Kronospan, a producer of wood panel products, has announced the closing of its purchase of Roseburg’s Simsboro, La., particleboard facility following the expiration of the required regulatory review period. Ownership of the plant has been transferred from Roseburg to Kronospan.

The Simsboro particleboard facility will accelerate the growth of Kronospan’s wood panel production in North America, where annual capacity is between 240-260MMSF. The company is committed to modernizing the facility in the post‐acquisition period and has a proven record of accomplishment from prior acquisitions.

“This acquisition marks a significant event in the growth of Kronospan’s North American business, as it will enable us to expand our footprint in the particleboard and TFL markets and provide even better service to our existing and future customers,” says Hans Obermaier, CEO, Kronospan’s North American operations. “The Simsboro site has a long history in the particleboard industry and this acquisition fits our growth portfolio well. We are excited to welcome our newest teammates to the Kronospan organization.”

As part of the acquisition, Kronospan will retain the facility’s 182 team members. The two companies will work to ensure a seamless transition for vendors, suppliers, and customers.

Pankoke, father of two and grandfather of six, retired from the family business in 2002 when he handed over the management of the company to his son Dr. René Pankoke, now the fourth generation to successfully run the Hymmen company. Since then, Pankoke has devoted himself to his private interests together with his wife and constant companion Dr. Christa Pankoke.

Former and current employees of Hymmen hold Pankoke in high esteem, and with great gratitude for a fulfilled life together, the family will say goodbye in a small circle.

Metsä Group and Sweco have signed an agreement for the implementation planning of the new Kerto LVL mill in Äänekoski, Finland.

“We have strong confidence in Sweco’s expertise and resources from our previous collaboration projects. It is therefore natural that we continue our cooperation in this project to develop the Äänekoski mill area,” says Jaakko Anttila, Executive Vice President, Metsä Wood.

Sweco is responsible for the complete implementation planning of the mill project, including structural, process and plant design. Sweco was also responsible for the design of Metsä Group’s Äänekoski bioproduct mill, which started operations in 2017, and the planned wood product mill will apply the synergy benefits offered by the mill area.

“For example, the steam needed in the production process of Kerto LVL will be produced at the Äänekoski bioproduct mill, and the condensate generated in the process will be utilized for heating the building. It is great to be involved in designing a resource-efficient production plant whose material-efficient wood products store carbon and reduce the carbon footprint of construction,” says Tuulamari Helaja, Business Unit Director, Industry and Energy, Sweco Finland.

Construction of the Kerto LVL mill in Äänekoski has progressed according to plan. Land construction works and the main frame installations are currently underway in the area.

The mill will have an annual production capacity of around 160,000 cubic metres of Kerto LVL and is expected to start production in the second half of 2026.

On December 12th Siempelkamp and Sunds Fibertech signed an agreement for the sale of the KüstersPress and ContiPress service business. With this transaction Sunds Fibertech will become the OEM supplier for this technology area; the transfer date will be January 3rd, 2024.

The KüstersPress and ContiPress technology is used for the production of MDF and particleboard. Between 1987 and 2006 more than 60 presses were delivered, currently, more than 50 presses are still in operation worldwide. These presses require technology support, spare parts, service and modernization.

Sunds Fibertech will expand its German technology center in Willich, close to Siempelkamp’s headquarters in Krefeld, to grow sales, offer technical support, build up a workshop and a logistics center. The center will be fully focused on KüstersPress and ContiPress technology.

Stefan Wissing, CEO, Siempelkamp Logistics & Service Business Unit, says, “By combining the business volumes of KüstersPress and ContiPress in Sunds Fibertech we will secure a strong long-term support for these presses. We are convinced that Sunds Fibertech’s focus will ensure the best support and solution for the customers.”

“With this acquisition we will strengthen our position as a strategic partner to our customers and we will be able to offer a much wider service portfolio. Our team in Germany will be a good combination of several experts who have been part of the Küsters journey from the very beginning and the next generation of press experts. The new technology center will count about 2000  m² including offices, a customized workshop and the logistics center,” adds Lars Eklund, CEO, Sunds Fibertech.

Boise Cascade announced an indefinite curtailment of its lumber production in Chapman, Ala. The curtailment will affect 80 positions. The plywood operations at the Chapman location are not part of the curtailment.

Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notification was provided to impacted employees and specifies that operations will cease on January 28, 2024.

“The team has worked diligently every day; however, a combination of challenges, including required future investments and overall profitability, has led to this decision,” says Chris Seymour, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing Operations. “It was a difficult and unfortunate decision, but after evaluating a number of factors over the past year, it is not feasible to continue operating at an efficient level.

“We understand the impact that this shutdown has on our employees and their families,” Seymour adds. “We are communicating about job opportunities within the company as well as resources that are available to assist them.”