Goodfellow Inc. Increases Hardwood Capacity In The U.S.
In its third quarter of 2024, Goodfellow Inc. completed acquisitions of three hardwood processing assets in the U.S. These new facilities will trade as Allegheny Mountain Hardwoods (AMH) and are located in Pittsfield, PA, (purchased from Meridien Hardwoods), as well as in Petersburg, WV, and Hazelton, WV, (purchased from Allegheny Wood Products).
With millions of board feet of additional capacity, these new facilities will support Goodfellow’s long-term growth objectives by expanding the company’s U.S. platform to better serve customers in the U.S. and increase export volumes.
Goodfellow is a diversified manufacturer of value-added lumber products, as well as a wholesale distributor of building materials and floor coverings. Goodfellow has a distribution footprint from coast-to-coast in Canada servicing commercial and residential sectors through lumber yard retailer networks, manufacturers, industrial and infrastructure project partners and floor covering specialists. Goodfellow also leverages its value-added product capabilities to serve lumber markets internationally. Goodfellow Inc. is a publicly traded company, and its shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “GDL”.
For more information, visit www.goodfellowinc.com.
Frank Miller Lumber Appoints Susan
Mathias Maurais as President and CEO
Frank Miller Lumber recently announced the appointment of Susan Mathias Maurais as president and chief executive officer. Maurais has an extensive background, having served as a board member since 1996 and advancing to vice chair in 2017. Upon Martha Miller Mathias’s retirement in 2020, Maurais took over as the chairman of the Board. Taking on the additional role as president and CEO in 2024, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a fourth-generation member of the family-owned business.
As part of the family legacy, Maurais is deeply committed to maintaining Frank Miller Lumber’s tradition of producing high-quality quartersawn hardwoods. “It’s a tremendous honor to lead a business that has been part of my family for generations,” said Maurais. “I am dedicated to upholding our strong traditions while driving innovation and growth for the future.” In her new role as president and CEO, Maurais will focus on expanding Frank Miller Lumber’s global market presence, advancing sustainability initiatives and driving innovation across all areas of operation.
“We are proud to announce Susan Maurais as the president and CEO of Frank Miller Lumber while she continues to serve as the chairperson,” said Frank Miller Lumber’s Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Tyler Johnston. “Her expanded roles will enhance our ability to innovate and grow while upholding the values and legacy of Frank Miller Lumber.”
Founded in 1903, Frank Miller Lumber is a leading producer of high-quality quartersawn hardwoods. Based in Union City, IN, the company is proud to be a family-owned business that has operated for four generations. It serves customers worldwide with integrity and expertise.
For more information, visit www.frankmiller.com.
AHC Hardwood Group Expands Sales Territories
AHC Hardwood Group, a division of Atlanta Hardwood Corporation, headquartered in Atlanta, GA, announced a realignment of sales territories to reflect a focus on value-added manufacturing.
Over the past four years, equipment has been added to the Clarksville, TN, facility to increase production of products to meet more specialized needs of customers, including hardwood mouldings, trim and cabinet components, Cypress and thermo-modified siding and decking and shiplap and nickle-gap paneling.
Mark Levin has added Texas to his Tennessee and Kentucky territory and Jason May has added Oklahoma, Missouri and Iowa to his Northern Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois territory.
More information can be found at www.hardwoodweb.com.
Sawmill MD and Industrial Vision Systems Upgrade Kendrick Forest Products’ VisionTally System
Sawmill MD, located in Crestview, FL, and Industrial Vision Systems are proud to announce they recently completed a project for Kendrick Forest Products relocating a VisionTally system and upgrading the relocated VisionTally system, along with upgrading Kendrick’s existing system.
The VisionTally Standard system, at Kendrick’s Edgewood, IA, location, that was installed in 2022 was upgraded to a VisionTally High-Speed. This upgrade reduced scan time from 2.5 minutes to less than 75 seconds.
The VisionTally team also assisted in the proper disassembly, relocation, upgrade and start-up of a VisionTally system purchased at auction for the Vinton facility. This was a High-Speed system that was originally installed in 2017. The relocated High-Speed system was upgraded to be the same VisionTally generation as the unit in Edgewood. This included upgrading the length measuring to the latest Lidar and software upgrades.
The VisionTally High-Speed systems at both of Kendrick’s facilities can scan a pack of lumber for both width and length in less than 75 seconds.
Kirby Kendrick’s positive comments at the HMA meeting in October referenced both the improved speed of the upgrade at Edgewood, and also the positive impact the addition of VisionTally had for the Vinton operation. The addition of VisionTally at Vinton allows Kendrick to automate the tally process with the upgraded VisionTally for all of their kiln-dried lumber and with VisionTally’s communication abilities transfer the detailed tally information directly to their inventory system.
These improvements for both of Kendrick Forest Products’ VisionTally units were completed within a few days and the results at both facilities has met or exceeded the customer’s expectations, said a company representative.
Contact Mike Ballard or Duncan Ferguson at SawmillMD@mindspring.com for more information on the VisionTally systems and upgrades available for your existing VisionTally system, or to see a video of the VisionTally system and videos of the other products promoted by Sawmill MD log into the company’s website www.SawmillMD.com.
USNR’s Sister Company, Burton Mill Solutions Acquired Industrial Cutting Tools
USNR’s sister company, Burton Mill Solutions, located in Woodland, WA, recently announced its acquisition of Industrial Cutting Tools (ICT), based in Quitman, GA. ICT specializes in reconditioning industrial cutting tools for sawmill, chip and pellet operations throughout the Southeastern U.S. This acquisition significantly expands Burton’s geographic footprint and enhances its technical capabilities, enabling better service to primary wood producers who outsource the reconditioning of their circle and band saws and machine knives. With the addition of ICT, Burton strengthens its already comprehensive technical expertise in wood processing technology, including wide-band and circle saws, industrial knives, filing room equipment, reconditioning services and industrial wear parts.
Dale Brown, CEO of Burton Mill Solutions and sister companies USNR and Mid-South Engineering, commented, “I am pleased to be expanding our cutting tools service network. This acquisition aligns with our overall mission to provide innovative solutions that enhance productivity and efficiency in the wood processing industry.”
Chuck Wert, senior vice president of Burton, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, saying, “We are thrilled to join forces with ICT, as this partnership will enable us to elevate our service offerings and better meet the needs of our customers in the region. Our teams share a dedication to innovation and excellence, and together we will set new standards in the industry.”
Walter Cowart, general manager of ICT, shared his thoughts on the merger, saying, “This is an exciting opportunity for both companies to build on our strengths and improve our service delivery.” While Cowart will remain with ICT’s prior owner, The Langdale Company, longtime employee Scott Mathis has agreed to take on the role of Operations Manager. Mathis expressed, “I am looking forward to writing the next chapter in our company’s story as we continue to provide exceptional solutions that genuinely benefit our customers.”
ICT’s southern Georgia location will complement Burton’s existing network of saw and knife reconditioning service centers in Maine, South Carolina, Louisiana, and Alabama.
For more information, visit www.usnr.com or www.burtonmill.com.
Thomas J. Vilsack
USDA Forest Service Announced Open Grant Opportunity To Strengthen Forest Products Economy
The Hardwood Federation recently shared with their members updates on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s proposed heat rule and the proposed reform to the National Environmental Policy Act. They also shared the full press release for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service’s new grant opportunities. The press release announced that the Forest Service is making up to $34 million in funding available to support innovation and jobs in the forestry sector while supporting healthy forest landscapes. The agency is seeking proposals that will spark innovation, create new markets for sustainable wood products and renewable wood energy and expand processing capacity.
The funding, made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, is available through the Forest Service’s three key grant programs to support the forest products economy: Wood Innovations Grant, Community Wood Grant, and Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance Grant Programs.
“Sustainably sourcing wood to manufacture products makes our forests healthier and our communities more vibrant,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, we’re making even greater investments in the wood products economy and supporting sustainable forest management, which in turn creates jobs in rural areas.”
The agency is seeking proposals that support innovative uses of sustainably sourced wood in construction, as a renewable energy source and in manufactured and processed products. These programs also provide direct support to expand and retrofit wood energy systems and wood products manufacturing facilities nationwide.
The Wood Innovations, Community Wood and Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance Grant Programs have helped build markets, support efficient processing and strengthen the country’s critical wood products infrastructure. The Forest Service has provided nearly $190 million to 482 projects since 2021. Over $618 million was matched or leveraged from applicants for a total investment of $808 million. These projects also help address the nationwide challenge of reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires, disease and infestations by retaining or expanding markets for sustainably sourced wood.
The Forest Service is requesting proposals from eligible entities in the private, non-profit and government sectors including tribes, local and state governments, businesses and for-profit entities, institutions of higher education, as well as public utility, fire, conservation and school districts.
These investments in the sustainable wood products industry will support forest management projects to improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk. Byproducts from forest management, like small diameter timber and woody biomass, have historically had little market value. Thanks in part to these Forest Service grant programs, funding is available to support and explore the use of these materials in many types of existing and future commercially viable wood products.
Businesses that are engaged in or support the forest products economy are eligible to apply for funding to expand manufacturing capacity to process wood materials with zero or no commercial value. These businesses are vital employers in local communities, especially in tribal or rural communities.
The investments will also support the Forest Service’s 10-year strategy to address the wildfire crisis in the places where it poses the most immediate threats to communities. The agency is investing in projects that source wood from activities that reduce risks to communities, like prescribed fire and mechanical thinning to reduce the vegetation that fuels wildfires.
To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
