Finland-headed energy and forest industry technology major Valmet Oyj has announced that it will deliver a new wood handling line to The Price Companies in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, United States. The investment will increase chipping capacity and support an efficient woodchip supply for pulp and paperboard operations.
One of North America’s leading providers of sustainable services in the pulp and paper industry and in agriculture, The Price Companies processes nearly 30 million tonnes of wood and saves over 10 billion gallons of water annually across multiple sites, providing high-quality woodchips and fiber solutions to the pulp and paper industry.
At The Price Companies, providing our customers with a reliable supply of high-quality wood chips is everything to us. Partnering with Valmet once again ensures our new facility is equipped with world-class technology that maximizes consistency and minimizes wood loss, allowing us to remain a trusted partner for our customers, said Dick Carmical, CEO, The Price Companies.
Reliable wood handling for consistent chip quality
Valmet’s delivery scope, the value of which has not been disclosed, covers a comprehensive solution for efficient handling of tree-length logs of both softwood and hardwood, from log infeed to high-quality chips.
Expected to start up in November 2028, the new debarking and chipping line is designed to handle 475 tonnes of roundwood per hour.
It features a powered infeed conveyor, a trunnion-design debarking drum, a Valmet Disc Chipper Carthage, and belt conveyors.
The wood handling line is designed for reliable operation, delivering consistent chip quality with low wood losses.
Valmet has a long-term partnership with The Price Companies, the largest independent wood yard operator in North America. This order reflects the trust built through successful past deliveries. With our proven wood handling technology and strong local service organization, we are well positioned to support the customer throughout the woodyard lifecycle and help ensure an efficient and reliable woodchip supply, said Tiago Silveira, Senior Sales Manager, Service, North America, Pulp, Energy and Circularity, Valmet.
