnet.com Publications Mail Agreement No. 40064045 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to CIRCULATION DEPT. PO Box 86670 Stn Main North Vancouver BC V7L 4L2 e-mail: SubscribeLSJ@forestnet.com POSTMASTER: Send US address changes to LSJ Publishing Ltd., PO Box 610, Edmonds, WA 98020-0610 Published March/April 2023 Printed in Canada on 20% recycled paper.

“We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada” Logging & Sawmilling Journal is a member/associate member of the following industry organizations:

On the Cover: Jordie Wiens believes that his reading of today’s forest industry will strike a chord of potential with forest companies and logging contractors in British Columbia. He’s introducing a small— but proven—forwarder and a harvesting head honed by experience into the B.C. market. Read all about the equipment beginning on page 8 of this issue (Cover photo courtesy of Jordie Wiens).

4 Spotlight: Piloting a

move to improve log quality

A pilot project now underway in B.C. would improve a log’s quality and grade—and help a regional forest industry meet a raft of major challenges.

8 A small, but proven,

step forward for harvesting…

B.C.’s Jordie Wiens is introducing some new Scandinavian logging equipment, believing the timing is right for this small—but proven—forwarder, and harvester head.

12 Canada’s Top Lumber Producers!

Logging and Sawmilling Journal’s authoritative listing of Canada’s Top Lumber Producers, produced in association with leading forest industry consultants FEA, reflects the consolidation that took place in the industry in the last year— but West Fraser and Canfor remain the country’s top lumber producers.

16 An alternative

approach to logging

Freya Logging is demonstrating an alternative logging approach in the B.C. Interior, including on a research project site involving different forest ecosystems.

DEPARTMENTS

Calendar...........................................7 Suppliernewsline............................54 Ad Index.........................................57 Classifieds......................................57 Subscriptions.................................57 Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

22 Official Show Guide!

Logging and Sawmilling Journal is pleased to publish the Official Show Guide for the Canada North Resources Expo, being held May 26 to 27 in Prince George, B.C. The Official Show Guide has it all, from exhibitor listings to a show map to preview coverage of Resources Expo, the premier forest industry show in Canada this year.

40 BC Saw Filer’s coming up The B.C. forest industry is facing challenges, with curtailments due to a drop in the lumber market and a shortage of fibre, but there remains a strong need for skilled workers in the industry, including saw filers, a topic sure to be discussed at the BC Saw Filer’s Convention being held May 26 to 27 in Kamloops, B.C.

42 Interior Logging

Association gears up for show

B.C.’s Interior Logging Association is preparing for another successful show May 4 to 6 in Kamloops, with a broad variety of equipment to be on display at the PowWow Grounds, in Kamloops, B.C.

44 GP’s new Warrenton

sawmill ramps up production

Georgia-Pacific is now working with a new state-of-the-art, high production sawmill in Warrenton, Georgia—and the BID Group was a big part of making that happen.

Included in this edition of The Edge, Canada’s leading publication on research in the forest industry, are stories from the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre (CWFC) and FPInnovations.

58 The Last Word

A transition is underway in Canadian forestry, and it will result in a stronger and more resilient industry, says Tony Kryzanowski. 3

spotlight

PILOTING A MOVE

to improve log quality Former B.C. Minister of Forests Katrine Conroy (centre) holding a product sample during a visit to the Deadwood Innovations pilot plant in 2022, with Owen Miller (left) and Nak’azdli Councillor Paul Bird (right).

A pilot project now underway in B.C. would improve a log’s quality and grade—and help a regional forest industry meet a raft of major challenges. By Jim Stirling

wen Miller tells an intriguing story: it links the past to the present, with the prospect of a happy ending. It began in 1974 when Owen’s grandfather, Conrad, was plant manager at the old Northwood Pulp & Timber sawmill in Princeton, British Columbia. While at

Deadwood Novel Oriented Strand Lumber produced from softwood burned in the 2018 Shovel Lake fire in B.C. 4

work one day, Conrad noticed a damaged section of 2 x 4 lying in the millyard. As he removed it, he mused: “There’s got to be a way of putting that board back together again.” It’s turning out, his instinct could well be right. Now, in 2023, Owen Miller is president and project manager of Deadwood Innovations Ltd, a close-knit team of lumbermen and entrepreneurs based in the historic village of Fort St. James on the shore of Stuart Lake, about 60 kilometres north of Vanderhoof, in central B.C. Deadwood Innovations has launched a pilot project to test the commercial feasibility of a method designed to upgrade damaged wood fibre. The potential feedstock includes low grade and underutilized wood, and includes fibre damaged by insect infestations and wildfire. Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

Deadwood Innovations’ pilot is a science-based method that would help a regional forest industry meet a raft of major challenges it’s facing across its operating spectrum. It was a very different forest industry in Conrad Miller’s day. Still to come were the diverse implications of a warming climate; timber supply shortages; soaring operational costs; unprecedented supply chain bottlenecks; pan-industry labour shortages and a world-wide health pandemic. Conrad Miller and his brother, Don, had always demonstrated a flair for ingenuity and invention. “They collaborated on numerous equipment and process innovations through the years,” recalls Owen. “In the to page 6

spotlight from page 4

A top view of one of the primary machines in the Deadwood Innovations pilot plant.

early 1960s, they built and operated their own mill north of Fort St. James.” The pair designed and built a 10-inch gang saw when others were struggling with reliability issues in the six- and eight-inch double arbour designs, he adds. “Their design was the first to use thin kerf saws and a unique guide system that improved cutting accuracy and ultimately sawmill throughput. Before this, reciprocating gang saws were the standard.” Don Miller went on to establish Central Mill Design, a well regarded sawmill engineering company. Things have a tendency to come full circle in Fort St. James. It was Don Miller who was instrumental in designing the Tl’Oh Forest Products building in Fort St. James where Deadwood Innovations’ pilot project is now underway. Tl’Oh’s finger joint plant was a fixture in Fort St. James, providing steady employment for about 40 people and benefitting the local economy. The plant opened in 1995 and was a joint venture between Apollo Forest Products, a division of the Sinclar Group, and the

Nak’azdli Whut’en band in Fort St. James. The finger joint plant closed permanently in 2015 due to market forces and fibre source uncertainties. The Nak’azdli are supporters of and partners in Deadwood Innovations’ initiatives. Owen outlines the process under development in the pilot project. “We accomplish wood modification through an application of a proprietary biomassderived lignin solution, mechanical forces and temperature. Applying a unique sequence of concurrent forces, our mechanical process fractures low quality and small diameter whole logs (non-sawlog grade) without length shearing,” he explains. “When temperature and pressure are applied, the lignin-treated fractured log undergoes a chemical process that modifies the natural cellulose structure and imparts structural properties that Mother Nature didn’t.” In simple terms, the process improves the log’s quality and grade. “The result of the reaction produces a fibre to fibre bond at a molecular level,” he explains. “The process is species and quality agnostic, therefore provides the

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spotlight opportunity to improve feedstock utilization, avoid emissions through atmospheric combustion, sequester the carbon and increase forest resource value extraction.” Deadwood Innovations’ process can be used in the manufacture of a broad range of upgraded wood products, anticipates Owen. “We’ve produced boards of various dimensions and densities with promising results. During the pilot process we are learning and generating the necessary process data,” he adds. The analysis will help determine a product portfolio. “Longer term, the University of Northern British Columbia’s Wood Innovation Resource lab and FP Innovations will continue performing strength and durability testing aligned to eventual structural certification.” Assistance through the pilot development stage to date includes help from the federal government’s Natural Resources Canada; the province of B.C. through the Indigenous Forest Bioenergy program and Northern Development Initiatives Trust, a regional advisory committee funded by the B.C. government. Key members of the Deadwood

Innovations team in Fort St. James includes Steve Illerbrun, Daniel Rix, and Rob Ubleis. Owen credits several others in the Fort St. James area who have rallied around Deadwood Innovations and supported its pilot project engagement. These include Owen’s dad, Jerry, for his contributions to the grassroots development of Deadwood Innovation’s work and forming the inter-generational link with Conrad Miller. Jerry Miller began working engineering revisions of Deadwood’s

concept back in the 1980s. “Another team member who—like my dad—is a primary reason for our success is Jamie Gordy, in Mackenzie, B.C. for his contributions and 30 years of experience in the wood sciences field,” adds Owen. The process has been challenging—but the development team anticipated that it would be. “But we’re making progress every day and that’s very exciting,” enthuses Owen. His grandfather would doubtless agree.

CALENDAR

May 2-3 Ontario Forest Industries Association Annual Convention, Toronto, ON 416-368-6188, www.ofia.com May 4-6 Interior Logging Association Conf. and AGM, Kamloops, BC 250-503-2199 www.interiorlogging.org May 13-19 Sustainable Forestry Initiative Annual Conf., Vancouver, BC 613-747-2454, www.sficonference.org May 22-23 International Conference on Forest Harvesting and Logging, Vancouver, BC www.waset.org May 26-27 BC Saw Filers AGM and Trade Show, Kamloops, BC 250-260-1231, www.bcsawfilers.com May 26-27 Canada North Resources Expo (CNRE), Prince George, BC 250-561-7777, www.cnre.ca

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

loggingequipment

A SMALL, BUT PROVEN,

step forward for harvesting… B.C.’s Jordie Wiens is introducing some new Scandinavian logging equipment, believing the timing is right for this small—but proven—forwarder and harvester head. By Jim Stirling

t’s really all about timing. Jordie Wiens is gambling that his reading of today’s forest industry will strike a chord of potential with forest companies and logging contractors in British Columbia. He’s introducing a small— but proven—forwarder and a harvesting head honed by experience into the B.C. market, a forum traditionally steeped with the doctrine that big machines are the best machines. But with all that’s changed in the industry—and continues to do so— Wiens reckons the niche is growing for harvesting machines designed for the management of younger forest stands through techniques like thinning, selective harvesting and wildfire mitigation strategies. He is hoping his company, Westlake Contracting Ltd, can provide some new solutions for loggers from the company’s

base at Tappen, near Salmon Arm, in B.C.’s southern interior. The machines are an Alstor 840 Pro forwarder from Sweden and a Kesla 16RH harvester head pioneered in Finland. The forest industry has always been part of Wiens’ family culture. For example, his grandfather and other relatives parlayed Blue Mountain Sawmills near Vanderhoof in central B.C. into what is today Canfor’s Plateau Mills Division. Wiens was about 12-years-old when he was allowed his own chain saw. A few years later, he’d graduated into running his own business as a self-employed truck logger. The first logging truck he owned was a 1989 Peterbilt with a tri-axle trailer. He had a regular job for the truck to begin with, but earned extra revenue by hauling for other contractors. “You have to squeeze money out of logging. It doesn’t come easy,” he quickly learned. Wiens followed the work opportunities

into the Cariboo region of B.C., often working for private landowners and gradually increasing the number of logging trucks he owned along the way. “Then along came the pine beetle and that created a whole lot of changes,” he remembers. The major change for Wiens was propelling him further into the world of the larger scale logging contractor. It was tough to acquire quota until he joined forces to create a joint venture. The agreement was forged with Rahn Bros Logging Ltd and Eagle Creek Logging. Together as Terra Timber Holdings Inc., the joint venture partners acquired two forest licences to log for West Fraser Timber in 100 Mile House, B.C. After the partners acquired a 200,000 cubic metre replaceable contract, he says, they were off and logging. “In our biggest year, we logged about 365,000 cubic metres.”

B.C.’s Jordie Wiens believes his reading of today’s forest industry will strike a chord of potential with forest companies and logging contractors in British Columbia. He’s introducing a small—but proven— forwarder and a harvesting head honed by experience into the B.C. market

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

loggingequipment

Everything was ticking along well for Wiens until 2015 when fate intervened. It happened while Wiens was doing something else he enjoyed. “I’ve always loved to fly. One day I was flying my biplane when I guess I zigged instead of zagged.” Wiens plane hit the ground at high speed. Much of the next two years was spent in recovery mode. The period extended into “playing Mr. Mom” and keeping the entrepreneurial spark glowing. This involved running a liquor store, operating a gas station and car wash, and becoming a landlord. But fate had another trick up its sleeve for Wiens. It came innocuously enough in the form of a video. It featured small forest harvesting machines with a range of capabilities outstripping their size. Wiens was intrigued by the possibilities presented by the video. He ended up visiting Scandinavia to learn more. He returned to B.C. with the Alstor forwarder and the Kesla head to match the direction forestry here is taking today. “After extended research and planning, an idea was devised to use new, more specialized equipment to fill a niche in the province of British Columbia between an arborist and a large scale logging company,” outlines Wiens. The machines can be used to thin stands on private land and in commercial forests. Wiens adds that the machines improve the aesthetics, and reduce forest fire hazards. “The machines help create healthier forests and create revenue,” he adds.

In addition to the Alstor 840 Pro forwarder from Sweden (above), the second Scandinavian-developed log harvesting piece of equipment Jordie Wiens is introducing is the Kesla 16RH harvesting head (below, on a Link-Belt 75) from Finland.

to page 10 Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

loggingequipment from page 9 The Alstor 840 Pro is a combination forwarder/harvester and is the result of more than 25 years of development and experience in Swedish forests and in other countries. One of the appealing features of the Alstor 840 for Wiens is the machine’s versatility. He says the machine is fuel efficient and well suited to thinning applications on a variety of terrains. “It has good stability and the 2.6 ton machine can pack more than three tons.” Wiens likes the fact that the Alstor exerts very low ground pressure while working. Its manoeuvrability makes it a good fit in the often tight operating quarters of thinning assignments. Wiens says many of the stands the forwarder will be working in are in the 45-year-old class, where the machine’s ability for not having to operate in straight lines is an added benefit. The Alstor’s size is also an advantage. “One of the biggest advantages is its mobility. No lowbeds are needed to move it around.” Frequently, thinning sites are small in size and geographically scattered. The Alstor 840 has a hydrostatic transmission and lockable differentials to help it work more efficiently. And Wiens reports the 840 was maintaining its productivity in more than two-feet of snow. Operator training is important to getting the best availability and production from small equipment like the Alstor, reminds Wiens. “Operators have to understand it’s a different machine,” he says and one requiring a corresponding approach to operating it successfully. The second Scandinavian-developed

log harvesting piece of equipment Wiens is introducing is the Kesla 16RH harvesting head. It has four delimbing knives, a multistem accumulating ability and weighs about 445 kilograms. Wiens says the head comes with a very accurate measuring system he describes as “state of the art.” Kesla Oy was established in Finland in 1960 and its forest equipment lines also include cranes and grapples. It has developed its heads with the help of operators in the field. Wiens has developed his own carrier for the Kesla head. He’s modified a LinkBelt 75 excavator including the additions of catwalks and guarding. The Link-Belt/ Kesla head combination has worked out fine, he reports.

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

Wiens is well aware having an efficient parts and service back-up support capability is vital to the successful launching of new equipment into the market. Alstor and Kesla are being represented by Axis Forestry Inc., in Kamloops, B.C. Wiens and Axis are building up an inventory of parts they feel might be most in demand. Axis Forestry has also fitted the Kesla head with a Cypress Gen 6.0 control system. “In my opinion, it is head and shoulders above anything else in the industry and will soon become the new standard,” Wiens predicts. Wiens says this new-equipmentto-B.C. could also be beneficial in creating additional jobs. He believes the industry can create twice as many jobs with the same amount of fibre in certain stands— compared to equipment normally used in the province—without increasing cost by any great degree, due to the lower purchase price and operating costs of this equipment. “It was a big gamble to bring these machines into B.C.,” concedes Wiens, but he’s cautiously optimistic about the ultimate outcome of the venture. “So far, I’m pleasantly surprised. There’s been plenty of interest shown.” But he knows loggers are going to want to see for themselves how the equipment stands up over time in B.C., despite having been proven in Scandinavia. Meanwhile Wiens has been enjoying the ride. He says he’s energized by the challenge he’s undertaken—and happy to be involved again in the industry closest to his heart and his history.

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TOP toplumberproducers

lumber producers consolidate market share

Lumber prices took a deep dive in 2022, from record highs, but the numbers show that Canada’s Top 10 Lumber Producers were able to increase their market share during the year, with West Fraser remaining in the top spot.

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toplumberproducers By Mark Smith, Partner, FEA Research by Chari Gimenez, FEA Canada

n last year’s FEA annual survey of the “Top 10” Canadian lumber producers for 2021 in Logging and Sawmilling Journal, the heading read as follows: “A year of record lumber prices across the globe.” How 12 months can make a difference! Last year proved the old adage: What goes up, must come down! The U.S. index reported by FEA reflects historical changes in a basket of structural lumber grades and is a good representation of North American price changes over time. This index peaked in March and early April but fell throughout the rest of 2022, reaching a floor in December.

Total North American lumber shipments: down 1.8 billion board feet

Total North American softwood lumber shipments were down 1.8 billion board feet (to 58.5 billion board feet from 60.3 billion board feet) in 2022 versus 2021. All of the overall decline seen in 2022 was from Canada, with shipments down 2.2 billion board feet—a whopping 9.4 per cent drop. In contrast, U.S. lumber shipments actually rose slightly—up 0.5 billion board feet or +0.2 per cent. Much of the year-over-year decline in lumber shipments from Canadian mills can be attributed to curtailments in B.C. at the end of 2022. With its tight timber and labour markets, B.C. costs

are currently among the highest in North America. Further, B.C. timber costs can be more volatile than elsewhere on the continent. B.C. stumpage prices are based on a formula that considers several factors, including lumber prices from three to six months prior. When prices spike and then crash (as we saw several times during the pandemic), mills can find themselves paying very high stumpage even after lumber prices have dropped. With lumber prices plunging in 22Q4, several B.C. mills had to shut down. Several permanent sawmill closures were announced in January 2023. With B.C.’s AAC set to decline still further due to the mountain pine beetle epidemic and conservation set-asides, more mill closures and shift reductions are likely.

Canadian Top 10 lumber producers: shipments down 1.2 per cent from 2021 to 2022

The Canadian Top 10 lumber producers saw shipments decline by 1.2 per cent in 2022, yet total Canadian shipments decreased by 9.4 per cent in a reflection of the greater resilience of the Top 10 firms. This saw the Top 10’s share of total shipments rise from 58.9 per cent in 2021 to 64.2 per cent in 2022. The 2022 production of the Top 10 totaled 13.4 billion board feet, down slightly from 13.6 billion board feet in 2021. Overall Canadian shipments, which had reached 23.1 billion board feet in 2021, were down to 20.9 billion board feet in 2022. The top three Canadian firms—West Fraser, Canfor, and Resolute—did not change rankings from 2021 to 2022. Collectively, these top three firms accounted for almost 7 billion board feet (33 per cent) of total Canadian lumber output last year, similar to their market share in 2021.

to page 14 Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

toplumberproducers from page 13 West Fraser remained in top spot despite its Canadian output being down by 547 million board feet (-17.2 per cent) across its 12 mills. Canfor stayed in second at 2.3 billion board feet, also recording a reduction (-7.3%) from 2021 across its 11 Western Canadian mills. Resolute continued at #3, with output at its 14 mills up 108 million board feet (+5.7 per cent) from 2021 to 2022. Spot #4 was claimed by Interfor following its acquisition of EACOM that gave it a massive 83.4 per cent increase in 2022 shipments—equal to 622 million board feet—versus 2021. Tolko, at #5 for 2022, saw its output decrease by 140 million board feet (-10.6 per cent) to less than 1.2 billion board feet. Finally, J.D. Irving, at #6, recorded 2022 production identical to 2021. The four largest North American softwood lumber producers (West Fraser, Weyerhaeuser, Canfor, and Interfor) have operations in both the U.S. and Canada. They produced a collective 17.87 billion board feet last year, equating to just under 31 per cent of total North American lum-

Forest company Interfor jumped into #4 spot among Canadian lumber producers following its acquisition of EACOM Timber. The acquisition gave Interfor a massive 83.4 per cent increase in 2022 shipments. ber output in 2022 across their combined 105 sawmills. ___________________________________ Forest Economic Advisors LLC (FEA, www.getfea.com) is an economic forecasting and consulting firm that focuses on the global wood products and timber industries. Founded in 2009, FEA uses modern econometric techniques and deep insti-

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

tutional knowledge of the forest products industry to produce timely, actionable and insightful analysis for stakeholders in the global wood products and timber sectors. The company has methodically built up a large (and ever-expanding) industry data set and extensive industry contacts which it combines with its proprietary modeling systems to deliver comprehensive and consistent forecasts.

An ALTERNATIVE to logging APPROACH BCforestry

There are no bunchers or skidders in the Freya Logging fleet, only harvesters and forwarders, including two Ponsse harvesters.

Freya Logging is demonstrating an alternative logging approach in the B.C. Interior, including on a research project site involving different forest ecosystems. By Tony Kryzanowski

Liam Parfitt, forester and part owner of Prince George-based, Freya Logging. 16

here are no skidders or tracked feller bunchers within the 20-piece logging fleet owned by Prince George, B.C.-based Freya Logging. Their fleet consists primarily of wheeled harvesters and forwarders—and that’s by design. Company forester Liam Parfitt describes the majority of their harvesting activity as “selective logging where most of the merchantable wood is removed”. Overall, they leave more standing structure and understorey in the forest while creating less ground disturbance compared to conventional clearcut logging using feller bunchers and skidders—and what Freya Logging is doing has lately caught the attention of other loggers and several forest companies. Their fleet and logging method is without a doubt an alternative approach and

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

could rightly be described as following the European model. However, the question for Canadian loggers has always been economics. Parfitt says that they are competitive with conventional logging. “We can compete with conventional logging on a clearcut and we can do it cheaper than they can on selective logging,” he says. What could be driving this recent interest in Freya Logging’s approach is the issue of ‘social license’ becoming more prominent within forest management circles, where governments and timber license holders are demanding a more careful logging style to earn benefits, such as maintaining habitat and biodiversity. Greater uptake of this style of logging remains to be seen, although Freya Logging to page 18

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BCforestry from page 16 is finding no lack of work these days. “The ethics of forestry is changing and we have more values to consider now,” says Parfitt. “I think that we at Freya Logging are at that point where we are realizing the value of what we are doing, and we have been rewarded for that.” Freya Logging definitely has deep European roots. It is partly owned by Parfitt and his Swedish wife, Sofia. Another share is owned by Claudia and Olaf Weber. The Webers moved to Canada from Germany about 10 years ago. Olaf, a trained mechanic, was the company’s service supervisor until his recent retirement. The majority of the company is now owned by Mirko and Suzanne Jansen who recently re-located to Canada from Switzerland. Jansen is the company’s general manager and holds a four-year diploma specifically related to logging. Also, about half of their equipment operators come from Europe. Parfitt, who has a forestry degree from the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), says having spent time in Sweden with his wife, he noted the difference between how logging was

A John Deere 2656 loader (above) complements two Hitachi log loaders, a model 210 and a model 240, in the Freya Logging fleet. managed in B.C.—despite the goals stated on paper—vs. how it was being managed in Sweden, where he felt that logging was

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

being implemented properly. It definitely influenced his attitude when he and his family returned to Canada.

BCforestry “What I saw in Sweden was that there was a technological difference between how they log there compared to here, and many times technology drives the logging approach more than anything else,” he says. When he returned to Canada in 2006, “I committed myself to forwarding the technology of Scandinavian logging systems in B.C.” It was tough sledding to gain acceptance for this logging style as he worked in several equipment sales jobs, and then for a B.C.-based logging company with some experience with European harvesters and forwarders. Eventually, and to Parfitt’s dismay, because of employee resistance within the company, they abandoned their harvesters in favor of conventional logging. But he was undaunted, striking out on his own with the Webers to establish Freya Logging in 2016. Today, with the Jansens primarily at the wheel, the company harvests in the range of 350,000 cubic metres annually, mostly for Prince George-based Carrier Lumber, but also for other clients like Lakeland Mills, West Fraser and even Jasper National Park. During the company’s first year of operation, it only performed about two percent selective logging. Today, it is more like 85 percent. Their logging fleet comprises of eight harvesters: five wheeled and three tracked units. They also own six forwarders, three log loaders and support equipment for road building. Their wheeled harvesters consist of a new Ponsse Bear harvester, a Ponsse Scorpion harvester, two John Deere 1270G harvesters, and a Komatsu 931harvester. Their two Eltec 277 tracked harvesters are equipped with Ponsse H8 harvesting heads. Their Hitachi 210 tracked harvester is equipped with a Waratah 622 harvesting head. They own four Ponsse Elephant King forwarders, as well as a John Deere 1910 forwarder and a Ponsse Buffalo King forwarder. Their log loaders consist of a John Deere 2656 loader, a Hitachi 210 loader and a Hitachi 240 loader. Recently, Freya Logging was selected by UNBC researchers to implement four harvesting prescriptions as part of the university’s participation in a collaborative research project across a network of different forest ecosystems throughout North America. The research project took place near Fort St. James, within a 160-hectare area of the John Prince Research Forest (JPRF). Tl’az’ten First Nation, owner of a forest tenure management company called, Tanizul Timber, co-manages the

research forest with UNBC. The goal of this Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change study is to demonstrate examples of how to integrate climate change adaptation into silvicultural planning and on-the-ground actions because of the challenges to future fibre supply that climate change represents. Freya Logging recovered approximately 38,000 cubic metres of merchantable timber over six weeks, which JPRF sold under contract to Carrier Lumber.

The research site consisted of hybrid spruce, lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, trembling aspen, paper birch and cottonwood. The study required four different harvesting prescriptions with different levels of retention under the headings of a standard clearcut with retention, to cuts with the objective of resistance, resilience and transition. Each cutblock consisted of 10 hectare parcels. to page 20

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

BCforestry from page 19 Susan Grainger, forester and forest manager at JPRF, says that forests in that area can likely expect to endure warmer, wetter climate conditions. “The concern is that despite a wetter climate, the increased precipitation will probably not make up for the increase in temperature. So meteorologists are anticipating drought, which is a limiting factor to some of the species that can grow here in the future,” says Grainger. She adds that this prediction of a wetter, warmer climate drove the harvesting prescription designs developed for this research study. What will follow is scientifically evaluating a myriad of responses including growth and yield, and potentially providing forest managers with operationally achievable options for developing more resilient forests to climate change as a desired future condition of the forest. Grainger noted that Freya Logging was able to retain more understorey vegetation with their equipment selection compared to a conventional logging contractor not part of the study but working close by, primarily because of their forwarding approach versus grapple skidding to transport logs to roadside. She was also pleased that the merchantable fibre volume recovered by Freya Logging, despite

the requirement for various retention levels, showed that the logging economics can be positive and operationally viable using their style of logging. “This is what really excites me is using technology to improve the forest to pre-

pare it for climate change and/or using it to improve biodiversity,” says Parfitt. “We were motivated to show the value of our system beyond cubic metres per hectare, and that our system actually leaves an intact or better forest behind.”

There is a bear, scorpion, elephant and buffalo in Freya Logging’s cutblocks. These are actually the model names of specific Ponsse equipment in Freya Logging’s extensive harvester and forwarder fleet. Using this equipment, and other pieces of iron, the company harvests about 350,000 cubic metres annually.

B.C. First Nation adopts logging approach from research study on its own timber management sites

fter witnessing the logging method demonstrated by Freya Logging as part of their participation in a research study aimed at creating forests that are more resilient to climate change within the John Prince Research Forest (JPRF), representatives of Tanizul Timber Ltd saw the potential to apply the same logging technique on specific sites within their own timber management holdings. They contracted Freya Logging to apply the harvesting prescription they wanted, which according to Alex Pierre, forest planner at Tanizul Timber, was clearcut logging with non-merchantable timber and Douglas fir retention on a site-specific basis. Tanizul Timber manages the area-based tenures held by the Tl’az’ten First Nation. “What we liked about the Freya Logging method was that it was a new approach and a different way to manage certain

stands. It was eye opening,” he says. “We thought that we could adopt their logging method—we want to be on the leading edge of good forest management.” What they specifically liked about Freya Logging’s approach on the JPRF study was the amount of understorey and non-merchantable timber left intact using harvesters and forwarders. Typically, when using conventional logging techniques involving feller bunchers and skidders, a high percentage of the understorey and non-merchantable timber was destroyed. The logging system deployed by Freya Logging was able to achieve those outcomes “amazingly well,” according to Pierre. They also appreciated the attractive looking final outcome. However, he adds that because Freya Logging’s approach is more costly, Tanizul Timber is very careful on its site selection to ensure that it is spending the extra

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

money on sites that are capable of producing their desired outcomes, recognizing that conventional clearcut logging is still an appropriate prescription on some sites. It has been a learning experience. They intend to take follow-up LIDAR images of the sites logged by Freya Logging to be able to compare before and after imaging, to determine exactly what retention level was achieved. Tanizul Timber is also harvesting stands heavily impacted by mountain pine beetle. So this more careful logging style has the potential to achieve higher recovery rates in stands with a high percentage of merchantable beetle blowdown. They have hired Freya Logging to continue to harvest several of their timber management sites where they feel that Freya’s logging system is a better fit.

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2023 SHOWGUIDE

Welcome to Canada North Resources Expo!

n behalf of the entire show management team at Master Promotions Ltd., I would like to extend a warm welcome to the fifth edition of the Canada North Resources Expo in Prince George. This year, we are excited to return to Northern BC after four years and to continue to showcase the latest equipment, services, and technology in the resources sector from the leading companies and products of Northern Canada’s major sectors, including forestry, heavy construction, infrastructure development, aggregates, mining, transportation, and more. At Canada North Resources Expo, we believe in giving back to our community. Every year we look forward to making ties in the community through charitable benefits, such as United Way Northern British Columbia and FORED BC, to help create our industry leaders of tomorrow. We are also grateful for our sponsors, The Logging & Sawmilling Journal, and Western Equipment Ltd., whose support has been invaluable in making this event possible. We are thrilled to have the Honour House Tour of Honour stop by the show on Saturday, May 27th in partnership with Inland Truck & Equipment and Link-Belt Excavators. “The tour is a grassroots effort to bring attention to the illnesses and injuries that face those who put on a uniform and keep us all safe each and every day. Funds raised will be used to support the

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Honour House and Honour Ranch” as stated on their Facebook page. For more information visit www.inland-group.com/ projectcourage. The indoor and outdoor exhibits at Canada North Resources Expo will showcase tons of big iron and the latest technologies to help you get jobs done on time and on budget—it’s the place to be for planning major projects in the region. We cannot wait to see you there and be a part of this exciting celebration of all things north! Mark Cusack National Show Manager Master Promotions Ltd.

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS Show Guide Provider

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Indigenous Resource Network

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

JOHN DEERE PROTECT

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PROTECTED FOR THE LONG RUN Choose a service plan that’s right for you.1 Purchase with an extended warranty and experience these powerful benefits with a dealer-serviced John Deere Protect Service Plan. Prefer to conduct your own maintenance? Go with a customer-serviced John Deere Protect Parts & Fluids Plan and get the same benefits while having your own technicians take care of the service and labor.

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2023 SHOWGUIDE

Momentum—and excitement—building for Resources Expo show in Prince George

hrough the years, Mark Cusack has become pretty adept at accurately recognizing the presence of momentum. It’s proven a useful attribute to have as the National Show Manager for Master Promotions Ltd, the company which stages the Canada North Resources Expo (CNRE) in Prince George, British Columbia. “The early momentum for the CNRE this year is very good,” reports Cusack with confidence. “It’s as least as good as it was for the last show at this comparable time.” And that edition of the CNRE, held in 2019, turned out to be a highly successful event for forest industry exhibitors and the other natural resource industry participants. This year’s version of the CNRE is scheduled for May 26 and 27 at the CN Centre, the event’s home venue in Prince George. Cusack has had ample recent opportunities to practice his momentum recognition skills. After a lean period for the event organization business, momentum has been gathering steam recently for a range of industry and recreational clients across North America “We have five shows on the go between now and the CNRE,” says Cusack whose company is based at Saint John, New Brunswick. And all the groups and industries behind the shows are keen to

make up for the time lost to COVID-19. “Exhibitors at the CNRE are anxious to get back to the face-to-face way of doing business the forest industry and other natural resource industries are most used to,” notes Cusack. The four years since the last CNRE in Prince George isn’t a long period chronologically, but much has happened to change the world in that time frame. The domino effects of climate change are altering the landscape along with the weather. The COVID pandemic has altered much, including a re-assessment of how business can best be structured. And the Russian invasion of Ukraine is now in its second year and is still thwarting the traditional global supply and logistic chains. Those supply chain shortages and delays continue to frustrate show exhibitors, continues Cusack. “Many of the exhibitors tell us they have a range of new products they are anxious to show and demonstrate to forest industry contractors attending the CNRE,” he explains. The logging sector in the B.C. Interior is in transition. The focus is shifting to equipment and systems best suited to harvesting younger age group forest stands. This includes more small, nimble machines that are versatile and resilient enough for regular harvesting assignments, along with stand thinning and implementing forest

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

fire mitigation strategies with minimum damage to residual stems and the rest of the landscape. Loggers spend an inordinate amount of their time in any working day in their pick-up trucks. The electronic truck revolution is closing the gap between interest and vehicle orders. Improvements in battery life and performance is a major factor. Cusack predicts the trucking companies will be well-represented during the CNRE, with the latest models and features. Cusack’s momentum judgement for the CNRE is reinforced by early confirmation for exhibitor spaces at the Prince George show. “Inland, Brandt Tractor and all the truck boys were among the first to book their show space,” reports Cusack, “and others were following daily.” As usual, the CNRE is expected to fill available space at the exhibition grounds. Other groups and organizations take advantage of the CNRE’s drawing power to hold annual general meetings and other meetings in conjunction with the show. Special events, guest speakers and possible seminars were still being organized at the Logging and Sawmill Journal’s deadline, adds Cusack. Registration details for exhibitors and a full list of this year’s show and news is available at the organizer’s website www.CNRE.ca

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2023 SHOWGUIDE

Charting a new direction for tree planting in B.C.

Tree planting in B.C. is charting a new direction, as the silviculture sector is looking to do a better job of representing how its constructive restoration work contributes to reducing the effects of climate change.

By Jim Stirling

hey are out there again this spring and summer. Tree planters are a seasonal rite across British Columbia. Up to 5,000 of them each year fan out across the province’s broad flanks, seeking the optimum planting spots for the tree seedlings to flourish and continue the regeneration cycle. The tree planters’ work has always been important. The forest industry depends upon it—and so does Mother Nature. But now it’s deemed critically important with the advent of the world’s new carbon conscious economy. Trees are a weapon for helping promote health, as well as prosperity. But attracting the core requirements of the predominantly young workforce has become increasingly difficult. A lot is expected from the professional tree planter under demanding weather and working conditions. As with other jobs in the forest industry, the silvicultural sector has also experienced an increase in the numbers of simultaneous retirees. And also in concert

with other sectors, increasing inflation rates have driven up operating costs like food and fuel. Until recently, the situation surrounding worker attraction and retention was tempered by a wage structure that had fallen out of sync with other competing employment opportunities. You really had to be attracted by the specifics of the tree planters’ lifestyle. “We don’t have a clear picture yet about the overall number of people applying to work this year,” related John Betts in February of this year. “Generally the number of applicants has been dropping. This is consistent with other labour trends across the province.” Betts is executive director of the Western Forestry Contractors’ Association (WFCA) and he is based in Nelson, B.C. “We’re competing much harder for workers than we have had to in the past,” he adds. The 2023 planting season looks to be an active one. “There will be about 290 million seedlings planted in B.C. this year,” anticipates Betts. Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

The figure includes the seedlings forest companies are contractually obliged to plant as a condition of their licences to harvest trees on Crown land. The corresponding seedling plant figure in 2020 was 314 million. “Next year will be in a similar range as this year, but the following year the planting program will start to come down,” expects Betts. The main reason for that is a decline in the annual allowable cut (AAC) as set by the provincial government. The declining AAC is a provincial phenomenon and a reflection of the changes in the composition of the B.C. forest industry. The province’s overall annual seedling planting figures are also being positively influenced by the federal government’s Two Billion Tree program. The program is part of Canada’s approach to nature-driven climate solutions. Natural Resources Canada is in year three of the federal government’s 10-year program. In B.C., most seedlings planted by industry are lodgepole pine. The species is chosen because it’s typically the cheapest to grow in nurseries and fast growing after planting. But the lodgepole pine is not always the species of choice under the Two Billion Tree program. The federal government and its partners select the species best suited to the site and purpose. For instance, the federal government signed an agreement in principle with the Yukon Territory’s Wildland Fire Management branch to plant 78,000 aspen seedlings in various locations around the City of Whitehorse, the Yukon’s capital. The aspen was chosen specifically for its fireresistant qualities. Conifers like lodgepole pine, by contrast, are highly flammable species. The tumbling provincial AAC Betts referred to is no surprise. All the ingredients had been assembled and the table

2023 SHOWGUIDE was set long ago. The forest industry had eschewed forest fires at any cost and encouraged industrial-sized harvesting systems. A steadily warming climate and a monoculture of susceptible lodgepole pine combined to trigger Canada’s worst mountain pine beetle epidemic. Contiguous valleys of dead and dying lodgepole pine trees were ideal ingredients for wildfires which reached their deadliest levels so far in the summers of 2017 and 2018. Little wonder the AAC is in sharp decline. But as the tree planting and silviculture sector goes through its business as usual routines this season, planning is growing to help chart a new direction. “We are working on an overall strategy to diversify our workforce consistent with an emerging mix of backgrounds that make up our national population,” explains Betts. “We also need to do a better job of representing how our constructive restoration work contributes to reducing the effects of climate change.”

2023 SHOWGUIDE can protect communities and infrastructure while reducing wildfire risk and severity. “We have to find ways to balance our economy and the ecosystems.” Betts reckons the silvicultural sector is ideally positioned to meet the challenges of that balancing act. “Our sector is on the ground and developing more understanding about ecosystems and their management,” he points out. “The future is going to be interesting.”

It is those two words—climate change—that are the drivers toward redefining and expanding the WFCA’s role, believes Betts. He says climate change has become part of everyone’s life. It’s typically demonstrated through severe forest fire, flooding and wildly unpredictable weather patterns. Betts says the provincial government has published a list of key climate risks and the effects they might have. It is in that role Betts sees a new function and purpose potential for the WFCA. “Risks can be mitigated in how we manage the land,” he summarizes. He sees work opportunities for young workers expanding beyond the confines of spring and summer tree planting seasons. Hazard abatement, for example,

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

Aalberts-IPS Booth # 509 Aberdeen Container Sales & Storage Ltd. Booth # G-1 AFD Petroleum Ltd. Booth # P-45 Alfagomma Booth # 607 Alltech Group Booth # 616 ANCRA Canada Booth # 406 Armtec Booth # 101 Axiom Equipment Inc. Booth # 307 Babine Truck & Equipment Ltd. Booth # P-19 Bandit Industries Booth # P-4 Brandt Tractor Ltd. Booth # P-3 BCCWITT Booth # 714 Brikers Booth # P-14 Brockwhite - A White Cap Company Booth # 207 Brunette Machinery Co. (D&L Timber Technologies) Booth # G-2 CanDrone Booth # 614 Capri CMW Insurance Booth # P-42 Catalys Lubricants Inc. Booth # 208 Cenovus Energy Booth # 312 Certified Commercial & Fleet Services Booth # 804 Certified Labs div. of NCH Canada Inc. Booth # 313 Coast Lubricants and Industrial Supply Ltd. Booth # 202 ColdFront Booth # 408 Connexus Industries Inc. Booth # 513 ConTrac Equipment Ltd. Booth # 716 Cool Heat Truck Parts Booth # 303 Cooper Equipment Rentals Booth # 507 CustomVac Services Ltd. Booth # P-41 DAGR Industrial Lighting Booth # 102 De-On Supply Inc. Booth # 403 DFI Piling Booth # 702 Diamond Industries Ltd. Booth # 103 Diesel Tech Industries Booth # P-40 Doepker Industries Ltd. Booth # P-51 Duz Cho Construction LP Booth # 400

Enbridge Booth # 703 Fortis BC Booth # 703 Everguard Fire Safety Booth # P-49 Evolution Edges Booth # 604 Factors Western Inc. Booth # 405 FAE Western Canada Ltd. Booth # P-53 First Truck Centre Prince George Booth # P-10 Flash Fire Safety Booth # P-48 Flexxaire Booth # 512 FORED BC Society Booth # 105 Young Canadians for Resources Booth # 105 Foreman Equipment Booth # 416 Forest Power Sports Booth # P-23 & P-25 Fort Garry Industries Ltd. Booth # P-39 FreFlyt Industries Inc. Booth # P-37 Frontier Power Products Booth # 606 Full Steam Ent. Ltd. Booth # P-54 Gear Equipment Inc. Booth # P-50 GMI Wheels Booth # 411 Headwind Solutions Booth # 201 Heavy Equipment Repair Ltd. Booth # 801 Hunter Engineering Company Booth # 214 & G-4 iGrip Industries Inc. Booth # 211 Inland Truck & Equipment Booth # P-34 & P-35 Iron Capital Rentals Booth # 413 Jim Pattison Lease / VISA Truck Rentals Booth # 210 Justice Institute of British Columbia Booth # 711 KMC-Kootrac / Kootenay Tractor Booth # 204 KMS Tools Booth # 700 Knaus Air Solutions Booth # 717 Lawson Products Booth # 506 Lease Link Booth # 316 Leavitt Machinery Booth # P-13 Linde Canada Inc. Booth # 502 Logging & Sawmilling Journal Booth # 100 Logic Plastics Booth # 419

Lumisave Industrial LED Technologies Ltd. Booth # 311 Machinery Supply Booth # 516 MarketBook / ForestryTrader Booth # 106 ForestryTrader Booth # 106 Marlim Ecological Consulting Booth # 319 Mason Lift Limited Booth # P-43 Morfco Supplies Ltd. Booth # 500 New-Line Hose & Fittings Booth # 304 Northern Metalic Sales Booth # P-20 Ocean Trailer Booth # P-38 Peerless Ltd. Booth # P-7 Peterbilt Pacific Inc. Booth # P-24 Pioneer Offroad Rentals Booth # 203 Pioneer Parts Rebuilding Ltd. Booth # 414 Prince George Portable Toilet Services Ltd. Booth # 205 Prolenc Manufacturing Inc. Booth # P-2

Promac Equipment Booth # P-52 Quadco USA Inc. Booth # P-31 Quality Chain Canada Booth # P-46 Rototilt Inc. Booth # 216 R.L. Rurka Sales & Service Inc. Booth # 200 Red Spade Ent Ltd. Booth # 306 Rip's Cleats Booth # 712 Skeans Pneumatic & Automation Solutions Booth # 805

SMS Equipment Booth # P-15 Spatial Technologies Booth # G-5 Standard Machine Booth # 514 Star West Petroleum Booth # 511 Stinger Welding Ltd. Booth # P-36 Streamline Transportation Technologies Booth # 417 Summit Trailer Booth # P-1 Supply Post Booth # 704

Surewerx Booth # 505 Sussex Insurance Booth # 407 Swift Fox Industries Booth # P-33 Teaam Aeromedical Booth # 705 The St. George Company Booth # 611 Top Down Enterprises Inc. Booth # P-32 Triple S Industries Booth # 314 United Way of Northern BC Booth # 317

Uroll Inc. Booth # 212 Valhalla Equipment Inc. Booth # P-8 Viking Cives Ltd. Booth # P-26 Vivid Lumen Industries Booth # 300 Vulcan Hoist Booth # 508 Vulcan On-Board / SI On-Board Scales Booth # 412 Wallingfords Inc. Booth # 608 Waratah Forestry Canada Booth # P-5

Weldco-Beales Mfg. Booth # 708 Western Equipment Ltd. Booth # 709 WholeFleet Diagnostics Booth # 800 Williams Machinery Booth # P-44 Yokohama Off-Highway Tires America, Inc. Booth # P-6

2023 SHOWGUIDE • EXHIBITOR LISTING BRUNETTE MACHINERY CO. (D&L TIMBER TECHNOLOGIES) Booth # G-2 www.brunettemc.com

CANDRONE

Booth # 614 www.candrone.com

CAPRI CMW INSURANCE Booth # P-42 www.capricmw.ca

CATALYS LUBRICANTS INC. AALBERTS-IPS

AXIOM EQUIPMENT INC.

Booth # 509 www.aalberts-ips.com

Booth # 307 www.axiomequipmentgroup.com

ABERDEEN CONTAINER SALES & STORAGE LTD.

Booth # G-1 www.aberdeencontainersales.ca

AFD PETROLEUM LTD.

Booth # P-45 www.afdpetroleum.com

ALFAGOMMA

Booth # 607 www.alfagomma.com

ALLTECH GROUP

Booth # 616 www.groupeallech.com

ANCRA CANADA

BABINE TRUCK & EQUIPMENT LTD.

CENOVUS ENERGY

Booth # 312 www.cenovus.com

CERTIFIED COMMERCIAL & FLEET SERVICES

Booth # P-19 www.babinetruck.com

Booth # 804 www.certifiedfleetservices.ca

BANDIT INDUSTRIES

Booth # P-4 www.banditchippers.com

CERTIFIED LABS DIV. OF NCH CANADA INC.

BRANDT TRACTOR LTD.

Booth # 313 www.northamerica.certifiedlabs.com

BCCWITT

Booth # 202 www.coastlubricants.com

COAST LUBRICANTS AND INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY LTD.

Booth # P-3 www.brandt.ca

Booth # 714 www.bccwitt.ca

COLDFRONT

Booth # 408 www.coldfront.ca

BRIKERS

CONNEXUS INDUSTRIES INC.

Booth # 406 www.ancracargo.com

Booth # P-14 www.brikers.com

ARMTEC

BROCKWHITE - A WHITE CAP COMPANY

Booth # 101 www.armtec.com

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Booth # 513 www.cnxsind.com

CONTRAC EQUIPMENT LTD. Booth # 716 www.contraceq.ca

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

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EXHIBITOR LISTING • 2023 SHOWGUIDE COOL HEAT TRUCK PARTS

DOEPKER INDUSTRIES LTD.

COOPER EQUIPMENT RENTALS

DUZ CHO CONSTRUCTION LP

Booth # 303 www.chtp.com

Booth # 507 www.cooperequipment.ca

CUSTOMVAC SERVICES LTD. Booth # P-41 www.customvac.com

DAGR INDUSTRIAL LIGHTING Booth # 102 www.dagrlighting.com

DE-ON SUPPLY INC.

Booth # 403 www.deonsupply.com

DFI PILING

Booth # 702 www.dfipiling.com

DIAMOND INDUSTRIES LTD.

Booth # 103 www.diamondindustries.ca

DIESEL TECH INDUSTRIES Booth # P-40 www.dtiguardian.com

Booth # P-51 www.doepker.com Booth # 400 www.duzcho.com

ENBRIDGE

Booth # 703 www.enbridge.com

FORTIS BC

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EVERGUARD FIRE SAFETY

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EVOLUTION EDGES

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FACTORS WESTERN INC.

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FAE WESTERN CANADA LTD. Booth # P-53 www.fae-group.com

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

FIRST TRUCK CENTRE PRINCE GEORGE Booth # P-10 www.firsttruck.ca

FLASH FIRE SAFETY

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FLEXXAIRE

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FORED BC SOCIETY

Booth # 105 www.foredbc.org

YOUNG CANADIANS FOR RESOURCES Booth # 105 www.canadaaction.ca/ young-canadians-for-resources

FOREMAN EQUIPMENT

Booth # 416 www.foremanequipment.com

FOREST POWER SPORTS

Booth # P-23 & P-25 www.forestpowersports.com

2023 SHOWGUIDE • EXHIBITOR LISTING FORT GARRY INDUSTRIES LTD.

JIM PATTISON LEASE / VISA TRUCK RENTALS

FREFLYT INDUSTRIES INC.

JUSTICE INSTITUTE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

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FRONTIER POWER PRODUCTS Booth # 606 www.frontierpower.com

FULL STEAM ENT. LTD. Booth # P-54

GEAR EQUIPMENT INC. Booth # P-50 www.gearequip.com

GMI WHEELS

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HEADWIND SOLUTIONS

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HEAVY EQUIPMENT REPAIR LTD.

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HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY Booth # 214 & G-4 www.hunter.com

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KMC-KOOTRAC / KOOTENAY TRACTOR

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LINDE CANADA INC.

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INLAND TRUCK & EQUIPMENT IRON CAPITAL RENTALS

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MARKETBOOK / FORESTRYTRADER

IGRIP INDUSTRIES INC.

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Booth # 502 www.lindecanada.ca

Booth # 211 www.igripstud.com

LUMISAVE INDUSTRIAL LED TECHNOLOGIES LTD.

LOGGING & SAWMILLING JOURNAL LOGIC PLASTICS

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

Booth # 106 www.marketbook.ca

Booth # 106 www.forestrytrader.com

MARLIM ECOLOGICAL CONSULTING LTD. Booth # 319 www.marlimecological.com

MASON LIFT LIMITED

Booth # P-43 www.masonlift.com

MORFCO SUPPLIES LTD.

Booth # 500 www.morfcosupply.ca

NEW-LINE HOSE & FITTINGS Booth # 304 www.new-line.com

NORTHERN METALIC SALES

Booth # P-20 www.northernmetalic.com

OCEAN TRAILER

Booth # P-38 www.oceantrailer.com

PEERLESS LTD.

Booth # P-7 www.facebook.com/peerlesslimited/

HELP US HELP OUR HEROES The name Project Courage is symbolic of the courage required by members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans, and Emergency Services Personnel to put our needs ahead of their own. But it also represents the courage to reach out to an organization like Honour House when it’s their turn to lean on someone else for help. Inland and Link-Belt’s Project Courage aims to support Honour House Society, a non-proﬁt organization that provides assistance to Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, emergency services personnel, and their families. To learn more, visit inland-group.com/projectcourage

DON’T MISS THE TOUR OF HONOUR WHEN IT STOPS AT YOUR LOCAL INLAND STORE BBQ, local emergency service personnel on site, and more. Dates beginning in April—stay tuned to our social channels or visit the website above for more information.

inland-group.com

2023 SHOWGUIDE • EXHIBITOR LISTING PETERBILT PACIFIC INC.

ROTOTILT INC.

STANDARD MACHINE

PIONEER OFFROAD RENTALS

R.L. RURKA SALES & SERVICE INC.

STAR WEST PETROLEUM

RED SPADE ENT LTD.

STINGER WELDING LTD.

Booth # P-24 www.peterbiltpacific.com Booth # 203 www.pioneerrentals.ca

PIONEER PARTS REBUILDING LTD. Booth # 414 www.pioneerparts.com

PRINCE GEORGE PORTABLE TOILET SERVICES LTD.

Booth # 216 www.rototilt.com Booth # 200 www.rlrurka.ca

Booth # 306 www.redspade.ca

RIP'S CLEATS

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Booth # 712 www.ripscleats.com

PROLENC MANUFACTURING INC.

SKEANS PNEUMATIC & AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS

Booth # P-2 www.prolenc.com

PROMAC EQUIPMENT

Booth # P-52 www.promacequipment.ca

QUADCO USA INC.

Booth # P-31 www.quadco.com

QUALITY CHAIN CANADA Booth # P-46 www.qccanada.com

Booth # 805 www.skeans.com

Booth # 514 www.standardmachine.ca Booth # 511 www.swpetroleum.ca Booth # P-36 www.stingerwelding.com

STREAMLINE TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGIES Booth # 417 www.stti.com

SUMMIT TRAILER

Booth # P-1 www.summittrailer.ca

SMS EQUIPMENT

SUPPLY POST

SPATIAL TECHNOLOGIES

SUREWERX

Booth # P-15 www.smsequipment.com Booth # G-5 www.spatialtechnologies.ca

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

Booth # 704 www.supplypost.com Booth # 505 www.surewerx.com

EXHIBITOR LISTING SUSSEX INSURANCE

VULCAN HOIST

SWIFT FOX INDUSTRIES

VULCAN ON-BOARD / SI ON-BOARD SCALES

Booth # 407 www.sussexinsurance.com Booth # P-33 www.swiftfoxindustries.ca

TEAAM AEROMEDICAL Booth # 705 www.teaam.ca

THE ST. GEORGE COMPANY

Booth # 611 www.thestgeorgeco.com

TOP DOWN ENTERPRISES INC. Booth # P-32 www.topdownent.ca

TRIPLE S INDUSTRIES

Booth # 314 www.triplesindustries.com

UNITED WAY OF NORTHERN BC Booth # 317 www.unitedwaynbc.ca

UROLL INC.

Booth # 212 www.universalroll.com

VALHALLA EQUIPMENT INC.

Booth # P-8 www.valhallaequipment.ca

VIKING CIVES LTD.

Booth # 508 www.vulcanhoist.com

Booth # 412 www.vulcanscales.com

WALLINGFORDS INC.

Booth # 608 www.wallingfords.com

WARATAH FORESTRY CANADA Booth # P-5 www.waratah.com

WELDCO-BEALES MFG.

Booth # 708 www.weldco-beales.com

WESTERN EQUIPMENT LTD.

Booth # 709 www.westernequipmentLtd..com

WHOLEFLEET DIAGNOSTICS Booth # 800 www.wholefleet.ca

WILLIAMS MACHINERY

• PATENTED

OVER CENTRE CAM

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Booth # P-44 www.williamsmachinery.com

YOKOHAMA OFF-HIGHWAY TIRES AMERICA, INC.

Booth # P-6 www.yokohama-oht.com

Booth # P-26 www.vikingcives.com

VIVID LUMEN INDUSTRIES Booth # 300 www.vividlumed.com

• WEDGE LOCK STAKE POCKETS

Prince George

www.prolenc.com

877.563.8899 Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

2023 SHOWGUIDE

New Fort St. James sawmill F starting up

ort St. James Forest Products is a small but positive gleam on an otherwise gloomy sawmilling sector horizon in north central British Columbia. New sawmills of any size are rare occurrences in B.C. But this one encountered additional delays and problems during its construction phase because of the COVID-19 epidemic and supply chain issues. Fort St. James Forest Products is owned by Hampton Lumber based in Portland, Oregon. The company operates other B.C. sawmills, near Burns Lake and Decker Lake, and the new operation like them includes a small First Nations equity position. Hampton acquired the Fort St. James mill and Crown harvesting rights from Conifex Inc for a reported $39 million. The new Fort St. James mill was undergoing commissioning in the early months of 2023 (follow Logging and Sawmilling Journal for further information on Fort St. James Forest Products). Elsewhere in B.C., the downsizing and rationalization of the forest sector continued with a flurry of bad news confirmations early in 2023. Small and large licencees are being affected with a trio of reasons most typically blamed: an unsecured fibre supply; high operating costs and poor current market conditions. Skeena Sawmills in Terrace and its sister operation, Skeena Bioenergy, have closed indefinitely pending positive changes in operating circumstances. In the wake of Canfor Inc. announcing the permanent closure of the pulp line at its Prince George Pulp & Paper mill (300 jobs), the company announced it was also permanently closing its Chetwynd sawmill and adjacent wood pellet manufacturing plant opened in 2016. The Chetwynd sawmill was a Canfor veteran, acquired 70 years ago in 1963. The mill and the one in Fort St. John were Canfor’s first investments in northern B.C.’s sawmilling sector. Canfor also intends to close its Houston sawmill this spring pending a review of future timber supply. Depending on the results of the review, a decision to build a new sawmill will be made. At best, employees at Houston can expect a two-year hiatus. Tolko Industries extended downtime at its B.C. operations and the Sinclar Group announced temporary shutdowns it its operations in Fort St. James, Vanderhoof and Prince George.

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

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industryevents

BC Saw Filer’s

convention coming up in May Saw filers will be able to see the latest equipment—and perhaps a bit of sawmill history—at this year’s BC Saw Filers’ convention being held May 26-27 in Kamloops, B.C. By Paul MacDonald

hen you come down to it, the saw filing room is a key part to the competitive—and smooth—operation of any B.C. sawmill. Which is why this year’s BC Saw Filer’s Association convention is expected to get solid support from the folks who work in those saw filing rooms—and why sawmills are more than happy to see their saw filers attend this important industry event. These sawblade warriors are responsible for keeping operations running smoothly in sawmills big, small and medium-size throughout B.C.—and they’re pretty happy, too, to swap saw filing info and solutions with their colleagues from other sawmills. And do the equivalent of kicking the tires on new saw filing equipment that will be at the show, being held May 26-27, in Kamloops, B.C. The membership of the BC Saw Filers Association (BCSFA) is made up of a dedicated and progressive group of filers that

focus on cooperation and education. In a spirit of openness, their aim is to encourage sharing knowledge and resources for the benefit of all involved in the saw filing trade. The association has been holding the convention for many years and during that time, the saw filing event has become a significant event on the forest industry calendar. BCSFA secretary and Tolko Industries Lavington Division saw filer Matt Graves notes that in tight lumber markets—such as we’re seeing in 2023—it’s more important than ever for B.C. sawmills to be as efficient and competitive as possible. This is especially so since the industry faces high operating costs vs. other North American regions, such as the U.S. South. “That’s the big challenge B.C. sawmills face,” says Graves. “We have to be the best we can be in all areas of the sawmills, including saw filing, to keep the mills running efficiently.” Some issues, such as the high cost of

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

logs and low lumber prices, are out of the control of any sawmill. But what they can control is how they operate, and cut logs and produce lumber—and at the heart of that is saw filing, and sawing equipment. The 2022 show, the first in two years, was a success with the booths sold out at the Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre, and attendance of about 150. Exhibitors more than went the distance at the show, displaying equipment despite the lingering supply chain challenges of the pandemic. “We had a good turnout,” says Graves. “And I think the vendors did a good job— we had some major pieces of equipment on display at the conference centre, for our members to take a look at, and talk about, with suppliers.” This year, Graves said, in addition to featuring the latest equipment, they are working on developing a theme, on the evolution of the sawmill, with exhibitors being asked to feature and display any historical material they might have, at their booths. “We’re starting to get more younger guys in the sawfiling trade who might not know about the older pieces of equipment and the history of the industry,” he explained. “They’re used to working with all the high tech equipment that we have now in the saw filing room.” The goal is to show how saw filing got to where it is today, and the huge strides in modernization that have taken place over the last 50 years. There is a lot of interest in the industry’s

industryevents grinding systems for round saws and automated tipping systems. “The industry continues to evolve,” Graves noted. “The suppliers are always tweaking equipment, getter better controls and monitoring systems—and helping saw filers do a better job of troubleshooting equipment.” One of the biggest parts of the show is the informal gatherings, when saw filers can get together over a coffee or a meal, and talk about how things are going in their respective saw filing rooms. There’s a lot of informal information exchanges that go on at forest industry shows, such as the BC Saw Filers. “People can run into someone who might have the same piece of equipment as they have, and they’ll talk about issues they might have had—and solutions.” These kind of takeaways, and contacts, from a trade show can be invaluable. Graves said they are looking forward to another successful show in Kamloops. As with previous shows, there will be a solid social aspect to the 2023 show, with a buffet dinner on the Friday night, with comedian Leland Klassen, and live music. “We’re looking forward to another

history, says Graves. Some of the vendors might be able to feature photos or videos of equipment, such as old head saws or circular saws, or a sash gang, for example. There will also be a focus on the future, too. Graves said several of the major saw filing equipment suppliers have been approached about doing a presentation on what the future holds for saw filing, as well as illustrating how the industry got to where it is today. “Overall, we want to showcase the most modern equipment, and what can help the guys in the filing room,” he said. In terms of current equipment, there continues to be an evolution towards automation. “A few years’ back, there was kind of a wait and see attitude towards some of the automation, to see how some of the new technologies worked out,” Graves explained. “But technologies have now been proven, and everyone is buying into it, and upgrading their equipment.” In some ways, what was cutting edge technology has now become mainstream— and necessary—technologies. That is seen most frequently in the form of automated benching systems for band saws, robotic

good show coming up, and seeing people in Kamloops.” Attendee and exhibitor registration are both now open. Anyone interested in registering early can just email Graves at mdgrav@gmail.com and he will confirm their spot. Those interested in attending will also have the option to register at the event but Graves encourages them to sign up sooner. “We’ve had cases where we have had to turn away vendors—the same could be potentially said for attendees. Having people pre-register also allows us to streamline registration and get a better idea of numbers which is particularly important for the dinner.” As in past years, filers, mill managers and maintenance supervisors are encouraged to attend. Those interested in learning more about the industry may also want to consider attending as topical industry seminars will be featured throughout the Friday and Saturday. To learn more about the annual conference, visit https://www.bcsfa.ca/.

Exhibit or Attend the

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May 26-27, 2023

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v Annual General Meeting: Saturday 9:00 AM v Friday Night: Buffet dinner followed by entertainment v Tradeshow: Friday 12:00 – 6:00 PM Saturday 1:00 – 6:00 PM v Keynote Speakers & Educational Presentations v Seminars on Friday & Saturday Find out more at

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

industryevents

Another successful show in the works This year marks the 65th anniversary of B.C.’s Interior Logging Association, and the ILA will be marking the occasion with a full-on convention and trade show coming up in May, in Kamloops.

ILA

By Paul MacDonald

his year marks the 65th anniversary of B.C.’s Interior Logging Association (ILA) and ILA members and those involved in the B.C. forest industry are invited to what will serve as the association’s informal 65th celebration: the upcoming annual ILA AGM and Convention, being held May 4 to 6, in Kamloops, B.C. “The association may be turning 65, but we’re just getting started,” says Todd Chamberlain, general manager of the ILA. The conference tagline says it all: “Supporting our Members: 65 Years Strong”. This year’s convention and trade show is expected to be another success, building on the return of the ILA in 2022, after taking a break due to the pandemic. “We were really happy with how the conference turned out in 2022, and were ecstatic with the number of exhibitors we saw last year—inside and outside, we had close to 90 exhibitors at the PowWow Grounds in Kamloops. “We had the faithful companies that returned, but we also had quite a few new exhibitors.” The new exhibitors included the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology and First Nations Emergency Services Society of B.C., and others. “We weren’t able to have the social events last year due to pandemic regulations, but the Inland Group, Brandt Tractor and Ritchie Bros. stepped up, so we had a few functions,” said Chamberlain. “We’re looking forward to another good show this year, and we’ll be bringing

everything back this time around, with the social side of the ILA convention,” he added. That will include a Thursday night meet and greet, breakfast, luncheon, the very popular Friday night dinner and dance (with the Shawn Lightfoot Band), and the entertaining—and competitive— log loader competition. There is already a lot of excitement about attending the social events, and re-connecting with industry friends and colleagues—and kicking some iron at the trade show. Chamberlain noted the great support the show is seeing, with more than 30 companies—including Logging and Sawmilling Journal—signing up to help promote the show, and put the show on. “I think we’re going to see another really good turnout this year.” The ILA is also pleased to welcome back the Interior Safety Conference put on by the BC Forest Safety Council, as part of its event, which will be held May 4. “We’re working on a few other things that we’re hoping to have at the convention, too—we’re looking to surprise people,” says Chamberlain. In terms of official business, the Annual General Meeting, for all ILA members, will be held on Friday, May 4th, from 8:30 am to 10:00 am at the Coast Kamloops Hotel. The success of the ILA conference last Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

year underlines the demand for forest industry shows, said Chamberlain. It really demonstrated there is good demand out there for forest shows, he added. “We were one of the first forest industry shows out of the gate last year where people could look at logging equipment and talk with suppliers.” Doing Zoom calls was fine during the pandemic, but you can’t sit in a log loader or skidder on a Zoom call, he noted. One of the highlights of the conference is the Friday luncheon, which usually features a speech from the current B.C. Minister of Forests, and sometimes the B.C. Premier. Chamberlain said that regardless of who the speaker is, they are likely to address the uncertainty affecting the B.C. forest industry, with the industry recently hit with a number of mill closures, both temporary and permanent. It also represents an opportunity for Chamberlain, ILA board members, and their colleagues from the Truck Loggers Association and the North West Loggers Association to present their concerns to the province, and reinforce how crucial the forest industry is to B.C. communities. “It’s important to realize the importance of the industry, and how many families are supported in communities like Kamloops, Williams Lake, Cranbrook and others towns and cities.” Chamberlain noted that there are the

industryevents loggers and log haulers in these communities, but there is a large group of businesses that loggers support, from the tire shops to the heavy equipment dealers—and all of that translates into jobs in these communities, and support for everything from the local sports teams to fundraising for local hospitals. The forest industry remains, without question, the backbone of the economy in many small B.C. communities. Chamberlain added that the association encourages discussion among all the stakeholder groups—industry, First Nations, provincial and municipal governments—about forest industry issues, at the conference. Even though the industry, and logging contractors, are facing serious challenges right now, Chamberlain notes that the contractor community is incredibly resourceful and resilient. Just as they have to be flexible, and creative, in logging the tough B.C. terrain out in the woods—with every logging site different—they put those same skills to work at running their businesses. “I have great respect for the logging contractors—they are looking at how to

ride the waves that are coming at them now, to get through these times.” Chamberlain noted that there are some government programs out there that can help, from worker training to Forest Enhancement Society of BC initiatives, and that the ILA can be a helpful source for this information. On the more social side, the ILA convention represents an opportunity to share a sandwich or beer with colleagues, and chat with the equipment dealers about what’s new in logging equipment. Chamberlain said that logging contractors are continuing to look for innovative iron, such as steep slope logging equipment, and low impact harvesters/forwarders. “We are moving into working in wildfire interface areas, and are going to need equipment with a smaller footprint,” he said. “And loggers and the licencees are looking at working in steeper ground, so there is an interest in winch-assist systems.” Overall, the show illustrates the benefits of associations like the ILA, and the value they deliver to their members and the industry. “The one thing that really makes the

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

ILA special,” says Chamberlain, “is that we have a very active board of directors, of contractors, and they are there front and centre—if there are conversations to be had with government, they are right there in the thick of it, with me. We have contractors speaking for contractors.” Added to this is the great support in the ILA office, he added, with Nancy Hesketh and Meagan Preston. And the board, in turn, is thankful to the support it receives, from members and the industry. “We are so happy that we can once again run this amazing event as we used to with more opportunities to network as in past years,” says board chair Ron Volansky, of R&A Logging, of Nakusp, B.C. “On behalf of the Interior Logging Association Board of Directors and our Staff, I would like to thank all of the Co-Sponsors and Suppliers’ for their continued participation in our event year after year,” says Volansky. “We are very happy to be back to normal in our event planning and celebrating 65 amazing years! We look forward to seeing everyone in Kamloops.”

millconstruction

GP’s new Warrenton sawmill ramps up production Georgia-Pacific is now working with a new state-of-the-art, high production sawmill in Warrenton, Georgia—and BID Group was a big part of making that happen. By Paul MacDonald

he situation for lumber markets when the COVID epidemic started in 2020 was uncertain, to say the least. Many industry observers thought demand for lumber was likely to fall, due to a drop in the housing market. But after a short period, the exact opposite happened. As lumber markets began to recover and strengthen later in 2020 and continuing in 2021, sawmills across North America were scrambling to increase production. During this period, forest products

company Georgia-Pacific (GP) was in the enviable position of having recently started three state–of-the-art sawmills in the U.S. South. These additions were crucial in helping GP meet the demand of its lumber customers. And Canadian forest industry equipment supplier, BID Group, was the turnkey supplier and builder of all three of the new facilities. Among the new operations was a replacement sawmill in Warrenton, Georgia, about 110 miles southeast of GP’s Atlanta home office. Another mill, built at a former GP plywood site in Talladega, Alabama, started production in November

2018, and the third facility in Albany, Georgia, began operation in first-quarter 2020. GP’s upgrades at Warrenton replaced an aging mill built in the 1970’s with a new, state of the art 340,000-square foot facility. This $135 million (U.S.) investment began ramp-up of its production in 2019, and is now able to produce more than three times what the mill it replaced was turning out. Target annual production for the mill is 350 million board feet. “We have a great team at Warrenton and building a new state-of-the-art facility on this site will make it competitive for years to come,” said Fritz Mason,

Although the Warrenton sawmill was a BID Group turnkey project, GeorgiaPacific engineers and other support groups were also involved, making for a joint mill-building effort.

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

millconstruction

At Warrenton, Georgia-Pacific replaced an aging mill built in the 1970’s with a new, state-of-the-art 340,000-square foot facility. This $135 million (U.S.) sawmill is now able to produce more than three times what the mill it replaced was turning out.

President, Georgia-Pacific Lumber, at the mill’s opening. Steve Thorpe, the Warrenton mill manager, explained that there was little from the old mill operation that was carried over to the new mill. “All of the sawmill and the planer are new—really, the only things we are using from the old mill are the mill yard and the kilns.” He added that the Warrenton mill is very similar to the Talladega sawmill that GP had completed a bit before. He noted that although it was a BID Group turnkey project, GP engineers and other support groups were also involved, making for a joint mill-building effort. The objectives for the new Warrenton mill included providing a safe work environment for employees, and employing the latest mill technology to achieve optimum value and production of the southern yellow pine that is the feedstock for the mill. And this strong focus on safety and production are translating to results. “We are now pretty close to hitting nearly all

of our production goal,” said Thorpe. He described this as an “amazing accomplishment” considering the challenges of the mill ramping up, and COVID. “We were there to deliver to our customers, and will continue to be there for them,” he said. Thorpe said there were a number of clear advantages to keeping the mill in the city of Warrenton. “We have a very good relationship with the local community, we had the wood procurement structure in place there and it was a very attractive site,” he said. “We had the real estate here to go ahead and build the new mill adjacent to the existing mill, so the old mill continued to operate, as the new mill was being built.” So they were essentially able to build a new, greenfield mill, while continuing to produce lumber for customers from the older facility. They had a solid pool of existing, experienced employees from the old mill who transferred over to the new mill, so the company was not faced with the Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

challenge of staffing up a mill in a new location. Those employees, too, are now working in a modern mill facility where the focus is on technology, rather than on manual labour, as is the case with some older sawmill facilities. The new facility added more than 80 workers to the existing workforce, and Warrenton now has a total of 179 fulltime employees. As noted, the new mill has upped its lumber production significantly, and now has more timber coming in the yard. Cat 988 wheel loaders move timber around the yard, and a DeShazo crane feeds logs into the sawmill. The millyard set-up has been designed to minimize turnaround times for logging trucks. “That was well-thought out, because we are now using more timber,” said Thorpe. “Our procurement people have done a great job, and we have not had any hiccups in term of log supply.” The Warrenton mill is fortunate in that they can source the timber they need from the adjacent region, and logging truck drivers don’t face long hauls to the mill. “We are well situated for wood,” says Thorpe. It should be noted that the state of Georgia has ample supplies of timber, with 22 million acres of commercially available, private timberland, more than any other state. Its timber harvest is also the highest among all U.S. states. The entire production line from the merchandizer to lumber stacking was supplied by BID Group on a turnkey basis, through BID’s various divisions. The logs are bucked, debarked, and

to page 46 45

millconstruction from page 45 processed through Comact branded primary and secondary log processors supplied by BID, featuring an Optimized Length Infeed (OLI) unit leading to a TBL shape sawing gang unit. The lumber proceeds through a Comact trim line and then a TrimExpert lumber scanner powered by Artificial Intelligence, leading to a Comact 70-bin sorter. The lumber is stacked in advance of kiln drying using BID’s MoCo stacker. The lumber is dried in three fairly new (one natural gas-fired, two heated by burners using green shavings) continuous dry kilns supplied by DelTech, another BID brand, from the old mill. The lumber is processed through BID’s Miller planer and infeed bridge, leading to a Comact GradExpert computerized lumber grader powered by Artificial Intelligence, a Samuel grade stamp printer with integrated vision system and zero downtime back-up, and then it’s on to a 65-bay sorter. BID supplied the Comact lumber packaging system leading to Signode strappers

The objectives for the new Warrenton sawmill included providing a safe work environment for employees, and employing the latest mill technology to achieve optimum value and production of the southern yellow pine that is the feedstock for the mill.

and a Samuel fully automated package tag labeling system with staple application. The British Columbia-based BID Group has been very successful with its turnkey approach to building sawmills, especially in the U.S. South. Thorpe said there are definite advantages to the turnkey approach and having

almost all the equipment suppliers under the umbrella of BID. “Basically, you’ve got a contract with one group, BID, and all the brands are under that company.” BID was also helpful after the mill was to page 48

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Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

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millconstruction from page 46 completed, in terms of assisting GP with employee training. Getting employees is a challenge for all industries these days, post-COVID. Thorpe believes GP has an advantage in that regard, with its Principles Based Management, which focuses on employees, and developing their careers in the forest industry—and providing modern work-

places, like Warrenton. “It’s not your grandfather’s sawmill at Warrenton—it’s not even your father’s sawmill. There is a lot of innovation and technology—and there is pride in being associated with a modern facility.” Even though the Warrenton mill is now completed, the operation still works with BID Group, in terms of training. “We continue to work with them—it’s an ongoing process to keep our people trained and

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

keep their skills sharp at this state-of-theart operation.” While BID Group has its base in Canada, it now has 18 locations situated to serve its global customer base with its high-tech services and automated equipment. Last year, BID launched its Global Learning Center in South Carolina, Georgia’s neighboring state. Employing the latest technology, and making the workplace as pleasant as possible, helps in attracting and retaining employees for GP, says Thorpe, which is a real asset when all industries are looking to hire new employees. “It definitely helps in attracting employees—the market has changed in terms of people available for work now. It’s that much tougher to get employees for all businesses, and the new mill puts us in a better position.” Overall, he added, Georgia-Pacific wants to be considered an employer of choice, with a philosophy built around helping employees reach their full potential and develop skills. Having new facilities such as Warrenton, and its sister mills at Talladega and Albany, is one part of that approach. And there are more modern sawmill facilities to come for GP. GP has hired BID Group to deliver a new sawmill in Pineland, Texas on a turnkey basis. As with Warrenton, the site will feature BID Group’s wood processing technologies including equipment, software, automation systems, and AI-enabled optimization. GP is spending $120 million (U.S.) to replace the existing stud mill that was built in the 1960s. Production capacity at Pineland will increase from 380 million board feet annually to 450 million board feet. As in the case of the three other newer facilities, the company expects a significant improvement in product flow in and out of the plant on a daily basis. Over the past five years, GP Lumber has invested about $700 million (U.S.) to grow and improve its lumber business. As for Warrenton, Thorpe says management continues to review operations at the mill, and “firm up” operations. “For example, we added another stacker at the dry end that eliminated a bottleneck. “Even though Warrenton is a new sawmill, there is no way we are standing still,” he emphasized. “We are constantly looking to improve operations to better our competitive position in the industry.”

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THE

ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF INDUSTRY INNOVATION

Electric drive trailer from FPInnovations an important step towards electrification of heavy-haul forestry trucks

PInnovations, along with key partners Deloupe (a leading trailer manufacturer) and LTS Marine (a leading hybrid and electric powertrain supplier), has developed and tested an innovative electric drive trailer for use in forestry operations. This innovative solution is an important step in the forest sector’s electrification of heavy- and long-haul transportation. Electric vehicle tractors are emerging, but driving range remains a major concern in heavy- and long-haul applications. While battery technology is constantly improving, there is still a noticeable performance gap between electric trucks and their diesel counterparts. FPInnovations’ electric drive trailer can help close this gap. With its integrated electric motor and high-voltage batteries, the trailer has the potential to serve as a range extender and power booster when coupled to a battery-electric tractor in the future. The trailer can therefore be complementary to all tractors, regardless of fuel type. The electric trailer is equipped with a 255-kW motor and two battery packs, providing a total battery capacity of 42 kWh. The propulsion system is incorporated into the trailer by replacing one of the trailer’s conventional axles with a drive

axle powered by an electric motor. The trailer is then coupled to a conventional diesel tractor, creating a parallel hybrid configuration. A communication link between the tractor and the trailer ensures a safe and synchronized system. The trailer is designed to assist the tractor by: • Reducing fuel consumption by up to 15 percent as compared to a conventional diesel tractor, depending on the drive cycle; • Reducing GHG emissions by approximately 40 tonnes per truck per year; • Improving traction and mobility when driving on a slippery surface or uphill, with an extra drive axle on the trailer featuring a driver-selectable differential lock; and • Reducing fade and wear on service friction brakes by the regenerative braking from the system. The first prototype, a log trailer built with Deloupe, was tested on public roads in Québec. The results showed very promising fuel savings. Driver feedback throughout the testing was very positive. The system’s added power was readily apparent when accelerating from a stop and for maintaining hill-climbing speed. On the test roads, the prototype’s hillclimbing speeds increased significantly Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

versus the diesel truck baseline when fully loaded. Powerful regenerative braking was also very noticeable on descents and decelerations, and test drivers reported rarely using the service brakes, even when the log trailer was fully loaded. Moreover, because the system is smooth and quiet, it can be used anywhere, unlike an engine brake. Initial testing of the current prototype focused on demonstrating and evaluating the system’s benefits. The next phase of the project—an in-service operational evaluation—will involve testing the system’s long-term reliability in a rugged forestry environment. At the same time, FPInnovations is working on further refinements to be implemented on future prototypes. These refinements include weight reductions in order to maximize payload, and a potential hybrid plug-in option, which would make the system better suited to flat terrain where regenerative braking opportunities are diminished. For more information on this project, please contact Steve Mercier, Senior Researcher in FPInnovations’ Transportation and Infrastructure group (steve.mercier@ fpinnovations.ca).

Developing forest practices—the trail the Alberta Calling Lake Loop BY TONY KRYZANOWSKI

he Canadian Wood Fibre Centre (CWFC) of the Canadian Forest Service (CFS) encourages forest practitioners to consider participating in a tour of its easily-accessible network of novel mixedwood research and development sites in north central Alberta, which it calls the ‘Calling Lake Loop’.

With several of these legacy sites having been established 20 to 50 years ago— demonstrating technical developments and advances related to mixedwood management of primarily the dominant Boreal Plains species of white spruce and deciduous with white spruce mix—participants can now witness the succession, biodiversity, sustainability, and growth and yield outcomes that have

Established in 1997, this partial harvest demonstration features a two-pass understorey protection harvesting treatment. The overstorey deciduous (aspen and balsam poplar) component was harvested while protecting the slower-establishing and highvalue white spruce understorey, with the intent of maximizing both hardwood and softwood species values on the site while maintaining a sustainable and healthy forest which maintains both species. This two-pass system was designed so that the maximum amount of deciduous could be removed and the maximum amount of release opportunity of the white spruce from overstorey competition would occur, with the goal of increasing and accelerating its growth. A total of 50 per cent of the area had the overstorey maintained on site to protect the white spruce from blowdown and to maintain/maximize water and wind management on the site. The second pass of this two-pass system is intended to take place approximately 25 to 30 years after the initial treatment to remove the remaining deciduous and a portion of the protected and released white spruce, which are in designated north-south parallel strips as seen in the photo.

This historic location depicts white spruce planted in 1972-73 and features bladed strip sites. The white spruce was logged and deciduous left intact. Narrow straight blading of approximately 3.2 metres in width was implemented to remove the surface organic layer, leaving the lower decomposing organic layer intact. Then, white spruce seedlings of different stock types were planted on this site. This location was a focused research study established by CFS. The photo shows white spruce 40 years after treatment. The residual strips of deciduous are evident adjacent to the white spruce strips. The white spruce was planted in high densities (2,000 to 3,500 stems/ha), which resulted in a variety of different growth response implications, but the primary objective was to establish white spruce on this land base.

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

occurred. Demonstrated outcomes also provide industry with species and product options should they choose to implement one or more of these management practices. The Calling Lake Loop sites were established in partnership with Vanderwell Contractors (1971) Ltd, Alberta Pacific Forest Industries (Al-Pac) and other stakeholders in an effort to address various needs expressed by industry, government and third party stakeholders. As part of its knowledge transfer mandate, CWFC and the Canadian Forest Service (CFS) have hosted many tours featuring sites in this Loop, with support from its industry partners and colleagues, and in particular from the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA). These tours have been held for groups such as the Canadian Institute of Forestry and the Society of American Foresters during a 2004 conference, a fourbus tour that included 124 participants in 1994 as part of the annual activities of the Prairie CFS Reforestation Technical Committee whose interest was in regeneration systems, and the 2012 Boreal Mixedwood post-conference tour. Initially, tour participants were presented with 8 to 20 year results. Today, visitors to these sites will witness 22 to 50 year results, most of which demonstrate the great opportunities that local mixedwoods deliver under moderate to intensive management applications. “These legacy sites have not lost their relevance and they are still important as it relates to influencing management practices,” says Derek Sidders, Program Manager, Technology Development and Transfer at CWFC. “They are some of the first examples of the potential of first entries into managed stands in this Boreal Plains mixedwood region. And they are very good examples of the implications of a changing climate on forests located in central Alberta.” The following are examples of what visitors will encounter at some of these legacy sites, including an explanation of their establishment history. For more information about these sites, contact Derek Sidders at derek.sidders@nrcanrncan.gc.ca or Tim Keddy at tim.keddy @nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.

network of mixedwood sites along A variety of ‘Maintain Our Forest’ (MOF) sites were established by the Alberta Forest Service in the early 1980s to enhance the white spruce component in the mixedwood land base. These sites historically had the white spruce removed and now were productive deciduous sites. These sites were disturbed during the preparation treatment to a variety of degrees from complete removal to partial removal to removal with follow-up vegetation management control. They were bladed and site-prepared with small Bracke elevated patches. Approximately 2,000 micro-sites were established per site. The trees were planted with a variety of seedling types that were being developed in Alberta’s greenhouse industry at the time. This was very advanced for Canada, and based on the results of these plantings, they became the industry standard, becoming the protocols that were deployed at the greenhouses in developing this stock. This photo shows an example 30 years after planting of an area that had the maximum site preparation and most intensive vegetation control applied, which was complete removal of the hardwood content.

This location was planted in 1983 with 40 cc 1-0 container white spruce on a Marttini Plow site. This tracked-dozer mounted, V-plowed site is comprised of continuous elevated beds running parallel to each other, allowing the forest manager to select the most appropriate place for the seedling to be planted to maximize access to moisture, vegetation control, sunlight, space for rooting and tree production. This photo shows an example of this Marttini Plow site and trees that are 30 years old.

This photo depicts a partial harvest system deployed on a site that originated from a very extreme wildfire that burned the successional mixedwoods—primarily the white spruce. It was burned to the point that even the organic layer was removed. There were enough seed trees to re-establish a pure white spruce stand, taking as many as 30 to 35 years to achieve 1.3 metres in height. At year 76 above a measurement of 1.3 metres, the site had 1,100 to 1,350 stems per hectare and volumes from 380 to 510 cubic me-

This location was established in 1995. It is a pure, mature to over-mature aspen site of approximately 272 cubic metres per hectare. The objective was to establish selective strip patches in the understorey that would be the micro-sites for white spruce to be planted prior to harvesting the mature aspen. A 2.1 m wide MeriCrusher, high-speed, horizontal bed mixer, mounted on a skid steer loader, was used to selectively site prepare in the understorey. The white spruce was planted in a pattern to allow feller bunchers to harvest the mature aspen and minimize the damage to the establishing white spruce in the understorey. At this point, the result at 16 years, as shown, is 4.7 metre height white spruce in the understorey with the overstorey being prescribed for harvest in the next harvest cycle along the primary road system.

tres per hectare. Commercial thinning was applied in 2002 using a 30, 50, and 70 per cent removal prescription and a design that incorporated 50 per cent volume removal of the larger trees and 50 per cent volume removal of the smaller trees. This resulted in a relatively even distribution of stems and density on the site, which maximized the use of resources from sunlight, moisture, soil heating, etc. This also created a variety of

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

production results. The 30 per cent removal had the least growth response, the 50 per cent removal had the highest growth response, and the 70 per cent removal had a moderate individual tree response, but the highest wind throw response. The 30 per cent removal had the lowest wind throw response. The 50 per cent removal had the best overall production scenario and resulted in the healthiest commercial stand.

SUPPLIERNEWSLINE

B.C.’s Hydra Energy signs up eight new heavy-duty truck fleets

Hydra Energy has achieved another significant milestone in its Prince George, B.C. project rollout by signing detailed Memoranda of Understandings (MOUs) with eight new commercial truck fleets in the region. This represents 82 Class 8 trucks to be retrofitted using Hydra’s proprietary hydrogen-diesel co-combustion technology. Once converted by Hydra installation partner First Truck Centre, these trucks will refuel at the world’s largest hydrogen refueling station that Hydra is currently building in Prince George, to be operational in 2024. It leverages green hydrogen produced on site by two 5-megawatt electrolyzers powered with hydroelectricity. These new fleet commitments and supporting hydrogen infrastructure from Hydra will make this the largest commercial deployment of hydrogen-diesel combustion transportation vehicles in the world, as Hydra continues to fast-track serving the trucking sector. www.hydraenergy.com

New people, equipment and look at Sawco Industries Ltd

Salmon Arm, B.C.-based Sawco Industries has modernized its business with new saw filing equipment and business systems to improve productivity and customer service.

In addition to new automated saw filing equipment, it has added staff who are knowledgeable and keen to run the new saw filing technology. It offers what it says is incredible process improvement, and Sawco expects to be able to greatly increase its service level, turning around serviced saws more quickly and at a higher level of precision than it could with its old equipment. “It’s exciting to see the opportunities we’ll have to better serve our customers and provide more value by combining our technical knowledge with this new automated precision technology,” says company representative, John Drew. “Whether it is manufacturing new saws or servicing/repairing your existing saws, Sawco is your one stop shop for quality carbide saws.” Sawco Industries will be attending the annual BC Saw Filer’s Convention in Kamloops starting May 26th. It is also planning an open house on Thursday, May 25th, before the Saw Filer’s Convention. www.sawcoindustries.com

Astec Industries unveils newest Peterson horizontal grinder

Astec Industries has debuted its newest Peterson horizontal grinder, the 5710E, which is particularly suited for land clearing operations or other applications where mobility is desired.

The horizontal grinder is equipped with several features designed to improve efficiency and help operators reduce material handling costs, says the company. The 5710E features a larger rotor that can accommodate a greater number of grinding bits. The new rotor is 8 percent larger and 19 percent heavier than the previous model. More mass means more grinding power. To keep up with this improved power, the screening area has also been increased to allow for greater throughput. Additionally, the grate change process has been simplified. While weight and size have been increased, the machine is lighter overall. In its redesign process, Astec Industries Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

By Tony Kryzanowski examined how to maximize efficiency and simplicity at each stage of the grinding process. That’s evident from the rotor to the screens, and even in the new compression roll cylinders, which offer better down force to help process material as it is fed to the rotor, says the company. www.astecindustries.com

Falcon offers slash management solution with new grapple

A new take on an old method to deal with forestry slash is set to help logging crews more effectively manage skid sites and landings, with the potential to increase productivity. The Falcon slash grapple rake brings fresh thinking to slash control in a typical Kiwi approach, says the company. The grapple rake consists of a onepiece spring lock system to attach to either side of a standard Ensign grapple commonly used for loading. It can effectively grab huge amounts of slash in one go, which can then be precisely placed in a designated area. DC Equipment has designed two versions in conjunction with a local engineering company—one to fit the Ensign 1530 and a larger model to fit the Ensign 1730—weighing 1100 kg and 1200 kg respectively, in addition to the weight of the grapple. Fitting or removing from the host grapple takes around three minutes. www.falconforestryequipment.com

Tigercat grows harvesting head support team

Tigercat is welcoming Ethan Parker on board as a product support representative. Based in Bairdsville, New Brunswick, Parker is focused on harvester and processor systems support throughout the North American market. Parker brings years of direct forestry to page 56

suppliernewsline from page 54 industry experience. Over his career, he has taken on a variety of roles including equipment operator, service technician, product support specialist, and operator and contractor coach and trainer. He has expertise in implementing best harvesting practices for logging operations throughout Canada and the U.S. “I look forward to the chance to work with such a great and respected group and Tigercat’s industry leading equipment and technology,” says Parker. “Ethan is a perfect fit for the growth we are seeing in harvesting heads and CTL equipment,” says veteran Tigercat support and training representative, Gary MacDonald. “His experience in both will be a huge asset to Tigercat.” Ethan has hit the ground running, supporting dealers and end users with new start-ups, as well as ongoing support and troubleshooting. www.tigercat.com

An all-new 3440B PH machine dedicated to forestry timber processing features a 177 horsepower Isuzu Tier 4 final-compliant engine. Boasting an upsized cooling package compared to the previous generation l, the 3440B PH offers superior performance and productivity compared to its predecessor model. The 40B series machines were developed with site awareness in mind. Their 270-degree bird’s eye view with WAVES (Wide Angle Visual Enhancement System) is now standard. This is coupled with industry-leading fuel consumption and productivity, says Link-Belt. www.lbxco.com

Quebec bio-facility to convert residual biomass into biofuels

A $1.2 billion Quebec facility known as Varennes Carbon Recycling will soon be converting more than 200,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste and residual biomass into biofuels with a capacity of up to 130 million litres annually.

Link-Belt announces new 40B forestry equipment series

The Link-Belt 3440B processor, 4040B timber loader, and 4640B timber loader, which make up the new 40B series of forestry equipment, are now available in Canada.

This new series features design improvements to increase cooling performance, debris management, and serviceability. The 4040B TL is gaining a substantial increase in engine horsepower—an increase of 21 percent. Coupled with increased cooling and airflow management, the 4040B TL is designed to put in the work for the long haul. With serviceability and debris management, removal of the dust screen from the ground or catwalk is quick and effortless. 56

The project will use Enerkem’s proprietary thermochemical process. The carbon recycling facility is expected to cut more than 170,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually and 4.25 million tonnes over the project’s 25-year lifespan. The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has concluded the financing on its first project from its low-carbon fuels, carbon capture utilization storage and hydrogen initiative with support for this biorefinery and the country’s largest electrolyzer. The technology will include an electrolyzer which will supply clean hydrogen and oxygen to the conversion process. Under the terms of the agreement, the CIB will provide a loan of $277 million to a joint-venture partnership between Shell, Suncor, Proman and the Government of Québec that will enable construction of Canada’s largest biorefinery. The project is expected to create more than 500 jobs at the peak of construction and about 100 permanent jobs once operational. www.cib-bic.ca Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

Compact equipment manufacturer Bobcat makes major investment

Bobcat, a global leader in the compact equipment industry, has completed a $9.3 million (U.S.) investment in punch press automation and press technology at its manufacturing facility in North Dakota. The new press line, which recently began production, is expected to more than double press production capabilities, reduce energy consumption, lower noise levels and improve complex forming for sheet metal parts, all of which will help meet the increasing demand for Bobcat equipment. “It is another step for us when it comes to automation, robotics, new technologies and advanced data analytics,” says Mike Ballweber, president of Bobcat Company North America. “This investment will provide us with new capabilities and efficiencies in our metal stamping operations, and it also aligns with our commitment to innovation, sustainability and continued investments in our manufacturing footprint.” The highly automated, closed-looped, valveless servo-hydraulic press is 70 per cent more energy efficient than a conventional hydraulic press. The press also provides increased productivity and superior forming capabilities, which enables the pressing of more intricate and complex designed parts, along with shorter cycle times. The press line and automation are smart controlled via Internet-based solutions. www.bobcat.com

John Deere introduces mid-size crawler log loader

Designed for logging contractors of all sizes, John Deere has introduced the new 2956G mid-size crawler log loader. It is said to be an ideal solution for customers looking for a machine that provides the best combination of engine horsepower and hydraulics capability,

classified while maintaining a machine weight of less than 90,000 lbs. Aimed to help ease transportation, the 2956G crawler log loader features an overall shipping width of less than 11’6” and a 90,000 lb operating weight. As machine weights and widths increase, so do costs associated with transportation. The design on the 2956G not only helps simplify transportability, but also helps save on costs relating to transport due to its less restrictive transportation requirements.

The 2956G crawler log loader machine features excellent engine power for a machine of this size, says the company. When combined, the engine power and hydraulic flow significantly boost loading capability, speed, and the capacity to run the Waratah 624 processing head. Also, customers looking to increase efficiency in roadside processing can expect improved productivity when running the Waratah 624 head on this unit as compared to the 2654G, says Deere. www.johndeere.com

AD INDEX ADVERTISER PAGE Agri-Cover........................................................... 18 BC Saw Filer's..................................................... 41 BID Group............................................................ 49 Brandt Tractor.......................................................6 Brunette Machinery......................................... 23 Demo 2024......................................................... 50 Diamond Industries.................................. 18, 29 Eltec/Woodland/Motion................................ 59 Full Steam Enterprises.................................... 33 Global Log and Lumber Conf....................... 38 Heavy Equipment Repair............................... 37 Inland Truck & Equipment............................. 35 Interior Logging Association........................ 43 John Deere.......................................................... 25 Lease Link............................................................ 26 Liebherr................................................................ 17 Lumisave Industrial LED Tech....................... 33 NewLine Hose and Fittings........................... 32 Nicholson Manufacturing............................. 14 Northern Metalic.............................................. 27 Olofsfors............................................................... 11 Opticom............................................................... 43 Peerless Trailer................................................... 34 Peterbilt Pacific.................................................. 19 Ponsse.....................................................................5 Prolenc................................................................. 37 R.L. Rurka Sales & Service (Load Rite)........ 29 Samuel Packaging Systems.......................... 48 SawCo................................................................... 41 Sennebogen....................................................... 47 Stihl Limited....................................................... 21 Superior Glove................................................... 39 Tigercat................................................................ 60 Top Down/TimberMAX/Nisula.......................2 USNR........................................................................7 Valutec.................................................................. 46 Weldco-Beales................................................... 36 WestLake Contracting/Alstor....................... 10 Weyerhaeuser.................................................... 15

Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

thelastword

The transition underway in Canadian forestry will result in a stronger and more resilient industry By Tony Kryzanowski

ooking at the evolution of the Canadian forest industry over the past 15 years, one thing is clear—this is not your dad’s forest industry anymore. The evidence is undeniable from a federal government state-of-the-industry report called, “Sawmill industry in Canada: 15 years in review”, that the forest sector has been engaged in a slow and steady transition over the past two decades. The industry is to the point now where there are fewer players, but greater manufacturing efficiency requiring fewer, more skilled employees. Sawmills continue to evolve into lumber manufacturing factories requiring about half as many employees. And the size of today’s key industry players has created more resilience. The surviving companies are better able to withstand the inevitable massive peaks and valleys that are characteristic of the softwood lumber market. Generally, the drive toward greater efficiency is working. According to the report, the sawmill and wood preservation industry employed an annual average of 32,124 workers in 2020. That was down 41 per cent, or about 22,330 fewer employees, compared to 2006. That reduction in human resources was most likely driven by a modernization shift that impacted infrastructure, equipment and production processes. On the positive side, a job in the industry pays well. When comparing 2020 with 2006, the average Canadian weekly earnings for the sawmill and wood preservation industry increased 44.4 per cent to about $1241, compared with a 27.7 per cent increase seen for the manufacturing sector as a whole. With so many risks that can influence the softwood lumber industry, such as pests, weather, interest rates, tariffs and duties, shortages of skilled labour and

unpredictable transportation infrastructure, the number of smaller, independent softwood lumber producers is diminishing. The mantra today seems to be “get bigger or get out.” The only outlier to this argument are smaller operations that have chosen to diversify into value-added products like treated wood and mass timber, which makes them less dependent on the vagaries of the softwood lumber market, and thus more resilient through diversification. The ongoing transition and consolidation taking place within the Canadian industry is obvious from the number of takeovers, closures and focus on geographic expansion. And as the industry is now dominated by a few big players, expect that most decisions on whether or not a sawmill survives will be driven by profitability and shareholder value. We’re witnessing it now with the number of small sawmills being closed in favor of bigger, high tech, centralized manufacturing centres, regardless of what the permanent closure of a sawmill might mean to the economy of a local community. What’s obvious from the federal government report insofar as lumber production is concerned is that softwood is still king and the United States is still our biggest market—by a wide margin in both instances. Softwood lumber represented 98 per cent of all lumber production in 2020, and 67 per cent of Canadian softwood lumber production was exported. Of that 67 per cent, 84 per cent was exported to the U.S. In other words, about half of all Canadian softwood lumber production is exported to the U.S. British Columbia, Quebec and Alberta produced 81 per cent of Canada’s softwood lumber in 2020. Since 2006, Alberta gained eight percentage points of the Canadian market while British Columbia lost Logging & Sawmilling Journal - March/April 2023

13 percentage points. However, this has to be taken with a grain of salt because B.C. lumber production will bounce back and stabilize in time. The drop in market share can be attributed entirely to the impact of wildfires and the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic. Once areas impacted are reforested and grow to merchantability, expect B.C. to experience a rebound. What is a bit concerning is that the traditional share of U.S. imports of Canadian softwood lumber fell by 11 percentage points by 2020, lost mostly to the European Union. But that again was predictable, given the volume of merchantable wood fibre lost to pestilence and wildfire in Canada, and the subsequent drop in production. What’s certain, based on the report’s findings, is that there will always be good demand for high quality Canadian softwood lumber. Corrections and transitions are often painful but necessary, and what’s happening in Canadian forestry right now was entirely predictable. However, that’s small comfort for a community or a line worker with a family and mortgage who has been laid off due to the closure of a sawmill. But perhaps there are other opportunities available. One that comes to mind is destination tourism. Having traveled the world quite a lot lately, I’ve seen that people are clamoring for quality vacation experiences and opportunities to experience clean air, water, wildlife, biodiversity and a natural environment. Canada has those in abundance while they are diminishing elsewhere. Maybe the best avenue for some of these smaller communities impacted by sawmill closures is certainly to work toward growing back the trees, but to keep them intact to attract busloads of tourists willing to pay plenty for this experience.

850

568

THE PERFECT

PACKAGE Pair the Tigercat 850 carrier with the 568 harvesting head for the perfect roadside processing solution. Industry leading fuel economy, cooling capacity and revolutionary serviceability set the 850 apart from excavator conversions. While the 568 patented auto-shift drive system maximizes performance and productivity.

www.tigercat.com 60

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