LUMBERMENOnline.com’s Latest Industry News & Articles

In my career I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the industry’s most influential people of the last two generations. Men who have built, shaped and molded the forest products industry. Bob Hege was just such a man. Where some accomplished great things by force of will, Bob did it with grace, patience and planning. In nearly thirty years of marketing work with Bob on behalf of Meadows Mills, Miner Edger and Andrus Sharpeners, I never recall a cross word. Bob always insisted on honest, straight forward ads that took the high road and never assailed his competition. Like most influential people, Bob’s life was one of service to others. He gave himself to much more than just business, but to his family, country and community. He served in the US Army, attaining the rank of captain and received an Association of American States Commendation Medal. A graduate of North Carolina State University, Bob was an avid Wolfpack fan and served as president of the NCSU Alumni Association. In May 2017, Bob was honored to be inducted into the Wilkes County Hall of Fame where he held numerous service and leadership positions, including director of the Wilkes County Chamber of Commerce, North Wilkesboro Kiwanis Club, Wilkes United Way, Wilkes ADAP and Wells Fargo Wilkes County Advisory Board. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in North Wilkesboro. Supporting educational efforts in the community was a passion that included support for the College of Arts and Science Advancement Council at Appalachian State University and Wilkes Community College. The one thing that mattered more than career and community involvement was family and friends. He is survived by his devoted wife and partner of 29 years, June Hege, of North Wilkesboro; his son Brian and spouse Alison, of Wilkesboro, and their children Luke Evan Hege and Lila Rose Hege; step-son Mark Adams and spouse Carolyn of Chapel Hill, and their children Wyatt and Silas. He is also survived by his brothers and their families: Dan Hege and spouse Libby; Thom Hege and spouse Harriet; Ben Hege and spouse Johnsie; Len Hege and spouse Lynne, all of Arcadia, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert A. Hege Jr and Diana DeLapp Hege, and his granddaughter Makayla Sue Hege.

Wood-Mizer introduces the FS350 skid steer log splitter engineered for farming and ranching operations that already have a skid steer loader or front loader. By connecting two hydraulic hoses, the FS350SS is powered by the skid steer’s existing power plant which lowers the initial cost of investment. Built in the USA, the FS350SS log splitter expands the Wood-Mizer firewood processing equipment range that already includes three trailer-mounted log splitters. By combining the standard bi-directional push block with 29 tons of splitting force, the FS350SS splits hardwoods up to 2 cords per hour from logs up to 24” long. The ergonomically designed deck level is 12” higher than comparable splitters to provide a comfortable working height for the operator and the convenient operator panel features simple, intuitive left/right controls for the log splitter and up/down controls for the optional log lift. FS350SS Log Splitter Specifications Introductory Price Starting at $6,600 USD Features 29 tons splitting force Bi-directional splitting Up to 2 cords/hour firewood production Two 3-way wedges standard Skid steer plate and hose hookup Once a log is loaded for splitting, the bi-directional push block is engaged by pushing the hydraulic lever to the right or left to push the log through one of two standard 3-way wedges (4-way, 5-way, and 5-way bundle wedges optional). With the first pass, the lower portion of the log is split into rectangular firewood, while the upper portion of the log is moved on the opposite side of the push block to finish splitting. Split material is automatically moved and sorted through one of two slotted wing trays on either side of the operator. The FS350 skid steer log splitter comes with a 1-year warranty, ships fully assembled on a single pallet, and is backed by the same legendary service, quality and safety features shared by the rest of the family of Wood-Mizer wood processing equipment. The FS350SS log splitter is now available to order in North America, South America, Asia and Oceania. About Wood-Mizer Since 1982, Wood-Mizer has earned the reputation as a leading wood processing equipment manufacturer with a strong legacy from its innovative sawmilling products. From forest to final form, Wood-Mizer offers an extensive line of equipment including narrowband portable and industrial sawmills, wideband sawmilling equipment, resaws, edgers, kilns, molders/planers, firewood processing equipment, pallet recycling equipment, material handling equipment, bandsaw blades, and blade maintenance equipment for woodworking and forestry hobbyists and professionals all over the world.

Indianapolis, IN – Wood-Mizer introduces the LT15START sawmill engineered specifically for sawyers looking for an American-made sawmill that is low cost, highly durable, and saws accurately. The compact, economical LT15START joins the popular LT15 sawmill series known throughout the world for its quality, versatility, and affordability. The LT15START sawmill offers many of the same robust features of the LT15 sawmill including a 2” x 6” box steel frame, adjustable side supports, log clamp, and the ability to upgrade with a trailer package or bed extensions as sawmilling needs grow. Featuring a Kohler 14 HP recoil start gas engine, push bar feed system, and 11’ standard log length capacity, the LT15START offers a 28” log diameter capacity with a 26” width of cut. Longer logs can be sawn with optional bed extensions which can extend the sawmill to any required cutting length in 6’ 8” increments. LT15START Sawmill Specifications: Introductory Price • Starting at $5,995 USD Power • 14 HP Kohler Gas Recoil Start Cutting Capacity • Up to 28” (70 cm) diameter and 26” (66 cm) max width of cut • 11’ (3.3 m) length - additional 6’ 8” (2 m) bed extensions available “Wood-Mizer is committed to providing a comprehensive range of high quality wood processing equipment for anyone who wants to process their own timber into valuable products,” said Darryl Floyd, Wood-Mizer COO. “The LT15START gives sawyers the capacity and functionality they need to start sawing at an affordable price with a high-quality American-made machine and exceptional customer service.” The LT15START sawmill ships on a single pallet, comes with one Wood-Mizer bandsaw blade, and requires minimal assembly time. With a 30-day money back guarantee and a 2-year sawmill warranty, the LT15START is backed by the same legendary service, quality and safety features shared by the rest of the family of Wood-Mizer sawmills. The LT15START sawmill is now available to order online. Visit woodmizer.com/lt15start or call 800.553.0182 for more information. About Wood-Mizer Since 1982, Wood-Mizer has earned the reputation as the world’s largest manufacturer of portable band sawmills with tens of thousands of bandmills sold around the globe. Today, Wood-Mizer offers an extensive line of wood processing equipment including narrowband portable and industrial sawmills, wideband sawmilling equipment, resaws, edgers, kilns, log splitters, material handling equipment, bandsaw blades and blade maintenance equipment for woodworking hobbyists and forestry professionals all over the world. For more than 35 years, Wood-Mizer has provided top quality wood processing equipment and exceptional customer service for people who want the freedom of sawing their own lumber for projects or production. For more information about Wood-Mizer, call 800.553.0182 or visit www.woodmizer.com.

Following a long and successful career in the sawmill and lumber business Tommy Piper has taken on a new challenge. Putting his lifetime of experience to work providing sawmill and pallet companies with a new option for used machinery. This new endeavor, named West Kentucky Sawmill Equipment, has one simple goal; to provide sawmills and pallet companies with quality, serviceable used equipment that is honestly represented. Tommy grew up in a family of sawmillers, two of his brothers are prominent members of the industry, Jimmy Piper, founder and owner of Piper’s Saw Shop and David Piper, Sales Consultant at Brewco, Inc. West Kentucky Sawmill equipment offers a wide selection of sawmill and pallet equipment from its large and expanding inventory, as well as solid advice based upon decades of real-world experience. To discuss your current needs, future expansion or production upgrades, call Tommy direct or visit his website. Tommy Piper 123 ½ South St Central City, KY 42330 270-820-8449 [email protected] www.wksawmillequipment.com

Morbark, LLC (Morbark) announced today it had completed the acquisition of Rayco Manufacturing, Inc. (Rayco) This transaction represents the first addition since affiliates of the private equity firm Stellex Capital Management LP (Stellex) acquired Morbark in 2016. The purchase of Rayco represents a significant move towards the Company’s strategic focus on broadening the range of tree care and industrial equipment, aftermarket parts, and service offered to their Customers. Rayco was founded in 1978 in Wooster, Ohio, by John M. Bowling, who as the owner of a tree care service identified the unique needs of the tree and landscape industry and began to build equipment to meet and surpass those needs. Today the company is dedicated to the design and production of an incredibly innovative line of environmental equipment. The current range of Rayco products includes: stump cutters, crawler trucks, forestry mulchers, multi-tool carriers, and attachments, brush chippers and the all-new AT71 aerial trimmer. John Bowling, Chief Executive Officer of Rayco, stated, “Our family is very proud of the legacy we have established and nurtured over the past 39 years. As a family-run and -owned business, we view today’s transaction as an opportunity to continue growing our business while joining an even larger family.” Dave Herr, Chief Executive Officer of Morbark, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Rayco to the Morbark portfolio of companies. Rayco is a company that our senior management team has admired for a long time. We value the long-standing success of Rayco and are committed to providing the Bowling family and their dedicated employees the resources they need to continue the success they have built.” Transaction Highlights: The transaction is a positive, strategic fit for both companies. Rayco brings a lineup of innovative equipment into the Morbark family across multiple product categories. In particular, Rayco stump cutters, aerial trimmers, forestry mulchers and crawler trucks will enhance and complement the existing Morbark family of products. Rayco founder, John Bowling, will continue his work with the team to develop new products and help improve the company’s existing product lines. He will continue to have an economic interest in the combined business and will be a member of Morbark’s Board of Directors. Morbark will operate Rayco as a new division maintaining its brand identity. Rayco’s experienced management team will continue to manage their operations. Teams from each company will work together to determine how to be more efficient and leverage each other’s strengths. Herr continued, “Rayco has a well-deserved reputation for providing customers with the equipment and service they demand and the value they deserve. That product innovation and dedication will continue without interruption. We are excited by what we can bring to Rayco in the way of our experiences, our dealer network and products to complement current Rayco equipment owners.” About Morbark, LLC Morbark, LLC, based in Winn, Mich., has been innovating and manufacturing durable, high-performance equipment for forestry, recycling, tree care, sawmill and biomass markets for more than 60 years. Morbark equipment helps customers harvest, process and convert wood and other organic waste materials into valuable, useful and profitable products. The Company produces a full line of whole tree and waste wood chippers, flails, brush chippers, horizontal and tub grinders, sawmill equipment, material handling systems and more. About Rayco Manufacturing, Inc. Since 1978, Rayco has been one of the most recognizable brands in environmental, forestry, landscaping, and construction equipment. Rayco’s line of stump cutters, horizontal grinders, brush chippers, forestry mulchers, and rubber crawler trucks feature innovative designs and a range of options to suit any-sized job and budget, from landscaping to major construction projects. Rayco equipment is engineered and manufactured in Wooster, Ohio, and sold through an international dealer network offering equipment sales, rentals, parts, and accessories, including warranty and technical support. For more information, please visit www.raycomfg.com About Stellex Capital Management LP Stellex is a private equity manager that invests in and oversees the US and European corporate assets. Stellex’s focus is on middle-market companies going through business or industry transitions, as well as special situation opportunities. Stellex seeks to identify and deploy capital in opportunities that have the potential to provide stability, improvement, and growth for its portfolio companies.

WASHINGTON - American Wood Council (AWC) President and CEO Robert Glowinski has issued the following statement regarding the release of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule to repeal the Clean Power Plan. “Despite claims of flexibility, the Clean Power Plan would have actually limited the types of renewable energy states could use, including our industry’s production and use of biomass energy. “Our industry’s products, and the manner in which we produce and use biomass energy, are all part of the sustainable carbon cycle. By using biomass residuals as fuel, the wood products industry is harnessing energy that would have been lost to the atmosphere anyway and also displacing the use of more carbon-intensive fuels. “AWC urges EPA to take the additional steps to fully recognize biomass energy produced from biomass residuals in the wood products industry is carbon neutral.” ### The American Wood Council (AWC) is the voice of North American wood products manufacturing, representing over 75 percent of an industry that provides approximately 400,000 men and women in the United States with family-wage jobs. AWC members make products that are essential to everyday life from a renewable resource that absorbs and sequesters carbon. Staff experts develop state-of-the-art engineering data, technology, and standards for wood products to assure their safe and efficient design, as well as provide information on wood design, green building, and environmental regulations. AWC also advocates for balanced government policies that affect wood products. www.awc.org | @woodcouncil

Stack boards at up to 20 layers per minute with Pendu’s new 4700B High Speed Bottom-Up Stacker! The bottom-up feed design is lower to the ground than an over the top stacker for easier access to the stick placer and the infeed. The 4700B can handle material from 24 inches to 72 inches long, 1 1/2 inches to 5 1/2 inches wide, and 3/8 inches to 2 inches thick. The stacker can be used with or without an optional pit. Call us at 717-354-4348 or visit our website at www.Pendu.com today to find out how our 4700B High Speed Bottom-Up Stacker can speed up your production!

Woodland Equipment of Iron River, Michigan, is proud to release its new website, created by LumbermenOnline.com, the sister company of Lumbermen’s Equipment Digset. The new website is built to accommodate today’s audience with a clean, mobile first design that adjusts to your device. So now, whether you’re at a desktop, on a tablet, or using your phone – our website will adjust to you. With the recent additions of the Tigercat and Kelsa product lines, our portfolio of forestry solutions has expanded. Our website is refreshed with a look and navigation that helps make it easier for you to get to the information you want as quickly as possible. Visit WoodlandEquipment.com, to browse our forestry product lines, shop our used inventory, learn more about our 43 year history of innovation and customer focus, and discover why we’re the preferred cut-to-length experts. Our goal is to help you find solutions that maximize your productivity and minimize your downtime.

Ricer Equipment has relocated its Shinnston, WV operation to a larger facility in Summersville, WV. This move places Ricer Equipment’s new 14,000 square foot service center in the heart of the West Virginia’s prime logging region. The new facility has all the state-of-the-art amenities, larger yard, shop and will continue to feature our complete line of Tigercat, CSI, Pitts and other leading brands of forestry equipment. In addition to new and used equipment sales, the new facility will also offer logging supplies, a fully stocked parts department, and service center to keep your logging operation running at peak performance. Pat Garrett, Bill Phillips and the experienced service team are ready to insure that your logging operation runs smoothly and efficiently. We cordially invite loggers throughout the region to stop in and visit the new facility located at 651 Phillips Run Road, Summersville, WV, just a short distance off Route 19 north of the city.

Menominee Saw & Supply of Menominee, Michigan, is proud to unveil its new E-Commerce website, created by LumbermenOnline.com, the sister company of LUMBERMEN’S Equipment Digest. The new website offers wood producers of all sizes the saws and supplies needed to keep running smooth. From thin kerf to wide band saws, talley books to grading sticks and chipper knives to laser lights today’s busy lumberman will save time and money on the items needed to keep running smoothly at menomineesaw.com. Sales Manager, John Brock said, “the world is moving more toward online purchases every day and we see the new website as an opportunity to expand our markets well beyond the range of our delivery fleet”. Before you make your next supply purchase, check out the great deals at www.menomineesaw.com

Wood-Mizer, a global manufacturer of wood processing equipment, introduces a pallet dismantling bandsaw to their diverse and growing product line. Wood-Mizer now owns and manufactures the popular Pallet Hawg® pallet dismantling machine that has earned a worldwide reputation for being extremely durable and reliable through a simple and innovative design. Pallet Hawg® expert, Brad Kirkaldy, has joined Wood-Mizer and brings decades of experience to the company’s pallet recycling division. “Wood-Mizer is dedicated to providing the best in class equipment for a variety of timber and wood processing needs throughout the world,” said Brad Kirkaldy, Wood-Mizer Pallet Recycling Product Manager. “The addition of the Pallet Hawg dismantler is yet another high-quality piece of Wood-Mizer equipment for the pallet industry that is backed by our established network of service and support.” The Wood-Mizer Pallet Hawg® PD200 Pallet Dismantler is designed for a full range of pallet recycling including pallet prep, repair, dismantle, and recovery. Due to the unique combination of high torque and low RPMs, the PD200 Pallet Dismantler has an expected blade life of 1,000 to 1,500 dismantled pallets per blade which is nearly double the blade life of competitive pallet dismantling saws. Designed for one or two operators, the PD200 features a sturdy welded steel tube frame that firmly supports two pneumatic wheels. The bi-metal blade that cuts the nails to dismantle the pallet is powered by a 10HP electric motor with a gear reduction drive. A pneumatic table lift has preset heights to enable quick and convenient shifting between upper and lower cut points to easily remove stringer boards, blocks, and deck boards of a pallet. Wood-Mizer Pallet Hawg® PD200 Pallet Dismantler Features 10 HP electric motor with gear reduction drive (18 HP gas engine optional) 60” width capacity (up to 96” optional) 2,200 fpm blade speed Pneumatic adjustable table height with 5 ¼” travel No-fail mechanical blade tension system Industrial 6-lug wheels with 27” diameter band wheel tires Removable pass back bars allow for one or two person operation The Wood-Mizer Pallet Hawg® PD200 Pallet Dismantler is now available in North and South America, Africa, and Asia. For more information, contact Wood-Mizer Pallet Recycling Product Manager Brad Kirkaldy at 765.228.6775 and [email protected] or visit online at www.woodmizer.com/pallethawg. *About Wood-Mizer* Since 1982, Wood-Mizer has earned the reputation as the world’s largest manufacturer of portable band sawmills with more than 70,000 sawmills sold throughout the world. Today, Wood-Mizer offers an extensive line of narrowband portable and industrial sawmills, wideband sawmilling equipment, resaws, edgers, kilns, log splitters, pallet recycling equipment, material handling equipment, bandsaw blades and blade maintenance equipment for woodworking hobbyists and forestry professionals all over the world. For more than 35 years, Wood-Mizer has provided top quality wood processing equipment and exceptional customer service for people who want the freedom of sawing their own lumber for projects or production.

Indianapolis, IN – Wood-Mizer, a global manufacturer of wood processing equipment, introduces a large capacity, modular, multi-head HR700 industrial resaw to their expanding product range. The industrial resaw is the latest addition to the broad range of Wood-Mizer sawmilling equipment engineered for weekend woodworkers through to high-production commercial operations all over the world. The HR700 is Wood-Mizer’s largest capacity resaw capable of handling up to 15.75” x 15.75” cants. The machine’s modularity makes it easy to expand from the standard two heads to a maximum of six heads. In its maximum configuration, the HR700 converts large cants into six boards and one slab in a single pass. Heavy, powered hold-down rollers stabilize cants on a durable twin-track steel belt conveyor as they are fed through each head during sawing. HR700 Resaw Features • Power Options o 20HP (15kW) per head standard o 30HP (22.5kW) per head optional • Cutting Capacity o 15.75” by 15.75” max cant height and width o 12’ max cant length or unlimited with additional tables • One to Six Head Modular Configuration “Wood-Mizer remains committed to offering high-quality equipment and service to a wide range of sawmilling operations throughout the world,” said Darryl Floyd, Wood-Mizer COO. “The HR700 further provides commercial timber companies the ability to process large capacity cants with the flexibility for future growth.” The Wood-Mizer HR700 industrial resaw is now available worldwide. Visit www.woodmizer.com for more information or contact your local Wood-Mizer Representative to order. About Wood-Mizer Since 1982, Wood-Mizer has earned the reputation as the world’s largest manufacturer of portable band sawmills with tens of thousands of bandmills sold around the globe. Today, Wood-Mizer offers an extensive line of narrowband portable and industrial sawmills, wideband sawmilling equipment, resaws, edgers, kilns, log splitters, pallet recycling equipment, material handling equipment, bandsaw blades and blade maintenance equipment for woodworking hobbyists and forestry professionals all over the world. For more than 35 years, Wood-Mizer has provided top quality wood processing equipment and exceptional customer service for people who want the freedom of sawing their own lumber for projects or production. For more information about Wood-Mizer, call 800.553.0182 or visit www.woodmizer.com.