The Softwood Forest Products Buyer - March/April 2024

INDUSTRY NEWS
Continued from page 65
In other news, BID Group which offers wood processing technologies and integrated
solutions, announced that it is celebrating 100 years of the Comact brand’s
“performance, innovation and commitment.”
Comact was founded in 1924 in the Beauce region of Quebec. Since its beginnings,
it has “pushed the technological boundaries of the wood processing industry,
elevating customers’ yields, revenues and bottom-line profitability.”
The company has grown from a small, family-run business to having multiple
locations serving international markets.
“The last 100 years have been a testament to the hard work and pragmatic ingenuity
that are the hallmarks of Comact,” said Alistair Cook, CEO of BID Group.
“The company’s and brand's growth and longevity in this competitive industry
reflect its dedication to delivering exceptional, high-performance equipment and a
reputed steadfast service to its customers.”
The historic partnership between BID Group and Comact since 2013 highlighted
the companies' aligned values and visions for the future of wood processing. It
has been integral to developing cutting-edge solutions that drive productivity and
cost savings for an ever-growing clientele.
“When Comact joined forces with BID Group, it was a strategic decision that
has enabled us to leverage our collective expertise and legacy of operational
lifecycle excellence,” commented Simon Potvin, president of Wood Processing
at BID Group. “We are excited to continue this journey, honoring our roots while
looking forward to executing our ambitious strategies that will shape the next
century of wood processing.”
As BID Group leaders said that the partnership “reaffirms its commitment to
breakthrough transformation, with plans to integrate artificial intelligence and
other digital technologies to ensure customers’ operations are prepared for the
decades to come. BID Group is also in an ongoing process to execute a comprehensive
and progressive sustainability roadmap that will set new benchmarks for
the wood processing industry.”
The centennial celebrations will include a series of events designed to engage
customers, employees and stakeholders. For more information on BID Group's
centennial celebrations and their impact on the wood processing industry, go to
www.bidgroup.ca/en/100thanniversary.
Jon Comber
Carbotech Group Announces
Expansion in USA
Carbotech Group, headquartered in Plessisville, QC,
continues to expand in the United States with the acquisition
of a 14,000 square foot plant in Roebuck, SC,
marking a major milestone in its American expansion.
With this acquisition, Carbotech Group is strengthening
its ability to quickly meet the needs of its American
customers. A new local team of mechanical and
automation technicians will also be created. Together
with the plant, this will improve the manufacturing of
Carbotech Group’s new location in Roebuck, SC.
Carbotech equipment and enable the storage of spare parts for Autolog and Carbotech
equipment.
The plant is strategically located in the heart of the American South. It will
also be home to a training center to develop expertise on Carbotech and Autolog
equipment so that it can reach its fullest potential.
Carbotech Group also recently announced the appointment of Jon Comber as
Managing Director of U.S. Operations. His extensive knowledge of Carbotech
and Autolog products, as well as his impressive professional background in the
sawmilling industry (including experience as a plant manager), make him the
ideal person for the role.
Carbotech Group was born of Carbotech’s acquisition of Autolog. Together, the
two specialists in their fields boast over 70 years of experience in comprehensive
sawmill solutions for the wood industry.
For more information, visit www.carbotech.ca.
Nicholson Manufacturing: Innovating the Forestry
Industry with Additive Manufacturing
Nicholson Manufacturing Ltd., a name synonymous with innovation in the
forestry industry, is once again at the forefront of technological advancement.
Known for revolutionizing the industry in the 1940s with the introduction of
lathe and rosser-head-style debarkers, and later, in 1951, with the first whole-log
mechanical ring-type debarker, Nicholson has continuously set the benchmark for
efficiency and effectiveness. Today, from their base in Sidney, British Columbia,
Canada, they design and build ring debarkers that serve lumber facilities worldwide,
boasting processing speeds exceeding 650 feet per minute.
Building on their legacy of pioneering progress, Nicholson Manufacturing is
now embracing additive manufacturing, a cutting-edge form of 3D printing, to
enhance their wear parts, starting with the innovative MLX knife tips. This
technological leap marks a significant step forward in customizing products for
specific applications, offering a blend of precision and versatility previously unattainable.
The success of their field-tested debarking knife tips has paved the way for
further advancements. Nicholson plans to extend this technology to other critical
wear parts. Their goal is simple yet ambitious: to reimagine every part susceptible
to wear and tear, ensuring enhanced durability and efficiency.
This move towards additive manufacturing is not just a technological leap; it
represents Nicholson's commitment to sustainability and cost-effectiveness. The
benefits of this approach are multifaceted:
Increased Wear Life: The new parts promise extended durability, although the
exact lifespan varies by mill.
Impact Resistance: Enhanced resistance to carbide breakage from unforeseen
elements like rocks.
Reduced Maintenance: The frequency of tip changes on debarkers is significantly
lowered.
Easier Recycling: Aligning with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
standards, the new parts are designed to be more recyclable.
According to a company representative, the team at Nicholson Manufacturing,
always quick to spot the 'forest between the trees,' demonstrates a remarkable
ability to integrate cutting-edge technology into their proven models. By adopting
additive manufacturing, they not only uphold their reputation as industry leaders
but also underscore their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and efficiency.
In a world where adaptation is key, Nicholson Manufacturing stands tall, continuing
to shape the future of the forestry industry, one groundbreaking innovation
at a time, stated a spokesperson for the company.
For more information, visit www.nicholsonmfg.com.
PPG Appoints New Vice President-
Elect, Global Sustainability
PPG, headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, announced
that Peter Votruba-Drzal will become vice presidentelect,
global sustainability, effective immediately.
Diane Kappas, current vice president, global sustainability
has announced her intention to retire from PPG,
effective July 1, 2024.
Votruba-Drzal, who will report to Irene Tasi, PPG
senior vice president and chief growth officer, will
Peter Votruba-Drzal collaborate cross-functionally to drive the company’s
sustainability efforts, including increasing sales of
sustainably advantaged products, creating increased value for customers, and
reducing the environmental impact of PPG operations.
Votruba-Drzal joined PPG in 2005, following a role as a materials researcher
at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Throughout his tenure at
PPG, he has held various technical management roles with increasing responsibil-
ity, including supporting six different businesses with a focus on harnessing
innovation to drive growth. Since 2022, he has led the technical activities for
PPG’s architectural coatings and traffic solutions businesses. Prior to this role,
Votruba-Drzal led the research and product development activities for PPG’s
mobility initiatives in addition to the Automotive and Industrial Coatings segments.
“Peter’s diverse experience at PPG will further strengthen our capabilities
and drive growth in this critical area. We thank Diane for her many important
contributions in sustainability and in several leadership roles across PPG,
congratulate her on a successful career, and wish her all the best in her welldeserved
retirement,” said Tasi.
Kappas has nearly 40 years of experience at PPG and held general management
roles, including leading the protective and marine coatings and automotive
coatings businesses in the Americas region and operational leadership
roles in sustainability, manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, human
resources, and environment, health and safety (EHS) during her career. An avid
believer in diversity, equity and inclusion, Kappas was the founder of PPG’s
Women’s Leadership Council and a founding member of the LGBTQ Council.
She was named PPG’s first vice president, global sustainability in 2021.
Kappas earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from the
University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Business Administration degree from
Duquesne University.
For more information, visit www.ppg.com.
TS Manufacturing Acquires Remaining Shares In A&E
TS Manufacturing, located in Lindsay, ON, is proud to announce the acquisition
of the remaining shares in A&E.
As TS enters this new phase with the acquisition of A&E, they are eager to
share key updates and reassure their valued customers and partners about the
future of this collaboration.
According to a company representative, they are proud to announce the purchase
of the remaining shares from Brian Smith, Managing Director at A&E.
Smith, and the dedicated teams at A&E, both in New Zealand and the USA,
have forged deep connections with their customers, developing products that
are integral to the industry.
These relationships and innovations are the bedrock of A&E's success and
will continue to be a focal point for TS as they move forward.
The commitment that TS has to continuing to service their customers under
their existing brands remains unwavering. The company wants to assure all
their clients that the high standards of service and product quality will continue
as they uphold the unique strengths of both TS Manufacturing and A&E operating
independently.
This acquisition symbolizes not just organizational growth but a strengthening
of their shared dedication to innovation and excellence in customer service.
TS is optimistic about the future and the myriad of opportunities this partnership
will continue to bring as they expand their offerings with the enhanced
breadth of knowledge and expertise available in a team of nearly 150 strong
capable personnel.
TS Manufacturing offers a complete line of machinery, controls and software
to fit your mill. For more information on their complete line of sawmill and
planer mill offerings, please email them at sales@tsman.com, call at (705)
324-3762 or visit www.tsman.com.
Continued on page 68
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PERFORMANCE • RELIABILITY • RECOVERY
Page 66 Softwood Forest Products Buyer • March/April 2024 Softwood Forest Products Buyer • March/April 2024 Page 67
Andrea Green
Continental Underwriters Inc.
Promotes Andrea Green
Continental Underwriters Inc., located in Richmond,
VA, recently promoted Andrea Green to
Risk Assessment and Claims Director of Operations.
In this new role Green will oversee the
day-to-day operations of the Risk Assessment and
Claims Division by evaluating and implementing
processes throughout the division, while coordinating
with other divisions throughout Continental
Underwriters to develop and implement processes