Collin Lueck
Editor
Japa Firewood Processors, manufactured by Laitilan Rautarakenne in western Finland, are now available for distribution in the United States.
Patrick Taylor, president of Merrill-based Taylor Strategic Industries, and Japa Managing director Henri Nurminen, officially signed the contract that would allow Japa products to be distributed in the United States on Sept. 3, 2016 while at FinnMetko in Jämsä, Finland.
“This is a sensational opportunity,” says Nurminen. “We look forward to a long and healthy business partnership with our American counterpart!”
Japa Firewood Processors, which are reputed to be one of the leaders in the professional forestry industry, contain high-quality splitting blades, and motors from well-established international brands like Honda and Briggs & Stratton.
The machines are distributed in the United States solely by Metsa Machines, LLC, a subsidiary of Taylor Strategic Industries. Metsa Machine is currently accepting applications for dealers across the country.
“We are excited to bring this high-quality Finnish product to the American markets,” says Taylor. “They are safe to operate, simple to use, and very well-designed.”
Japa produces six different models of firewood processors in sizes that cater to everyone, from landowners making firewood for their own use to commercial firewood producers. The smallest models can be towed by an ATV and are powered by an onboard gasoline engine. The larger models are designed to be driven by a tractor’s PTO. The processors cut and split logs as they are fed into the machine.
Japa has been in business since 1977 and their products are popular in other parts of the world, but this is their first entry into the North American market.
Metsa Machine general manager Bob Nelson is concentrating on setting up a dealer network and is getting interest from throughout the country, he said. There is a call for firewood processors even in warmer climates, such as Texas, where commercial producers market firewood to the barbecue industry.
The first dealer to carry Japa in North America is Nelson’s Power House in Merrill.
Additional requests for information, dealer requirements, or questions regarding Japa machines should be directed to www.metsamachines.com, or contact Bob Nelson at [email protected].
More information is also available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkHnNnVFbTv6AJtu2W9EDQA; and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/metsamachines.com.