The Price Companies Invests in Wood Chip Production at Pine Bluff, AR, Facility

On Tuesday, Valmet announced that it had signed an agreement with The Price Companies to supply a new wood handling line for its Pine Bluff, Arkansas, facility. The investment will increase chipping capacity and support an efficient wood chip supply for pulp and paperboard operations.

The order was included in Valmet’s orders received for Q2. Its value was not disclosed, and startup is scheduled for November 2028.

Valmet’s delivery will cover the handling of tree-length softwood and hardwood logs from infeed through production of finished chips. Designed to process 475 tons of roundwood per hour, the line will include a powered infeed conveyor, a trunnion-design debarking drum, a Valmet Disc Chipper Carthage, and belt conveyors.

The system is designed to provide consistent chip quality, reliable operation, and low wood losses.

Dick Carmical, CEO of The Price Companies, said:

“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.”

Tiago Silveira, Valmet’s senior sales manager for service in North America, pulp, energy, and circularity, added:

“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 wood chip supply.”