Key trends in import substitution of forestry equipment in 2025

Over the past four years, the Russian forestry industry has transitioned from emergency solutions to more systematic import substitution efforts. In 2025, this process received practical implementation through the launch of new production facilities, the development of engineering competencies, and domestic cooperation.

• One of the key events of the year was the launch in November of Russia's first serial production of harvester heads. Arctic Industry opened a new workshop in Arkhangelsk with a capacity of up to 200 units per year. The Logger H405 harvester head is a proprietary development by Traktordetal engineers, designed to fell trees up to 710 mm in diameter. Before entering series production, the equipment underwent extensive testing in real-world logging conditions.

• In wood processing, the presentation of the first domestically produced lumber sorting line was an important step. The equipment was designed and manufactured by Industrial Technologies JSC in Severodvinsk, and the control system was developed by Avtomatika-Vector. The project is being considered as the basis for establishing serial production.

• Import substitution is also actively developing in the pulp and paper industry. Arkhangelsk Pulp and Paper Mill has engaged Torin LLC to develop and manufacture a transport and packaging line for the drying section – a project previously abandoned by a European contractor. Furthermore, the company is preparing for a major modernization of its chip preparation line with dry debarking: replacement of key components and assemblies is scheduled to begin in 2026.

• At the same time, the industry is mastering reverse engineering and additive manufacturing. The Kondopoga Pulp and Paper Mill has refurbished a large component of a Finnish bark press, and the Perm Pulp and Paper Mill is using 3D printing to manufacture repair kits and small spare parts. In the pellet segment, ULK Group is replacing German components with Russian and Chinese equivalents.