Baillie Lumber Co. Introduces Ryan Brunner
Baillie Lumber Co., located in Hamburg, NY, recently announced Ryan Brunner as one of the company’s new sales representatives in its ripping division.
Brunner has been with Baillie for over six years, where he started in the industry as a sales assistant and then went on to hold the position of ripping division sales coordinator, before recently transitioning to the role of sales representative.
Brunner attended Hamburg High School in Hamburg, NY, from 2004-2008, he then attended Canisius College in Buffalo, NY, from 2008-2014, where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in health and physical education and a Master’s of Science degree in sports administration.
In his free time, Brunner enjoys spending time with his wife, Missy, and their growing family. They have a one-and-a-half-year-old son and are expecting a baby girl in June. When time allows, he also enjoys playing golf, softball and basketball and is an avid Buffalo Bills fan.
Baillie is a member of the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermens Association, Hardwood Manufacturers Association, National Hardwood Lumber Association, Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc., and The North American Wholesale Lumber Association.
For more information, call 716-912-3764 or visit www.baillie.com.
RAM Forest Products Welcomes Gerry VanVeenendaal
Gerry VanVeenendaal recently joined the sales team of RAM Forest Products, a manufacturer of high-quality Northern Appalachian Hardwoods located in Shinglehouse, PA.
RAM Forest Products produces over 25 million board feet annually in all grades in Hard and Soft Maple, Ash, Red and White Oak, Cherry and Poplar from their sawmill and has a drying capacity of 1.5 million board feet.
The company is a member of the National Hardwood Lumber Association, Hardwood Manufacturers Association, Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc., and The Appalachian Lumbermen’s Club.
VanVeenendaal grew up in New York’s Hudson Valley until his family moved to Central Pennsylvania. His father held various positions at different hardwood companies exposing VanVeenendaal to the industry at an early age.
While he has been in the forest products industry in one form or another his entire life, he joined AWP’s sales group in 2014 and recently joined RAM Forest Products sales team in 2024.
VanVeenendaal and his wife Lisa live in Holidaysburg, PA, and they have one daughter. He enjoys spending time with his family and fishing.
For more information, visit www.ramforestproducts.com.
Boise Cascade Announces Troy Little As New Executive Vice President
Boise Cascade Company, located in Boise, ID, recently announced Troy Little as their new executive vice president of the Wood Products division.
Little started in the forest products industry at Boise Cascade as an internal auditor in 1990, he has since spent the last 33 years with the company gaining a broad range of experience on both the financial side and the operational side, including serving as regional manager for six manufacturing facilities in Oregon.
He became division controller in 2016, financial manager in 2018, and added commodity sales to his responsibilities in 2021. He was promoted to executive vice president at the beginning of 2024.
Before joining Boise Cascade, Little graduated from Bishop Kelly High School, in Boise, ID, and earned a degree in Business Administration from the College of Idaho. Little serves on the Bishop Kelly High School Foundation and is a member of the Western Wood Products Association.
Boise Cascade Company is one of the largest producers of engineered wood products and plywood in North America and a leading U.S. wholesale distributor of building products.
For more information, please visit our website at www.bc.com.
Irving Forest Products Acquires Mill Service’s Value-Added Operation in Cobleskill
Irving Forest Products (IFP), which operates sawmills in Ashland and Dixfield, ME, recently announced the acquisition of Mill Services, Inc’s Value-Added operation in Cobleskill, NY. The mill boasts a 100,000 square foot facility on a 15-acre plot, with warehouses to protect products from the elements.
The building has supported the community for 140 years through a variety of businesses, including the agricultural industry, refrigeration modernization, window, skylight and door furnishing and supporting the war efforts of World War II. For the past 20 years, Mill Services, Inc. has worked with low-grade Pine lumber and offered quality products with the help of The Home Depot to homeowners and contractors throughout the Northeast.
Cobleskill Value-Added transforms low-grade Pine into several products, including primed finger joints for use in interior and exterior applications, bevel siding (primed and unprimed), barnwood siding and other niche products. These value-added products come in a variety of paint finish options from latex to oil base.
Cobleskill Value-Added currently employs 65 people, with an intention to grow the workforce in the coming years. IFP will also be investigating opportunities to maximize mill capacity and eventually expand.
“The acquisition by Irving Forest Products not only provides our current employees with a fantastic opportunity to join a world-class organization, but also ensures that the facility here on MacArthur Ave will continue to be a partner of the local community for years to come,” said Leonard Lilly, mill manager at Cobleskill Value-Added.
Irving Forest Products looks forward to growing their relationship with the new team in Cobleskill and strengthening the current relationship with The Home Depot.
For more information, visit www.jdirving.com.
Robbins Lumber Inc. Promotes John Ritz And James Webb
Robbins Lumber Inc., located in Searsmont, ME, recently promoted John Ritz from outside sales to distribution sales manager and James Webb to wholesale sales manager.
Ritz will be managing distribution throughout the state of Maine. He has been with the company for 13 years and was with Richardson-Dana Co., of Portland, ME, which was acquired by Hood Industries, for 15 years, prior to joining Robbins. He initially started in the forest products industry as a stocker for Wilson Lumber in Concord, MA, in 1980, eventually working his way up to salesperson.
Ritz graduated high school in 1983 from Lawrence Academy, in Groton, MA, and attended Kenyon College, in Gambier, OH.
In his spare time, Ritz enjoys spending time with his family at camp and watching his twin 15-year-old girls play sports. He has been married to Kara Ritz for 31 years.
Webb has been with Robbins for 16 years and has held a variety of positions, including, machine operator, floor supervisor, assistant production manager, production manager and inside sales representative.
Webb attended Biddeford Adult Education, in Biddeford, ME, where he acquired his GED.
Webb serves on the Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association’s Marketing Committee and the North American Wholesale Lumber Association’s Northeast Regional Committee.
In his free time, Webb enjoys fishing, gold panning, firearms and craft beer.
For more information call 207-342-5221 or visit www.rlco.com.
Timber Products Transitions Sales Leadership
Timber Products, located in Springfield, OR, is pleased to announce that David Smith has been promoted to VP of Panel Sales in preparation of current VP of Sales, Pat Lynch’s retirement at the end of the year.
David Smith, formerly VP of composites, has been with Timber Products since 2017, overseeing the composite sales and operations teams during his time with the company. Smith is looking forward to this new role and will be working closely with Lynch over the next several months to ensure a smooth transition.
In conjunction with this transition, current Sales Managers Kevin Smith and Davis Edwards have been promoted to director of Western plywood sales, and director of Eastern plywood sales, respectively.
Former Director of Compliance and Marketing, Chris Knowles, has been promoted to director of international sales, a division previously overseen by Pat Lynch. Kendall Conroy, marketing manager, has been promoted to the director of marketing role.
With these transitions of sales leadership Timber Products is confident their customers will continue to receive the same top-of-class customer service from their sales team. “I have no doubt that David Smith and the sales team will continue to grow and prosper in the business,” said Lynch.
Founded in 1918, Timber Products Company produces a wide range of diversified wood products. Best known for its hardwood plywood, the company is committed to customer service, environmental sustainability and offers a fully integrated approach to manufacturing with eight manufacturing facilities, an international division and a nationwide transportation division.
Learn more at www.timberproducts.com.
Sawmill MD Makes Installations At Hart County Hardwoods
Sawmill MD, located in Crestview, FL, announced that Hart County Hardwoods in Munfordville, KY, has recently started up two SiCam ResawX Scanning systems to maximize the efficiency and yield from their Horizontal Resaw systems.
The ResawX systems provide Hart County Hardwoods cant sizing detail and recommended sawing solutions to the operator via a 10-inch touch screen quickly and accurately. The ResawX system will improve both Resaws operating results by reducing wasted lines and measurably reducing shims. ResawX allows the management to set sawing pattern recommendations based on size and grade, which improves the ability to maximize the output of desired products based on current requirements.
The start-up was completed in less than two working days with minimal interruption of production. After a few minor adjustments and calibration the ResawX was scanning quickly and accurately providing size and sawing solutions to the operator.
When Paul Byler or any of the Hart County team visited Sawmill MD’s booth at the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association convention in February, the comments were exemplary, said Mike Ballard. Comments about saving time, improved production of ties, and the accuracy of the ResawX system were the normal comments from the team.
The brother that runs one of the Resaws came by and said, “I do not know how we ran without this system in the past.”
Contact Mike Ballard or Duncan Ferguson at SawmillMD@mindspring.com for more information on the SiCam ResawX Scanning System or visit www.SawmillMD.com to see videos of the ResawX System and additional Sawmill MD videos.
TS Manufacturing Makes Installations At Meherrin River Forest Products
TS Manufacturing, headquartered in Lindsay, ON, announced that Meherrin River Forest Products recently started up a new lineal edger system at their Weldon, NC facility. The new edger line replaces their existing manual edger in their green sawmill.
The project consisted of a new three saw lineal edger system: hands free infeed with auto centering roll case, infeed belt, articulating saw box, outfeed belt and edging separator. The installation included various material handling pieces, transfer deck, belt conveyors and vibrating conveyors, to get material to and from the new edger. The project also included an A&E 3D geometric optimizer and scanner frame and a TS AccuTally software package for production reporting.
Working with the customer through several different mill layouts, TS was able to position the edger line in an area of the mill that allowed the new machine to be installed and commissioned while the mill was running, with just a small shut down to tie in some of the material handling pieces.
TS Manufacturing offers a complete line of machinery, controls and software to fit their customers mill and is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year.
For more information on their complete line of sawmill and planer mill offerings, contact them at sales@tsman.com or (705) 324-3762.
Nyle Dry Kilns Welcomes Mark Metzger
Nyle Dry Kilns, located in Brewer, ME, a manufacturer known for its high-quality and efficient dry kilns, recently announced the hiring of Mark Metzger as their new sales manager in the United States. Metzger joins the team with an extensive background in the forest products industry, accumulating over 30 years of experience.
Throughout his career, Mark has garnered extensive experience as an account manager and sales representative for a variety of esteemed hardwood lumber companies, including Northwest Hardwoods, Weyerhaeuser, Legacy Lumber, and American Lumber. His most recent role involved wood protection products, where he served as the Northeast representative for U-C Coatings. His comprehensive understanding of both the buying and selling aspects of kiln-dried lumber, coupled with his experience in selling protective products, provides him with unique insights into the specific needs of kiln-drying customers.
Metzger’s educational background includes an associate’s degree in Wildlife Technology from Penn State University – DuBois and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Edinboro University. His strong commitment to delivering a customer experience rooted in honesty and integrity aligns perfectly with Nyle Dry Kilns’ values.
Metzger is passionate about collaborating with customers to enhance their businesses, and his addition to the team is anticipated to bring valuable perspectives and drive further success.
Nyle Dry Kilns is thrilled to have Mark Metzger on board and looks forward to the contributions he will bring to the company and its clients.
For more information visit www.nyle.com.
Cleereman Industries Installs New Sawmill
Cleereman Industries, headquartered in Newald, WI, along with Cleereman Controls, recently completed the start-up of the new E-Pallet operation in Byesville, OH, that produces grade lumber, as well as pallet lumber. This was a new ground up sawmill that Cleereman Industries engineering team designed for E-Pallet.
The new mill consists of a several Cleereman products including their 848 debarker, two LP-42 linear carriages, Cleereman Controls 3-D scanning systems, two 100-horse-powered Hydrostatic carriage drives, modular track frames with dual air bag cable tensioners, sawyers’ cabs, completely wired with Cleereman Controls dispatch and optimization packages.
The new Cleereman sawmill also consists of drop belts, a headrig roll cases, a 654 optimized combination/gang edger, a landing table, an unscrambler, a trimmer and a green chain. Cleereman included a precision 58-inch chipper and precision vibrating conveyors, as well as three Cleereman dual overhead truck loading systems. Cleereman Industries also supplied all the electrical cabinets for E-pallet.
Cleereman engineering staff went over their design drawings with Erv Byler the project manager for E-Pallet. After a few minor changes the engineering department completed the tradition 2-D build drawing and a 3-D model that allowed the customer to see the entire mill.
Byler said, “The whole Cleereman team was professional, respectful and went the extra mile to make sure we were happy with everything. I really appreciate their enthusiasm, hard work and attention to detail.”
The concrete embedment plans were also completed so the foundation work could be completed before building arrived. Once the building was done, equipment started shipping in the order that they needed for the setting plan. Cleereman supplied all the sub-steel as a pre-engineered solution that included all the platforms and catwalks and stairs. This allowed for the mill to be bolted together very quickly and set all elevations to correct height.
Cleereman Industries is providing pre-engineered solutions for new sawmill construction. “The pre-engineered solutions that we offer have saved our customers a lot of valuable time and money on these bigger projects. We also are doing the same type of pre-engineered solution to existing mills that are looking to upgrade. This service sets Cleereman apart from a lot of other manufacturers,” said Paul Cleereman, vice president of Cleereman Industries.
For more information, visit www.cleereman.com.
DMSi Announces New Log Mobile App
DMSi, headquartered in Omaha, NE, recently launched the DMSi Log System, a modern timber and log app and desktop system. The app primarily focuses on log scaling but also handles various aspects of log procurement and timber bid management, including receiving, transfers, movements, consumption, automated split payment, freight rate changes and log row audits.
DMSi specializes in developing and supporting inventory and order management software for the building materials industry. They offer several solutions specifically designed for hardwood businesses, such as eLIMBS, Simply Computing software, TallyExpress and Neural Grader. The DMSi Log app is their newest hardwood-specific offering.
Over the years, DMSi has acquired multiple legacy hardwood software companies with log and lumber systems. This allowed them to consolidate industry expertise and transform these systems into modern technology platforms.
DMSi’s approach involved rewriting these systems using a modern tech stack, which significantly reduces manual effort. With the DMSi Log app, information automatically syncs to the desktop system when connected to Wi-Fi.
Even when working offline, data syncs automatically once reconnected to Wi-Fi. According to a company spokesperson, the app boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface, ensuring users can start using it right away without extensive training. For more information, please visit www.dmsi.com.
Arxada Introduces AntiBlu® M3 And Thriving Partnership With ICONX And Zee Water And Energy
AntiBlu® M3, part of the AntiBlu® product line from Arxada, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is now available in Canada. It offers a one pack, blended formulation with three active ingredients to provide superior protection for control of sapstain, mold, and decay fungi on freshly sawn lumber and other wood products. This robust formulation is intended for the entire Canadian market and is ideal for both softwood and hardwood mills seeking superior, longer-term protection from a single, service-oriented supplier.
The ingredients IPBC, propiconazole and DDAC quat have a wide range of mold and fungal control applications across numerous industries but the combination of these actives for the anti-sapstain market is only available in AntiBlu M3®.
The AntiBlu® product line, including Mycostat®, encompasses many product options, each intended for specific conditions and applications. For more information, reach out at wolmanizedwoodinfo@arxada.com or visit antiblu.com.
In other news, Arxada partnered with ICONX and Zee Water and Energy to promote and sell anti-sapstain products into the sawmill industry. Since its initial pairing, in 2023, the team reviewed the market and its needs and has developed a strategy to meet demands and expectations with each partner providing either logistical or product support. The partners recognized the need to better reach the industry to provide wood protection products, especially in the Southeast and Northeast.
The product offering, manufactured by Arxada for the protection of freshly sawn and seasoned logs, poles, posts, and lumber for decades, helps with the control of sapstain, mold, and decay fungi, allowing sawmills to ship clean and bright wood to wood treaters, jobsites, and lumberyards. ICONX and Zee work directly with buyers to determine what products from within the anti-sapstain line will work best for that buyer. To learn more, reach out to us: Brian Delbrueck (brian.delbrueck@arxada.com); Miles Stoffer (miles@iconxchemicals.com); or Scott Bookout (scott.bookout@vincitgroup.com). Or visit antiblu.com.
The AGL Group Welcomes Ashleigh Crowe
Ashleigh Crowe is the Director of Imports at The AGL Group. Founded in 2013, The AGL Group is a leading freight forwarder specializing in the forest products industry. With a strong focus on importing, exporting, and domestic transportation, The AGL Group offers comprehensive logistical solutions tailored to clients’ ever-changing business needs, while delivering seamless solutions with integrity and efficiency.
The AGL Group’s expertise lies in efficiently managing the movement of goods while ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. Headquartered in Weymouth, MA, The AGL Group’s mission is to make clients lives easier through simplifying their supply chains.
As Director of Imports, Crowe brings over 16 years of experience to her role, leading the import operations team with a keen eye for operational excellence. Her extensive knowledge spans supply chain management, customs compliance, and domestic logistics, she also has certifications in Lean Six Sigma, Dangerous Goods IATA and IMDG, and Certified Customs Specialist (CCS).
Crowe is also a US Licensed Customs Broker. Beyond her professional achievements, Crowe is actively involved in industry organizations such as the Rhode Island Export District Council, where she contributes her expertise and works towards further certifications including the Master Export Specialist Certification (MES). Her commitment to continuous learning and improvement reflects her dedication to providing top-tier service to clients.
Outside of work, Crowe is passionate about travel, spending time with family and is an avid New England sports fan. Her entrepreneurial spirit also shines through her philanthropic endeavors, having founded an international nonprofit organization at a young age to empower students to create positive change in their local and international communities.
For more information, contact Ashleigh Crowe and The AGL Group by email, Import@theaglgroup.com, phone, 781-544-3970 or visit their website, www.theaglgroup.com.
