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Cleereman Industries is excited to welcome our newest team member, Ray Tharpe. Ray is joining our team as our Sawmill Sales & Design Specialist.

With a lifetime dedicated to the forest products industry, Ray brings an exceptional depth of knowledge, hands-on experience, and leadership to our team. As a fifth-generation logger and sawmiller, the lumber industry has been a part of his life from the very beginning.

Throughout his career, Ray has more than 26 years of experience working in hardwood & sawmills, operating and servicing virtually every type of machine from log intake to finished lumber. His background includes 15 years in professional lumber manufacturing, with 12 years in upper management, where he helped lead operations, improve efficiency, and solve complex production challenges.

In addition to his manufacturing experience, he spent 11 years as the owner and operator of RTM Industrial Maintenance, a nationwide millwright and installation company specializing in industrial equipment installation, maintenance, and repair. His expertise also includes mechanical and structural engineering, as well as 26 years of troubleshooting and repairing industrial mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.

What sets Ray apart is his practical, hands-on knowledge. Having professionally operated and installed nearly every piece of equipment found in a conventional hardwood sawmill, Ray understands the challenges our customers face and is passionate about finding solutions that improve performance and reliability.

Paul Cleereman says this is exactly what makes Ray such a valuable addition to Cleereman Industries. Over his years in the sawmill industry, Ray has built, installed, run, and troubleshot sawmill equipment firsthand — not just ours, but equipment from other manufacturers as well. That kind of well-rounded, hands-on background goes far beyond sawmill sales; it's a long history of real, boots-on-the-ground work in the mill. That depth of experience means Ray doesn't just understand our equipment on paper — he understands it the way our customers do, from years of installing, running, and fixing it himself.

Outside of work, Ray is a devoted family man and proud father. When he's not at the mill, he enjoys spending time with his daughter Addi, being outdoors hunting & fishing, and riding side-by-sides.

Please join us in welcoming Ray to Cleereman Industries. His extensive experience, industry knowledge, and commitment to the forest products industry make him a tremendous addition to our team, and we're excited for Ray to join our team.

Cleereman Industries
www.cleereman.com · 715-674-2700

GAYLORD, Mich. — The Michigan Association of Timbermen is excited to announce the return of the Michigan Forest Products Show, taking place August 7–8, 2026, at The Ellison Place in Gaylord, Michigan. Event hours are 8am-6pm on Friday, August 7th, and 8am-2pm, Saturday, August 8th.

As the Timbermen’s biennial statewide trade show, the 2026 Michigan Forest Products Show will bring together hundreds of vendors, equipment dealers, manufacturers, forestry professionals, and industry experts from across Michigan and the Great Lakes region for two action-packed days dedicated to the forest products industry.

The event will showcase:
·Industry exhibits
·Logging equipment
·Milling innovations
·Emerging technology
·Entertainment, food, and family-friendly activities

Exciting new additions to the event include Michigan's own Lumberjacks & Jills hosting a lumberjack competition on Friday, August 7th, from 10am-3pm!

Hosted by the Michigan Association of Timbermen, the Michigan Forest Products Show highlights the importance of Michigan’s forestry and forest products sector while creating opportunities for networking, business development, and family- friendly entertainment.

“Michigan’s forest products industry continues to play a critical role in our state’s economy and rural communities,” said Michigan Association of Timbermen Executive Director Justin Knepper. “The Michigan Forest Products Show gives businesses and industry professionals an opportunity to connect, showcase innovation, and celebrate the future of forestry in Michigan.”

The show will feature both indoor and outdoor exhibitors, including manufacturers and suppliers specializing in forestry equipment, sawmills, trucking, fuels and lubricants, chainsaws and accessories, professional services, and emerging technologies serving the forest products industry.

Exhibitor registration is now open, and organizers encourage businesses to reserve space since there is less than two months to go!

The Michigan Association of Timbermen, founded in 1972, represents businesses involved in growing, harvesting, hauling, and processing forest products throughout Michigan. The organization works to promote sustainable forestry, strengthen the forest economy, and advocate for the industry statewide.

For exhibitor information, registration, sponsorship opportunities, or event updates, visit www.michigantimbermen.com/show

Event Information
Michigan Forest Products Show:
Friday, August 7, 8am-6pm
Saturday, August 8, 8am-2pm
The Ellison Place
150 Dale Drive
Gaylord, Michigan

Media Contact
Michigan Association of Timbermen
7350 M-123
Newberry, MI 49868
Phone: (906) 293-3236
Email: [email protected]

Middlebury, Indiana — May 1, 2026 — Bright Star Auctions is pleased to announce that Polk Auction is officially joining the Bright Star Auctions family. As part of this transition, Bright Star Auctions is committed to preserving Polk’s established identity while continuing to offer the trusted, high-quality auction experience that customers, sellers, collectors, and bidders have relied on for years.

Polk Auction will continue delivering the trusted auction experience its customers know, now supported by Bright Star Auctions’ expanded operational resources and commitment to customer service. The transition will provide buyers and sellers with tangible new benefits, including access to a broader nationwide buyer network, advanced marketing capabilities, and a streamlined customer service experience. Polk Auction’s headquarters will transition to Middlebury, Indiana, later this spring.

“We are honored to carry the Polk Auction name forward,” said Loren Beachy, Chief Executive Officer of Bright Star Auctions. “Polk has built a strong reputation and a deeply loyal following. Our goal is to protect the traditions that have made these events so successful while equipping the brand with the tools, reach, and resources needed to thrive in the future.”

The first Polk Auction under new management will be the highly anticipated 43rd Annual Labor Day Auction, scheduled for September 4–5, 2026. The upcoming event will feature the return of some fan favorites from earlier Polk years, such as the Saturday drive-through tractor auction — now enhanced with Bright Star's cutting-edge online bidding and virtual broadcast to connect with high-intent bidders nationwide. Additional details, including the auction location, daily schedule, and future dates, will be shared through Polk Auction’s existing communication channels and Facebook page.

Bright Star Auctions is excited to support the next chapter of Polk Auction, maintaining the relationships and traditions that customers trust while building toward a successful future.

For more information and future updates, please follow Polk Auction on Facebook or visit https://polkauction.com.

About Bright Star Auctions

Bright Star Auctions is a full-service auction company headquartered in Middlebury, Indiana, specializing in heavy equipment, sawmill, forestry, transportation, industrial, business liquidation, and specialty auctions. Known for its commitment to service, transparency, and strong auction results, Bright Star Auctions serves sellers and buyers across the United States through live, online, and hybrid auction events.

About Polk Auction

Headquartered in New Paris, Indiana, since its founding 40 years ago, Polk Auction is a respected auction brand known for serving collectors, sellers, and bidders through trusted auction events. With a long-standing reputation in the heavy machinery and agriculture sectors, Polk specializes in farm equipment, industrial equipment, collectibles, and specialty auctions, and has built a deeply loyal community of buyers and sellers over the last four decades.

Cleereman Industries unveiled the revolutionary Premier Bandmill at EXPO Richmond to widespread crowd acclaim.  As with every piece of sawmill machinery from Cleereman, the Premier Bandmill was created by first analyzing every fail-point of other manufacturers, listening to customer concerns about their current band headrig problems and maintenance challenges then putting 70 years of sawmill expertise to work solving those issues.

That’s why every Premier Bandmill has the exclusive Cleereman dead shaft design to run smoother, longer.  Why top and bottom wheel shafts and bearings are rated for 50,000# of strain.  Why bottom shaft deflection is non-rotating in comparison to other manufactures to eliminate heat and vibration.  Why high-speed dynamic balancing speeds of up to 12,500 SFPM, allowing for maximum RPMs with less vibration than competitor’s who stick to designs of a previous century.

Why, because it is a Cleereman Premier Bandmill.  Designed to last, to run, to perform for generations.

For complete details contact:

Cleereman Industries

www.cleereman.com · 715-674-2700

Opticom Tech, a leader in industrial video monitoring solutions, announced the release of its new MRV-80C2E-WRTS Wireless Troubleshooting Kit designed specifically for sawmill environments. The portable system gives mill teams a fast, flexible way to gain temporary visibility in problem areas without permanent installation or infrastructure changes.

Sawmills operate in constant motion. When an issue arises, maintenance teams need immediate visual insight in locations where cameras, power, or networking may not exist. The Opticom Tech Wireless Troubleshooting Kit provides a simple solution: short-term, temporary camera placement exactly where it’s needed.

“This kit was designed for real-world troubleshooting based on our decades of experience in sawmills,” said Heidi Schmidt, Global Sales Manager at Opticom Tech. “Not every visibility challenge requires a permanent camera install. Sometimes you just need to see what’s happening in a specific spot for a few hours, a few days, or a week. This kit gives mills that flexibility.”

The kit includes either two or four wireless cameras and one monitor, creating a self-contained viewing system that can be deployed quickly anywhere in the mill. Magnetic mounts allow cameras to be attached securely to equipment or structural components without drilling. A portable battery pack powers the system, eliminating the need to run new cables that could introduce hazards, especially for short term video monitoring

For mills that prefer or require a wired setup, the system also comes in a hardwired option to offer additional flexibility depending on the application.

Key benefits of the Wireless Troubleshooting Kit include:

• Temporary, Targeted Visibility: Ideal for diagnosing production slowdowns, bottlenecks, or mechanical concerns
• Wireless Deployment: No need to run permanent cable for short-term investigations
• Magnetic Mounting: Quick placement and repositioning without structural modifications
• Portable Battery Power: Enables rapid setup in virtually any location

The Wireless Troubleshooting Kit allows sawmill maintenance and operations teams to make faster decisions based on real-time visuals, without waiting for a full system installation.

“We specialize in designing rugged, permanent video systems for sawmills,” Schmidt added. “This kit complements that by giving mills a nimble, on-demand tool. It empowers teams to investigate issues quickly and make informed decisions before committing to long-term solutions.”

The camera is is now available to purchase through Opticom Tech. For more information, visit www.opticomtech.com. 

About Opticom Tech

Founded in 1973, Opticom Tech provides integrated video monitoring solutions for industrial applications, including sawmills, mines, food processing facilities, and more. Built to withstand harsh environments, Opticom Tech’s rugged cameras and equipment stand the test of time. For more information, visit www.opticomtech.com. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 4, 2026

Contact: 

Mary Bullwinkel, Media/Communications Coordinator, 707.601.6533

Rikki Wellman, Conference Manager, 541.954.2477

“Responsible Forestry Today, Healthy Forests Tomorrow” Theme Guides

88^th Annual Oregon Logging Conference 

Industry professionals gathered for three days of networking, education, and social activities at the 88^th Annual Oregon Logging Conference, held February 19 – 21, 2026 at the Lane Events Center and Fairground. This year, there were more exhibitors, both inside and outside, and greater attendance at the OLC, the largest logging, trucking, equipment and construction show, west of the Mississippi. 

The OLC thanks this year’s sponsors, many of whom support the conference every year, who without their support, this conference would not be possible. 

2026 Oregon Logging Conference President and Stimson Lumber Company Director of Western Resources Mike McKibbin said this year’s conference was an overwhelming success. “This year's show was a testament to an industry that continues to show up for one another to meet old friends, share new ideas, and really just have fun,” McKibbin said. “Our goal each year is to showcase the latest technologies in logging, discuss current topics, promote our industry through educational outreach, and become a place that families can enjoy,” he added.  “I think we checked all of those boxes in 2026,” McKibbin said. He also expressed his appreciation to the exhibitors, OLC Board of Directors, staff and volunteers. “Their dedication and collaborative spirit are what makes OLC what it is,” McKibbin said. 

Keynote speaker Jacque Buchanan, U.S. Forest Service Regional Forester for Region 6 (Oregon and Washington) spoke about partnerships with the timber industry and for the first time in a long time, having tools to implement a streamlined timber harvesting program.

Buchanan is also the U.S. Forest Service Regional Forester for Region 5 (California) and Acting Regional Forester for Region 10 (Alaska). She has served with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Forest Service for more than 30 years and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources from Pennsylvania State University. 

 Desserts for Dreams Fundraiser Benefits Compassion Tillamook

More than $32,000 in ticket sales and cash and in-kind donations was raised at the 22^nd Annual Desserts for Dreams luncheon, held Friday Feb 20th at the Graduate by Hilton hotel. “I feel very blessed to be a part of Desserts for Dreams,” OLC First Lady Angela McKibbin said.

McKibbin selected Compassion Tillamook as this year’s charity to benefit from the annual fundraiser. Compassion Tillamook is a non-profit organization that provides medical, dental and other services for those in need at an annual clinic, which takes place at the Tillamook Fairgrounds. A special shampoo, soap, and other toiletries drive was part of the luncheon this year, and all donations were distributed at the February 23rd Compassion Clinic. 

The luncheon included salads and delicious desserts donated by local bakeries and restaurants. “It has been a wonderful experience to be part of OLC and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” McKibbin said.

Oregon Logging Conference Foundation (OLCF) Auction

More than $26,000 was raised during auction, held on both Thursday and Friday mornings of the Oregon Logging Conference. Proceeds from the auction will support the OLCF scholarship program. Auction items included a safari, paintings and other art items, truck tires and seats, chainsaws, and more. Since the Oregon Logging Conference Foundation’s scholarship program was established in 1968, more than $1.5 million has been awarded to deserving students pursuing careers in the timber industry. 

Future Forestry Workers Career Day

More than 700 students, educators, and industry professionals participated in the 8^th Annual Future Forestry Workers Career Day, held on Friday February 20th, in conjunction with the Oregon Logging Conference. 

High school students from more than two dozen Oregon schools attended this interactive and hands-on career day, learning about logging, forestry, reforestation, sawmills, wildland firefighting, diesel mechanics, and operating heavy equipment. 

One of the activities at Future Forestry Workers Career Day was the high school forestry skills relay. 

With 17 teams from 10 Oregon schools competing, Waldport High School team 1 took first place, Waldport High School team 2, second, La Pine high School team 1, third, and Waldport High School team 3, fourth place.  

The teams competed against each other in the four-skills relay, which included hose lay, choker setting, crosscut sawing. and chainsaw use. 

This event is coordinated by Future Natural Resource Leaders, a high school student leadership organization focused on developing students’ potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success, through natural resources education. 

Log Loader Competition Winners

Demonstrating their skills at operating a 4040-B Link-Belt, the top three winners in the 16^th Annual Oregon Logging Conference Log Loader Competition were within 15 seconds of each other. 

First and second place this year were captured by two people who work for Bryant Logging in Bearvercreek, OR. First place was Jeremy Staats (with a time of 3:22:72) and second place was Zane Bryant (with a time of 3:26:28). Third place was Justin Jakola (with a time of 3:33:76) who works with Rice Logging in Sweet Home, OR

Guess the Net Scale

Oregon Logging Conference attendees gave their guesses for the net scale of two loads of logs, with the winner of each receiving a $250 Cabela’s gift card. The Cabela’s gift cards were donated by Swanson Bros and Melcher Logging. 

The winner of the load of logs provided by Swanson Bros on a Leonard Maser Trucking log truck was Richard Beers, II, (with assistance from his father Richard Beers) He and two others guessed the exact net scale of 7,420 and in the case of a tie, the names are put into a hat and one name is drawn.

The winner of the guess the net scale load of chip and saw logs, provided by Sierra Pacific Industries on a Gene Whitaker Inc. log truck, is Corey Copeland. Copeland, from Albany, OR is the Harvest Manager at the Weyerhaeuser Alsea Tree Farm. Copeland’s name was drawn after he and one other person were tied with the closest guess of the net scale. Their guesses were 5,670 and the net scale was 5,640.

Family Day and OLC Open to the Public Day

Forest families and members of the public turned out in large numbers on the final day of the Oregon Logging Conference, Saturday, February 21^st. One of the new activities this year, which was very popular, was an opportunity to take a virtual tour of a working forest. 

Other popular Family Day activities included building wooden birdhouses, live wildlife, free seedling giveaways, face painting, balloons, art projects, and other hands-on forestry-related opportunities. 

"Saturday, we are joined by our industry's families, as well as being open to the public which provides an opportunity for everyone to learn more about who we are and what we do and meet many of the professionals who make their living in this industry,” said Rikki Wellman, OLC Manager. “Our conference is also a place where forestry and natural resource professionals can socialize and network with others in the industry,” she added.

The dates for the 89^th Annual Oregon Logging Conference are February 25, 26, and 27, 2027.  

For more information visit: www.oregonloggingconference.com.

Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition (EXPO), hosted by the Southern Forest Products Association, is headed to the Savannah Convention Center in Savannah, Georgia, from August 18-20, 2027.

“EXPO flourished in Nashville at the Music City Center in 2023 and 2025, exceeding expectations and showcasing the strength of the longest-running forest products show in the industry,” said Eric Gee, SFPA’s executive director. “In mid-2025, SFPA began working to secure dates for the 2027 EXPO. Due to the increased popularity of Nashville as an event destination, traditional summer dates with the Music City Center were not available.”

SFPA staff then conducted a site selection process and, after careful review, identified Savannah as the most suitable location for EXPO 2027.

“Savannah places EXPO in the heart of the Southern Pine lumber community, while preserving our commitment to a high-quality, accessible, and cost-conscious event for exhibitors and attendees," Gee said.

Located right on the Savannah River just across from the city’s historic and tourist district, there is plenty to do after an exciting day on the show floor.

Stay tuned to SFPAexpo.com for announcements. Booth sales for the 39th Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition are scheduled to open in May 2026.

ABOUT FOREST PRODUCTS EXPO
Since 1950, the Forest Products Machinery and Equipment Exposition has provided a place for both hardwood and softwood sawmillers to gather, celebrate new technology, network, and learn about the industry’s latest machinery and equipment. Click here for a recap of Forest Products EXPO 2025.

The three-day tradeshow offers attendees solutions spanning nearly every stage of the manufacturing process - from raw material handling and crane operations to metal detection, scanning technologies, log optimization, drying, grading, sorting, packaging, and distribution. EXPO provides an environment where new technologies flourish, industry leaders connect, and forest products manufacturing sector can discover new opportunities.

MARATHON, NY - Timberwolf Firewood Processing Equipment, a leader in innovative wood processing machinery, recently announced the launch of the Pro-LP XL and Pro-LP XL Diesel firewood processors- the next evolution of its popular compact firewood processor series. Building on the success of the original Pro-LP platform, the new XL models feature significant upgrades in size, capability, and performance while retaining the simplicity and ruggedness that Timberwolf customers depend on. Since its introduction in 2025, the original Pro-LP firewood processor became a standout in the light-to-medium firewood market by combining professional-grade build quality with ease of use for homeowners, small businesses, and rental operations. Powered by a fuel-efficient 22HP Honda GX-700 EFI engine and a high-pressure hydraulic system, the Pro-LP delivered dependable cycle times and secure log handling in a compact, towable footprint. Its thoughtful design allowed operators to pick up logs directly from the ground and process them with minimal assistance, making firewood production a truly one-man operation.

A Larger, More Capable Successor
With the new Pro-LP XL lineup, Timberwolf takes everything that made the original machine successful and expands it for greater operational capacity. The new models are four feet longer than the Pro-LP, featuring a 12-foot feed trough that enables the processing of logs up to 24 feet in length. This extended reach makes the Pro-LP XL ideal for landowners and mobile firewood contractors dealing with larger timber or long, cumbersome logs that exceed the capacity of smaller machines.The standard Pro-LP XL is powered by a robust 24.9 HP Honda GX800 engine, while the Pro-LP XL Diesel variant comes equipped with a 24.9 HP Hatz three-cylinder diesel engine, offering an excellent balance of power, fuel efficiency, and durability. Both models are designed to handle logs up to 16 inches in diameter with ease and split them cleanly through a multi-way wedge & providing professional results without the complexity or cost of larger commercial processors.<

Smart Engineering for Real-World Conditions
Timberwolf engineers upgraded the hydraulics on the XL models with a 22 GPM Hi/Lo splitter pump and an 18 GPM saw pump, ensuring smooth, responsive operation and long pump life. A standout feature of the design is the oversized, elongated hydraulic oil tank. During rigorous testing in extreme temperatures, the processor's hydraulic oil maintained stable operating temperatures without the need for auxiliary coolers, avoiding common points of failure and simplifying maintenance. The Pro-LP XL also incorporates a hydraulic down-pressure top roll clamping system and a 3-strand live deck, which work together to firmly secure logs throughout the cutting and splitting cycle. These enhancements improve throughput and reduce the need for operator intervention, allowing even difficult or irregular stock to pass through the system efficiently.

Designed for Portability and Productivity
Despite its enhanced capability, the Pro-LP XL remains remarkably portable. Weighing in at under 3,300 pounds and equipped with a standard 10-foot integrated conveyor, the processor can be easily towed by a half-ton truck or utility vehicle, making it a versatile choice for mobile services, rural properties, and rental fleets alike. The conveyor efficiently moves split firewood into piles or truck beds, reducing manual handling and streamlining workflow from start to finish.

The Pro-LP XL represents the next step in Timberwolf's commitment to bringing professional-level firewood processing within reach of more users. By listening to customer feedback and building on the proven strengths of the original Pro-LP, we've created a machine that delivers expanded capacity, easier handling of long logs, and reliable performance day in and day out.

Availability
The Timberwolf Pro-LP XL and Pro-LP XL Diesel firewood processors are now available. For more information, specifications, and dealer locations, visit the Timberwolf website.

About Timberwolf Firewood Processing Equipment
Timberwolf has been manufacturing wood processing machinery designed for durability, performance, and ease of operation. From homeowners and small producers to commercial contractors, Timberwolf's lineup delivers high quality and reliable service in every application. https://www.timberwolfequip.com/products/pro-lp-xl-diesel-firewood-processor

Opticom Tech, a leader in industrial video monitoring solutions, announced the addition of a new product to its offerings: the OPT ToughEye-1700K self-cleaning camera, designed to deliver consistent visibility in sawmill environments where dust, debris and buildup regularly compromise standard camera systems.

Sawmills depend on clear, reliable video to support safe real-time operations, efficient production and informed decision-making. However, airborne debris can cause the need for frequent lens cleaning, which pulls maintenance teams away from higher-value tasks and creates gaps in visibility. The OPT ToughEye-1700K is designed to address that challenge head-on and help sawmills maintain clear video without operator intervention. The camera’s patented self-cleaning technology is effective against tree sap, dust, mud, oil, grease, abrasive dust, water, and many other contaminants, and uniquely requires no water, detergents, compressed air, or manual intervention for its rated lifetime.

“Visibility shouldn’t be a luxury for sawmills; it should be an expectation,” said Heidi Schmidt, Global Sales Manager at Opticom Tech. “The OPT ToughEye-1700K solves a very real problem we hear about all the time — cameras get dirty and cleaning them requires shutting down the line. By keeping the lens clean automatically, this self-cleaning camera helps mills reduce maintenance interruptions and maintain clear visibility for operators.”

The camera is built with the same durability that sawmills are used to from Opticom Tech cameras, which can survive for decades inside mills, many times including direct hits from boards and logs. The self-cleaning adds reliability in areas where cameras quickly become obscured. For sawmills, that translates to:

• No manual cleanings
• More consistent monitoring
• Less downtime 

The OPT ToughEye-1700K is available with multiple configuration options to support a range of sawmill applications, including 80-degree or 100-degree lens angles, RJ45 or M12 connector options, and an additional integrated self-cleaning light option. All versions support Power over Ethernet (PoE+), to streamline installation and integration into existing video systems.

“This camera is about reliability and peace of mind,” Schmidt added. “When operators and supervisors know the camera view will stay clear, they can focus on running the mill safely and efficiently instead of worrying about whether the video feed can be trusted.”

The camera is now available to purchase through Opticom Tech. For more information, visit https://www.opticomtech.com. 

About Opticom Tech

Founded in 1973, Opticom Tech provides integrated video monitoring solutions for industrial applications, including sawmills, mines, food processing facilities, and more. Built to withstand harsh environments, Opticom Tech’s rugged cameras and equipment stand the test of time. For more information, visit www.opticomtech.com. 

BATTLE CREEK, MICH — Opticom Tech, a leader in industrial video monitoring solutions, announced the release of its updated CC02 industrial camera with an even more rugged anodized coating, built-in vibration mount and lens options—and it’s now made in the United States. 

“We’ve been designing, prototyping and testing this CC02 camera with our U.S. manufacturing partner for over 18 months,” said Heidi Schmidt, global sales manager for Opticom Tech. “We were able to retain, and even enhance, the quality and durability that the CC02 is known for while adding features, bringing manufacturing to North America, and maintaining a similar price point. 

Prototypes of the camera were tested in the harshest environments, including sawmills, where cameras need to be able to withstand vibration, heat, dust, debris and even direct hits by boards and logs. The new anodized coating provides increased resistance to corrosion and wear, ensuring long-lasting performance in extreme conditions.

A built-in vibration mount now comes standard, instead of as an extra accessory, which simplifies installation, improves image stability in high-vibration settings and increases product lifespan. All lens options are still available to fit specific monitoring applications, keeping the CC02 as versatile as ever.

“This is the same CC02 camera our customers know and love—just made in the U.S. and tougher than ever,” Schmidt said.

The new Made-in-the-USA CC02 camera is now available to order through Opticom Tech or its distributors. For more information, visit www.opticomtech.com. 

About Opticom Tech

Founded in 1973, Opticom Tech provides integrated video monitoring solutions for industrial applications, including sawmills, mines, food processing facilities and more. Built to withstand harsh environments, Opticom Tech’s rugged cameras and equipment stand the test of time. For more information, visit www.opticomtech.com. 

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September 29, 2025 - Wood-Mizer, a global leader in sawmilling and wood processing equipment, has named Ben Brydges as Chief Executive Officer. Brydges will lead the company into its next era of growth and innovation, strengthening Wood-Mizer’s position as a trusted partner to sawmillers, woodworkers, and forestry professionals worldwide. 

Founded in 1982, Wood-Mizer revolutionized the industry with the introduction of the portable sawmill and has since grown into a worldwide manufacturing leader. As an employee-owned company, Wood-Mizer takes pride in combining its workforce’s expertise and commitment with a customer-first philosophy that fuels long-term success. From its headquarters and manufacturing plants in Indiana, Wood-Mizer designs, engineers, and builds a broad product portfolio that includes portable and industrial sawmills, resaws, board edgers, sawmill blades, pallet recycling equipment, log splitters, and log handling equipment. The company operates across six continents, serving customers in more than 100 countries with a reputation for quality, reliability, and industry-leading customer support. 

Brydges joins Wood-Mizer with extensive leadership experience across automotive, industrial, security, and consumer goods markets. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Toledo. His career includes senior leadership roles at Dana Incorporated, FRAM Group, and most recently at dormakaba, where he served as the North American leader based in Indianapolis. 

Recognized for his expertise in operations, engineering, and organizational leadership, Brydges is known for building strong teams, driving innovation, and delivering products that set industry benchmarks. His appointment underscores Wood-Mizer’s commitment to providing premium quality products with legendary customer service through an unmatched network. 

“My leadership philosophy aligns strongly with Wood-Mizer’s values,” said Brydges. “I’m truly excited to join the Wood-Mizer team and build on this company’s strong foundation. Together, by listening to our customers, supporting one another, and embracing new opportunities, we will achieve incredible things and shape a bright future. Wood-Mizer is a powerful brand with a passionate following that I am both humbled and honored to lead.” 

 
About Wood-Mizer? 
 Since 1982, Wood-Mizer has earned the reputation as a global-leading sawmill and woodworking equipment manufacturer. From Forest to Final Form®, Wood-Mizer offers an extensive line of equipment including portable and industrial sawmills, resaws, board edgers, wood kilns, planer/moulders, firewood processing equipment, pallet recycling equipment, material handling equipment, sawmill blades, and blade maintenance equipment. For more than 40 years, Wood-Mizer remains committed to serving sawmilling and woodworking hobbyists and professionals all over the world throughout an established and growing distribution network.? 

Showcase Equipment Acquires Echo Enterprises, Ensuring Continuity and Excellence in Bandmill Manufacturing

Wolcottville, IN – October 21, 2025 – Showcase Equipment is excited to announce the acquisition of Echo Enterprises, a renowned manufacturer of heavy-duty and custom-length bandmills based in Hector, New York. This strategic move will allow Showcase Equipment to continue building the high-quality bandmills Echo is known for, while maintaining the exceptional customer service that has defined Echo’s reputation.

The operational transition is planned for January 2026, marking a new chapter for both companies. Customers can expect uninterrupted service and ongoing innovation as the two organizations join forces.

“We are very excited about this opportunity. Showcase wants to continue doing what Echo has become known for, and this acquisition fits perfectly with what Showcase does now and plans to do in the future—being your go-to source for all your sawmill equipment needs,” said John Yoder of Showcase Equipment.

Echo Enterprises founder Andy Stoltzfus will remain involved for an extended period, assisting with design and engineering for the mills and providing training to ensure a smooth transition. “I’m excited about this transition and look forward to working with Showcase. I’ll remain involved for an extended period, assisting with design and engineering for these mills and providing training to ensure a smooth transition,” said Stoltzfus.

Contact Information:
- Echo Enterprises: 315-694-8141 (Hector, NY)
- Showcase Equipment: 260-633-4047 (Wolcottville, IN)
- Website: ShowcaseEquipment.us

For further information, please contact either company at the numbers above.