Viking Engineering & Development has just made two very exciting announcements in regard to future automation advances for its product line. Known for its productive stringer nailing machines, Viking has just unveiled its new Viking Stringer Feeder option that can be added to many legacy Viking nailers. It features a small footprint, and the machine allows full human access to allow manual loaded when required. It can automate stringer loading, removing the need for at least one operator.
Viking stated, “With a 6.5 second cycle time and ability to load stringers from 28” to 72″, it’s smarter automation, designed to work with your operation, not around it. Change isn’t starting over. It’s upgrading what already works — intelligently.”
This next-generation automated stringer loading system integrates seamlessly into proven product lines while reducing labor dependency and improving material flow. It is built for Viking, by Viking to ensure consistency. The first prototype is being finalized now.
Viking has also hinted about future developments. The company stated, “Viking is developing additional automation options, including board loading systems and AI-powered quality vision scanning, all designed to work within the same trusted production platform.”
A key partner in these endeavors for Viking is Joutech Handling Technology, an Italian automation expert with more than 35 years of experience serving the wood, pallet and material handling industries.
The goal is to offer Industry 4.0-level digitalization and automation. Viking and Joutech will work together to integrate advanced automation technologies into Viking’s new and existing product lines as well as introduce non-nailing technologies to the Viking portfolio.
Ryan McCarthy, engineering manager of Viking, said, “This collaboration unlocks exciting opportunities to enhance system intelligence, extend automation integration, and deliver higher throughput and greater operational efficiency for our customers across the globe.”
Joutech has earned a reputation for innovative, flexible automation solutions tailored to a wide range of wood-based processes. Key benefits of the partnership for Viking customers include: improved workflows, expanded robotics integration, improved data-driven decision-making and Joutech’s technical proficiency in troubleshooting advanced automation challenges.
Luca Marcante, owner and general manager of Joutech, explained, “Entering the U.S. market alongside a solid and well-established partner like Viking represents a significant milestone for us and will enable us to deliver customized solutions tailored to every customer need, ensuring a service of excellence.”
Finally, to guide Viking into the future, its board of directors has named TJ Rosengarth as its new leader. He replaces Kurt Larsen, who is no longer with the company as of early 2026. Rosengarth has sat on the board of directors for Viking for the last 18 months. He brings decades of C-suite leadership in numerous forest products companies including Northwest Hardwoods and the Collins Companies, among others. Viking has notified customers directly about this change over the past few weeks. Rosengarth stressed, “Our focus moving forward is all about the customer. We have a huge installed base of reliable equipment with a world of opportunity for improvement through further automation. We exist to help our customers reach ‘Next Level’ manufacturing success. Our team is focused on that direction, and you see that with the latest product launch and strategic partnership announcement.”
Rosengarth added, “I want to thank Kurt for his more than decade long leadership of Viking as a C-suite executive. He guided the company through the development of new manufacturing headquarters and many growth achievements. We have a strong team here to lead us into the future.”
For more information, contact your Viking sales representative at (763) 571-2400 or complete this form (https://www.vikingeng.com/viking-stringer-feeder-info-request).
