New Zealand’s Niagara Sawmilling Modernizes With Comact

Comact, a global provider in high-performance OEM wood-processing technologies, is proud to announce a major equipment and technology sale to Niagara Sawmilling Co., located in Invercargill, New Zealand. This large-scale modernization project will significantly enhance Niagara’s production capabilities and strengthen operational performance. Executed in close collaboration with Lakeland Steel, Comact’s key partner in New Zealand and Australia, the project reflects a shared commitment to delivering cutting-edge technologies supported by strong local expertise.

This brownfield project includes the supply of an entirely new log infeed equipped with a Versa ring debarker; while the primary breakdown will feature a Hybrid Sawline combining triple profiling, circular saws, a splitting module and a 7 ft. CETEC bandsaw, followed downstream by a dual-profiling CPG (canter profiler gang). Together, these elements make it the most versatile sawing line ever designed. The mill will also include a complete trimmer line equipped with an AI-powered TrimExpert optimizer. Additionally, the new installation will be equipped with a suite of Smart Vision systems deployed throughout the process, along with full integration of the sawmill into the OPER8 industrial IoT platform.

Equipment delivery is scheduled for late 2026, followed by commissioning in 2027.