USNR Acquires Ventek
Officials with major panel industry vendor USNR have announced the acquisition of Ventek, Inc., an industry leader in veneer scanning, grading and handling systems for the plywood industry.
Based in Eugene, Ore., Ventek has designed and built vision-based and moisture-based grading solutions for veneer since the company was founded in 1991. From the very start, Ventek developed a reputation for having some of the best technology in the industry, and for many years the company has been the go-to choice for veneer scanning and grading solutions. Building on its expertise, Ventek formed an internal group to design and build green and dry veneer handling systems, and the group’s patented multi-point diverter is now the flagship product of Ventek’s veneer handling product catalog.
Chris Blomquist, USNR Senior Vice President for Sales and Engineering, commented, “Our customers on the lumber side of our business have long recognized the value of tightly integrated mechanical and optimization technology. With the addition of Ventek’s veneer scanning, grading, and handling solutions to USNR’s lathe, dryer, and downstream product portfolio, we now have an opportunity to bring this integration benefit to our customers on the plywood side of our business as well.”
Rodger Van Voorhis, formerly President of Ventek and one of its founders who has now joined USNR as Director of Sales for Veneer Systems, added, “I am thrilled to join the USNR team, and I am excited to see what we can do with our veneer scanning, grading, and handling products as part of a larger organization. I think there are going to be a lot of great opportunities to learn from each other—such as taking our plywood technology and applying it to lumber grading, and vice versa.”
“I am tremendously pleased that Rodger and the rest of the Ventek team have decided to join USNR to help us build the next generation of products for the plywood industry,” commented Alan Knokey, Vice President responsible for USNR’s plywood and panel business. “The people—the engineers, service technicians and guys who actually build the systems and everyone who supports them—they are the most important part of this transaction.”
RELATED ARTICLES
GRUEN-WALD LAMINATES ORDERS USNR RF TECHNOLOGY
Latest News
Plywood Plyboo Maker Enters India Market
Plyboo bamboo architectural plywood and paneling products manufacturer Smith & Fong Co. has launched a full line of high-end architectural bamboo and palm panel products for the India market, according to company founder Dan Smith.…
Oak Hill Veneer Plans $2 Million Expansion
Oak Hill Veneer Inc. will invest almost $2 million to expand its operations in Troy, PA. When completed, the spliced hardwood veneer manufacturer said it expects to add 73 full-time jobs over the next three…
British Columbia Invests $2.2 Million To Promote Wood In Buildings
The British Columbia provincial government says it is investing $2.2 million in the Wood First program to promote the use of B.C. wood both locally and internationally, and help advance innovative wood-building systems and value-added…
Wood Products Industry Releases ‘Reuse Wood’ Website
The American Wood Council (AWC) and Canadian Wood Council (CWC) have partnered with Building Materials Reuse Association (BMRA) to develop an online North American directory outlining reuse and recycling options for wood and wood products.…
Find Us On Social
Newsletter
The monthly Panel World Industry Newsletter reaches over 3,000 who represent primary panel production operations.
Subscribe/Renew
Panel World is delivered six times per year to North American and international professionals, who represent primary panel production operations. Subscriptions are FREE to qualified individuals.
Advertise
Complete the online form so we can direct you to the appropriate Sales Representative. Contact us today!