EDMUNDSTON, New Brunswick, Sept. 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Acadian Timber Corp. (“Acadian”) (TSX:ADN), together with its largest shareholder Macer Forest Holdings Inc. (“Macer”), is investing $2.5 million over 5 years in the University of New Brunswick (“UNB”) to drive innovation in digital forestry. The funding of this contribution will be split equally between Acadian and Macer. The investment will support the creation of a new digital stream within UNB’s master of forestry program and fund infrastruct ...

Core Viewpoint - Tornator reported a significant growth in revenue and profit for the first half of 2025, with a focus on sustainable growth and strategic partnerships, particularly in the timber market [1][6][9]. Financial Performance - Net sales increased by 23% to €104.5 million compared to €85.1 million in H1 2024 [2][5]. - Operating profit (IFRS) rose by 39% to €84.4 million from €60.8 million [2][5]. - Profit for the period (IFRS) increased by 44% to €57.7 million from €40.1 million [2][5]. - Return on equity improved to 5.1% from 3.7%, while return on capital employed rose to 5.5% from 4.2% [2][5]. Operational Highlights - The volume of wood deliveries remained stable, but strong demand led to increased unit prices [6]. - Tornator acquired nearly 12,000 hectares of new forest, with investments totaling approximately €60 million [6][9]. - Timber deliveries reached approximately 1.6 million cubic meters, generating €95.5 million in revenue [18]. Strategic Vision - Tornator aims to grow its forest assets to one million hectares by 2035, representing a 25% increase, with projected annual revenue exceeding €400 million [6][15]. - The updated growth strategy focuses on quality, added value, and sustainability, emphasizing human well-being and responsible partnerships [8][15]. Market Environment - The demand for renewable and sustainably produced wood remains positive, with timber market prices in Finland continuing to rise due to high demand [9][21]. - The forest industry is experiencing moderate improvement, with competition for raw wood expected to remain tight [20][26]. Sustainability Initiatives - Tornator is committed to biodiversity and climate programs, including the restoration of peatlands and partnerships with organizations like WWF Finland [11][13]. - The company emphasizes responsible treatment of the workforce throughout its contractor chain, ensuring good working conditions [12]. Financial Position - The financial position remains strong, with cash flow from operations before financial items and taxes at €42.0 million, up from €34.8 million [23]. - Interest-bearing debt totaled €1,043.6 million, with a significant portion being long-term [23][24]. Future Outlook - Tornator expects strong and stable cash flow and debt servicing capacity for the remainder of the year, with continued positive demand for wood [25][26]. - The company plans to advance wind and solar power projects where feasible, despite current market uncertainties [10][26].

Core Points - The Government of British Columbia has approved a new First Nations Woodland Licence in the Smithers area, marking a significant milestone in the partnership between West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. and Lake Babine Nation Forestry Limited Partnership [1][2] - This new licence is a result of contributions from West Fraser and LBN Forestry, aimed at enhancing timber tenure collaboration in British Columbia's forest sector [1][5] Company Overview - West Fraser is a diversified wood products company with over 50 facilities across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe, focusing on sustainable forest practices [8] - The company produces a variety of products including lumber, engineered wood products, pulp, and newsprint, which are utilized in home construction and industrial applications [8] Indigenous Partnership - The partnership between West Fraser and Lake Babine Nation is designed to integrate Indigenous knowledge with modern forestry practices, ensuring sustainable resource management and economic opportunities for the Lake Babine Nation [3][4] - Lake Babine Nation has established its forestry company in 2016, emphasizing the importance of growing its role in forestry and forest management [9] Economic Impact - The collaboration is expected to create jobs and strengthen the forest economy in British Columbia, benefiting local communities [8] - The new licence builds on previous agreements, including a Joint Development Agreement signed in April 2024 and a Log Supply and Forest Management Agreement signed in January 2025, indicating a long-term commitment to this partnership [7]

Drone-based seedling delivery is a scalable, low-cost solution accelerating global tree planting and forestry operations. By combining AI, automation, and remote sensing, drones enable high-volume planting in remote terrain with minimal environmental impact—aligning with sustainability priorities while creating long-term value in the growing carbon market. Volatus invites investors and stakeholders interested in the economic, environmental, and technological opportunities of drone-enabled tree planting and ...