Machinery Row

Kone-Ketonen Oy Names a New Managing Director

Juha Jaakkola (38) has been named the Managing Director of Kone-Ketonen Oy, effective March 2, 2020. Juha Jaakkola will take on the position immediately.

Juha Jaakkola has previously been employed by Valmet, a large Finnish corporation providing automation solutions for pulp, paper, and energy companies, where he was responsible for the global movement of approximately 6,000 persons (Team Leader Travel and Expenses). Juha has always been interested in forest management and forestry machines. Over the course of his professional career, he has acquired a diversity of language skills, including Swedish, English, and German.

Ponsse Celebrates 50-year Journey with Its Customers

Ponsse, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of rubber wheel cut-to-length forest machines, has grown from a machine entrepreneur’s dream to an international export company with operations in 40 different countries. This year Ponsse is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The ownership of this Finnish listed company is still in the same hands, and its operations are guided by the same family company values as when it was founded.

It’s 50th anniversary roadshow will travel round the world, stopping at different logging sites and at more than 100 different events in 28 countries. Its European roadshow began in Finland on 23 January, and will end at the FinnMETKO 2020 exhibition. The company will also visit various logging sites in South America, North America, Russia, Asia, and Australia.

Rottne Industries Celebrates 65 years

As Rottne Industri AB celebrates year number 65, it also sets some serious goals. The company has had an aggressive approach — 50 percent growth in three years and record sales in 2019. Today Rottne is setting its sights on new technological advances.

“We’re well-prepared to continue development and have targeted growth of another 50 percent over the next five years,” says CEO Tobias Johansson.

Freres Lumber First in U.S. to Install Horizontal Plywood Press

Freres Lumber Co. Inc. is the first U.S. company to install and operate the Taihei Horizontal Press Model P25-AB, a horizontal hot press for laminating plywood after the gluing and prepressing processes. Freres is already reaping the numerous benefits the horizontal press offers over the conventional U.S. vertical press technology. The horizontal press differs from conventional vertical presses in that the heat plates are installed vertically and apply pressure to the plywood horizontally.

Unlike the U.S. vertical presses, the horizontal press does not require a dedicated operator—the system has an automatic feed system. Even modern vertical chargers, which transfer pre-pressed panels to the press, require an operator to manually feed every panel into the press.

Doosan Streamlines Equipment Delivery Process

Doosan equipment customers can receive their new, specifically configured machines faster in the United States and Canada thanks to a streamlined fulfillment process from Doosan Infracore North America LLC.

Stateside at the company’s North American customization plant in Savannah, Georgie, dedicated Doosan employees, including a manufacturing engineer, oversee equipment final assembly and inspections. The customization plant allows Doosan to provide machines sooner to Doosan dealers and customers nationwide. Doosan machines could arrive four to six weeks after the order is submitted.

New Tigercat Dealer for California and Nevada

Tigercat is pleased to announce that Bejac Corporation is now the authorized Tigercat dealer for California and Nevada.

With over 35 years of experience in the heavy equipment industry, Bejac is a leader in the sale and service of machinery for niche markets including forestry, scrap, waste recycling, green waste, and the demolition industry. Headquartered in southern California, with ten locations in California, Nevada, and Arizona, Bejac is strategically positioned throughout the southwest to deliver its products and services quickly and effectively.

AFRC Welcomes Public Affairs Director Nick Smith       

AFRC is pleased to announce Nick Smith has joined the team as Public Affairs Director based out of the Portland office. Nick will handle AFRC’s communications responsibilities and will serve as the association’s primary media contact. In addition to providing support to all AFRC programs, Nick will continue to operate the Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities (HFHC) grassroots advocacy program.

Fecon Hosts Senator Rob Portman 

Fecon recently hosted Senator Rob Portman, delegates from the United Way of Warren County, and students involved with Fecon’s apprentice program for a roundtable discussion on workforce development. Fecon has a long history with local high schools and technical colleges, providing training and meaningful, well-paying jobs while students are in school and after they graduate. 

The apprenticeship program allows students to work alongside experienced tradesmen and learn from mentors. There are regular opportunities to expand their responsibilities and their pay rate, as well as attend college or trade school, should they choose to do so.