NOVEMBER 2023
Cover: Laois Sawmills Taps Right Buttons
PORTLAOISE, Ireland – On the outskirts of Portlaoise, Ireland sits the modest Laois Sawmills, in business since 1987, with a reputation for high quality, reliability and technical innovation. Just as the world has changed since its founding, so too has the mill company, Rory Roberts, shareholder and general manager says. “We work hard,” he says of the 57-man team that staffs the facility with an annual turnover of 30 million Euros.
Inside This Issue
THE ISSUES: The Luck Of The Irish
Earlier this fall, I had the privilege of heading to Ireland to see the sights, enjoy the scenes and . . . do a little work while I was at it. My second work trip to the Emerald Isle did not disappoint. The weather was perfect—damp, a little chilly and basically the exact opposite of my beloved Swampy South. It was a refreshing change.
Article by Jessica Johnson, Senior Editor, Timber Processing
NEWSfeed
- West Fraser Plans Sawmill Upgrade
- VIDA Purchases Mill In Sweden
- Weyerhaeuser Reports On Third Quarter
- Canada Pounces On NAFTA Ruling
- Western Partners With First Nations
Glulam Leader
SPRINGFIELD, Oregon – During the past decade-plus, Rosboro has made several major moves and undergone big changes, including the introduction of a revolutionary glulam product, the sale by family ownership to institutional investors in 2016 that included selling its timberlands—and subsequent acquisition by One Equity Partners in 2021.
Article by Dan Shell, Senior Editor, Timber Processing
DRY KILNS
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following companies submitted editorial profiles to complement their advertisements in Timber Processing November 2023.
- A.W. Stiles Contractors
- BID Group
- Brunner Hildebrand
- Delmhorst
- Mühlböck
- Nyle Dry Kilns
- TUFF-STIK
- USNR
- Valutec
Combilift Celebrates Number 25
MONAGHAN, Ireland – Late September proved to be the perfect backdrop in Monaghan, Ireland for forklift manufacturer Combilift to open its factory doors and welcome customers, dealers and industry advocates from around the world. Managing Director Martin McVicar spoke to all gathered, acknowledging the first 25 years of the business, touching on the five new products launched in 2023 and looking forward to continued success for the future.
AT LARGE
- Sierra Pacific Industries’ Tomascheski Plans Retirement
- PotlatchDeltic Adds Daniels, Pannell
- Tolko Continues Leadership Transition
- Velarde Joins AFRY Team
- Acres Partners With Forisk
- SFPA Announces Sawmill Safety Awards
- Kiosk Improves Truck Turnaround
MACHINERY ROW
- Delta Computer Enhances Identity, Leadership
- BID Group Acquires Quebec’s YGE
- Arxada Names New CMC Leadership
PRODUCT SCANNER 10
- Fulghum Log Crane
- Wood-Mizer Battery-Powered Portable Sawmill
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Laois Sawmills Taps Right Buttons
Article by Jessica Johnson, Senior Editor, Timber Processing
PORTLAOISE, Ireland – On the outskirts of Portlaoise, Ireland sits the modest Laois Sawmills, in business since 1987, with a reputation for high quality, reliability and technical innovation. Just as the world has changed since its founding, so too has the mill company, Rory Roberts, shareholder and general manager says. “We work hard,” he says of the 57-man team that staffs the facility with an annual turnover of 30 million Euros. One of the most notable of changes Laois Sawmills has seen is the addition of a 33,000 annual tonne pellet mill operation, known as Greenwood Pellets, which also produces dried wood chips.
Around 10 years ago, management found themselves asking: “What are we going to do with our residues?” and thus, the Greenwood Pellet plant was conceived—serving the Irish and British markets with both bulk deliveries and bagged pellets. But Laois Sawmills didn’t just invest in pellet production. Roberts estimates that over the last 12 years, more than 25 million Euros has been spent across the company, which includes a new debarking line and a new primary breakdown sawmill.
The investment is critical, Roberts says, in making sure the mill is able to maximize yield. Especially important right now, as demand in Europe has declined for their green lumber fencing product. “It has gone from too much timber,” he explains. “Everyone geared up, and now the drop has been phenomenal.” Though the pallet market for export food and pharmaceuticals continues to stay strong and is a major outlet for Laois Sawmills.
The new Valon Kone debarking line with Brüks Siwertell flare butt reducer has significantly increased Laois’ recovery.
Danish company Brødbæk supplied the sawmill equipment.
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