As a manufacturer of stranding equipment used in the production of oriented strandboard (OSB) panels, Kadant Carmanah views its collaborative partnership with Hexion and the integration of Hexion’s Smartech artificial intelligence (AI) technology as a natural evolution of its flagship “SmartRING” strander product line and Argus smart-connected technologies platform. According to Todd Macey, president of Kadant Carmanah Design, combining Hexion’s world-class AI-driven autonomous manufacturing solutions with Kadant Carmanah’s expertise in stranding equipment will enable OSB manufacturers to produce higher quality strands, enhance strander performance, and reduce unplanned downtime. Hexion’s Smartech division, which Hexion acquired in 2024, uses AI to improve the manufacturing process for wood panels. The product line includes software and systems solutions such as SmartPress and recently announced SmartQuality, each providing a unique approach to resin application that increases efficiency and product quality, as well as autonomous manufacturing systems, which utilize machine learning to optimize productivity. “The benefit of this collaborative partnership for OSB producers will be the full visibility and connectivity they will now have throughout their entire manufacturing process—from the strander, to the dryer, to the blender, to the forming line, to the press,” says Michael Lefenfeld, President and CEO, Hexion. “As OSB mills continue to face labor challenges and the high variability of log inventory management, Hexion’s advanced AI and machine learning technology will help stabilize the quality of strands from the strander.”

LP Building Solutions (LP) has announced the appointment of Tony Hamill as Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, effective June 30, 2025.

“As we execute our long-term growth strategy, I am pleased to appoint Tony to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer,” says LP President Jason Ringblom. “With over 30 years of leadership experience in engineering and manufacturing—much of it within our own organization—Tony brings comprehensive expertise across our North and South American operations. Tony’s ability to challenge conventional approaches while fostering collaboration and team alignment will be critical as we continue to scale and optimize our business. I am confident that his leadership will enhance our performance and support sustained value creation.”

In this role, Hamill will oversee LP’s North American manufacturing footprint, which includes 18 facilities and a workforce of over 3,000 team members. He will be responsible for the production and operational efficiency of all product lines, including LP SmartSide trim and siding, LP Structural Solutions, and LP oriented strand board.

A registered professional engineer, Hamill joined LP in 2013 and has held progressively senior leadership roles, including Vice President of Engineering and Vice President of Siding Manufacturing. He has led major initiatives to increase LP SmartSide trim and siding capacity, including four strategic mill conversions and the growth of the company’s ExpertFinish operations. These projects have significantly strengthened LP’s production capabilities and competitive positioning.

Prior to joining LP, Hamill held leadership roles at Stantec, a global engineering firm, and served as Chief Operations Officer at Roseburg Forest Products, where he directed manufacturing operations, engineering, and sales and marketing. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Brunswick.

Con-Vey in Roseburg, Ore. appointed Jeremy Goebel as its new President, effective as of June 1. The Board of Directors voted unanimously to promote Goebel and name him as the fourth President in the company’s 79-year history. He succeeds Dave Larecy, who will remain actively involved as CEO of Con-Vey Holding Inc.

Goebel’s promotion marks a significant transition for Con-Vey, as he assumes responsibility for the operations of the company. Over the last decade, Goebel has steadily taken on increasing responsibility and played a key role in Con-Vey’s growth and evolution.

“Jeremy has earned the trust of our customers, our team, and our leadership through consistent performance, smart decisions, and a deep understanding of our business,” Larecy says. “He’s been instrumental in building our sales team, expanding our equipment lifecycle service offerings, and driving integrated solutions that have opened up new revenue streams. I have every confidence that he’ll continue to lead Con-Vey with integrity, insight, and care.”

Goebel began his career at Con-Vey in 2013 in Sales, was promoted to sales manager in 2017, and became vice president in  2023. He oversaw Sales, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, and Equipment Lifecycle departments. In his new role as President, he will also assume responsibility for Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Planning. His leadership in developing subcontractor-integrated packages and partnership with long-term customers has helped fuel substantial revenue growth and enabled reinvestment into company infrastructure and capabilities.

Reflecting on his new role, Goebel shares: “I am honored and humbled to step into the role of President at Con-Vey. It’s a privilege to serve alongside such a dedicated and capable team. I’m incredibly grateful for the trust placed in me and excited to build on our momentum as we continue to grow with purpose and deliver on our mission of velocity.”

Larecy notes that Goebel has had the support of an extraordinary team and a loving family, especially his wife, Shirah. “This job isn’t easy; it comes with pressure, unpredictability, and plenty of hard decisions,” Larecy says. “But Jeremy’s commitment to our people, our customers, and our mission makes me excited about Con-Vey’s next chapter.”

Oregon-based Swanson Group announced the appointment of Chris Swanson as President. In the expanded role he will assume control of the day-to-day management of the company. This transition ensures the continuation of family management of Swanson Group.

During his 25 plus years with Swanson Group, he has served in various operations, sale and management roles across all facets of the company. 

Steve Swanson, who has managed the company since 1988, will maintain a presence, serving as CEO and Chairman of the board.

USA BioEnergy (USABE) has signed a letter of intent with LP Building Solutions (LP) outlining plans to enter a long-term supply agreement for sustainably sourced wood fiber to support operations at USAB’s planned Texas Renewable Fuels (TRF) biorefinery in Bon Wier, Tex. The advanced biorefinery will require raw wood feedstocks for the production of renewable fuel. Once finalized, the agreement would provide for up to 2.2 million tons of woody biomass annually for an initial term of 20 years.

This advanced biorefinery will convert forest thinnings into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other renewable fuels. LP is expected to serve as the exclusive procurement agent for TRF under the future agreement,.

“LP is proud to bring our deep roots in sustainable forestry to support the Texas Renewable Fuels project,” says LP Natural Resources Manager Steven Meadows. “Our long-standing commitment to responsible resource management is well aligned with USA BioEnergy’s vision for sustainable fuel production. We look forward to advancing this effort, which benefits the regional economy, promotes environmental stewardship, and advances the clean fuels industry.”

In January, USABE closed on the acquisition of over 1,600 acres of land in East Texas for its new $2.8 billion advanced biorefinery, designed to convert wood waste into sustainable, net-zero SAF. The planned greenfield facility is currently in detailed design and engineering and aims to address airlines’ growing demand for SAF, and has secured a 20-year offtake agreement with Southwest Airlines. 

After the engineering and design process is completed, construction of the biorefinery is expected to take approximately two years, followed by a six- to eight-month commissioning period. The facility will annually convert one million tons of sustainably sourced woody waste into 65 million gallons of premium net-zero transportation fuel, including sustainable aviation fuel and renewable naphtha. The plant will also capture and sequester over 50 million metric tons of carbon dioxide over the biorefinery’s lifetime.