Technology Suppliers Brought Their A-Game To Ligna

Technology Suppliers Brought Their A-Game To Ligna

by | Jul 1, 2025 | News

Technology Suppliers Brought Their A-Game To Ligna

More than 1,400 exhibitors from 49 countries participated in the 50th anniversary Ligna held May 26-30 at the Exhibition Grounds in Hannover, Germany. They showcased their technologies to 78,000 visitors from 156 countries.     

A significant portion of those exhibitors and attendees represented the wood-based panel and engineered wood products segments.

Numerous developments surfaced during the course of the show and one of the main ones was the re-emergence of Hexion Inc. as something more than an adhesives producer. Purchased by a private equity firm in late 2021, Hexion purchased AI-driven Smartech in late 2024 and this integration came on strong at Ligna.

Siempelkamp hosted a press conference to reveal a new modernized logo, along with an umbrella brand structure where “Siempelkamp” is incorporated into the names of all companies within the group.

Last November Weyerhaeuser announced its plan to invest $500 million to build a new TimberStrand laminated strand lumber facility near Monticello, Ark. The news at Ligna was that Dieffenbacher has received the order for a considerable amount of the technology, including the forming station and forming line, single daylight hydraulic press, and billet conveyors, along with the power plant—a bubbling fluidized bed boiler cogeneration system that will provide steam and thermal oil to heat the press.

Several exhibitors addressed a popular subject on the Hall floor—MDF recycling with post-consumer materials.

Read full Ligna coverage in the July issue of Panel World.

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Kadant Carmanah, Hexion Announce Collaborative Partnership

Kadant Carmanah, Hexion Announce Collaborative Partnership

by | Jun 30, 2025 | News

Kadant Carmanah, Hexion Announce Collaborative Partnership

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.”

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LP Building Solutions Names Tony Hamill COO

LP Building Solutions Names Tony Hamill COO

by | Jun 30, 2025 | News

LP Building Solutions Names Tony Hamill COO

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.

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Jeremy Goebel Named Con-Vey President

Jeremy Goebel Named Con-Vey President

by | Jun 30, 2025 | News

Jeremy Goebel Named Con-Vey President

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.”

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Huber’s Terry Liles Wins FPS Distinguished Service Award

Huber’s Terry Liles Wins FPS Distinguished Service Award

by | Jun 26, 2025 | News

Huber’s Terry Liles Wins FPS Distinguished Service Award 

Each year, the Forest Products Society (FPS) honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to forest products research, innovation, and education. These awards are presented during the Society’s Annual Convention to celebrate those who have significantly advanced the industry and strengthened the FPS community.

At the 2024 FPS Business Meeting, held June 18 in Fort Collins, Colo., the Distinguished Service Award—the Society’s highest service honor—was presented to Terry Liles, PhD of Huber Engineered Woods.

This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated sustained dedication to both FPS and the broader forest products industry. Recipients are selected based on their long-term impact through leadership, research, and service to the profession.

A dedicated member and advocate for FPS, Liles served as the Society’s President from 2021–2022, chaired the 2021 FPS International Conference, and has been a key organizer of the FPS BTF-BPI conference. Over the course of his career, he has held leadership roles at major industry organizations including Huber Engineered Woods, Georgia-Pacific Chemicals, and BASF.

Beyond FPS, Liles has contributes to the advancement of industry standards and education, serving as chair of the ASTM D14 Committee on Adhesives and as a board member for the University of Tennessee’s Data Science Institute.

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Chris Swanson Named Swanson Group President

by | Jun 16, 2025 | News

Chris Swanson Named Swanson Group President

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.

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