New Zealand’s timber sector is facing a number of challenges including labour shortages, climbing operating costs and downtime risks, as well as market fluctuations such as a decline in demand for timber by large export markets.
However, the reprieve of US tariffs is welcome news for the sector, ensuring that it can continue exporting to the US – the third largest timber log export market for New Zealand.
“To remain competitive in a shifting landscape, wood processing plants will need to embrace solutions that enhance productivity, efficiency and safety all while reducing downtime,” says Paul Savage, manager of Bonfiglioli New Zealand. “Having collaborated with market leading equipment OEMs and customers in the sector for decades now, Bonfiglioli has developed the products, solutions and engineering expertise to support the sector”.
Bonfiglioli provides what the company describes robust solutions tailored to meet the unique challenges of this sector in applications ranging from log bucking and drum debarking, to roundwood handling systems and chippers. “Wood processing facilities typically operate in harsh environments characterised by heavy loads, shock loads and long periods of continuous operation,” says Savage. “These conditions demand equipment with exceptional durability, efficiency and reliability. Bonfiglioli’s gearboxes are designed to withstand these demanding conditions, ensuring optimal performance and minimal downtime”.
Designed for heavy-duty applications, the Bonfiglioli 300M Series planetary geared unit is the ideal solution for the wood processing industry. With its high torque-to-weight ratio and a torque capacity up to 1,286,700 Nm, it offers exceptional power density and efficient power transmission. It’s also robust, built to withstand the high shock loads and harsh operating environments associated with timber and wood processing.
According to the company, and ‘renowned for its long service life, efficient heat dissipation and low maintenance costs’, the 300M Series meets stringent quality standards. With optimised gear geometry, it ensures reduced energy consumption and improves productivity.
The 300M Series is highly versatile, with a modular, space-saving design. “With a variety of customisation options, this unit is easily tailored to meet specific application requirements. In addition, it can be combined with various motor and brake combinations, to meet project needs”.
A key differentiator in Bonfiglioli’s offering to the sector is its established local presence. The company’s New Zealand facilities include an expansive warehouse, allowing for assembly and aftersales activities, as well as stockholding. “We understand that customers rely on agile support and engineering expertise,” adds Savage. “With our local footprint, we mitigate delays and ensure fast turnaround on customer orders and service requests”.
Looking ahead, Savage anticipates that the timber sector will explore new avenues for market growth and will continue to embrace automation technology in the pursuit of cost reductions and efficiency gains. “Bonfiglioli’s complete solutions are designed to meet evolving production needs, delivering high-performance motion control. We’re ready to support the long-term success of this sector.”