exte magazine | no1 2012

Forest-based raw materials are an increasingly valuable and useful asset for society and wherever there is demand for them there is also a great need for transportation. This not only means timber haulage by road, but also by rail.

EXTEMAGAZINEN E W S F R O M T H E W O R L D ’ S L A R G E S T M A N U F A C T U R E R O F C A R G O B U N K S . N O 1 / 2 0 1 2

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Contacts: Contact us via tel. no. +46 (0)6511 7500 or fax no. +46 (0)6511 7503 and tell us what you need.Sales department direct: If you wish to speak to a sales person, call +46 (0)6511 7501.Internet: You’ll find everything you need to know about the world’s leading manufacturer of timber bunks at exte.se.

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Tomorrow

Valuable forest-based raw materials need transportation today and tomorrow.

The uncertainty about global market trends, the European economy and a debt crisis that must be overcome all affect the Swedish forest industry and thus both forestry itself and timber transportation.But there are also positive signs. According to the forest industry’s own plans consumption of forest-based raw materials in Sweden is expected to increase by around ten million cubic metres by 2017. An increase is anticipated above all in the sawmill industry and on the energy side. The biggest increase in the case of energy from the forest will take place in Europe which must provide 20 percent of its energy supply through renewables by 2020. One part of the solution may be the export of processed biofuel from Sweden. Over the years the forest industry has demonstrated great ingenuity when it comes to finding new, creative and profitable solutions for the utilization of forest-based raw materials. Nothing leads us to believe we have come to the end of that particular road. Forest-based raw materials are an increasingly valuable and useful asset for society and wherever there is demand for them there is also a great need for transportation. This not only means work for timber hauliers by road, but also by rail. Here at ExTe we always face new challenges in the development of timber transportation products for both road and rail. We recently launched a new steel bunk for the German market. The pneumatic release and A10 bunk we presented at last year’s Forestry Transport Exhibition are now on the road. And we’ll have more news at the Elmia Lastbil trade fair this summer. And on the railway side we’re busy in Sweden and a number of other countries on some very interesting projects that we’ll come back to. And talking about coming back, I note with more than a little pride that all of the visitors to our facilities in Färila like what they see and experience when they call on us. Many hauliers, bodybuilders and truck dealers come back year after year. This is probably one of the factors that not only make us unique, but which also stimulate us to think along new lines. It certainly helps us compete out in the marketplace. And on a completely different subject, but one that has to do with our ability to compete, our personnel are unusually healthy. We’re pretty sure that there is a connection between low rates of absence due to illness and the fact that our employees get to work out during paid working hours once a week – 80 per cent of our employees make use of our training facilities, and naturally our goal is that 100 per cent do so. So if we disregard the financial storm clouds for a moment we see that spring is on the way, and has even made an appearance down south. A great time to visit us here in Färila. On top of everything else we can offer you an invigorating workout.

Mats Karlsson, MD

We obviously cannot pretend that the financial crisis in Europe and other parts of the world will not have an impact on timber hauliers. Even if the immediate future promises to keep us busy the long-term consequences are naturally a source of concern. The uncertainty about global market trends, the European economy and a debt crisis that must be overcome all affect the Swedish forest industry and thus both forestry itself and timber transportation.

E X T E M A G A z I N E 3

“I’ve already made a one-week trip to Finland together with our service engineer Pär Olsson and our representative Julius Närvä. Together with Svante Peth, Julius works with the Finnish market. My job there is mainly to support them and their work, while here in Sweden it’s a question of more active sales work,” Ulf tells us. Ulf has sound knowledge and experience of the industry. He began to learn the trade from the bottom up in the family haulage workshop at the tender age of 16. When it was time to take his driving test it was also time to get behind the wheel in a timber truck. In 1966 Ulf was recruited by ExTe and among other things he took part in the development of the Com 90 bunks. In 2004 he joined internal sales with responsibility for contacts with Rickard Morath, ExTe’s dealer in German-speaking countries. “It feels pretty good,” says Ulf about his new job. “A bit like being back on the road. I get to have direct contact with our users again.” <

After seven years in internal sales supporting ExTe’s dealers in Germany and German-speaking markets Ulf Göransson has made the step out into the field. In the New Year Ulf became a salesman out among the bodybuilders, truck dealers and hauliers in Sweden where he and Jörgen Spring share responsibility for our customers. Ulf will also be responsible for contacts with dealers in Finland while Jörgen will continue to take care of Norway.

“This means that our customers in Sweden can now turn to me or Jörgen. We won’t be dividing up the customers geographically but will be working with them nationwide,” explains Ulf. For Ulf the job also means contacts and trips to Finland.

Ulf Göransson reinforces the Swedish and Finnish markets.

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Collaborative partners


Close to ExTe service everywhere in Sweden.“We’ve built up a nationwide network of collaborative partners over the years, including both bodybuilders and service workshops. They are there to provide you with ExTe service no matter where you operate. Our collaborative partners are ExTe dealers and act as a haulier’s nearest contact when it comes to our products and spare parts,” explains Jörgen Spring.

“Access to swift, qualified service is important in any industry. Through our collaborative partners we currently enjoy what is practically a wall-to-wall network of service workshops that hauliers can turn to. And we still in the process of extending it where it’s needed. “Our partners keep the most important products and spare parts in stock, and they also have priority when it comes to deliveries from us. They also know how our products should be installed in the most effective way,” says Jörgen. “Hauliers can rest assured that when they invest in ExTe timber bunks and tensioners they are also investing in proximity to swift, easily accessible service. And like we said, it’s the same no matter where you’re hauling,” declares Jörgen. <

www.reconab.se

Fordonsteknik i Älvsbyn, +46 9291 3523

Bodensläp i Boden, +46 9215 3000

Hellgrens i Skellefteå +46 91073 2230, Bureå +46 910 732 235

Lefab i Bureå, +46 910 780 325

Björnavagnar i Björna, +46 6621 0008

Åkarnas Hydraulservice i Hudiksvall, +46 6503 1110

Hjelms i Iggesund, +46 6502 2150

Kilafors Industrier, +46 278 659 200

Parator i Bollnäs, +46 278 632 030

Mats Plåt & Svets i Rånäs, +46 1756 1519

Berners Sollefteå, +46 6205 7130, Östersund, +46 6357 4700, Sundsvall, +46 6064 6400

OP Höglunds i Säffle, +46 533 691 660

Bergs i Fegen, +46 3466 1210

Mjölby Släp och Trailer, +46 142 298 992

MVB i Mjölby, +46 142 290 680 AM Industrier i Mjölby, +46 1421 0670

Ölab i Östersund, +46 6314 2980

Recon verkstad i Linköping, +46 1335 3675

Nikar Fordonsservice i Karlskoga, +46 5865 5465

Floby Nya Bilverkstad, +46 5154 0065

Sjögrens Lastvagnar i Avesta, +46 2266 6250

Bil Nord i Lycksele, +46 6605 7904

Engströms Lastbilar i Kisa, +46 4947 1070, Västervik, +46 4906 6000

Ovanfjäll i Hoting, +46 6711 0255

Vem Service i Vemdalen, +46 6843 0425

Åkes mekaniska i Nuttö, +46 1731 6045

Däckab i Ljusdal +46 6511 4090, Sveg +46 680 711 420

Fordonstjänst i Kil, 0554-133 25


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Collaborative partners


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Pneumatic releases

The pneumatic release makes work simpler and easier and provides a better working environment for the driver.

New

Pneumatic releases work like a dream.In the middle of February haulier Lasse Larsson equipped two trucks and a trailer with pneumatic releases. You’ll find lasse in Lysvik near Fryken in Värmland. “I was at the Mittia trade fair last year and when I caught sight of the pneumatic releases I thought they seemed interesting,” Lasse tells us. We’ve been using them for a while now and our driver’s think they’re terrific.

Lasse’s lad Rikard is one of the drivers with experience of the pneumatic releases.“I’m over the moon; they work like a dream,” says Rikard. “Much better than expected. They’ve been no trouble at all, not even when it’s really cold and the straps are frozen solid. And they’re so simple; there’s no running around releasing each tensioner individually. These days I stay in the cab and release the truck and the trailer from there, the rest takes care of itself. It save time and makes for a much better working environment,” thinks Rickard. It’s still possible to release single stacks manually even when you’re using pneumatic releases. <


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A10

A10 bunk adapted for 6-bunk rigs.When used with the D stake the new A10 bunk can handle 10 tons and is specially designed to cope with heavier loads than other A bunks. In other words it’s ideal for a 6-bunk rig. “Norrland hauliers in particular – who often operate with 6-bunk rigs – have told us they would like to know more about the new bunk,” says Jenny Eklund from internal sales at ExTe.

customers. Whenever there’s a problem they are the tops. They never quibble, they just solve the problem,” says Stefan. Stefan did exactly what he should do when he fitted the new bunks – he tightened all the bolts right after the first load. “And I’ve made sure to do that several times during this initial stage. When you’ve run a few loads it’s pretty natural for things to bed themselves in. It’s important to check all the bolts,” feels Stefan. “That’s terrific,” says Jenny. Tightening the bolts while the equipment is still new reduces wear and tear. I’d really like to use this opportunity to suggest to everyone who gets new bunks to re-tighten all of the bolts several times during the first month. You should re-tighten them right after the very first load, and check every week in the beginning. It’ll pay off,” says Jenny. <

“The A10 was designed to cope with heavier loads than other A bunks and in combination with the new D stakes they have a load capacity of 10 tons. Without a doubt the A10 is interesting for many hauliers,” explains Jenny. “We can tell this from all the queries and orders we’re getting.”

Stefan Hedström from Viksjöfors in Hälsingland took the

opportunity to fit A10 bunks.

“I needed a new truck, and because I have six bunks on the whole rig I thought it would be a good idea to fit the new A10 bunks. They may well be more suited for those that operate in groups since the A10 bunks can handle rough treatment, but I wanted to try them out anyway. And my experience so far is good,” declares Stefan. “I still have A9 bunks on the truck, and they work well. I’ve been using ExTe bunks for many years and I’m extremely pleased with their bunks and the way they take care of their

Stefan Hedström invested in A10 bunks for his new truck, just like many other hauliers. “Perfect for 6-bunk rigs,” says Stefan.


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Södra

“Because we haul such large volumes of timber we are able to arrange trips so that the COM 90 rig takes care of timber on short hauls of around 20 – 25 kilometres,” explains Jan. This is where the speed Com 90 offers comes into its own. And there’s no denying that Com 90 also provides better load securing. “Among other methods we use multi-tree handling in forest thinning and what comes out of the forest is almost like wet sponges when it’s time to haul it away. This is where Com 90’s ability to compress the timber is a real asset. The hydraulic stakes let us press the load together much better than regular tensioners.” “The other reasons we use ExTe exclusively are of course their dedication and service. The whole crew have a positive attitude and they’re always there when we need help or spare parts. Nothing is impossible for them” “And we’re really happy about that,” says Jan. <

“You’ll find us in every region; we are an established haulier that operates under the same terms and conditions as all the others,” emphasizes Jan. “There’s no VIP lane for us. One of the ideas behind the haulage business is for us to gain a good insight into what it costs to haul timber. This is one reason why we operate in all regions because the conditions for return loads and logistics vary geographically. So it’s important for us to know how this impacts the cost side. Keeping abreast of technological developments and gaining knowledge about truck running costs are other aspects. Simply put, we like to know what’s going on,” declares Jan. The in-house haulier has been around since the beginning of the 1940s and takes care of 15–20 per cent of the timber arriving at Södra. And you cannot fail to notice that there are ExTe bunks and tensioners on every round timber truck. “They simply very good products,” he says. There is also one truck in the fleet fitted with Com 90 bunks.

ExTe on every truck in Södra’s own fleet.“Having our own fleet fills two functions,” explains Jan Petersson, manager for Södra’s haulage department. Not only do we have a real requirement for the transport capacity, but we also use it as a reference haulier. The haulier currently has 18 round timber rigs and 6 wood chip rigs covering an area from Billingsfors in the north to Bromölla in the south.


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Bilmetro & Berners

Berners visit ExTe.Berners – located in Sollefteå, Östersund and Sundsvall – have almost made a tradition of visiting ExTe. “The best place on the planet to visit,” says Göran Järnberg from Berners. “ExTe are simply outstanding”, he thinks, “especially when they turn out and welcome us on a Friday evening in such a fabulous, friendly way.”

“I had a gang of younger haulage contractors and the sons of hauliers with me, all of whom drive Scanias,” Göran tells us. “Our programme included both timber crane installation at HIAB in Hudiksvall and a visit to the Trux production facility. But when we arrived at ExTe in the late afternoon Jörgen Spring, Ulf Göransson and Pär Olsson welcomed us in their usual friendly, attentive way. We began with a guided tour of the factory, and believe me, there was a great deal of discussions.” “It’s really good when we can see our visitors are enjoying themselves with us. The fact that they have certain points of view – both positive and negative – is all the better. We absorb what they have to say and try to make what they want changed better yet,” declares Jörgen. Berners visits us almost every year. “Jörgen is our contact and that works out really well. I’d just like to say that Jörgen, Ulf and Pär – who took care of us – are the salt of the earth. Many thanks from the hauliers from the Sollefteå area for the fabulous visit, good food, sauna and hot tub,” adds Göran. <

Royal treatment for Bilmetro at ExTe.When Bilmetro decided to arrange their sales meetings at one of their suppliers it was probably no coincidence that ExTe first sprang to mind. Bilmetro’s sales team held internal meetings and took advantage of the programme ExTe arranged for them during the two days they were there.

“I can only say we were treated like royalty. It was absolutely fabulous to visit a place where everyone is on the ball,” says a satisfied Henrik Fredriksson from Bilmetro. “The guided tour through their factory, assembly halls and showrooms only reinforced our perception of ExTe as a modern company with progressive ideas about their business. Walking through their production facilities we were struck by an impression of competence and competitive ability. And – just as important – everything was shipshape. We have only ever had good experiences of ExTe as a supplier. Our visit just confirms that impression,” declares Henrik. And ExTe’s evening arrangements also helped to create a pleasant, happy atmosphere. The programme also included a visit to Curt Göransson. “It was fun to listen to him talk about his career on the truck racetrack, but from a professional point of view it was his tractor/trailer solutions that interested us most,” explains Henrik. <

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Truck race

Four satisfied Truck Racers in the foreground. Behind them are Daniel Karlberg, Jörgen Spring and Ulf Göransson from ExTe.

The Race is Run.Time at last for the ExTe Truck Race final. Last year we held a truck race at every ExTe Roadshow stop from north to south.

After much tough competition Markus Lidén, Mattias Modin, Magnus Ferm and Andreas Walter managed the best times and got to face off in the finals. And one Saturday in March the guys met up at ExTe. After a short introduction from Jörgen Spring, Ulf Göransson and Daniel Karlberg, who were race marshals and instructors, it was time for the Warm Up. The guys got a feel for things and got rid of the worst of their nerves playing Richard Burns Rally. Then it was time to inhale some real Truckracer atmosphere at Curt Göransson’s exhibition covering his truck racing career. In case you’re wondering, Curt is the four-time winner of the European Truck Racing Championships. After the visit it was at last time to face off in two heats and two finals. Markus and Mattias competed over third and fourth place while Magnus and Andreas fought the hair-raising final. After some tough driving Magnus Ferm stood as victor and was of course feted with champagne. And the victor’s prize is a weekend in June with ExTe at the European Rallycross Championships. “Fabulous,” thought Magnus, “we’ve talked many times about travelling to Höljes. And of course it feels really good to win, after all I’m a competitive kind of guy. And when you’re sitting behind the wheel it ain’t no game anymore, believe me. I had just one tactic, to stay on the track. It’s quicker that way. After the race there was a great “banquet” before it was time to take a dip in the hot tub. “Those of us from ExTe had a lot of fun and it looked as though the guys enjoyed themselves to,” said Jörgen. <

There she blows! Just look at that sky! Jörgen Spring seems to be saying.

Driving in style: The Champ Magnus Ferm.


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Miscellany

Ljusdal back home again at last.Elite series bandy has not been itself these past few years. So there was naturally cheering and jubilation when Ljusdal made its way back among the elite after five years in the premier league. And in actual fact it was a welcome return, not least among the other elite bandy clubs in Hälsingland. When the final, deciding match was played in Ljusdal supporters from Broberg, Edsbyn and Bollnäs were there to cheer on the team.

Kilafors, MST and Hjelms came to say hello. We showed them our workshop and all the other stuff, and gave them dinner. They came to hold a sales meeting.

Personal and friendly TransLink visit to ExTe.Kilafors, Hjelms and MST, all of which are parts of TransLink, visited ExTe at the end of February. Kilafors and MST build trailers and Hjelms builds trucks. “We held a sales meeting at ExTe”, Carina Jakobsson, Branch Manager at Kilafors tells us.

“Not only did we have an extremely good internal meeting, we also gained a lot of useful, interesting information. We use the same software as ExTe for such things as production planning, stock control and invoicing. But if I’m honest I have to admit that ExTe has come further than us, so it was a useful visit. We’ll be following up with new contacts to see if we can transfer their experience to us,” explains Carina. A visit to ExTe’s production facilities and show rooms was naturally also included. “Everything was extremely neat and tidy, I must say. And the set-up with autonomous graves gave us a number of ideas,” says Carina. “Our cooperation with ExTe works extremely well both on a personal level and between our computer systems since we both use Monitor,” states Carina. “We were very well received, especially during the evening when ExTe provided dinner. Eating at ExTe and being served by their sales staff made it feel as though we had been invited into someone’s home. Personal and friendly.” “All I can say is that ExTe is very good at taking care of its guests,” says Carina. <

ExTe is one of Ljusdals BK’s major sponsors.

“We watched the match together with a bunch of Hälsing truckers, ExTe’s Jörgen Spring tells us. We met the guys over lunch and a bit of a warm-up before making our way to the classic IP and the match. And I promise you I wasn’t the only one who sounded hoarser than a rasp after the match. It was a real festival with more than 3,000 spectators. After the match it was off to ExTe for a guided tour of the workshop, and then dinner followed by the obligatory sauna and hot tub. “All in all a very successful day that everyone was happy with,” Jörgen tells us. <


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Miscellany

Ulf Hultgren serves the German market.Ulf Hultgren has many years’ experience of production at ExTe and over the years he made sure that all orders were properly shipped from Färila. Since the beginning of the year he has taken care of parts of Ulf Göransson’s services for the German market. Ulf came to ExTe for the first time way back in 1980. “I wound up in the paint shop, but also took care of outbound deliveries,” he tells us. “After 18 years I decided to try my hand at something else and studied as a treatment assistant. I worked a few years with the treatment and rehabilitation of substance abusers, and it was entirely different from working in production at ExTe,” states Ulf. “When the treatment home closed I tried my hand at telephone sales, but that was absolutely ‘not my bag’ and when ExTe asked me to come back it was not a difficult decision. So in 2005 I stepped inside the factory gates. Again. And after seven years with outbound deliveries it feels really good to be doing something else too.” “I’m in almost daily contact with Germany and my job is to make sure that they get the right products at the right time. And I don’t have to speak German.” We understand each other really well in English, and I get better at it every day,” says Ulf with a smile. <

Daniel, designer at ExTe.“I’m busy mostly with revision work, or perhaps further development of existing products is a better way to put it,” says Daniel Karlberg. Daniel joined ExTe as a designer last year. “Right now my job is mostly about seeing if we can improve and develop the products we already have. It’s also a great way to learn in detail how our products are structured and work. Later on I’ll be working on the development of new products,” says Daniel. Daniel is 35 and comes from Nyköping. These days he lives in Ljusdal and really enjoys it. “Happy people and a positive atmosphere,” he says. “And I also like being so close to the mountains as I ski both downhill and overland. This year I skied the Vasalopp open track for the first time. On the only day it snowed, so it was heavy going. But I’m pleased with my time of 6:32, and it was a great ski,” Daniel tells us. Daniel has a background that includes engineering studies at both Mid Sweden University and KTH Royal Institute of Technology. On completion of his studies he worked for seven years in Södertälje designing steel products. <

New steel bunks delivered to Germany.ExTe has developed new bunks that are currently being launched on the German market. The new S-4 and S-6 bunks have load capacities of 4 and 6 tons each respectively. The frames and stakes are manufactured entirely in steel. The design provides greater internal dimensions and a lower load centre of gravity. Max load height is 2800 mm, i.e. somewhat lower than loads in Scandinavia. The bunks have been slimmed down and are thus lighter despite being made of steel. The new bunks were designed for installation on trailers and flatbed trucks and they have smart attachment fittings that do not require drilling or welding. This makes bunk installation simple and easy. “We’ve simply adapted to a bigger, broader market. We’ve installed bunks on a number of rigs that are in use in practical use in Germany,” Mats Karlsson, ExTe’s MD tells us. “The new bunks allow us to reach more users than those who just transport round timber. We anticipate that our deliveries to German customers will prepare the way for exports to the rest of the world. The first proof of this is an order from Japan,” declares Mats. <


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Guess the picture

Where are the pictures from?ExTe occupies a unique position in its industry as the world’s leading manufacturer of timber bunks and automatic tensioners. But the conditions for timber hauliers vary between different countries and continents which is why timber bunks are different in different countries. Check out the pictures of ExTe bunks from around the world. What countries or continents do you think they come from? Answers at the bottom of the page.

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1. Norway | 2. Sweden | 3. New zealand | 4. Japan | 5. Scotland |

6. Indonesia | 7. Finland | 8. France | 9. Brazil

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Brother welders

both a welder and a robot operator. “It was short notice, but great fun to be able to get away,” they say. Now they are working in production for a while welding. But the aim is also for them to share their experience and knowledge with the locally employed welders. The brothers soon noticed that there are major cultural

Extendo (ExTe’s parent company) and a collaborative partner have set up a bodybuilding installation in Malaysia. The Local Manager is Lennart Wallström. The facility is in the running-in stage but already has plenty of work. Especially welding work. So they needed a couple of capable welders from ExTe to bolster the local resources. The offer went to Thomas, who is a welder, and Stefan who is

Brother welders in Malaysia.“Of course it’s an adventure too – not just a job,” brothers Thomas and Stefan Jonsson tell us. Since the middle February and for a couple more months they’ve swapped winter and the Färila factory for Extendo’s installation in Malaysia. “At least it should be warm there,” they say, looking pleased with themselves before they leave.

keeping everything neat and tidy is a difficult balancing act. On the production side people are used to doing everything with simple machines and tools and a lot of hand work. Series production is not uppermost in everyone’s minds here. But we keep on working and we’ve just taken delivery of a 400 ton edging press. “We recently delivered a container trailer and have just received an order for a timber trailer. If the customer is happy, we can expect more. <

differences compared to what they are used to at home. But they are still very positive. “The people are happy, friendly and positive, and the food is really delicious,” think Thomas and Stefan. “The most difficult part is the heat. It’s not easy to remember to drink a lot of water all the time.” “We have a great deal to do, so Thomas and Stefan are sorely needed,” says Lennart Wallström. Simultaneously producing and manufacturing fixtures, material racks and

The facility is gradually being equipped with modern machinery. Seen here is the delivery of a new edging press with a capacity of 400 tons and a 4-metre bed.


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Svetsarbröder

Sweden Postage

paid

ExTe Fabriks AB, SE-820 41 Färila, Sweden. Tel: +46 (0)6511 7500. Fax: +46 (0)6511 7503. E-mail: [email protected] www.exte.se

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Securing cargo. We invented the Concept.

But at last there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Burgeoning exports to China of sawn timber and round timber alike have literally gotten those circular saws spinning again. The companies that held on now see a chance to make a comeback. Against this background it was natural for ExTe to visit its Canadian contacts at the beginning of the year. There is naturally hope that timber haulage will increase and bring investments in new equipment for timber trucks and an increase in orders for ExTe’s products.

British Columbia market on the way up.The past few years have been really tough for the forest industry in British Columbia, Canada. The domestic market more or less collapsed and many sawmills failed to compete with foreign mills. As a result many contractors, sawmills and paper mills have ceased operations for ever, while a number of sawmills have been mothballed. This has of course also impacted timber haulage with reduced volumes and other consequences for hauliers.

exte magazine | no1 2012

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