#USA #Georgia #Valmet #Price Companies #wood handling

Enhancing Wood Handling: Valmet's New Partnership with The Price Companies

In a significant move to bolster wood handling capabilities, Valmet has landed an order from The Price Companies for a state-of-the-art debarking and chipping line. This advancement aims to support the increasing demand for wood chips at one of their facilities located in Georgia, USA.

A Strategic Investment for The Price Companies

Frank Hutchison, Project Manager at The Price Companies, expressed enthusiasm about this development. He highlighted the company's growth trajectory and the need to reinvest in larger, more robust operations to further enhance their leading position in the woodyard sector across North America. Hutchison acknowledged the long-standing relationship with Valmet, emphasizing their reliability and local technical support which has been demonstrably beneficial in their operations.

Valmet's Expertise in Wood Handling

Tiago Silveira, Senior Sales Manager at Valmet's North American division, commented on the importance of this partnership. With extensive experience in wood handling globally, Valmet’s presence in the North American market is well established. As the largest independent wood yard operator in the United States, The Price Companies stands as a valued customer. The collaboration is not only focused on the delivery of the new log line but also extends to the provision of spare parts, field services, and advisory support throughout the operational lifecycle. This cutting-edge solution is designed for tree-length logs, ensuring high reliability and consistent chip quality.

Technical Specifications of the New Line

Valmet's new delivery encapsulates a comprehensive wood handling solution that includes an advanced debarking and chipping line with an impressive capacity of 425 tons of roundwood per hour. Key components of this line consist of a powered infeed conveyor, a Trunnion design debarking drum, a Carthage™ disc chipper, along with various belt conveyors. This equipment ensures reliable operations with minimal wood losses, delivering chips of consistent quality to meet the demanding requirements of the pulp and paper industry.

The Price Companies: A Commitment to Sustainability

The Price Companies is recognized as a leader in providing sustainable services within the pulp and paper industry, with a strong emphasis on agricultural needs. They boast decades of experience which has positioned them as a key player in processing wood efficiently while maintaining a commitment to sustainability. Annually, they process nearly 30 million tons of wood, contributing significantly to water conservation by saving over 10 billion gallons each year. This commitment not only aids their operational efficiency but aligns with broader environmental goals.

Looking Ahead

The order signed with Valmet was included in the fourth quarter of 2025 orders but the value remains undisclosed. The log line is expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2027, marking another step forward in The Price Companies' ongoing efforts to enhance their production capabilities. The anticipated upgrade not only signifies technological advancement but also reinforces the company’s commitment to exceptional quality in their services.

In conclusion, this partnership between Valmet and The Price Companies stands as a model for innovation and efficiency in the wood processing sector, paving the way for future advancements in sustainable forestry practices. As both companies continue to evolve, their collaboration promises to deliver increased production capabilities that resonate through the industry.

For further information on Valmet's innovations and services, visit Valmet's official website.