Where do you go to learn about new machinery, supplies, and services for the pallet and sawmill industry? Where do you go for an opportunity to bump into others in the industry so you can network to exchange ideas and issues? Where can you arrange to share a meal or a few drinks with an industry friend? Is there one place where you can do all of these and do so economically?

            Fortunately the questions above can all be answered “Yes!” From my experiences, EXPO Richmond is the best single event in the world to learn about the pallet industry and network with others. And it is economical - no registration fees and affordable expenses. You can talk with your favorite suppliers and discuss how they can help you.

            The “Richmond Show” comes along every two years, often enough to provide a good opportunity but not so often it takes too much time and money. This year EXPO Richmond returns to the Richmond Raceway Complex in Richmond, Virginia on May 21-22. You can obtain more information about registration and the show by calling the Virginia Forest Products Association at 804/737-5625.

            You may be thinking that you do not need any more machinery. Certainly that has been true for many in the last few years. But with hopes of a better economy on the horizon, more forward thinking company owners are examining their options to provide the kinds of services their customers will need, and provide them efficiently. There is absolutely no better place to examine your options and have an opportunity to research them than EXPO Richmond this May.

            There are other forest products shows, some annual and some biennial. But, over the years I have asked a wide variety of industry suppliers what show they believe is the best for them. Virtually without exception, they answered “Richmond.” This is the show to attend if you are going anywhere this year or the near future.

            During the recent NWPCA annual meeting, conversations with most of the exhibitors promised some exciting new developments. During the 1980s and to a lesser extent the 90s, new machinery developments came fast and furious. Over the last decade new machinery and service ideas were not as common, but this year promises to be reversing the trend.

            Many exhibitors are hoping to bring new machines and ideas, but some are not certain whether their new developments will be ready for the show. My coverage here will attempt to focus on many of the things you might see new at Richmond this year. Expect many new product releases in the Enterprise over the next several issues. Our intention is to provide releases on every new machine and service introduced to the pallet and sawmill industries at EXPO Richmond, plus some that might not appear in Richmond.

            I anticipate some developments in the nailing world.Viking has a new nail, its yellow zinc ballistic nailscrews. Viking says, “Drive them in; screw them out.”

            New nailing systems are promised for making block pallets, including systems from Bronco and Pallet Chief. The last several years there has been a promise of more block pallets in the future. Our industry is responding to this possibility.

            There may be some composite blocks on display, a fairly new concept to North America but an established part of the European pallet market. Sonoco and Euroblock Verpackungsholz are now offering composite blocks in North America. Ece-Pak has recently introduced its pallet collar systems, an established concept in Europe but relatively unknown in North America.

            Pallet Machinery Group will again be running a Storti automatic high speed block pallet nailing system. In addition, PMG will present its new HY245 vertical circle-saw center-split resaw.

A few machinery companies are planning to exhibit new pallet stackers. Trace will show its new Nail-Mate Automatic Nailing Jig and Stack-Mate Automatic Stacker, as well as its new Flicker block pallet nailing system. PRS will show its new all electric pallet stacker. Smart Products will display its new GMA pallet prep bandsaw for the first time (February Enterprise cover).

            New developments and ideas in the use of wood fiber and biofuels are likely. Kiln Direct is planning on a live demo run of its new MiniQuick firewood kiln. Pendu will present information on its newest machine, the Turn TEQ Compost Turner. Rotochopper and Cresswood will present the latest on their new grinders for processing biomass fuels. West Salem is expanding its machinery products for biomass and biofuels processing systems.

            Software developments are offering options for pallet people to consider. AMS’s PalMateERP is expecting to unveil its new version 1.0 software and have its new web site running in Richmond. The NWPCA will probably be demonstrating its PDS program.

            New products, exhibitors, and ideas are starting to be seen. Hub Industrial Supply will be a new exhibitor. In addition to its saw blade products, Hub will feature its safety supplies. BC Market Solutions is a new industry name with established pallet management in machinery, including nailers and material handling machinery.

            Some well established industry suppliers, such as Smart Products, G. Wine Sales, Viking, Brewer, and Brewco, shared that they hope to have some new items in Richmond but were not certain they will be ready. Wood-Mizer should unveil its new 2010 product line. In addition, it will introduce its new industrial product as it rebrands its current products.

            Noble Machinery, one of the oldest suppliers of pallet industry machinery, will introduce its new “Pallet Hawg” band dismantler. After decades of supplying used machinery, Noble is delving deeper into new machinery as well.

            Come by Industrial Reporting’s booth #632-634 and visit with us. You can pick up copies of our publications as well as chat with our staff. Watch for a list of exhibitors and a layout of the show in next month’s Pallet Enterprise.