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PONSSE CUSTOMER AND STAKEHOLDER MAGAZINE 1/2021 PONSSE NEWS

PONSSE ACADEMY A COMPETITIVE EDGE FROM TRAINING

PONSSE SCORPION THE PERFECT CHOICE AS A USED MACHINE

FAMILY GUSTAFSSON FROM SWEDEN A TRUE WINNING TEAM PONSSE NEWS GREETINGS FROM VIEREMÄ!

I wish a happy winter to everyone in the Northern Hemisphere and a warm PONSSE CUSTOMER AND summer to you in the Southern Hemisphere! Last year was very challenging STAKEHOLDER MAGAZINE everywhere due to coronavirus pandemic. In one way or another, we’ve been PUBLISHER forced to adapt to this new situation in both our working and private lives. Ponsse Plc, Ponssentie 22, New rules and recommendations have also affected Ponsse’s operations, but FI-74200 Vieremä, Finland we have also learned new lessons and done our best to serve our customers –

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF with safety coming first, of course. Katja Paananen These exceptional circumstances have forced us to provide new kinds of services for our customers, and we intend to keep these in our service range, EDITING & CONTENT also in the future. For example, we deliver Ponsse Plc spare parts directly to customers’ warehouse ISSN 2489-9488 (print) and we can go to fill the customer’s stock ISSN 2489-9496 (online publication) shelves. We can thus avoid any unnecessary EDITORIAL STAFF contact and ensure that our customers, as well Juho Nummela, Katja Paananen, as ourselves, can continue to operate safely. Juha-Matti Raatikainen, Disinfecting facilities and addressing every Marika Ryytty, Jarmo Vidgrén, 4 8 29 aspect of safety have become normal way of Juha Vidgrén everyday doing. 4 A WINNING TEAM FROM SWEDEN 20 PONSSE MOMENT 29 PONSSE NORTH AMERICA 25 YEARS LAYOUT When the shortage of components started Luova Työmaa 8 PONSSE ACADEMY 22 PONSSE OPTI 8 30 LOGGING NEWS to affect the operations of our Vieremä A competitive edge from training The most modern forest machine computer COVER PHOTO 34 RETRO CORNER factory last spring we switched to a single in the markets Ponsse Plc 12 EXPERIENCES OF BISON Olavi Kauhanen – a pioneer of shift from March to the end of June. This 23 PONSSE EXPRESS contracting abroad caused postponements in machine deliveries, ILLUSTRATION (PONSSE KIDS) 13 FROM SAVONIA TO SIBERIA for which we would like to apologise to our Henna Ryynänen 24 ENTREPRENEUR KIMMO KULOJÄRVI 35 PONSSE SCORPION AS A USED MACHINE 16 PRODUCT CHANGES customers. After the summer holidays, our PRINT 27 HIGH-QUALITY RESULTS AS OBJECTIVE 37 PONSSE KIDS factory returned to two shifts. We have done Painotalo Seiska 18 PONSSE IN URUGUAY Certified operational quality 28 PONSSE S.A.S. 25 YEARS 38 PONSSE COLLECTION everything we can to protect our production PAPER and service operations, and most of our Maxi Silk 150 g employees have been working from home since the spring. Highspeed Matt 100 g Our 50th anniversary was truly different from what we had planned. ADDRESS SOURCE “Together” was our leading theme for the anniversary, but we were not Mailing list of Ponsse News and able to meet our customers as we would have liked. Ponsse customer register In June, we also made changes in our organisation. I was appointed the Chairman of the Board, following my brother Juha, who showed a great 18 example in the position for ten years. My previous position as sales and marketing director passed on to Marko Mattila, a longstanding member of the Ponsse family. It is good to make changes to the organisation every now Ponsse Plc customer and stakeholder and then to have fresh ideas and develop ourselves. What was also great magazine about these changes was that we will all continue as members of the team – we’ve only changed positions. Juho Nummela, our excellent President and Feedback, subscriptions and CEO, will continue to lead our operations. changes of address by email to The next few months will be challenging, but I’m certain that we can get [email protected]. through them together! The magazine is free of charge.

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Jarmo Vidgrén, Chairman of the Board

2 3 REPORT / FAMILY-OWNED COMPANY FALLASKOG AB

FROM A BUSINESS NAME INTO A COMPANY Fallaskog AB has selected the one-size “It is very important that we are treated ALWAYS STRIVING TO GET BETTER The company started operating under bigger K100 crane in place of the K90 for with an open-minded and honest attitude. If the business name of KG Gustafsson all its forwarders. we have a problem, we are given an honest Skogsavverkning. Fallaskog AB was “Machine operators like to work with a answer and no excuses, like none of this has A WINNING TEAM HARVESTS established in 2005. The transition took bigger crane, which also has an impact on ever happened before. This builds trust,” place gradually, and Fallaskog AB has productivity,” Tobias says. Liisa points out. taken care of all operations since 2013. During his career as a forest machine SUCCESS FROM FORESTS “Some of our customers require us WELL-EQUIPPED MACHINES contractor, Karl-Gunnar has also participated to operate as a limited liability company. Currently, the company has four harvesters in research and development by testing new This was also a natural choice considering and six forwarders, most of which come equipment and prototypes. Karl-Gunnar Gustafsson bought his first forest machine more than 50 years ago. that ownership is divided between several in Ponsse’s colours. One Bison from 2019 “It is always fun to cooperate, and it Little did he know that he would later become an employer for so many people, people,” Karl-Gunnar says. and one Buffalo from 2018 are now teamed would be more than fine with us if Ponsse up with two Bisons and one Elephant was even more interested in our thoughts including his whole family. Together, the family is a tight-knit group with a true will WITHIN A HUNDRED-KILOMETRE RADIUS King acquired this autumn. Two of the and ideas,” Tobias says, sending a message to maintain a high level of quality in everything they do. Fallaskog AB operates within a radius of company’s harvesters are PONSSE Ergos, to the R&D unit. roughly 80 km from its home base. Its key both equipped with the H8 harvester head. allaskog AB based in Finspång operates in the counties of Östergotland, customers include Holmen Region Syd, “There are many reasons why we have JUMPING ON THE DEVELOPMENT WAGON Södermanland and Närkes. The company’s machine size reveals that it Brevens Bruk, Boo Egendom and Sontorps decided to focus on mid-size forwarders. By following Karl-Gunnar’s long career in mainly operates at regeneration felling sites. In addition to the family Bruk. The company’s annual timber Some landowners steer clear of the largest the forest industry, it is easy to perceive how ownership, the company employs 17 people. production volume is approximately forwarders. Another reason is that the the industry has become so mechanised. “We have excellent workers, and we can do nearly everything on 300,000 m3 (excluding bark). In addition largest forwarders are at their best over He describes himself as a nerd who is very Four own, from planning and initial clearing to harvesting, loading, repairs and to regeneration felling, the company also longer distances. At smaller sites, mid- much into forests and machines, making administration. This is very significant considering both logistics and flexibility,” operates occasionally at thinning and size forwarders are equally productive, this a perfect job for him. says Tobias Gustafsson, the company’s managing director and chair of the Board of special sites. while they are easier to transport. Ergo “I was about ten when the Bamse forest Directors, and the second oldest of the siblings. harvesters can also be flexibly transported, tractor came to the forest institute where The company is owned with equal shareholdings by Karl-Gunnar, the GROWING INTEREST because they and their tracks do not exceed my mother was working as a cook. This company’s founder, and his wife Ulla Gustafsson, his daughter Liisa Eriksson and The company acquired its first PONSSE the transport equipment’s size and weight 3/4-track machine picked up trees using a his sons Tobias and Joakim Gustafsson. Tobias was the first to join the company in Ergo in 1998. The next transaction with limits,” Tobias says. wire crane. It was an amazing experience,” 2005. All five are also members of the Board of Directors. Ponsse took place as late as in 2016, but it says Karl-Gunnar, who a few years later was a major one. MECHANICS HELD IN HIGH REGARD attended the Västerby forest institute. “Our interest in Ponsse grew and when For Karl-Gunnar, it is a major advantage Karl-Gunnar did not mind that it was we went to a machine demonstration, that Ponsse’s local maintenance services a two-hour ride to Västerby on his moped. we liked what we saw. We believed in the employ world-class service mechanics, The head teacher soon realised that this reliability of after sales services, as a repair such as Tommy Karlsson who won young man had interest and ambition to shop we were using had years before Ponsse’s competition for mechanics, first work in the forest industry. At the time, become Ponsse’s contractual maintenance in Sweden and later at the international schools taught first thinning using a bow partner. The price was also a factor, and we final event. Leif “Kuffa” Karlsson has also saw, and the development of clearing saws, decided to buy two Buffalo forwarders and made a name for himself as a mechanic. chainsaws and forest machines had a lot to one Elephant King forwarder.” “Forest machines also break at times, offer. The mechanically inclined teenager The forwarders have proven their excellent and when they do, high-quality help is followed everything up close. When it was reliability, and they are especially appreciated valuable. When working with Ponsse’s time to look for work in 1967, Karl-Gunnar for the stability of their cabin and the mechanics, it feels like they are working started to work at logging sites with one of PONSSE Active Frame suspension system. for us. They are fast and skilled, and they his friends who operated the TimmerKalle “All of our PONSSE machines are have a large number of spare parts ready.” forwarder. equipped with Active Frame. The technology “A year later, the machine passed on to plays a significant part in comfort and ergo- WITH AN OPEN-MINDED ATTITUDE me, and I started to cut and transport trees nomics, and there have been no problems Maintaining contact with Ponsse is easy in under my own business name. I was not with it. All our machines are also equipped every way. even 18, so my mother had to guarantee my with a balanced bogie. Hills are not very “The company makes us feel warmly business loan.” steep here, but if we ever have to work on welcome, both here in Sweden and in Soon afterwards, Karl-Gunnar made one, our machines will be able to handle it.” Finland,” Joakim says. a switch to a completely new forwarder,

The members of the family that owns Fallaskog AB complement one another. Karl-Gunnar is a full-time substitute for machine operators, Ulla sees to the company’s administration, Tobias harvests wood, Liisa takes care of the personnel, calls, repairs and the delivery of spare parts, and Joakim plans operations and cuts and harvests oversized trees. 4 5 REPORT / FAMILY-OWNED COMPANY FALLASKOG AB

LillNalle, while also cutting trees using a A FULL-TIME SUBSTITUTE worksites before he had his own licence. chainsaw. Whenever there was less work, Karl-Gunnar Gustafsson still enjoys During her time off, Liisa dedicates he dedicated himself to athletics and working in the machine cabin. her time between her home, garden and orienteering. In 1970, he was the Nordic “I am there where I am needed. My dogs. She also likes to go hunting with orienteering champion in the individual work mainly involves transport operations, her husband. category. Seven years later, he came, yet but I also spend a lot of time operating a again, in the first place in orienteering, harvester. I prefer to be actively involved in A HANDYMAN, MECHANIC AND REPAIRMAN this time in a team event. our company than do all the activities that Tobias started to work in the family- pensioners normally do. Of course, going owned company as a forwarder operator A REVOLUTIONARY CHANGE hunting with elk hounds is one of my immediately after graduating from an In the late 1970s, it was becoming more biggest passions,” says Karl-Gunnar who upper secondary school specialised in common that processors manually is a rare sight in the machine cabin after the forest industry and natural resources. delimbed and cut felled trees. Karl-Gunnar the elk hunting season begins. Soon afterwards, he made a switch Gustafsson adopted this technology in Tobias confirms that Karl-Gunnar’s from a forwarder to a harvester and has 1981. When working for Fiskeby, he was competitive nature and experience are continued on this path ever since. In “A good day at work just seems to fly by, and there is always a Machine operators Per Karlsson and Tobias Gustafsson checking a planned the first to use this technology and became widely known factors. addition to his position as the managing solution for possible problems,” Liisa Eriksson says. worksite. During autumn, he made a switch from Buffalo to Bison. one of “scabs” who trade unions considered “Although my father turned 70 this director, he is a technical director and in to take over jobs from lumberjacks. summer, he can still beat every other charge of repairs. At a younger age, he “That was a difficult time for operator in our company. It certainly is was an enthusiastic rally driver. During “Us knowing each other and having expanding might make our employees less own. Good transport vehicle operators are lumberjacks. Technical development not easy to defeat him.” his time off, he enjoys making and close ties with one another gives us committed and loyal,” Tobias emphasises. more than valuable,” Joakim says. significantly and very quickly reduced the building different things from wood. strength and security. Of course, we do Machine operators appreciate that the amount of work available to them.” EVERY PART COMPLEMENTS THE OTHER not always see eye-to-eye, and that is how company has new and fresh machines. AN ATTRACTIVE CHOICE FOR THE NEXT In 1987, Karl-Gunnar Gustafsson While Karl-Gunnar enjoys hunting and A SPIDER IN A NET it should be. We face stressful and difficult “Every employee must have the GENERATION AS WELL invested in a two-grip harvester, the first machine operations, accounting and other Karl-Gunnar and Ulla suggested that Joakim situations every now and then, but that opportunity to enjoy their work, fell well For Ulla and Karl-Gunnar, it has been of its kind in Holmen. Later, he purchased administrative tasks are not among his should study something else than forestry. is unavoidable. Then, it is extremely and do an excellent job. This is why it is important that our children were not another harvester and hired his first favourites. These have been Ulla’s tasks for He attended an upper secondary school important to keep business life and important that they feel at home in their forced to work in the forest industry. Liisa, employees. Contracts started to grow larger, a long time, even though she graduated as specialised in technology where he wanted private life separate,” Karl-Gunnar says. working environment and have access Tobias and Joakim think the same, but also requiring forwarders. The company an analyst in biomedicine. After the birth to focus on road and water engineering. At One way to avoid misunderstandings is to the support they need. This is what this has not prevented the next generation grew, and in 1994 it had three harvesters of their youngest child, she has divided her the same time, his interest toward forests to talk to each other, instead of sending text operations are all about.” from being attracted by forestry. Liisa’s and one forwarder. The trend continues, time between the family and the company. and the family-owned company grew, and messages or emails. son Olle is one of the company’s machine albeit on a larger scale, and the company She also enjoys working in her garden. he is now working as the company’s logistics “Text messages are so easy to MAINLY IN ONE SHIFT operators, and Tobias’ son Wilhelm has now controls all transport operations. “Very soon, I realised that Karl-Gunnar director. He visits logging sites, decides what misunderstand, especially if you are Only two of the company’s ten machines also shown interest towards the industry. is not very interested in invoicing, machines are the best choices for each site stressed out.” are operated in two shifts. “We clearly have not been able to keep accounting, payroll, certification and ensures that machine transport and “Operating in one shift has many them away,” says Liisa, laughing. or any other administrative other logistics operations flow smoothly. KEEPING THE COMPANY IN BALANCE advantages. It is easier for operators to work Others have also received a positive tasks,” says Ulla, smiling. Normally, Joakim takes care of initial Although the company could be a little when it is best for them and their families. image of the company. This is indicated clearing and cuts oversized trees manually. larger than what it is today, growth is no As a result, it is also easier to catch up with by the recognition as the best regeneration AN HR DIRECTOR AND MECHANIC Joakim also likes to spend time outdoors explicit goal. any production lost due to stoppages. Our felling company in the Holm region Liisa studied at an upper during his time off, as he inherited the “Of course, we could have one or two productivity and that of our employees (2012 and 2019) and the award of the secondary school specialised in passion for orienteering. machine chains more, but it is also about increase and production becomes company of the year in the municipality of economics, after which she has the ability to complete all sites, and it seems smoother,” Karl-Gunnar summarises. Finspång (2013). also worked for other employers PROBLEM-SOLVERS that we are where we should be. The market Fallaskog AB has resources for all “These recognitions are an indication besides the family-owned The will to solve problems seems to run situation is another crucial factor, while operations apart from machine transport. that we, together with our employees, company. For the past ten years, in the family, and it is a trait all the family growth is mostly about finding the right “We have considered to acquire have built a well-run business and that we she has been working full-time members share. operators. There must a harmony where transport equipment, but we are working have good relationships both inside and at Fallaskog. While her job title “Making everything work – employees, we can get the most out of resources, both with excellent transport companies, and outside our company. This encourages us is HR director, she goes where customers, machines, logistics and finances individually and together. We want to be this is a more flexible option for us than to do our best, every day.” she is needed, like all the other – is part of what makes a company like this a tightly-knit family-owned company, and taking care of transport operations on our family members. Throughout so fascinating,” Joakim says. the years, her work has involved machine spare parts, work DIFFERENT ROLES “We want to maintain good relationships and a positive atmosphere both inside our company and planning, clearing and much How easy is it to work with people with our stakeholders. In this way, we can develop ourselves,” says Joakim Gustafsson. Karl-Gunnar and Ulla Gustafsson are considering to more. Being a big sister, she who are so close, like spouses, parents, retire properly, while they still spend hours working in also used to drive Tobias to children and siblings? the family-owned company. 6 7 FACT / TRAINING

Ponsse values competence and its PONSSE ACADEMY – continuous development. As a pioneer in training, Ponsse Academy has been developing the expertise of the Group and network to provide a significant A COMPETITIVE competitive edge since 2005. We are now facing a new situation: exceptional circumstances and remote working have brought online and EDGE FROM distance training to the fore.

When circumstances are exceptional, quick actions and streamlined operations are needed. These can be found in the Ponsse Academy and its TRAINING team, which has speedily developed digital training activities. “If you want to find anything positive from these exceptional circumstances, you could say that we’ve been more innovative in finding new ways to teach Ponsse’s solutions. Our new methods make our training range even broader,” says Harri Savonen, Ponsse’s training manager. While COVID-19 has forced us to work remotely, it has also been obvious that training must continue. The exceptional situation brought online learning and remote teaching to the fore. Ponsse Academy’s team tackled the situation and quickly started to provide extensive product training via Microsoft Teams, a digital meeting platform. “After the summer holidays, we also started to provide machine delivery training remotely. We started to use Teams as our training tool, and the number of active users on Ponsse’s online training platform increased rapidly. Remote training reduces the need for travel and therefore supports our goals of eco-friendliness and carbon neutrality.” However, Harri points out that it is important not to make training too theoretical in digital environments.

8 9 FACT / TRAINING

“The next step is to increase VR training important and statutory that new machine “Just a little more than ten years ago, as our product training goes 3D. We aim users understand the basics of machine the tree length method was mainstream to keep our digital remote training as operations. One of the main tasks of in Russia. When the cut-to-length down-to-earth as possible using the Ponsse Academy is to spread expertise method was introduced, training was latest technologies – combinations of throughout the network. needed to cover the entire system.” virtual environments and authentic The largest professional groups The Ponsse Academy Training products.” being trained consist of operators, Center, opened in St Petersburg in 2019, mechanics and spare parts employees. was a significant investment in training THE BEST SERVICE FOR END CUSTOMERS Ponsse Academy also provides larger activities. Ponsse is also engaged Harri Savonen started working as a training packages, covering the entire in cooperation with 18 educational training manager at Ponsse in 2018. CTL harvesting chain with the customer institutions in Russia. This figure is He says that he came to a company if required. increasing steadily, and the most recent that had already long been a pioneer Carrying out systematic training partnership started at the Petrozavodsk in training and that invested heavily activities with subsidiaries and retailers Institute of Forestry. in competence development. Ponsse is another central task of the Ponsse Driven by the scorpion simulators Academy played a key role in this. Academy. The importance of training are an important part of the training “Ponsse Academy is not a separate is increasing globally. In Full Service provided for new operators. organisation, but an umbrella term, agreements, the role of training is whether we are training our own emphasised, requiring significant FOR SEASONED HARVESTING VETERANS “If you want to find Training container for Stage V engines manufactured by Ponsse professionals, our network’s retailers or investment. In a global group, training Ponsse Academy also has a lot to offer anything positive subsidiaries, or our customers. Internal is provided and developed by all Ponsse’s to experienced operators, even though from these exceptional training is very important to ensure our companies throughout Ponsse’s network. they are already skilled in what they do. end customers have access to first-rate circumstances, you Here, Harri Savonen prefers to use to PONSSE Scorpion, which has a products and services,” Harri summarises. could say that we’ve COOPERATION WITH EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS the term “coaching” to present new different machine structure from our been more innovative Russia, an important export country for perspectives to veterans in addition to other harvesters, we can help operators PONSSE ACADEMY’S TWO MAIN TASKS in finding new ways Ponsse, has grown into one of the largest all the expertise that already exists. to improve machine efficiency,” When a new product is delivered from to teach Ponsse’s CTL forest machine markets in the world. “For example, if a company switches Harri says in conclusion. Vieremä, or a used PONSSE product solutions,” This keeps the Ponsse Academy busy passes on to a new customer, it is says Harri Savonen. in Russia.

THE BIOGRAPHY OF EINARI VIDGREN, THE FOUNDER OF PONSSE PLC, HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

The book tells the true story of a boy living in the harsh countryside. The coming from a small Finnish village emphasis is on history, starting who made his way from the logging from Einari’s childhood, because sites in rural Savonia to the top of it helps to get an idea of the the global forest machine industry background of Ponsse’s values that and Finland’s business life. However, still continue to affect Ponsse’s The St Petersburg training he did not succeed on his own, and modern operations. In addition, the that is why the story is so important: book contains numerous insights centre is the flagship of OOO Ponsse’s it highlights Einari’s legacy – the art and phrases which Einari used and of working together. Author Antti which contribute to the strengths training network Heikkinen has managed to describe of Ponsse Plc, the company he the genuine Einari, his own sense of established humour and situational awareness, The book is published by WSOY and as well as the experiences of a man will be translated into English 2021.

10 11 INNOVATION / EXPERIENCES OF BISON PONSSE PEOPLE / TUOMAS PESONEN FROM SAVONIA TO SIBERIA EXPERIENCES OF BISON

aron Lahti has been operating a PONSSE Bison far.” Talking about yet another strength of the machine puts a since the beginning of September. His machine smile on Aaron’s face. He loves hunting and says that Bison is is the second Bison delivered to the United States. so efficient that he has more time for it. Aaron Lahti praises the Bison cabin as the best It snows a lot in Upper Michigan, which is why working office in the world: “This is the Cadillac of for- days usually end as late as at 1 or 2 am. Trees must be transport- Awarders. Driving the Bison is equally fast both when empty ed out of the woods to prevent them from being buried under and when carrying a full load, and the machine also remains snow overnight. Aaron believes that this will not be necessary comfortable at higher speeds.” next winter, and he can keep up with Scorpion King. On a scale “Active Frame makes the Bison incredibly stable. Stability is from 1 to 10, Aaron would give Bison a 12. maintained even if a tree sways back and forth in the grapple “Every morning, I’m excited to be able to operate this while driving. Stability makes working more efficient and pro- machine! The Scorpion King and Bison make up a couple duces true added value in the long term.” designed for productive and fast-paced work. The Scorpion “Active Crane is soft and accurate to handle. While the King is so powerful that the forwarder to be teamed up with extension moves fast, the accuracy of the crane is the best it must be selected with care. I believe the Bison is a perfect part. I especially like the crane base tilt. The crane base can be match for Scorpion.” stabilised, giving all the power out from the boom movement. Steve McNeil, an operator trainer at Ponsse North America, Stems can be grabbed in more demanding terrain as if you taught Aaron how to operate the new machine. were on level ground, which makes loading faster. Active Crane “The difference from the previous machine is like night and is twice as fast as a regular crane, if not even faster. However, day. Steve’s help was invaluable, and he gave me support no its use must be learned first. If you can’t use it properly, it may matter what the time of the day or the day of the week.” even slow you down. Luckily, learning how to use it is operator- “We believe that we have the best machines in the world! They driven, and the crane does many things for you. I’m still trying make our work so much easier, and the whole Finntana team to learn all the crane properties, but learning has been easy so appreciates the combination of the Scorpion King and Bison.” Tuomas Pesonen is only 26 years old, but he has extensive experience in harvesting. His journey to Siberia has been long, but nowadays, he works there taking care of technical support in the Irkutsk region. Things he has learned from Finnish harvesting is coming in handy now.

he boarder of 1,300 kilometres between Finland Tuomas Pesonen says that the change in culture was and Russia is longer than that of the rest of huge, because he did not speak Russian. Stefan Germeiers from Germany has been The machine’s fuel economy is also Europe, but even Finns are not familiar with “I had previous work experience in Russia, but I was sur- using Bison for four months now, and he is excellent. It’s very important to me that Siberia. Tuomas Pesonen has been working for prised when I realised that nobody talks English in Siberia. more than excited over the machine. I’m comfortable when I’m working. Ponsse’s subsidiary in Russia since 2015. For Customer support without a common language is difficult, “I didn’t expect the change from previous Active Frame is a major improvement Tnearly two years, he has worked in the Irkutsk region. It is and I wouldn’t have managed without an Estonian operator machine models to be this big. Bison can save and a great leap forward compared with more than 6,000 kilometres and six time zones to his home Toomaas Kuusmaa helping me. I learned to speak Russian loads of time, especially over longer distances. previous models”, Germeiers says. in Varpaisjärvi. at logging sites when I listened to others talk. The ultimate

12 13 PONSSE PEOPLE / TUOMAS PESONEN

to purchase a PONSSE HS15 harvester. During the visit, Einari Vidgren, the founder of Ponsse, and salesman Erkki Karppinen said that the small boy would turn into a real Ponsse man. And they were right!” “At home, when we sit at the coffee table, we’re not allowed to talk about machines. When three generations talk about technology each from their own perspective – grandad about the PAZ, father about the HS15 and I about modern technolo- “My grandfather has been an important role model. He gives me advice that I still follow. gy – we easily disagree on things”, Tuomas says and laughs. He was also very much involved in raising me when I was a child. He was the one to give me “My grandfather has been an important role model. He gives me advice that I still follow. He was also very much my first axe when I was four years old and my first chainsaw at the age of 15.” involved in raising me when I was a child. He was the one to give me my first axe when I was four years old and my first chainsaw at the age of 15. At the moment, harvesting is a hobby for me. In Finland, I have a Ponsse Ergo from 2007. I always use it when I’m at home.” “Nowadays, I’m living in Bratsk, in the Irkutsk region, with my wife Anna. We have two daughters and two sons. The three youngest children, Anastasia, Einari and Veikko, have “In my home region, you can harvest the same amount in both Russian and Finnish citizenships. If my children want approximately 2.5 years”, Tuomas says. to continue in the forest sector one day, I won’t be against it. However, annual harvesting volumes are bigger in Finland Our whole family has gotten so much from forestry.” than in the Irkutsk region. In 2019, 71.8 million m3 of wood was harvested for the forest industry in Finland, compared THE PONSSE TRAINING PATH GAVE ME A DIRECTION with approximately 35 million m3 in Irkutsk. “The first time I worked for Ponsse was in 2009 when I Tuomas compares the conditions in Irkutsk to those in did a practical training period of one week at the Iisalmi his home region: “In my father’s stands, the average size PONSSE Ergo rises onto a barge on the maintenance service. The experience really motivated me to of trees is two or three times smaller than in the Irkutsk Lena river in the town of Ust-Kut in work for Ponsse, and I was eager to start studying mechanics region. Forest management has long traditions in Finland, Irkutsk. The Ergo has already travelled at the Iisalmi Vocational College. I was accepted to the first which shows in effective operations. There are two times more than 6,300 km across Russia and group taking part in the Ponsse training path. Its members more forests in Finland now than 50 years ago, when my is approaching its destination. Sakha in studying mechanics did all their trainings at Ponsse. Through grandfather was starting his career.” the permafrost region in Siberia is only the programme, we were able to have training periods in ” 740 km away. France, Russian, Uruguay and Argentina”, says Tuomas. DMI SERVICE “After my studies, I spent a summer working for the In Siberia and Far East, the official PONSSE retailer is DMI motivation to learn the language was meeting Anna, who was Pitkäranta service centre in Russia. When I did my military Service with which Tuomas Pesonen cooperates closely. At the born in Siberia and is now my wife.” service in 2014, I received a phone call from OOO Ponsse. moment, the company is investing in building a new service They asked me whether I was interested in working in Russia. centre in Bratsk, in the northern part of the Irkutsk region. The RAISED IN A MACHINE CABIN So here I am, for the sixth year.” service centre will solve problems related to the availability According to Tuomas, he inherited the Ponsse spirit: “I was of spare parts and accelerate service times. The new service My grandfather and I purchasing a new machine. HS15 was the first machine purchase that Tuomas took part in. born in a family of Ponsse customers, and I think that there IRKUTSK’S MASSIVE FORESTS centre will provide all PONSSE services in one place. is no blood running in my veins, but hydraulic oil. I’m the The Irkutsk region is 2.3 times larger than Finland. In the “It’s crucial for customers that they are listened to. My third generation in my family who works with PONSSE northern parts of the region, trees are quite tall and the duties include gathering feedback from our customers. We forest machines. My father has been operating a harvester average stem size is 0.4–0.6 m3. Mostly pines and larches need it to develop machines and services further and further. EFFECTS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC for nearly 30 years, and my grandfather has been Ponsse’s grow there. That is why machines need to be massive too, I interact with customers every day, and most questions Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Tuomas, like so many others, customer since the 1970s. He bought his first Paz in 1977 and they mainly use PONSSE Bear harvesters and Elephant concern making the right adjustments to the machines and had to work from home for several weeks in the spring. and sold his last machine last year when he turned 70. forwarders, but also six Scorpions. The region has developed operators’ working methods. At work, the most important “The majority of our customers continued working, Before retirement, he had been involved in the harvesting strongly, and for example lIim Group, which operates in thing to me is to ensure that customers’ machines are and I couldn’t leave them without support. Luckily, I was business for more than 60 years.” international pulp and paper markets, has invested billions of productive and to minimise downtime and technical able to get all the necessary permits to visit our customers Tuomas Pesonen says that he was three weeks old, when dollars in modern pulp mills in Bratsk and Ust-Ilimsk. The problems related to machines”, says Tuomas Pesonen. and retailers. Ponsse has strict safety instructions, and our his father had taken him to a harvester cabin. region suffers from forest fires, which damaged the region “I’m also responsible for supporting DMI mainly in customers follow them too.” “I grew up surrounded by Ponsse machines, and I spent badly last year. service-related issues. A local retailer plays a major role in “At the moment, it looks like the wood trade in the Irkutsk thousands of hours at logging sites with my father and One harvester harvests approximately 120,000 m3 of developing the services offered in the region. Local players region is finally recovering. The Chinese and European grandfather. When I was four months old, my father and wood per year in Irkutsk. Large harvesting volumes, the size know the special characteristics of customers and the markets are almost at a normal level, and pulp mills are grandfather took me to a Ponsse factory for the first time of trees and long distances make working very challenging. market, and they are able to start off quickly”, says Tuomas. operating. The future looks good for the Irkutsk region!”

14 15 INNOVATION / PRODUCT CHANGES

POWERFUL H8HD EUCA HARVESTER HEAD FOR PROCESSING PRODUCT CHANGES EUCALYPTUS TREES

Ponsse’s research and development activities are always based on customer needs. Therefore, they are not limited to the design of new technologies. Our existing range of machines is continuously being developed and improved. The completely new debarking PONSSE H8HD Euca Each year about a thousand continuous improvement changes are made in harvester head for processing eucalyptus trees has the PONSSE product family, based on the development wishes of customers, been designed in response to our customers’ needs. maintenance and production. For example, the following changes have made Its feed rollers and debarking knives guarantee first- their way into production. rate debarking results from start to finish. The solid frame and robust tilt frame give the harvester head the durability needed when debarking. Automated functions control saw movements according to the tree diameter and saw bar position, and allow trees to be cut quickly. NEW ENGINES FOR FOREST MACHINES IN NORTH AMERICA NEW COOLANT EXPANSION TANKS FOR ALL MACHINE MODELS “The new harvester head has been especially From the beginning of 2021, machines delivered Following Ponsse’s continuous improvement model, designed for the PONSSE Bear harvester, and it is in North America will be equipped with new the operability and quality of machines are improved an ideal solution for track-based machines. PONSSE engine models. The next-generation engines come consistently based on feedback received. We have H8HD Euca is an effective tool in forests where the from the same product family as the reliable and introduced new coolant expansion tanks in our diameter of eucalyptus stems can be up to 50 cm. economical engines that have been used in Europe production with the following improvements: The geometry of the new harvester head’s debarking since the beginning of 2019. The next-generation - Improved mechanical durability knives and feed rollers improves the efficiency of engines are now available at the Tier 4F emission - Better separation of air bubbles inside the tank H8HD Euca in debarking and processing both level of the United States Environmental Protection - Prevention of coolant foaming smaller and larger stems. Ponsse’s heavy-duty Agency (EPA). To fulfil the EPA classification, the - Minimum/maximum markings on the tank frame structure means that the new harvester head engines now include the DEF quality sensor and - Entered in production from the beginning of can withstand the extreme loads of track-based new software as new features. The next-generation October 2020 machines,” says Janne Loponen, Ponsse’s product engines present the latest model series of the manager of harvester heads. Mercedes-Benz engine range and generate even lower emissions than before.

PRODUCTIVITY REPORTING PONSSE Manager 1.7 presents forwarder production reporting, a function highly requested by customers, alongside the system’s other top features. The PONSSE Manager load certificate displays work area identification data and local transportation per storage location, both as sum totals and operator- PONSSE Parts Online, a system for ordering spare specific values. The printable load certificate also parts, can now be accessed directly from the PONSSE includes the volume of each load, the assortments Manager main menu. delivered and the distance travelled. 16 17 PONSSE NETWORK / URUGUAY

Ponsse Group’s strategic goals and values also guide the operations of PONSSE URUGUAY Ponsse’s international network. A shared set of goals steers operations in a straightforward direction. “The enthusiasm and responsibility of our employees, every day, is the driver that gets us moving and produces results. It also forms the basis of long-term operational development”, says Martin Toledo, managing director of Ponsse Uruguay.

onsse Uruguay started operating in 2007. throughout the organisation. A change in attitudes is During the following year, the number of not only a major challenge, but also the most significant employees increased to more than 60 people. opportunity in changing our operating culture. However, the global economic crisis drove Development requires the output of everyone, and Uruguay’s economy to a slump. It affected all nothing gets done overnight. However, it is important Poperations of Ponsse Uruguay: the company was forced that we know where we want to go”, Toledo says. to make staff cuts and reconsider its whole operational After a long process, succeeding together was the structure. This challenging situation marked the greatest reward, and development became an established beginning of changes at Ponsse Uruguay, and the goal way of working in the company. In 2015, Ponsse was to re-define the company’s operations in compliance Uruguay updated its certificate to ISO 9001:2015 and, with the ISO 9001:2008 standard. in 2018, the company acquired the OHSAS 18000 When striving for certified operations, it was occupational safety and health standard. necessary to re-think not only operations, but also process management. ONE PONSSE STEERS DAILY ACTIVITIES Established only a little over In 2017, Ponsse Group started a year before, the company to develop One Ponsse, a system launched a development project intended to help supervisory work, to overhaul the organisational which, a year later, expanded structure, while changing the to cover all employees and all roles and responsibilities of operations. In Uruguay, One every employee, as well as the Ponsse has especially supported company’s customer service and the development of operations. management processes. “One Ponsse materialises “In practice, we re-defined in clear goals that help us to all parts of our daily activities. remember what is important We described our processes, amidst all this growth and rush: identified any risks and engagement in cooperation opportunities, studied laws across organisational boundaries, and regulations, assessed our agile decision-making and open resources and the capabilities communication, while respecting of our partners and considered our shared practices. Above all, how we could monitor all of Martin Toledo, it steers our focus towards the these systematically.” Managing Director of Ponsse Uruguay needs of our customers, in every CERTIFIED As a result of several years of situation.” development, Ponsse Uruguay “Development is the only was the first subsidiary in Ponsse’s network to receive way for us to ensure the satisfaction of our customers the ISO 9001:2008 certificate. and employees. Close cooperation with customers and “One of the biggest challenges was, and still is, development based on their feedback give Ponsse a OPERATIONAL process management, which calls for engagement competitive edge, also in Uruguay.” QUALITY 18 19 PONSSE MOMENT / PHOTO COMPETITION

THE PONSSE MOMENT

The Ponsse Moment picture is from Allgäu, which is a region in Swabia in southern Germany. The picture was taken by Gordian Hipp.

20 21 INNOVATION / PONSSE OPTI 8 MAINTENANCE SERVICES / PONSSE EXPRESS

PONSSE OPTI 8 THE MOST MODERN FOREST MACHINE COMPUTER ON THE MARKET The Opti 8 computer has been developed for more than two years with the help of all the expertise gathered from Ponsse’s information system products. It has been constructed with pride, using the best components available. PONSSE DELIVERY SERVICE

Designed with user-friendliness in in the project, and the company TESTED QUALITY mind, the touchscreen PONSSE OPTI manufactures the computers in In Ponsse’s R&D unit in Kajaani, 8 computer will come as a standard Seinäjoki. “The new PONSSE OPTI new information system hardware feature in PONSSE harvesters from 8 computer allows us to make the is designed and tested to ensure it SAVES TIME, MONEY AND the beginning of 2021. Its large high- control systems of PONSSE forest functions in extreme conditions. resolution display, good ergonomics machines even more user-friendly The tested products are exposed in the cabin and responsiveness will than before”, says Markku Savolainen, to vibrations and changes in THE ENVIRONMENT improve the working conditions of Ponsse’s product manager for temperature and humidity in an forest machine operators. equipment automation. accelerated cycle. This type of testing Thanks to the increased ensures the correct performance, high performance and memory of quality and long life cycle of the the Opti 8 computer, users can products. In the laboratory, it is PONSSE Delivery is an environmentally friendly new service for spare parts deliveries, benefit from faster and smoother PONSSE OPTI 8 possible to create conditions that operations. The storage capacity correspond to the freezing cold saw bar maintenance, saw chain services and the recycling of plastic canisters. Ponsse’s of the hard disk has been doubled of Siberia, the heat and humidity delivery vehicle completes a specific route at regular intervals, keeping the spare parts to ensure the operation of future • Enables the research and development of Brazil or the scorching heat applications. of machine information systems far into of Australia. It is also possible to warehouses of customers full and delivering ordered products directly to the front door. The design of PONSSE the future. expose products to the types of Opti 8 focused on its usability • Designed to meet the high-quality shock and vibration they must in demanding harvesting requirements of PONSSE forest endure during their working he delivery service has with the current routes in Tampere, “We have provided customers with environments. The computer was machines and forest companies. life in the most demanding become highly popular in Seinäjoki, Kouvola, Mikkeli and our route schedules. As a result, they developed by Ponsse’s research • Large 15.6” display with first-rate harvesting conditions. Naturally, in Finland where it has Jyväskylä”, says Olli Koljonen, spare can also order products from outside and development of information brightness, resolution and viewing angle. the products also meet all the been running for a year parts manager at Ponsse. their agreement for door-to-door systems. The Group’s technology • Capacitive touchscreen, used as in existing regulatory requirements now. A Finnish customer delivery. Invoicing is always based on company Epec also participated mobile devices. for electronic equipment. Tfrom Viitasaari-based Keski-Suomen MORE THAN SPARE PARTS DELIVERIES realised quantities. This is a major • Starts immediately, also in extreme cold. Metsäkymppi Oy is satisfied with In addition to spare parts deliveries, advantage, as no capital is tied up in • Windows 10 operating system. the service. the delivery service also includes saw stocks”, Koljonen says. “The delivery service saves money, chain sharpening services, saw bar In addition to the delivery service, as stock balances are always up to maintenance and the recycling of Ponsse Express includes freight date, and spare parts are available plastic canisters. Blunt saw chains are services, in which Ponsse’s delivery when they are needed. For us, this picked up from the agreed location, vehicle drives a fixed route to deliver service also saves time, because we do and they are returned sharpened spare parts to pick-up locations along not need to pick up any spare parts during the next delivery. While the route or to the front doors of and try to remember what we need in Ponsse’s delivery vehicle delivers customers. our stocks.” ordered products to customers, it “As a result of the high demand also picks up any empty lubricant for the delivery service, we will and colour marking canisters for introduce a new route in Rovaniemi recycling. This saves both time and at the beginning of 2021, alongside the environment.

22 23 PONSSE / THE EINARI VIDGRÉN FOUNDATION

Tillage is also one of the services that the Kulojärvi sees that the biggest challenge is company provides. This year, Kimmo has getting forest owners to sell wood. “THINGS HAVE WORKED OUT also taken care of tillage with an excavator According to Kimmo, the biggest since the summer. challenge for the harvesting sector will AS EXPECTED”. “It’s been my secondary job. My primary be availability of operators in future. After the beginning, things have progressed duty is to manage the company. Sometimes I Even though he himself as a restless man just as expected. There have been no grey also operate a forest machine.” changed from being an operator to working and dull days“ since. As an entrepreneur, I Kimmo Kulojärvi from Kemijärvi laughs and says that “Running a company includes all kinds as an entrepreneur to get more challenges get to experience real emotions all the time”, of tasks from washing machines to acting as in his life, Kimmo knows how challenging Kimmo jokes. things have worked out as expected: there have been the CEO.” it can be to work as an operator. The high plenty of real emotions and aha moments since he began his career as a machine After working as an entrepreneur for more demands and value of the job should be than ten years – and after all the genuine made more visible. entrepreneur. emotions and changing situations – operating “Machine operators should be appreciated a forest machine gives variety to Kimmo: more. Working as an operator is challenging, immo Kulojärvi started to work as a harvesting of 2008, the boom had continued for a long time. Kulojärvi’s “Particularly evening shifts are relaxing, and top professionals are required to do the entrepreneur in February 2008. Before that, he company started off impressively. because you can concentrate on one thing at a job. If young people saw it, it would certainly had worked as a machine operator for 13 years. “After the small setbacks during the first month, the first time, and the phone is not ringing all the time.” increase interest in the field.” “I’m probably a bit restless, because working year went financially better for the company that I could In addition to all other duties, the positions The start of Kimmo Kulojärvi’s own as an operator started to feel a bit too boring. I felt even imagine.” of trust in Koneyrittäjät, an association of career as an operator was quite funny and Klike I wasn’t getting enough challenges and aha moments as However, the good start was necessary, because the machine entrepreneurs, keep Kimmo busy. rapid. In October 1995, he convinced Eero an operator”, says Kimmo. following year, there was a decline in harvesting volumes. Kimmo Kulojärvi is the chair of the Lapin Mursu to offer him a practical training At the time, Eero Mursu from Posio was Kimmo’s “Our machines also stood in the yard for about four Koneyrittäjät association, as well as a member period of three weeks as a machine operator. employer at Metsä-Mursu Oy, and he encouraged Kimmo to months. It was a difficult period. But since the first year had of the forest committee of Koneyrittäjät. Kimmo had completed two years of studies establish his own company. been so good, we got through it”, says Kimmo. “There are surprisingly many days in a in mechanics related to forestry in Posio, “I had to think about the idea for quite some time. Every Kimmo Kulojärvi Oy is still contracting for Stora Enso, year when I’m invited to different events to and in August, he had just started his third other day it felt like an extremely good idea, and other times now as a contract entrepreneur in Eastern Lapland. They represent machine entrepreneurs. Even if year of study to become a machine operator the thought of having my own company terrified me. Eero said own two machine chains, but if the chains of subcontractors the event itself didn’t take so many hours, in the Hirvaa forest school. When the that think about it only on the good days”, Kimmo reminisces. are taken into account, there are seven chains harvesting there is no time to do anything else.” training period began, Kimmo dropped out Finally, Kimmo Kulojärvi decided to buy a machine wood for Stora Enso in Eastern Lapland. The trips can take a day or several days, of school and never returned. chain from his employer. In addition, he got a part of the “If you start from the southern part of Kuusamo, you can but Kimmo thinks that it is worth it. “The only thing that I regret employer’s contracts with Stora Enso. drive 100 kilometres to Savukoski and you are still in the “It’s a positive thing. In my opinion, about not finishing my studies “After the beginning, things have progressed just as same operating area.” the forest committee, in particular, does is that I missed a welding expected. There have been no grey and dull days since. As Nowadays, the company pays a monthly salary to good and important work. There you can course. Welding would an entrepreneur, I get to experience real emotions all the 12 people. In addition to Kimmo, his wife Mia Kulojärvi influence on matters that affect the whole have been a useful skill. time”, Kimmo jokes. takes part in the company’s daily operations. nation. At the same time, you learn new I know how to weld, An emotional rollercoaster was likely considering the “Mia takes care of paper work and invoicing and she can things that benefit your own business when but only through trial time Kimmo Kulojärvi Oy was established. At the beginning even drive a lowbed, if necessary.” people exchange experiences and ideas. I and error”, Kimmo have also gotten to know many machine says and laughs. entrepreneurs everywhere in Finland thanks to the positions of trust.”

GROWTH POTENTIAL AND OPPORTUNITIES Kimmo Kulojärvi wants to develop and expand his company. In Lapland, there are two major investment projects pending, which will affect the way wood is used. “There is potential in them. There’s the Metsä Group’s project in Kemi and Kemijärvi’s own biorefinery Boreal Bioref. Bioref is about three kilometres from here. If the projects are implemented, the use of wood will increase significantly in the region.” There have been questions whether there is enough wood for both projects. Kimmo

24 25 PONSSE / THE EINARI VIDGRÉN FOUNDATION

“It’s always wonderful when the forest owner is happy with the results and gives positive feedback”, says Jukka Pirinen, CEO of Metsäkone Pirinen Oy.

he company goal is to achieve Jukka and Kari Pirinen also have another high-quality results, and they company called Konehuolto Pirinen Oy, which consider harvesting as taking care focuses on the maintenance and repair of of forest owners’ assets. Therefore, machines. it is highly significant how happy “I’m a qualified mechanic specialised in Tforest owners are. heavy machinery. First, I planned to work in “It’s also great to hear when operators say a repair shop, but when our father started to that it’s good to work for us”, says Pirinen. expand the harvesting business, I began to These things are also linked together, work as a forest machine operator”, Jukka because machine operators are responsible describes his work history. for achieving good results. The CEO can set Mechanical skills are an advantage in high-quality results as an objective, but the the current job, too. The repair shop has actual work is done in the forest. Everybody also helped provide work for employees has to commit to the objective, and it has when there has been less harvesting due to to be kept in mind in the cabins of the unfavourable business conditions. machines every day. “The repair shop has kept a couple of Metsäkone Pirinen Oy is Metsä Group’s operators busy during quieter periods.” regional contractor in Northern Ostrobothnia. Fluctuations in demand for harvesting The company has four machine teams and are one of the major challenges in the field 14 employees. The company has a shop in particularly from the perspective of providing Paavola in Siikajoki, and it operates within work for employees. During the peak in 2018, approximately 100 kilometres reaching we were really busy, but year 2019 and the Liminka, Raahe, Pyhäjoki and Vihanti. current year have been more volatile. “There are plenty of pulp logs in these “During quieter periods, like this summer, regions. I’m sure that demand will increase the harvesting of energy wood has saved the if they build the bioproduct factory in Kemi situation.” as planned. In that respect, the outlook is There is one good thing about quieter good, and the company is expected to slightly periods: you can take trainees to work for your grow”, says Jukka Pirinen. company then. It ensures that there will be The company employs four brothers from workers available in the future. At the moment, the Pirinen family. Jukka is the CEO, and there are two trainees working for Pirinen. Kari, Jarmo and Pekka Pirinen are partners. “During peak periods, like in 2018, there The foundations of the company were laid is no time to instruct trainees.” HIGH-QUALITY by their father in the 1980s when he started According to Jukka, employees have had harvesting as a side business in addition to long careers in the company, but Metsäkone farming. In 1998, the father and the three Pirinen has also trained many operators for eldest brothers – Jukka, Kari and Jarmo – other businesses. established Metsäkone Pirinen Ky. It became “In the course of 20 years, we have had RESULTS AS GOAL a limited company in 2003, and Jukka many trainees working here”, says Jukka. Pirinen started as the CEO in 2007. The Even if the trainees had not stayed in change of generation was finalised in 2015, the company, they have learned at least one when their father gave up his last shares. important thing. “Our father has retired now, but he still “The objective to achieve high-quality lends a hand when necessary.” results is always shared with new guys.”

26 27 PONSSE NETWORK / 25 YEARS IN FRANCE AND THE USA

25 YEARS AND MORE PONSSE S.A.S. THAN 1,500 MACHINES – 25 YEARS OF THE BEST SERVICE – PONSSE CELEBRATES IN NORTH AMERICA CLOSE TO FRENCH CUSTOMERS The best Cut-to-Length (CTL) forest machines in the world and the ability to carefully listen to customers’ needs have made In France, Ponsse started operating with a familiar objective in mind: FRANCE Ponsse’s story a success in North America. Skilled employees the desire to offer the best possible service close to customers. Roger and loyal customers have both contributed to Ponsse’s growth. Lejeune from Belgium helped Ponsse at the beginning. Lejeune is an international entrepreneur, whose name has been mentioned in YEARS Ponsse News previously. onsse arrived in North America success story of Ponsse North America for the in 1991 when the legendary next 25 years. forestry pioneer Earl St. John Over 25 years, more than 1,500 PONSSE oger is one of Ponsse’s “In France, wood is exported to France is the largest EU country, brought the first machines to machines have been delivered to the logging first foreign customers. North Africa, where it is used in the and approximately 30% of the land Powers, Michigan. sites in North America. The company employs He convinced Ponsse to paper and furniture industries as well is covered by forests, which puts it in P“Thanks to the strong performance of the more than 80 employees, and together they have establish a company in as in energy production. France also fourth place after Sweden, Finland machines, the word spread quickly in the forest more than 620 years of experience in the field and France in order to serve imports wood from Northern Europe,” and Spain. industry saying that Ponsse was here to stay,” customer service. Many loyal customers have relied ”Rcustomers better,” says Patrick Siscard, says Siscard. In France, forests are mainly says spare parts salesman Chris Norling, who has on Ponsse for more than 20 years. salesman and service centre manager Ponsse S.A.S. has grown and privately-owned. Only 25% of forests worked for Ponsse for more than two decades. “The availability of parts and the best service have at the Labouheyre service centre. developed greatly in 25 years – are owned by Office National des In 1995, Ponsse North America established a convinced professionals on the whole continent. During the “Our operations were launched in together with Ponsse’s new machines Forêts (ONF), which manages the subsidiary in Atlanta, Georgia. Good opportunities for last ten years, the company has employed 25 new employees. Gondreville with just 2–3 employees. and services. In addition to its forests owned by the state and other growth and the demand for CTL forest machines in the Great It means that the company is growing, and customers trust it,” When we expanded, we established own service centres, there are 11 public forest owners. Lakes region attracted the company to expand to the north. says Chris. service centres in Peyrat and Sabres,” contractual service providers serving “Forests cover approximately Ponsse moved its head office in North America to Rhinelander, says Siscard, who has been selling customers across the country. 15 million hectares in France, and the Wisconsin, in 1997. MACHINES HAVE DEVELOPED, VALUES HAVE REMAINED THE SAME Ponsse products and services for 22 “This way we can achieve our annual harvesting volume is on average Since establishing a service centre in North America, Ponsse Chris Norling was one of the first employees working in the years. objective to be close to our customers 50 million m³,” says Patrick Siscard. has been very active. After Michigan, the company rapidly head office in Rhinelander. He clearly remembers a Monday in Today, Ponsse is a significant player in France and Belgium.” There are 136 tree species growing gained a strong foothold in Wisconsin and Minnesota, then in May 1999. in France and it employs a total of 39 According to Patrick Siscard, in France, and 72% of the total Canada, in the New England area in the north-east of the USA, I walked in the service center and started my first day of work people in three different locations. customers are used to enhancing volume are deciduous trees and 28% as well as in Oregon, Washington and New York. at PONSSE USA”, as it was called then. Although I had eight Its head office is in Gondreville, in and updating their operations. As are conifers. The most common “Ponsse, which originally came from a small Finnish village, years of experience in passenger car spare parts, I did not know north-eastern France. The two other technology develops, customers have deciduous species include common has now managed to change the North American forest industry much about heavy machinery and forest machines,” Chris says locations are Peyrat le Château, which begun to talk about wireless data oak, sessile oak, beech, chestnut tree, with hard work and forest machines in approximately 35 states when he looks back at the start of his Ponsse career. is in the region of New Aquitaine, and transfer and even about controlling ash, hornbeam and poplar. Coniferous all over the USA. Dealers and service centres located in different The customer base was limited then, and Labouheyre in southern Bordeaux, their machines remotely. species include maritime pine, pine, parts of the continent have all contributed to its success,” says the machine selection was mainly restricted to where Ponsse opened a new and “In France, we have seen sawmills white fir, spruce and Douglas fir. Chris. PONSSE S15 and PONSSE HS15. Two decades modern service centre in 2017. There expand and enhance their operation, later, Chris is known as a true spare part guru. are approximately 550 PONSSE forest for example,” says Siscard THE BEST MACHINES AND PASSIONATE EXPERTS When you compare the HS15 to Scorpion machines in France when asked to describe Ponsse has always been a pioneer in innovation and improving King, you understand how far this company how timber companies have the performance of forest machines. As an example, Chris has come. However, it has managed to retain THINGS HAVE DEVELOPED SIGNIFICANTLY IN changed. mentions a period from the launch of PONSSE Scorpion in the same values it had when I first started to 25 YEARS 2014 to the long-awaited launch of Bison in June 2020. work for Ponsse.” When PONSSE S.A.S. started 25 FRANCE IS ALSO A LAND OF FORESTS “The best machines are not enough without the passion and years ago, wood was mainly used as France is known for its agri- strength of skilled men and women. They continue to write the firewood in France. Then they started cultural products, but it is also a to use wood in energy production. land of forests – and a large one. “The availability of parts and the best service have convinced professionals on the whole continent.” – Chris Norling 28 29 LOGGING NEWS / 2020

LOGGING NEWS

THE 16,000TH PONSSE FOREST MACHINE COMPLETED

TIMBER FOREST – THE RETAILER OF THE YEAR The 16,000th PONSSE forest machine Cenibra in Brazil is equipped with the was completed at Ponsse’s factory in PONSSE C5 crane, the PONSSE H7 Vieremä. The PONSSE Ergo harvester, Euca harvester head and the PONSSE THE FAMILY-OWNED COMPANY FROM BRAZIL “Ponsse gave us a warm welcome, was delivered to Celulose Nipo- Synchrowinch solution. The machine SHARES PONSSE’S VALUES and we immediately recognised our- Brasileira S.A. (CENIBRA) in Brazil, is a reliable and powerful combination, Timber Forest Equipamentos, part of selves in the company. Both companies where it will operate at plantations to enabling sustainable and effective Rodoparana Group, is a family-owned were firmly customer-driven and had meet the needs of local pulp production. harvesting in demanding slope company, which currently employs 360 long-term partnerships. In just a month, “Ponsse has worked in close environments. people. The company sells, maintains we were already in Vieremä, Finland, cooperation with Cenibra since 2014 and installs harvesting technology and, signing a retail agreement with Ponsse,” in extremely difficult slope conditions PONSSE FULL SERVICE since its establishment in 2001, has been says Jober Fonseca, general manager of in the state of Minas Gerais. This “The PONSSE Full Service concept a significant driver in the spread of me- Timber Forest. cooperation has given us valuable is very well linked to our view to be Alexandre Schettino de Castilho, chanical harvesting in Southern Brazil. Southern Brazil is home to large eu- information for the R&D of harvesting close to our customers and develop our Cenibra Harvest, Logistics and Cooperation with Ponsse started in calyptus plantations, from which wood is machines for slope conditions, and we products together with our customers. Equipment Development Manager 2015 when Timber Forest was looking harvested for pulp and paper production. have been able to develop our products We have developed a strong PONSSE for a new partner as a supplier of CTL In addition to eucalyptus, pine trees are to meet the needs of our customers Full Service concept for Brazil based on technology. Ponsse’s subsidiary Ponsse grown in the region to meet the needs of even better. I would like to thank our customers’ feedback and internal Latin America Ltda had operated in the sawmill industry. Customers range Cenibra for the trust they have shown benchmarking with Ponsse’s Uruguay, Brazil since 2005 and was aiming to from corporations that own dozens of in our cooperation so far. I would Russia and China operations,” says increase its market share. machines and harvest more than 400,000 also like to thank our personnel that Fernando Campos, managing director tons per month to small forest owners have made all this possible in Brazil,” of Ponsse Latin America. with a single machine team. Both need says Marko Mattila, Ponsse’s sales, “Ponsse Plc established a subsidiary services that support their operations, but, above all, provide our customers with marketing and service director. in Mogi das Cruzes in Brazil in 2006. from machine selections to training and strong support, so that they can have access Today, there are 248 employees in our customised maintenance services. to the best possible technology and so that the PONSSE ERGO HARVESTER FOR DEMANDING team and they work in five different Brazil’s forestry markets are among selected technology is as productive as possible. SLOPE CONDITIONS locations. I would like to thank our Bruno Ricardo Fernandes, the most competitive in the world, while Customer relationships are partnerships, PONSSE Ergo is the best-selling customers for their loyalty, and special Cenibra, Forest Harvesting mechanisation is still in progress. success in which is the most important driver PONSSE forest machine globally. thanks to our local committed team,” Coordinator. “Timber Forest specialises in in our operations. None of this would be The 8-wheeled Ergo to be delivered to Campos continues. improving the competitiveness of forest possible if it were not for the support we receive companies. We not only sell technology, from Ponsse’s factory,” Jober Fonseca says. 30 31 LOGGING NEWS / 2020

LOGGING NEWS Ponsse’s network is expanding

M.T.S. PARTS CC. IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SALE AND

SERVICES OF FOREST MACHINES, AS WELL AS

SPARE PARTS IN SOUTH AFRICA.

M.T.S. Parts CC. offers a broad service range to forestry, agricultural and mining companies. The company is based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, and it has operated as Ponsse’s contractual partner in the Mpumalanga Province since 2014. “Our main goal has always been the prosperity of our customers, and we want to offer the best possible service for them. Together with Ponsse, we are determined to be the most reliable partner in the business and to live up to our promise to be “A Logger’s Best Friend”. Based on these principles, we have achieved a solid market position in our operating areas. M.T.S. was founded in 2005, and we have supported diverse brands, such as Dezzi Equipment, Matriarch Equipment and Bell Equipment,” says Chris Odendaal, director, M.T.S. Parts CC.

MAVIPROD SRL IRUM HAS STARTED AS

PONSSE’S RETAILER IN ROMANIA

IRUM has a comprehensive service range and extensive experience in service provision for work machine customers. The new retailer offers training and technical support at its headquarters in Reghin, Transylvania. To ensure customer service, the company has 15 sales outlets and it offers technical support 24/7 for agricultural and forestry customers. In addition to the Romanian locations, the company operates in Hungary and Moldova. IRUM was established in 1953. It specialises PONSSE ONCE AGAIN THE MOST REPUTABLE COMPANY IN FINLAND in mechanical engineering and employs 600 employees.

For the third year in succession, Ponsse has been selected The Reputation&Trust survey identifies the reputation of as the most reputable company in Finland in the annual companies by analysing the greater public’s impressions of Reputation&Trust survey. In the top three, Ponsse was them in different dimensions. GUANGXI PANGSAI FORESTRY MACHINERY CO. LTD IS IN followed by game development company Supercell, while Jarmo Vidgrén, chairman of Ponsse’s Board of Directors, CHARGE OF MACHINE SALES AND AFTER SALES IN CHINA Fazer came in third. A total of 8,974 Finns took part in the appreciates this year’s recognition more than ever. survey published today. “This year has been challenging for us as well, and we Guangxi Pangsai Forestry Machinery Co. Ltd, headed by Ponsse’s long- “Ponsse has succeeded in maintaining its first place, and humbly accept this recognition. We have succeeded together, time sales manager Mr. Shi Yu Chao, oversees machine sales and after even in increasing its reputation during this challenging for which I would like to thank our customers, employees sales to Chinese customers in close operation with Ponsse China. year. Ponsse received the highest individual score in the vital and their families, as well as our stakeholders. Ponsse’s 50th Ponsse China has operated since 2007 and employs 29 forest machine areas of leadership and modernisation. Especially during the anniversary has not gone as planned, and it feels great that professionals. One of Ponsse’s most significant partners in China is Stora Enso, coronavirus crisis, there is a demand for an ability to lead we can thank everyone for our shared successes through this with which Ponsse has cooperated in the field of mechanical harvesting for more and modernise,” says Harri Leinikka, CEO of T-Media, which recognition too,” says Jarmo Vidgrén, Chairman of Ponsse than ten years. conducted the survey. Plc’s Board of Directors.

32 33 RETRO CORNER / OLAVI KAUHANEN USED MACHINES / PONSSE SCORPION

CORNER

Olavi Kauhanen – a pioneer of contracting abroad

s early as in the 1970s, Finns travelled to Germany Kauhanen returned to Finland, but only for a short period of to harvest trees knocked down by storms. Olavi time. He had time to go to one logging site in Finland before he Kauhanen from Vieremä was one of these pioneers. travelled abroad again. This time he went to the Soviet Union. Kauhanen recalls how he left Northern Savonia Urho Kekkonen was the president of Finland then, and in the and headed towards the great unknown in 1974. Soviet Union, there were Finns building Kostomuksha. AHis destination was Germany, and his objective was to work at Enso-Gutzeit was in charge of harvesting in the Kostomuksha German logging sites harvesting trees felled by storms. region, and the company had its own machinery back Einari Vidgren himself was the other reason why then. There were only a couple of machines owned Kauhanen left for Germany. The men did by private contractors there, and Kauhanen was contracting work together, and Einari had one of the contractors. heard that it was possible to make some “Working in the Soviet Union and money at German logging sites. Germany was very different, like night and “Back then, I didn’t even know day. Back then, the borders were closed, where Germany was”, Olavi Kauhanen and people working for Enso had to stay reminisces. in a small area”, says Kauhanen. Kauhanen and Vidgren had visited After the contracts in Kostomuksha, Germany with their wives before the first Kauhanen continued to work for Russian contracting trip abroad. However, when customers in Russian Karelia, by Lake Kauhanen finally headed for Germany with Onega in Medvezhyegorsk and Petrozavodsk. a group of loggers he had gathered and their It was risky business for private contractors. first machine, they were to face new things. “In Germany and when working for Enso in There were four contractors leaving Finland for Kostomuksha, we were paid for the work. It was not Germany at the same time. There were no lowbeds to carry necessarily the case when contracting on your own.” the machines from the port, so there was a peculiar column travelling from Bremen to Cloppenburg and regions being hit LONG CAREER by storms. They had to drive the machines to the site – it was Einari Vidgren and Olavi Kauhanen had started to cooperate RELIABLE approximately 80 kilometres to their destination. already before working in Germany. The men came from the “It was a long distance for a forest machine. Sometimes same village. As a truck driver, Kauhanen was used to operating they were lost and found themselves on an autobahn. They a loader. He was therefore a natural choice to operate Ponsse’s USED MACHINE were eventually stopped by a police officer who told them that first prototype machine and take care of loading. they could not drive there. Finally, they get to their destination “I knew how to do it, because I had used Hiab loaders. But of driving along small roads”, Olavi says. course, it took some time before all started to go smoothly. Storm-felled trees were waiting for harvesters, and Kauhanen I cooperated with Einari in various ways. We travelled around PONSSE Scorpion was Pertti and Markku Piipponen’s choice as a used machine. got the men working. There were so many trees down that Finland at the time when it was a new thing to take care of loading This time they wanted a high-quality harvester more quickly and at lower costs Olavi soon had to contact Finland and ask for another machine with the same machine that carried the load to the destination. I than a new machine. The reliability of a well-known brand and the rotating cabin for help. They managed to find loggers among Finns who had operated the first prototype all the way to Southern Finland.” first travelled to Sweden and then ended up at German logging After the trips to foreign countries, Olavi Kauhanen continued to made them choose Scorpion – the driving comfort has made Markku wonder sites. “For two machines and the men there was enough work work in Finland for Enso-Gutzeit, nowadays known as Stora Enso. whether to go hunting or just enjoy the Scorpion’s smooth ride. for 18 months. We worked and got the money. When there was Olavi retired at the age of 65 in 2003, but Metsänkorjuu Kauhanen no more work to do, I called Finland to say that our job was Oy continues to harvest as a regional contractor for Stora Enso. completed.” The company is now headed by Olavi’s eldest son Ismo.

34 35 HOWDY! Don’t leave n addition to owners Markku and Pertti “We found an excellent Scorpion back. Next, we will buy a new machine – but rubbish in Piipponen, forest machine contracting equipped with the H7 harvester head, and the make and model will be the same.” forests! company Koneurakointi Piipponen Oy that sealed the deal. As wood procurement employs five operators. Based in Mäkelä company Koskitukki mainly cuts larger logs, VERSATILE AND COMFORTABLE SCORPION Sort waste correctly to the north of Lahti, the company a large harvester head was a must. It can also The brothers, who have tested Scorpion in Imainly operates in nearby Sysmä, Hartola, handle smaller trees, while a small harvester real-life conditions, appreciate the machine It’s nice to spend time outdoors, and the best part is eating your picnic lunch there. But remember Luhanka, Pertunmaa, Asikkala and head cannot handle big ones,” Pertti says. for its versatility. It is a powerful and to take your rubbish with you when you return home. Connect different waste fractions to correct Heinola. Ponsse has been manufacturing the best productive machine in different conditions waste containers with a line. Ask an adult for help if you are having trouble working it out. This is not the first time in the woods forest machines in the world for 50 years and at different sites – important features for a for brothers Markku and Pertti: combined, now, and it has also traded used machines company operating at logging sites of all types. the two have 75 years of experience in forest from the very beginning. End customers are “The large harvester head makes machines. It’s enough to know what to want import to Ponsse and the aim is to always Scorpion ideal for harvesting larger trees, but from a machine, say the contractors who provide them with the best possible service. it is truly excellent at all sites, starting from recently purchased their used Scorpion. The promise of high-quality machines is first thinning. It does not even have any “Ponsse is a proven manufacturer whose kept in every deal. problems with twisty birch trees. There has machines have always been reliable. The been no need for us to pick up a handsaw.” rotating cabin was an absolute requirement, EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS The Piipponen brothers, who have decades which is why we chose PONSSE Scorpion.” “The whole process certainly exceeded our of experience working at logging sites, think The mutual journey of Koneurakointi expectations. The machine was largely highly of Scorpion’s technical solutions Glass Metal Piipponen and Ponsse started in 2002, when upgraded, even more than we agreed upon. made to improve the operator’s efficiency the two brothers started their own business. We are very pleased with the deal and and driving comfort. Visibility, stability and Their first choice was the PONSSE HS 16 Scorpion.” ergonomics also stand for higher productivity. ERGO harvester. They have also transported Ponsse also offers attractive used “The stabilisation system works like a wood using many Ponsse’s forwarders, such machines, and it is valued by contractors. charm, without even noticing it. We cannot as Bison, Wisent, Elk and S16 Ergo. When a customer purchases a used even compare it with our previous machine. “They have all been solid machines, and machine from Ponsse, they know that The back stays healthy, and everything they have worked like a charm, with the they have access not only to a first-grade works with the push of a button. Scorpion’s exception of the broken curved bunks that machine, but also to a broad range of fuel consumption is a little higher than in we have had to weld from time to time,” the services and partners in Ponsse’s network. its predecessor, but it also produces much two brothers say, remembering their former Ponsse’s guarantee, always reliable more wood: 50–100 cubic metres per hour, Burned Biowaste workhorses. maintenance services and quick availability depending on the type of forest,” the two Bio-waste of spare parts were key reasons for the brothers say. LOOKING FOR A NEW USED MACHINE Piipponen brothers for choosing PONSSE Even as a used machine, PONSSE This time the Piipponen brothers were Scorpion. All the good things listed by Scorpion is a true example of a modern looking for a used machine. They wanted to Markku’s sons, who operate Scorpion for harvester, which has also been recognised upgrade their harvester, and a high-quality another company, were also decisive. for its design. “Scorpion is a good-looking used machine was the perfect choice because “We have tried other brands and their machine, and it is a true pleasure to operate it of its quicker availability and lower price. maintenance services, and there is no going at logging sites,” Pertti and Markku conclude. Cardboard Plastic Paper

“We found an excellent scorpion equipped with the H7 harvester head, and that sealed the deal.”

Paper is made from wood. Paperboard, newspapers and books are made from wood fibres. When you look around at your home, what kinds of things have been made from wood? Draw or write down your answer.

HOWDY! Pack paperboard tightly so it won’t take so much room in the waste 36 container. 37 WOMEN’S SWEATER JACKET Product number 1549, sizes 34–46, EUR 75

MEN’S SWEATER JACKET ANNIVERSARY YEAR ANNIVERSARY YEAR Product number 1550, PULLOVER FOR MEN PULLOVER FOR WOMEN sizes S–4XL, EUR 75 Product number 1482, Product number 1483, sizes S–4XL, EUR 65 sizes 34–46, EUR 65 Full-length front zip and zipped side pockets. Detachable hood. Made from comfortable and elastic cotton/elastane. Classic men’s / women’s knitted V-neck pullover made of warm wool. Ponsse logo on the left chest. Stylish details like imitation suede patches on elbows, Ponsse embroidery Material: 95% cotton, 5% elastane. on the chest and anniversary year mark on the sleeve. Knit cuffs and neck. Perfect for a chilly day. MEN’S LIGHT WOMEN’S LIGHT Material: 80% wool, 20% nylon. Anti-pilling treatment. PADDED JACKET PADDED JACKET Product number 1554, Product number 1555, sizes S–4XL, EUR 90 sizes 36–46, EUR 90 ANNIVERSARY YEAR SCOTCH CAP Product number 1489, one size, EUR 20 Lightly padded. The outside of the jacket is black with Ponsse details, silver grey inside. Articulated Cap with low bill. Knitted wool blend sleeves, side pockets with zips, fixed hood and material. Colour: brown/black. Yellow satin adjustable hem. Recycled material used in the lining with anniversary year mark. Black outside fabric and wadding. leather strap on the side. Tightening with Material: 100% recycled polyester. elastic band on the back.

CHILDREN’S SOFTSHELL JACKET Product number 1511-1515, ANNIVERSARY YEAR ANNIVERSARY YEAR sizes 104–164 cm, EUR 50 JACKET FOR MEN JACKET FOR WOMEN Product Number 1484, Product number 1485, Children’s unisex softshell jacket with a sizes S-4XL, 110 € sizes S–4XL, EUR 110 detachable hood. Full-length front zip and zipped pockets at the sides. Waterproof Stylish reversible quilted jacket. Can be used as a traditionally (WP 10,000 mm) and windproof. stylish black quilted jacket. The reverse side of the jacket is Adjustable hem and cuffs. Ponsse sportier, with a smooth surface and brownish green colour. The logo on the chest and on the sleeve. jacket has light wadding, and is usable in all seasons. Both sides have Reflective details on the back, two side pockets with zips. The smooth side has a zipped inside pocket. on front pockets and on zips. Anniversary year marks on both sides on the chest and back of the neck. Material: 100% polyester. Material: 100% nylon, wadding 100% polyester.

ANNIVERSARY YEAR TRAINER PANTS CHILDREN’S RUBBER BOOTS Product number 1481, sizes XS–4XL, EUR 55 Product number 1537 sizes 24–35, EUR 20 Stylish unisex trainer pants with side stripes. Comfortable pants for wearing at your home, but stylish Bright yellow rubber shoes keep at the same time for the city. Wide elastic waistband children’s feet dry in autumn rains. and adjustment string. Pockets at the sides and Ponsse logo on the leg. Rubber pockets with zips at the back. Anniversary year mark. boots are packed in a cardboard box. Material: 100% polyester. Material: 100% rubber, lining 100% polyester.

38 39 WHERE THERE’S A FIRE, THERE MAY NOT ALWAYS BE A ROAD

PONSSE Firefighting equipment We are introducing an innovative solution that raises the accessibility of wildfire locations to an entirely new level. The independent firefighting unit can refill its tank from a natural water source using its own pump and, because of its agility, it can bring water to an otherwise inaccessible firefighting location. No more long hoses – firefighting is now possible at a high pressure where there are no roads. The fire fighting equipment can be fitted on all PONSSE Buffalo and Elephant forwarders. After installing minor optional equipment in machine hydraulics and fitting the fire fighting equipment, the machine is ready to extinguish wildfires – quickly, effectively and in a variety of ways. Best of all, no capital is tied to downtime – machines can operate productively at all times and come to help as required.

A logger’s best friend www.ponsse.com