2017 International Forest Industries Magazines May 2017 SHOW Special | Page 10

LOGGING & BIOMASS NEWS

NZ $ 2m funding for new wood-processing facility

New Zealand ’ s Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges and Science and Innovation Minister Paul Goldsmith has announced NZ $ 2 million funding for a wood-processing facility which uses automation and robotics to turn low-value pine trees into high-value wood products reports Scoop . This is just one of the local initiatives announced at the release of the Tairawhiti Economic Action Plan in Gisborne .
“ Forestry is a major employer in the region and this funding
accelerates research and development in this sector . This technology from Wood Engineering Technology Ltd ensures that even low value ‘ pulp ’ logs , or forestry blocks on remote sites , can become economically viable ,” says Mr Bridges .
WET Gisborne Ltd , a joint venture between Wood Engineering Technology Ltd and the Eastland Community Trust , is building a NZ $ 9 million prototype plant , where this technology is being developed .
It is expected that there will
be three plants on the initial site creating 120 highly skilled jobs , and see potential opportunity in opening further plants in the more remote locations of Eastland .
“ The processing plant is being partly funded through a Callaghan Innovation growth grant and demonstrates how innovative technology can improve productivity and profitability ,” says Mr Goldsmith .
“ Delivering commercialised technology to market is a core part of Callaghan Innovation ’ s mandate , so it is pleasing to see the Gisborne
region benefitting directly from the government ’ s investment in research and development through growth grants .”

Peterson launch new 3310 Drum Chipper

Peterson ’ s all-new 3310 Drum Chipper is a radical departure from traditional drum chippers .
With a 540 hp ( 402 kW ) Caterpillar engine , the 3310 has the power to handle up to 24-inch ( 61 cm ) diameter logs . The fully enclosed engine compartment keeps things clean , but easily serviced by large access doors on both sides of the machine .
The 3310 ’ s transverse design allows for a much smaller operations deck , and the rotatable end load or optional top load spout design allows for trailers to be loaded in a variety of positions , depending on the demands of the job site .
Using the proven drum and knife design used on the larger 4300-series drum chippers , the 3310 ’ s main components are robust and offer long life .
The 3310 is available with a four-pocket drum for typical biomass chips , or a eightpocket drum for microchipping applications . The chips exit the machine from an innovative auger system which feeds an accelerator to increase payload density .
Designed for export markets , the 3310 can be easily transported in a high-cube , 40-foot container , significantly saving on overseas shipping expense . ( See Pages 44 – 47 for full report )

Hancock Timber Resource Group acquires 25,000 acres of timberlands in Alabama

The Hancock Timber Resource Group has completed the acquisition of approximately 25,000 acres of timberlands in Alabama from Rayonier Inc . This transaction is a follow-on to another transaction completed in late 2016 where Hancock Timber acquired approximately 37,000 acres of timberlands in Mississippi and Alabama from Rayonier .
“ We are very pleased to secure additional high quality timberlands
for our clients ,” said Hancock Timber Resource Group President Brent Keefer . “ These properties are located in an area of the US South with deep and diverse markets for forest products . We will be able to supply solid wood and fiber to a variety of facilities in southern Alabama , western Georgia , and northern Florida . We look forward to managing them to their highest potential .”
As with the previous
acquisition , the timberlands are stocked with well-managed southern pine plantations and hardwoods . The timberlands will be managed by Hancock Forest Management , the organization ’ s integrated property management group . Hancock Timber has approximately 280,000 acres of timberland under management in Mississippi and Alabama , 1.8 million acres in the US South and almost 6 million acres globally .
Hancock Timber Resource Group President Brent Keefer
8 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2017