Machinery Row

TimberWest and Logging & Sawmilling Journal (LSJ) are pleased to announce that Anthony Robinson, associate publisher of TimberWest and LSJ, was awarded the prestigious James Kitz Award by the Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF), at a ceremony in Ottawa in September. 

“I’m truly honored to receive the James Kitz Award,” said Anthony. “I’m even more honored that it was presented by members of Jim Kitz’s family.” Anthony was presented the award by Jim Kitz’s wife and two daughters.

The Canadian Institute of Forestry recognizes that there are many individuals involved in forestry across Canada who are making outstanding contributions early in their profession (Anthony is 32 years old). The award recognizes the contributions of those forest practitioners who are newer to the profession. It has the objective of encouraging excellence in the forestry profession. 

“I take great pride in being involved in Canadian forestry, as I’m sure Jim Kitz did, and join the other foresters involved with the CIF awards in seeing a bright future for Canada’s forest industry — for the people who have been involved in the industry for many years, and those like myself who are at the start of their careers.”

This award is named after Jim Kitz, who was a member of CIF and the Alberta Registered Professional Foresters Association. Jim made several outstanding contributions to forestry early in his career, but he suffered a sudden and untimely death at age 36. This award recognizes the contributions made by Jim, both professionally and personally and is awarded to those who exemplify Jim’s approach to all aspects of life while making an outstanding contribution to forestry early in their career.

Modern Machinery Adds DC Equipment to Forestry Product Line

Modern Machinery is now the exclusive dealer for New Zealand company DC Equipment, the manufacturers of Falcon Forestry Equipment (FFE).

In 2012, DC Equipment was created by a group of innovative New Zealand loggers and engineers with a passion to develop mechanized machinery and products that eliminate accidents and ultimately save lives in the steep slope logging industry.

As a result the Falcon Forestry Equipment range of mechanized steep-slope logging equipment significantly reduces the health and safety risk to workers whilst, at the same time, increasing the overall efficiency and productivity of crews. This is achieved by the development of specific equipment that removes workers from the riskiest parts of the logging process, while maintaining the ability to safely fell and extract logs from steep slopes efficiently and in great volume. Their current product lines include the Falcon Winch Assist, Falcon Claw Motorized Grapple Carriage and Falcon Swing Yarder Grapple Camera System.

With a constant stream of new and exciting innovation including the Falcon Felling Carriage set to be commercialised in 2018/19, DC Equipment’s mission is to continue to develop products that will further enhance logging contractors operations and advance the entire industry.

This new addition fits well with the company’s existing forestry lines of Komatsu Forest, Madill, TimberPro, Quadco, and Burks and further strengthens their ability to serve customers in the forestry industry. www.modernmachinery.com

New leadership at Tigercat

Tony Iarocci stepped away from his position as president of Tigercat on October 16, 2017. Tony held the position of president since Tigercat’s inception in 1992, steering the company through rapid growth both in terms of product development and geographic market expansion.

Grant Somerville

Tony passed his day to day responsibilities over to Grant Somerville, who got his start in the forestry industry in 1978 as a harvester operator. He is a long serving executive at Tigercat who worked with Tony at Koehring Waterous in the early eighties on several development projects, including the design of the company’s first purpose-built track feller buncher. An integral part of Tigercat, Grant has led many important design initiatives since joining the team in 1992.

“Tony remains in great health and he has agreed not only to join the board of directors but to continue to contribute to the company’s growth, focusing on the recruitment and development of design talent and working with fellow team members and suppliers on both product and component improvement,” said CEO Ken MacDConald. Tony will also consult on special projects and new product development.

Ponsse Celebrates Finland’s 100-year Independence

Ponsse threw quite a Customer Appreciation Party in September to celebrate Finland’s 100th year of independence. In addition to the music by Finish band Steve ‘N’ Seagulls, Ponsse brought out farm animals for kids, fabulous food and, of course, Ponsse equipment. “The atmosphere was great, the food was amazing, and the band was like nothing else!” says Diana Olkowski, marketing coordinator for Ponsse. “I believe everyone that attended really enjoyed themselves.

For those who missed the event, they might want to check out the humorous music video invite created by Ponsse North America Inc. and Steve ‘N’ Seagulls. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr-gPKKmzLQ

Blount International Promotes Vice Presidents in International and North American Sales for Oregon Products

Blount International announces two promotions in their International and North American sales groups within their Forestry, Lawn & Garden (FLAG) division. Stephane Faucher has been promoted to Vice President of International Sales, and Scott Harris has been promoted to Vice President of North American sales.

Faucher joined Blount’s French office in 2001 as a key account manager and has since held regional sales positions in Belgium, Europe, Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. Faucher has had vast experience in global leadership, having led teams in Brazil, Mexico, Japan, India, and multiple other countries.

Harris first joined Blount in 1996 as northeast territory manager where he was responsible for covering 13 states. Since then, Harris has held various positions within the company including brand development manager, U.S. sales manager servicing dealer group, North American servicing dealer group zone manager, and most recently, North American sales director. 
www.blount.com