On September 12, more than 350 dealers, customers, and special guests descended on Bandit Industries’ world headquarters in mid-Michigan to celebrate 35 years of continued success, and to check out what’s in store for the coming years.
That celebration included tours of Bandit’s facilities, a behind-the-scenes look at the process of building the most powerful wood processing equipment in the industry, and to cap it off, a demonstration of more than two dozen machines – including brand new, never before seen machines.
“We couldn’t properly celebrate 35 years without our dealers who are committed to providing the best support and our amazing customers who have stood with us over the years,” said Bandit Sales Manager Jason Morey. “But Bandit Industries is a success because of the hardworking men and women who show up every day to build these machines.”
After the special Bandit guests had gone home, Bandit opened its doors to the mid-Michigan community for an open house on September 15. Nearly 800 guests dropped by for machine demonstrations, plant tours, food, and fun.
Fuchs Announces New Addition to North America TeamFuchs is continuing to grow across America by appointing two new additions to the Sales team: Tim Gerbus and Shane Toncrey (right).
Todd Goss, Louisville general manager said, “We are delighted to have both Tim and Shane join us in Louisville. Both salesmen bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, which I am confident will help achieve our goals for the future.”
Tim Gerbus will lead the Fuchs North America team. Tim has a background that includes extensive experience in dealer development, sales, and marketing and has worked in various industries including construction equipment and fabrication. Tim was previously the President and Director of Development for an articulated dump trucks company in North America.
Shane Toncrey will be taking on the role of Regional Sales Manager for Fuchs NA. Since completing his bachelor’s degree and Masters of Business Administration, Shane has had extensive experience as a Sales & Marketing Manager in construction equipment. Shane will be responsible for the Midwest and Western parts of the U.S.
Ponsse has had some excitement recently. First, Ponsse Plc’s President and CEO Juho Nummela was named businessperson of the year (Vuoden Liikemies) in an annual event held by Suomen Liikemiesyhdistys in cooperation with Kauppalehti and Aalto University. This marked the first time the second person from a single company has received the recognition. Ponsse’s founder Einari Vidgrén was presented with the recognition in 1997.
The criteria for the recognition mentioned that Juho Nummela combines the characteristics of modern sustainable leadership. According to the jury, Juho Nummela implements principles in which responsible operations, transparency, and the engagement of stakeholders have produced both financial success and success measurable in employee experiences.
If that wasn’t enough, Ponsse recently opened its expanded factory. The factory investment is the largest in Ponsse’s history, expanding the production facilities from 29,000 square feet to 43,000 square feet. The investment means a leap forward in terms of production technology.
“The new factory facilitates the strong development of quality, flexibility, occupational safety, and productivity. We are able to react more flexibly to changes in the market situation and ensure effective customer variation of PONSSE forest machines in serial production conditions,” says Juho Nummela, president and CEO.
WTD Equipment has joined Bandit’s growing dealer network to supply hand-fed chippers and stump grinders to the Pacific Northwest with two locations: Portland, Oregon, and Monroe, Washington.
“WTD Equipment has a deep commitment to the hardworking tree care professionals in the northwestern United States, and now they will be able to supply the best hand-fed wood chippers and stump grinders in the industry to their customers,” said Bandit Sales Manager Jason Morey.
Learn more about WTD Equipment by visiting them at their locations at 9442 N. Whitaker Road, Portland, OR, or 20028 Old Owen Road, Monroe, WA. Or visit them online at www.WTDequipment.com.
Freres Lumber Co. recently was recognized at the 2018 SEDCOR Annual Awards, picking up the Manufacturer of the Year award.
The event was held Saturday, September 6, at the Salem Convention Center. The award is given to the individual or company who has been active in SEDCOR, made contributions to the industry and community, and is considered a successful operator exemplifying the highest business ethical standards.
On the Cover
Photo taken by Andrea Watts of a Holbrook Inc. operation near Electron, Washington.
Finding Success in Challenging Times
In 2007, as the country entered the recession, Seth Campbell was fixing his eyes on a future for himself, his family and his crew.
From the Bottom Up
Chris Martin, owner of Martin Timber Harvesting, has taken the bull by the horns and set a standard of excellence.
It’s the Employees
For Holbrook Inc., success has come from the sum of its employees who have kept the company harvesting and moving logs for more than 30 years.
New Study Points to Ways Loggers Can Minimize Knee, Back and Shoulder Injuries
New manual with best practices focusses on preventable injuries in the logging industry.
2018 CBI & Ecotec Factory Forum
The three-day event was an opportunity for the company’s U.S. and international customers to see live machine demonstrations.
Firebreak Column
New technology coming to the fireline.
Pacific Logging Congress review
The 8th PLC Live In-Woods show held in September in Corvallis, Oregon, provided a chance to educate and for industry professionals to show off.
Tech Review — Bar, Chain and Sprocket
A look at options on the market today.
Guest Column
Time to create and tell our story.
DEPARTMENTS
