The 39th East Coast Sawmill and Logging Equipment Exposition – commonly known as EXPO Richmond/The Richmond Show is in the books. The event featured one of the country’s largest expos for live equipment demonstrations and physical equipment showcases of forest products and pallet machinery.
According to the Virginia Forest Products Association (VFPA), which puts on the show, the event attracted 5,250 people, with 25% being exhibitors. This level of activity was a significant increase over the 2022 show, which only had 3,900 people. Ten countries were represented, as well as 41 U.S. states. Foreign visitors came from Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Turkey, China, the United Kingdom and eastern Europe. During the show, many suppliers and service providers highlighted or promoted some of the latest innovations in the industry.
Jamie Coleman, the EXPO manager, commented, “We were all a little worried about the economy and the state of the industry. But we had a significant increase in attendance over the last show. EXPO Richmond has become a show that attracts serious buyers.”
Lesley Moseley, VFPA executive director, reflected, “Being at a new venue is always tricky. But fortunately, we had a great staff to work with and learned some important lessons to improve the setup for the next show. We had tremendous feedback from exhibitors who received strong leads.”
The following are some of the key innovations that I saw as I talked with exhibitors at EXPO Richmond. Companies are listed in alphabetical order.
Alliance Automation showcased its new Pallet AI inspection system. This technology was covered extensively on the cover of the March 2024 Pallet Enterprise. Vision inspection is used to help control sorting, grading and data collection. Alliance Automation also discussed its new partnership with VisionNav Robotics to provide automated forklifts for pallet applications. These automated forklifts are used in some pallet facilities in Europe. The technology is proven and works well in situations where repeatable patterns have been established. For example, these driverless forklifts can be integrated with an Urban Sawmill or Badger line. According to Alliance, automated forklifts have better safety performance than human operators.
Automated Machine Systems (AMS) highlighted its new relationship with Pallet Sorting Systems (PSS) from Europe to offer its Multisort System, which uses robotic arms on a gantry that moves up and down a line, taking a pallet and stacking it on various stacks on the floor. The process usually starts with a destacker/tipper where an operator can use push buttons to dictate where a pallet goes on the line. The system can also use an automatic pallet selector inspection tunnel to do the same thing. The robotic arms pick up the pallets by the sides, move them to the appropriate stack and then go back to retrieve another pallet. According to PSS, its system can process 400 pallets per hour. The gantry system can be configured in a line, a T-shape or an L-shape depending on your facility. The PSS Multisort can efficiently process odd-ball pallet sizes. It can sort anywhere from 39 inches to 52 inches without restriction.
AMS also introduced its new AI4 Pallets system. It effortlessly scans, identifies and organizes 150 varieties of pallets using AI software. This precise scan leaves no detail unnoticed.
The April cover story of Pallet Enterprise focused on innovations to Baker Products’ line of saws.
Baker Products has been working on redesigning some of its popular equipment, focusing on labor savings and fast changeovers. Sawmills and resaw operations need to be nimble and have the ability to cut many different kinds and sizes of material. The new automated setworks option for its trim saws and resaws allow for almost instantaneous changes. Changeovers that used to take 15 minutes can now be accomplished in five seconds. Clay Hedrick, sales manager for Baker Products, said, “You can basically change the thickness that you are cutting on the fly.” This option also allows you to take a head off-line while still running the others.
Baker also released at the show a new feeding system for its popular AmbiTrim saw system, an automated pallet board stacker and a high-speed board splitter. The board splitter is designed to process 2x4s and 2x6s at a rate of up to 400 linear feet per minute.
Go Fast Manufacturing ran its new UpSTAK-120, a long-length board stacker, at the show. The UpSTAK-120 is equipped with a lifting roller platform that can be adjusted for long length materials. The Go Fast UpSTAK can stack at speeds of up to 15 layers of boards per minute with board lengths of up to 120", widths of 2 ½” to 6-1/2", and thicknesses of 3/8" to 2". The touch-screen controls give operators the ability to fine-tune operations depending on the material being stacked. Go Fast staff can access the system remotely to diagnose or fix any software or control issues. Tool-less adjustments allow board size changeovers to be completed within minutes. These units can be equipped with several options, including automatic stick placers, powered outfeed roll cases, short board sensors and unscramblers.
Go Fast also ran its stringer notching line at the show. Utilizing a tilt hoist for seamless material feeding, the notcher operates at a staggering 6000 cycles per hour. Finished stringers are automatically stacked for swift processing, ensuring high productivity and quality in every unit.
Also in the works over the coming year are the following new products or enhancements: MC series chop saw with configurable moveable heads, auto feed system for MET endtrim saw, PalSTAK pallet sorting and stacking system, a center-split saw system and a new bandsaw pallet dismantler designed with simple operation and safety in mind.
Pallet Chief demonstrated its new deluxe board feeder for its Pallet Chief IV nailing machine. This option provides for two bays to store boards, which reduces operator strain and stress. This GMA pallet solution feeds 6" and 4" boards at the same time. It uses a machined gantry with precise board placement. The deluxe board feeder boosts production speed as well.
Pallet Machinery Group (PMG) unveiled a new laser designed to permanently and effectively brand pallets with ISPM-15 marks, logos and QR codes. This laser can be quickly programmed to mark pallets with various images. It saves on the costs of ink for ink jets, paint for stenciling or the expense of developing unique brands. PMG also demonstrated its new trim saw with automated-setworks for fast changeover. And the company gave some customers a sneak peek of its new Titan nailing machine.
Rotochopper had an MP2 model grinder at the show. The grinder manufacturer also had literature on the company’s new shredder, ideal for pallets. The new Sarlac is a patent-pending electric shear point shredding solution that efficiently downsizes waste materials. It is ideal for pallet recyclers and other wood waste that requires a small footprint, low noise and minimal sawdust machine.
Sarlac is a cost-effective waste management solution that stands tall as a compact powerhouse to break down materials that would typically be discarded, including pallet, construction and demolition and cardboard waste, presenting an opportunity for revenue generation through recycling. According to Rotochopper, Sarlac enhances workplace safety and comfort, with an impressively low noise level and reduced airborne dust, making it the ideal choice for a variety of work environments.
Viking Engineering & Development continued its legacy of live equipment demonstrations by showcasing its Voyager high-speed nailing line at the arena. This version includes more intuitive operator screens and auto-recovery features that improve operator experience and uptime. Viking had a video showcase of the new augmented reality feature of its service call center and unveiled a new Viking University course on the Voyager nailing line. The Voyager features dual board hoppers, improved nail delivery, and the S3 board positioning system with the capacity of 2,400+ pallets per shift. Viking’s classic arena presence is always a crowd pleaser.
Wood-Mizer introduced its new, compact single pallet notcher. Equipped with a carbide-tipped cutter head, the notcher is designed for optimum safety and ease of use. The cutter head is protected, making it very difficult for an operator to get injured. This unit is capable of producing up to 300 double-notched stringers per hour. It comes with an ergonomic clamping system and is counterbalanced for operator safety. It also features a side dust collection port.
EXPO Richmond Exhibitors
The following Pallet Enterprise advertisers have supported the nation’s largest collection of logging, sawmill and pallet equipment showcase by exhibiting at EXPO Richmond 2024.
Boulware Equipment, LLC
Brad Boulware talked with an attendee about grinding solutions. Boulware Equipment has developed a strong reputation for offering complete turnkey grinding solutions. From system design to installation, service and even helping customers locate wood fiber buyers, Boulware helps pallet companies turn waste into profit.
Brewer Machine and Parts, LLC
Promoted the Golden Eagle, high-production, cut up system at the show. This saw lines features an undercut multiple-head trim saw, double arbor gangsaw, high-production double head notcher and inline chamfering system.
Carolina Inspection Services, Inc
Accredited to offer heat treatment inspection services for both lumber and pallets, Carolina Inspection has developed a strong reputation in the pallet sector. Their motto is, “Large enough to handle the need, small enough to maintain exceptional and consistent service.”
Cooper Machine Company, Inc
Cooper Machine attended the show with partners MIT and EWD. Cooper now represents MIT which makes a block cutter for producing pallet blocks. The MIT block cutter has 10 clamping stations where the operator feeds the cants to produce around 90 blocks per minute. A belt conveyor takes the blocks away from the machine.
ISK Biocides Inc.
Needing to prevent pallet mold? ISK biocides is the leading supplier of anti-sapstain chemicals, moldicides, insecticides and end-coatings for the lumber and pallet sectors.
Jerry’s Resharp Inc.
A family-owned and operated supplier of Ripper 37 blades, Jerry’s Resharp has its own bandsaw welding facility in Kentucky. The family who runs this business also operates its own sawmill, which means they understand your sawing needs.
Kiln-Direct
Known for its pallet and firewood kilns as well as its Eagle pallet dip tanks. Kiln-Direct showcased its popular pallet kilns and dip tanks for mold treatments.
MAX Board Feet (Automated Industrial Technologies)
Max Board feet demonstrated a number of its popular board stackers at the show. In addition, it ran an HY resaw. Max Board Feet have developed a wide variety of stackers known for high-speed production.
Metal Detectors Inc (MDI)
MDI manufactures top-quality metal detectors to protect saws, hogs, chippers, presses, lathes, planers and more.
Michigan Fastener
Looking for American-made nails with attention to detail at a low price? Michigan Fastener showed up with one of the most engaging booth displays. Michigan Fastener is a manufacturer of bulk, coil and hi-load nails. It also offers branded MIFAST nail guns.
Midwest Machinery & Automation
Specializes in nailing solutions for the pallet industry offering simple to operate machines. Midwest Machinery & Automation is the exclusive sales and service distributor for the very popular Woodpecker line of nailing machines. It also offers nailing solutions for recycled boards and block pallets.
Nyle Dry Kilns
Connected with attendees about its high-quality, energy-efficient lumber dry kilns.
Pallet-Track
Pallet Track™ is an enterprise resource planning software that has been designed from the ground up for the needs of pallet companies. Alan Miceli (center) with his development and support team provide excellent customer service for a wide variety of pallet companies, including both small and large firms.
Pendu Manufacturing Inc.
Had on display its 6700PB high-speed notcher with the capability of easily notching 7,000 stringers per hour. Pendu also showcased its model 4600N board stacker designed to handle a wide variety of sizes and shapes at rates of up to 4,000 stringers per hour.
Profile Technology Inc.
Had a double booth showcasing its cutting tools for notching heads, indexable chamfer cutters, cant sizer planer heads, Nailbuster™ trim/chop saw blades, high-speed brazed surfacing head, carbide inserts and saw tips. The Lieber family has been offering custom-engineered tooling since 1970.
Sering Sawmill Machinery
For over 60 years, Sering Sawmill has provided bar chain repair, service and customization. It is also the supplier of the Blue Babe portable yard saw for cutting packs of lumber.
Viper Industrial Products
Connected with customers about its Woody nailing solution with eight second nail cycle time and up to 600 pallets per shift production.
West Plains Resaw Systems
Discussed resaw solutions with attendees. West Plains offers a wide variety of equipment from pallet resaws to grade resaws to chop saws and multi-head trims saws. It also develops custom sawing solutions for customers.
White & Company LLC
Mark White and Braden White talked software updates and new features with potential customers. Best Pallet™ and Best Load™ have become popular software solutions for pallet design and unit load optimization. Get the most out of your supply chain, use Best Load software.
