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Andritz reports solid Q1 results Above: Andritz has reported EBITA of €152.4m in Q1


International technology group Andritz has seen a strong set of Q1 2024 results despite the difficult economic environment.


Andritz, whose refiners are


used extensively in the MDF industry, reported operating profits (EBITA) of €152.4m in Q1 (-3.8% versus Q1 2023: €158.5m). The company said the


“satisfactory” business development was a slight decrease on a year ago, but profitability remained stable and net income increased slightly compared to the first quarter of 2023. While total order intake declined from the high level of the previous year, orders for green technologies went up. “Considering the increasingly difficult economic and geopolitical environment, we are satisfied with our business performance in the first quarter,” said Andritz CEO Joachim Schönbeck. “The growth trend in our


green products and service business shows that we are on the right track.” The Group’s revenue reached €1.88bn, a decrease of 4% compared to the first quarter of 2023. The EBITA margin remained at the level of Q1 2023 (8.1%), and net income increased by 1.6% compared to the first quarter of 2023.


Order intake reached €1.95bn, down 19% compared to Q1 2023. While order intake in the service business was good, the markets for capital goods were very weak across the industries served.


Godfrey is the latest in a slew of North American OSB investment projects The announcement in March of a new OSB mill in the US for Godfrey Forest Products is the latest in a slew of OSB new plant investments and re- openings in North America. The Godfrey project in Maine is added to a list of OSB plant activity spanning 2023-2027 that also includes


West Fraser, Roy O Martin, Tolko, Huber and Kronospan, adding OSB capacity on North American markets. All plant investments/ reopenings effectively add or bring back a total of 3.9 million m3


of OSB capacity in


North America. Maine Governor Janet


MDF Recovery expands presence


with second office in the UK MDF Recovery, the innovator in recycling MDF waste, has announced the opening of its second office at Anglesey’s M-SParc, Wales. The strategic decision to establish a presence on the science park cements MDF Recovery’s longstanding partnership with Bangor University, the owner of M-SParc. This move underscores


the company’s dedication to solving the challenges of achieving a circular economy in Wales, aligning with its recent milestone of the first licence sale in Newtown. “Our expansion to Menai Science Park signifies our deep-rooted collaboration with Bangor University and our commitment to advancing


sustainable practices,” said Craig Bartlett, managing director of MDF Recovery. “By situating ourselves within the country’s first science park, we aim to foster greater cooperation with other clean tech businesses, amplifying our impact on environmental stewardship.” “We are excited to embark on this new chapter at Menai Science Park,” said Rob Elias, Head of Business Development at MDF Recovery. “This strategic move not only strengthens our ties with Bangor University but also positions us to use the vibrant ecosystem of clean tech businesses, building new partnerships for collective progress.”


Mills announced the Godfrey plans at the former Jay Paper Mill Site in Androscoggin, along with the developer John Godfrey. Mr Godfrey has previously developed successful OSB manufacturing facilities across North America.


The project is expected


Finsa’s Pablo Figueroa López is the new EPF chairman


Above: Finsa’s Pablo Figueroa López is the new EPF chairman


Finsa commercial director Pablo Figueroa López is the new chairman of the European Panel Federation (EPF), succeeding Martin Brettenthaler.


The EPF paid tribute to former Swiss Krono CEO Mr Brettenthaler, saying he had left behind a “legacy of transformative leadership and


dedication to the industry”. The EPF described Mr Figueroa López as a respected leader in the panel industry, with leadership roles related to exports, markets and sales at Finsa. It said Mr Figueroa López was eager to build upon EPF’s achievements. “I am honoured to assume this new role and look forward to further working closely with the Board and connecting with relevant stakeholders to drive sustainable growth, modernity, and innovation within the wood-based panel sector,” he said.


His predecessor Mr


Brettenthaler played a central role in steering EPF towards strategic development and impactful advocacy.


www.wbpionline.com | April/May 2024 | WBPI


to take 18-24 months to complete, create about 125 jobs and add approximately 700,000m3


of OSB capacity.


The Jay paper mill, most recently operated by Pixelle Specialty Solutions, ceased its operations at the mill following a series of financial challenges.


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