Newswires
Luke Chaddock Joins Prime Lumber Company
Luke Chaddock
Prime Lumber Company recently announced that Luke Chaddock joined the Prime Lumber family. Chaddock will be involved in sales, quality control and operating the dry kilns.
Born and raised in Minerva, OH, Chaddock holds a Bachelor of Science in Wood Science and Technology from West Virginia University (WVU). During his time at WVU, he served as president of the Forest Products Research Society and competed on the WVU Bass Fishing Team.
Chaddock is a published researcher in the field of hardwood modification processes, focusing on improving the performance and sustainability of Yellow Poplar lumber. Outside of his professional pursuits he enjoys bowhunting, fishing and woodworking.
Prime Lumber Company has operated for 37 years and according to a company statement, their reputation was built on “delivering world-class hardwoods backed by the most dependable service in the industry. Our mission? To provide beautiful hardwoods that deliver breathtaking results.”
They are FSC®-certified and have a full line of FSC®-certified products.
To learn more, call 800-786-1164 or go to primelumber.com.
New Sales Account Manager Joins MiCROTEC
Jake Bracy
Jake Bracy recently joined MiCROTEC, the Bressanone (Brixen), Italy-based, scanning and optimization solution providing company, as the newest sales account manager.
His transition to MiCROTEC was driven by firsthand exposure to the “value and potential of the company’s technologies. In my role as a project manager, I quickly saw the impact of MiCROTEC’s products, so much that I decided to come work for them,” he shared.
Among their product listing, Bracy mentioned the CT Log, which is reshaping sawmill optimization by enabling customers to determine the best cutting solution for every log. Paired with MiCROTEC’s full suite of scanning systems, it supports true log-to-final product value maximization. He also mentioned “industry-leading systems such as the Logeye Stereo, the market’s most accurate saw line and headrig carriage scanner providing a full 360° log image, and the Goldeneye Transverse, engineered for exceptionally precise grading across green, dry or planed lumber.”
He joined MiCROTEC after eight years in the forest products sector and six years directly in sawmill operations. A graduate of Maine Maritime Academy, Bracy began his career in the pulp and paper industry before moving into sawmill operations with Hancock Lumber Co., where he served as the capital projects manager and gained hands-on experience across all areas of the mill.
Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, skiing, CrossFit and golf.
For more, visit microtec.com.
New Promotions At Cooper Machine Co. Inc.
Earon Davis (left) and Daniel Harris (right)
Daniel Harris was recently promoted from part sales and technical services to equipment sales and technical services at Wadley, GA-based, Cooper Machine.
“Daniel has been an essential part of our operation for years, serving as a reliable resource for customers seeking parts support, troubleshooting guidance, and technical expertise,” stated a Cooper Machine company representative.
In his new role, Harris will expand his focus from parts and service support to full equipment solutions—helping customers identify the right machinery, understand technical specs, and make confident, informed decisions.
In other news, Earon Davis will now be handling part sales at Cooper Machine.
“Earon brings a strong customer-first approach and a commitment to fast, accurate service,” added a company spokesperson.
Customers can expect:
- Quick and knowledgeable support
- Accurate parts identification
- Responsive follow-up and coordination
- A seamless continuation of service
Both Davis and Harris embody the values that drive our team forward—professionalism, dedication, and a genuine desire to help our customers succeed,” stated a company representative.
Cooper Machine Company’s global markets currently include Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Visit coopermachine.com for more information.
Jartek’s New U.S. And Canadian Subsidiaries And Sales Manager
Jeroen Hinnen
To further support regional sales activities, Jartek recently appointed Jeroen Hinnen as sales manager for North America. Hinnen has more than two decades of experience in the wood industry and heavy industrial machinery, with a strong background in international sales and customer-oriented project delivery.
“A strong local presence and experienced professionals are essential to operating successfully on a global scale. By establishing subsidiaries in the U.S. and Canada and appointing a dedicated sales manager for North America, we are better positioned to support customers throughout these regions,” said Jartek’s CEO Juho Luoranen.
“Jartek’s strong technical expertise and customer-focused approach provide a solid foundation for supporting customers in the region,” said Hinnen.
Jartek recently founded Jartek US Inc. in the United States and Les Entreprises Jartek Canada Inc. in Canada. The new subsidiaries provide a solid operational base for serving customers across North America and demonstrate Jartek’s long-term commitment to the North American market.
According to a company representative, “Through establishing local presence, Jartek continues to develop its global operations by strengthening its international footprint and enabling closer customer cooperation and more efficient project execution throughout North America.”
Jartek already has active projects underway in North America. A thermal modification kiln has been sold to Arbor Wood and is currently in the installation phase. In addition, a project with Western Forest Products has recently been finalized, with delivery and installation scheduled for May 2026.
“With established subsidiaries in both the United States and Canada, a dedicated sales manager for North America, and ongoing customer projects, Jartek continues to strengthen its global operations while maintaining a strong focus on technical expertise and reliable project delivery,” stated a Jartek spokesperson.
For more information, visit jartek.com.
Ally Global Logistics: Now A Licensed Customs Brokerage
Steve Zambo
Weymouth, MA-headquartered, Ally Global Logistics (The AGL Group) recently announced that the company is officially a licensed customs brokerage.
This represents a step toward AGL’s mission to simplify supply chains. As part of its commitment to becoming a true end-to-end logistics solutions provider, AGL can now manage every aspect of the transportation process — from trucking throughout North America to importing and exporting goods worldwide — all handled entirely in-house.
“This is a major milestone in our journey,” said Steve Zambo, CEO of The AGL Group. “Becoming a licensed customs brokerage allows us to offer creative, in-house solutions that enhance efficiency and deliver the high level of service our clients have come to expect.”
By integrating customs brokerage capabilities, The AGL Group increases its ability to “deliver seamless, transparent, and efficient logistics solutions. This expansion enables AGL to maintain full control of the shipping process from origin to destination, ensuring clients benefit from improved visibility, faster turnaround times and enhanced compliance expertise,” as noted by a company representative.
Catering to the lumber and forest products industry, AGL delivers logistics solutions tailored to the needs of this sector while continuing to expand its reach across a diverse global client base.
The AGL Group is an international logistics firm dedicated to simplifying global trade through technology, service and integrated supply chain solutions. With offices in Massachusetts, Florida, and Colombia, AGL provides global reach and expertise for clients to move goods across borders.
For more details, visit theaglgroup.com.
King City Forwarding Hires New Business Development Representative
Mathieu Lapierre
King City Forwarding recently announced that Mathieu Lapierre has joined the organization as its newest business development representative.
Lapierre brings a strong operational background and a customer-focused mindset to King City, strengthening the company’s mission to deliver reliable, cost-effective logistics solutions. “At King City, we provide competitive and seamless freight forwarding services, from quote to delivery,” said Lapierre.
“Whether it’s ocean freight, air freight, domestic trucking, or rail, we manage every step of the process, including bookings, operations, and documentation, ensuring our clients’ cargo moves efficiently and without stress.” In today’s increasingly volatile, global trade environment, Lapierre’s role will support King City’s ongoing commitment to providing stable, reliable and competitively priced logistics solutions to its clients and international partners.
Before joining King City in 2025, Lapierre graduated from Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business. He also worked as an operations manager for a lawn-care company in Montreal, gaining valuable sales, operational and client-management experience.
To contact Mathieu Lapierre or for more information about King City Forwarding, call 855-682-1637 ext. 353 or visit kingcityforwarding.com.
What’s the Story With Q3 2025 Southern Pine Exports?
Southern Pine lumber exports (treated and untreated) are almost equal to 2024 year to date through October 2025 (the most current data available at press time) at 488 MMBF, according to October 2025 data from the USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Services’ Global Agricultural Trade System, and reported by the Southern Forest Products Association.
October 2025’s 60 MMBF of exports were up 47 percent over October 2024 and up 33 percent compared to September 2025.
When looking at the report by dollar value, Southern Pine exports are up 4 percent YTD ($190 million) compared to 2024. Meanwhile, the October value of $25 million is the highest mark since June 2022, when the value hit $29 million. Mexico leads the way YTD 2025 at $56 million, followed by the Dominican Republic at $39 million, and India at $18 million.
Treated lumber exports, meanwhile, are down 4 percent through the first 10 months of the year compared to 2024. The Leeward-Windward Islands market leads the way through October at $18 million, followed by Jamaica at $16 million, and Belize at $10 million.
Softwood lumber imports are running 8 percent behind 2024 levels.
October 2025 Southern Pine Lumber Export Markets
SFPA’s international consultants weighed in with the following key takeaways on Southern Pine lumber (treated and untreated) export numbers among countries reporting more than 1 MMBF of imports through October 2025. While most countries are still down, the numbers through October showed improvements over the past two months across the board:
- Mexico remains the largest export market (by volume) of Southern Pine and treated lumber but is down 1 percent YTD with 133 MMBF.
- The Dominican Republic, the No. 2 importer of Southern Pine, is down 5 percent with 77 MMBF.
- Canada, now the No. 6 importer of Southern Pine lumber (treated and untreated), continues to run 10 percent ahead of 2024 YTD at 26 MMBF.
- India is equal to 2024 YTD with 29 MMBF.
- The Philippines continues to outperform 2024 YTD, up 20 percent with 5 MMBF.
- Exports to China, now the 18th largest importer, are down 65 percent YTD at 4 MMBF.
- The following countries in the Caribbean and Central American region, outside of Mexico and the Dominican Republic mentioned above, imported more than 1 MMBF through July 2025:
o Jamaica: the third-largest export market was down 8 percent through September 2025 over the year with 45 MMBF.
o The Leeward-Windward Islands: down 1 percent YTD with 30 MMBF.
o The Bahamas: up 14 percent with 19 MMBF.
o Barbados: up 82 percent to 17 MMBF.
o Netherland Antilles: up 32 percent at 13 MMBF.
o Belize: up 37 percent year-over-year with 13 MMBF.
o Haiti: up 46 percent with 12 MMBF.
o Trinidad and Tobago: up 2 percent with 8 MMBF.
o Honduras: up 310 percent with 5 MMBF.
o Cayman Islands: down 26 percent at 4 MMBF.
o El Salvador: up 35 percent with 4 MMBF.
o Turks and Caicos: down 17 percent with 2 MMBF.
o Panama: down 23 percent with 2 MMBF.
o Guatemala: up 397 percent with 2 MMBF.
o Costa Rica: down 36 percent with 1 MMBF. - Other countries of note:
o Pakistan: down 9 percent with 10 MMBF so far in 2025.
o Colombia: up 3 percent with 5 MMBF.
o Vietnam: up 5 percent over the year on 5 MMBF.
o Taiwan: down 44 percent YTD with 2 MMBF.
o Netherlands: down 24 percent with 2 MMBF.
o France: down 28 percent with 2 MMBF.
o Egypt: down 34 percent on 2 MMBF.
o United Kingdom: down 9 percent with 2 MMBF.
o Italy: down 1 percent with 1 MMBF.
o Micronesia: up 42 percent with 1 MMBF.
o Australia: up 4 percent at 1 MMBF.
Members, check out the member portal for a full breakdown of each country for October 2025.
*Note: data are expressed in million board feet (MMBF) unless otherwise indicated.
