July 15, 2024 100 Years Pioneering Wood Processing Innovation

Volume 27 | Issue 2

Since 1924, the Bid Group has provided industry-leading solutions for customers in the wood processing industry.

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The Bid Group is a privately-owned Canadian company that designs and manufactures processing technologies, integrated solutions, reliability solutions, Industry 4.0 digital transformation automation, parts, and training for the wood processing industry. Founded in 1983, the Bid Group has grown from a small family business into a diversified enterprise with a global presence, offering a wide range of products and services that cater to the evolving needs of the forestry products and wood processing sector.

A chief example is The Bid Group’s Comact division, renowned for its cutting-edge sawmill equipment technologies integrated with advanced software solutions to provide realtime data and analytics, helping operators make informed decisions and maximize output. This year, the company is celebrating the centennial anniversary of its Comcat brand, which was originally founded in 1924 as a small, family-owned sawmill company in the Beauce region of Quebec that in 2013 became part of the Bid Group.

In a recent press release, Bid Group CEO Alistair Cook says, “The last 100 years have been a testament to the hard work and pragmatic ingenuity that are the hallmarks of Comact. The company’s and brand’s growth and longevity in this competitive industry reflects its dedication to delivering exceptional, high-performance equipment and a reputed steadfast service to its customers.”

Adds Simon Potvin, Bid Group President of Wood Processing, “When Comact joined forces with BID Group, it was a strategic decision that has enabled us to leverage our collective expertise and legacy of operational lifecycle excellence. We are excited to continue this journey, honoring our roots while looking forward to executing our ambitious strategies that will shape the next century of wood processing.”

Comcat is a one-stop shop for high-quality, robust mechanical and electronic sawmill equipment used for:

• Log processing
• Log breakdown
• Edging and resawing
• Lumber processing
• Planing
• Bulk material handing
• Kiln drying
• Pellet production

All Comcat solutions aim to maximize yield and accelerate throughput via end-to-end services encompassing engineering, project management, after-sales support, training, parts, and upgrade offers. Three well-known industry brands further support Comact’s combined and comprehensive offers:

• Miller Manufacturing: state-of-the-art planer and infeed systems
• MoCo Engineering & Fabrication: lumber stacking systems
• PHL: hardwood, white pine and softwood customization specialist for personalized mill solutions

The Bid Group as a whole has emphasized its commitment to integrate AI into its wood processing technologies. The latest example is Comact’s ResawExpert, an AI-powered linear resaw optimizer with vision that maximies yield, reduces waste, and generate superior products.

Key features include:

• Independent optimization and grading of all four product faces
• Rotation validation scanner
• Optimization of clear wood cuttings, NHLA cutting grades, or custom grades
• Quick and easy installation on an existing line without disruptions.

Innovation and Technology

Other brand names under the Bid Group umbrella include:

• DelTech: design and manufacture of turnkey continuous/batch kilns, biomass-fuelled energy system technologies, and pellet plant solutions to reduce energy consumption and related costs
• OPER8™: IoT (Internet of Things) solution for smart-connected sawmill operations that reduce operational costs while increasing factory output
• BD Automation: integrated control systems for process engineering and material handling automation

One of the key factors behind the Bid Group’s success is its emphasis on innovation.

The company invests heavily in research and development to stay at the forefront of technological advancements. No other equipment partner is as advanced as the BID Group. At the same time, the company aims to make these advanced technologies easily accessible with hassle-free deployment to any wood processor. AI is the backbone of every solution, and all systems incorporate standardized electronic components to generate reliable data so customers can make more informed decisions, boost performance, uncover undetected issues, optimize production, and safeguard operations from throughput issues.

Equally important is strategic acquisitions to extend not only its product and services portfolio, but geographic presence. One most recent example is the acquisition of YGE Inc, a supplier of top-tier saw guides, grinder, and critical consumables based in St. Raymond, Quebec. In a press release announcement of the acquisition, Potvin comments how the acquisition “marks another important step in meeting our valued customer demand for modern, high quality and innovative saw and tooling technology solutions. This partnership builds on previous investments in Smith Sawmill Services, BLADE cutting tools, and the recently announced acquisition of Industrial Cutting Solutions in Alabama.”

Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

Sustainability is a core value at the Bid Group. The company is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and promoting sustainable forestry practices. It collaborates with clients to implement eco-friendly solutions that minimize waste, reduce energy consumption, and enhance resource efficiency.

In addition to its sustainable product offerings, the Bid Group actively participates in initiatives aimed at preserving forest ecosystems. The company supports reforestation programs and works closely with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Customer-Centric Approach

The Bid Group’s customer-centric approach is another cornerstone of its success. The company prides itself on its ability to deliver customized solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. With reduced construction and ramp-up periods, mills benefit with a quicker payback and improved return on capital. This turnkey approach reduces owner effort, risk, and wasted money, resulting in a modern and top-performing mill right out of the gate.

BID Group is the only company in the wood processing industry proven to effectively design, fabricate, install, and commission both large and small capital projects.

From initial consultation and design to installation and after-sales support, the Bid Group offers a comprehensive suite of services that ensure customer satisfaction at every stage of the project.

This dedication to customer service is exemplified by the company’s 24/7 support team, which provides technical assistance and troubleshooting to minimize downtime and keep operations running smoothly. The Bid Group’s extensive network of service centers across North America further enhances its ability to respond quickly to customer needs.

Global Reach and Impact

While the Bid Group’s roots are in Canada, its impact extends far beyond. The company has offices in 15 key locations to serve its global customer base, completing projects in various countries, with a demonstrated ability to adapt to different markets and regulatory environments. This global reach is supported by strategic partnerships and a strong supply chain that ensures timely delivery of products and services worldwide.

The Bid Group’s international success is also a testament to its reputation for quality and reliability. Clients around the globe trust the company to deliver innovative solutions that drive efficiency and profitability in the forest products industry.

Looking ahead, the Bid Group is poised to continue its trajectory of growth with new technologies such as AI, robotics, and IoT to further enhance its product offerings and bring new levels of automation and connectivity to the forestry sector, enabling smarter and more sustainable operations.

As the forest products industry faces new challenges and opportunities, the company is well-positioned to lead the way with solutions that drive progress and create value for its clients and communities.

The Bid Group’s remarkable journey from a small family business to a global leader in the forest products industry is a testament to its vision, innovation, and dedication. By staying true to its roots while embracing new technologies and sustainable practices, the company continues to set new standards for excellence in the forestry sector. As it moves forward, the Bid Group is sure to remain a key player in shaping the future of the forest products and word processing industry.

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