Industry News – July 2025

Industry News – July 2025

Northern Hardwoods Installs New Neural Grader Thru The Fordaq Group

Northern Hardwoods, based in Atlantic Mine, MI, and owned by JM Longyear, is proud to announce that its Neural Grader is now live grading its Red Oak, Hard and Soft Maple lumber.

The Neural Grader scanner at Northern Hardwoods was installed on the company’s planer line. The line is designed to run up to three boards in parallel on the line. A major competitive differentiator of the Neural Grader is that it can run multiple boards in parallel through its scanner accurately managing splits in boards or boards running next to each other.

According to a company representative, a key reason why Northern Hardwoods chose the Neural Grader is that it could be installed on its existing planer line without major changes. Due to its robust image acquisition technology and small footprint the Neural Grader is able to retrofit on most lines, in a few days, avoiding costly line changes and the associated downtime.

Northern Hardwoods and its parent company JM Longyear own and operate timber land, processing equipment, sawmill, kilns and a planer and rip department, as well as a distribution warehouse. The company has 100 employees and markets over 30 million board feet of lumber annually.

Northern Hardwoods utilizes the dense timber produced during the long and cold winters in Northern Michigan to provide their customers with quality North American hardwood lumber. The company upholds some of the highest quality specifications in the hardwood industry, the company representative stated.

For  more  information,  visit northernhardwoods.com.

AHC Hardwood Group Launches Brand Identity

Atlanta Hardwood Corporation, located in Atlanta, GA, a leader in the U.S. hardwood industry for more than 70 years, has officially rebranded and launched a new website under its updated market identity: AHC Hardwood Group.

This rebranding reflects the company’s evolution from traditional lumber processing to a modern, value-added manufacturing model focused on premium Appalachian hardwood products and kiln-dried lumber. Since 2020, AHC has prioritized technological innovation and specialized product development, offering enhanced solutions for both domestic and international markets.

The rebranding and updated website are part of a broader initiative to align all digital platforms, product materials, signage and packaging under the AHC Hardwood Group name. 

The updated website, ahchardwood.com, enhances user experience, allowing customers easier access to AHC’s full range of hardwood products and services, including lumber, millwork, building supplies, industrial products, cabinet components and stair components. It also features a dynamic map for locating regional sales representatives and detailed product support.

“Our new website reflects who we are today – an innovative hardwood group delivering added value through advanced processing, superior service and strategic partnerships,” said CEO Jim Howard. “This is more than a redesign. It’s a platform built to better serve our customers and improve user engagement.”

For more information, visit ahchardwood.com.

Sawmill MD Installs VisionTally At Frank Miller Lumber Co.

Sawmill MD, Crestview, FL, and Industrial Vision Systems, Conshohocken, PA, recently announced that they installed a VisionTally system at Frank Miller Lumber Company in Union City, IN, to automate and improve lumber tally process and results. The VisionTally HD High-Speed system scans a standard pack of lumber for both width and length in less than one minute.

The consistent accuracy of the VisionTally system along with the reports available from the VisionTally Bundle Query Database will revolutionize how the Frank Miller Lumber Company can rely on and use tally information, stated a company representative.

VP of Operations Wayne Suddarth has been a great supporter of getting a VisionTally system for Frank Miller, and after six weeks in operation when asked how the VisionTally system was performing replied: “After years of manual end tally, we upgraded to the VisionTally system, and we are happy we did. It provides a consistent tally result faster than the labor-intensive end tally method. Tally costs have gone down and accuracy has improved.”

For almost 20 years VisionTally has provided automated fast and accurate width and length scanning at approximately 100 facilities with many companies having purchased VisionTallys for multiple locations.

Contact Mike Ballard or Duncan Ferguson at SawmillMD@mindspring.com for more information on the VisionTally systems and upgrades available for existing VisionTally systems, or log into their website SawmillMD.com to see a video of the VisionTally system and videos of the other products promoted by Sawmill MD.

PawTaw John Services Inc. Introduces SX3 Setworks

PawTaw John Services Inc., located in Rathdrum, ID, is now offering a cost-effective solution for precise linebar, vertical/horizontal resaw positioning and the ability to improve accuracy of two-saw edgers with their SX3 Setworks.

The SX3 Setworks is a powerful single-axis motion controller designed to bring new levels of accuracy and efficiency to sawmill operations, affordably.

The SX3’s self-contained controller operator panel integrates all essential electronics, power and a user-friendly Human Machine Interface (HMI) for accurate positioning of both closed-loop and open-loop hydraulic cylinders and motors.

Key features and benefits of the SX3 Setworks include being a cost-effective solution, versatile application, integrated design, accurate measurement, flexible valve control, improved accuracy, reduced waste, minimized downtime, user-friendly operation and increased production efficiency.

The consistent resaw positioning allows for higher yields and less rework. This transforms a two-saw edger into a precision dimensional cutting tool. Replacing aging setworks with a reliable solution for continuous production.

The SX3 Setworks is an investment in the efficiency, accuracy and profitability of a company’s wood processing.

Call 208-687-1478 or email info@pawtaw.com to learn more about the SX3 Setworks or visit pawtaw.com for details and quotes.

Nyle Dry Kilns Appoints Adam Duplisea As Vice President Of Sales And Marketing

Nyle Dry Kilns has recently appointed Adam Duplisea as their new vice president of sales and marketing. Duplisea joined the company in 2022, bringing with him 14 years of experience as an account manager in the transportation sector.

“Duplisea is dedicated to ensuring a positive experience for every customer. He is committed to collaborating with them to identify the optimal solutions for their specific operational needs,” stated a company spokesperson.

Passionate about understanding customer objectives, Duplisea enjoys listening to their experiences and working together to explore how Nyle Dry Kilns can help them reach their goals by offering relevant ideas and options, the spokesperson continued.

Outside of work, Duplisea enjoys golfing, fishing and spending quality time with his wife, Janie, and their two sons, Jayden and Brentley.

For more information, visit nyle.com.

MiCROTEC Welcomes Maurita Maggard

Maurita Maggard is the newest member of the MiCROTEC, in Corvallis, OR, sales team, bringing with her eight years of experience in the wood products industry. Prior to MiCROTEC, she held roles at Roseburg Forest Products – Engineered Wood Division as an inside sales manager and head of customer care and managed OEM national accounts with Timber Products.

MiCROTEC, a global leader in scanning and optimization technology for the industry, is known for cutting-edge solutions that increase production efficiency, product quality and resource sustainability. MiCROTEC has been setting industry standards since 1980, with operations in Corvallis, OR, and Vancouver, BC, serving North America, Australia and New Zealand.

Among the technologies Maggard represents are MiCROTEC’s CT Log and Goldeneye Transverse systems. The CT Log is the only computed tomography log scanner. It provides a full internal reconstruction of each log, enabling precise quality grading, optimized sorting and real-time cutting solutions for maximum value recovery.

The Goldeneye Transverse is a high-precision multi-sensor scanner that inspects lumber from all four sides— whether green, dry or planed. Integrating color and laser imaging, the system enhances production through accurate quality detection and fast, straightforward transverse installation.

A native of Oregon, Maggard studied Business Management/Administration at the University of Phoenix. Outside of work, she enjoys photography, catering and event planning, travel, muscle cars and football — especially the Denver Broncos. She and her husband David have been together for 15 years and are proud parents of five children.

MiCROTEC is a member of several major industry associations, including the National Hardwood Lumber Association, Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, Southern Forest Products Association, Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association, Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, Mississippi Lumber Manufacturers Association and Western Wood Products Association.

For more information, visit microtec.com.

Biolube Welcomes Steve Anderson As New Sales Manager

Biolube a leading innovator in saw lubrication solutions for the forest products industry, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Steve Anderson as sales manager for its Northwest five-state district. This strategic hire underscores Biolube’s commitment to expanding its presence in the Northwest, bringing its industry-leading LubeMaster 1000 Spray System and Lubie® products to sawmills seeking to eliminate pitch buildup and enhance operational efficiency.

With over two decades of experience in sales and marketing leadership, Anderson joins Biolube from UC Coatings and Contechem, where he drove significant revenue growth and market expansion in the wood processing industry. His expertise in developing sales strategies, mentoring teams and fostering strong client relationships makes him the ideal leader to introduce Biolube’s innovative solutions to the Northwest, a company representative stated. Anderson’s proven track record includes designing custom application systems and conducting market research to identify new opportunities, skills that align perfectly with Biolube’s mission to deliver cost-effective, environmentally friendly products. 

Based in Fort Wayne, IN, Biolube has been a trusted name in saw lubrication for over 20 years with more than 1,000 installations across North America. Anderson’s appointment marks a pivotal step in bringing Biolube’s proven solutions to the Northwest, where the company sees significant growth potential.

“I’m honored to join Biolube and lead the charge in the Northwest,” said Anderson. “The LubeMaster 1000 and Lubie® products offer unmatched performance in tackling pitch buildup, and I look forward to partnering with sawmills to drive efficiency and profitability.”

For more information about Biolube, the LubeMaster 1000 Spray System, or Lubie® products, visit biolube1.com.

NWFA Completes 79th Home with Gary Sinise Foundation

The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), located in St. Charles, MO, has provided flooring for its 79th home in support of the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment). The R.I.S.E. program builds mortgage-free, custom, specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. The home dedication for U.S. Army Sergeant (Ret.) Joshua Hargis recently took place in Nolensville, TN. Flooring for the project was donated by NWFA member Somerset. Installation services were provided by Brown Oaks Flooring.

In addition to the 79 homes already completed, NWFA currently is working with its members to source wood flooring for 15 additional R.I.S.E. homes in various stages of planning and construction. Currently, 161 NWFA member companies have donated product, logistics, and installation services in locations throughout the United States, with a total value of more than $7 million. A list of all NWFA R.I.S.E. participating companies can be found on their website.

To learn more about the program, and how you and/or your company can get involved, contact the NWFA at 800-422-4556, or e-mail them at anita.howard@nwfa.org.

The National Wood Flooring Association is a not-for-profit trade organization, with more than 3,000 member companies world-wide, dedicated to educating consumers, architects, designers, specifiers and builders in the uses and benefits of wood flooring. The NWFA is located at 14 Research Park Drive, St. Charles, MO 63304, and can be contacted at 800-422-4556 (USA and Canada), 636-519-9663 (local and international) or at nwfa.org.