Photo courtesy of Bruks Siwertell Group
Bruks Siwertell Group, a Swedish supplier of dry bulk handling and wood processing systems, has signed an acquisition contract for North American heavy machinery specialist, West Salem Machinery (WSM), effective July 1. The Salem, Oregon-based engineering and manufacturing company will continue to operate under its current name as a separate internal division within Bruks Siwertell Group.
“We could not be more delighted to bring WSM under the Bruks Siwertell Group umbrella,” says Peter Jonsson, CEO of Bruks Siwertell. “For more than seventy years, WSM has forged its reputation across numerous processing industries including wood products, recycling, soil/mulch, pulp and paper, biofuels and many more, making it one of the most recognized suppliers of biomass and wood fiber processing machinery in North America.
“For our customers, the acquisition will deliver a broader product range of market-leading technology, uniquely able to match operational needs. Together with our Wood Technology business units in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, it will also ensure our capability to meet customer demands for sustainability and digitalization,” Jonsson adds.
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“We are looking forward to pursuing growth opportunities as part of a larger group with a global footprint,” says Mark Lyman, CEO of WSM. “We will work in close collaboration with all Bruks Siwertell Wood Technology units, complementing, strengthening and expanding our combined product and service portfolios for customers worldwide. WSM’s personnel will be fully retained and welcomed into the Bruks Siwertell Group.”
“The acquisition of WSM is a positive, strategic move that will immediately expand our presence in the U.S. and extend our global product and service offering, with an even more favorable mix of products, systems and services,” Jonsson says. “Bruks Siwertell is a leading supplier of woodyard systems in the U.S., and by combining our industry presence and WSM’s, we can better reach both local and national U.S. industries, and beyond into international markets.
Founded in the Pacific Northwest, WSM started operations by supplying machinery to sawmills in the region and expanded into the recycling industry. Today, WSM is an engineering company, employing 70 personnel. The company’s products include grinders, shredders, hogs, hammer mills and screens.
The contract was signed June 30. Following the acquisition, Bruks Siwertell will have close to 500 personnel.
