Kadant Inc's Business Segments

We are a leading global supplier of equipment used in process industries, including papermaking, paper recycling, and oriented strand board (OSB), an engineered wood panel product used primarily in home construction. In addition, we manufacture granules made from papermaking byproducts. We have a large customer base that includes most of the worlds major paper and OSB manufacturers. We believe our large installed base provides us with a spare parts and consumables business that yields higher margins than our capital equipment business.
Our continuing operations are comprised of two reportable operating segments, Papermaking Systems and Wood Processing Systems, and a separate product line, Fiber-based Products. Through our Papermaking Systems segment, we develop, manufacture, and market a range of equipment and products for the global papermaking, paper recycling, and other process industries. Through our Wood Processing Systems segment, we design, manufacture, and market stranders and related equipment used in the production of OSB and sell debarking and wood chipping equipment used in the forest products and the pulp and paper industries. Through our Fiber-based Products business, we manufacture and sell granules derived from pulp fiber for use as carriers for agricultural, home lawn and garden, and professional lawn, turf and ornamental applications, as well as for oil and grease absorption.

Kadant Inc. Overview

Kadant Inc. is a leading global provider of equipment and systems for the papermaking and paper recycling industries, characterized by its innovative solutions and a robust history that spans over a century. The company operates through multiple segments, primarily focusing on the development, manufacturing, and marketing of systems and products essential for the efficient functioning of paper production and recycling processes. They have established a significant footprint across nine countries in Europe, North America, South America, and Asia, serving major global paper manufacturers with a diverse portfolio of technology and services.

Segments, Products, and Services

Kadant Inc. primarily operates through two major segments:

1. Papermaking Systems Segment

This segment has cultivated a strong reputation by supplying equipment for both the papermaking and paper recycling industries. It encompasses a variety of product categories aimed at optimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of the papermaking process:

- Stock-Preparation Systems:
- Kadant’s stock-preparation offerings include custom-engineered systems and standard components that effectively process recycled fiber into a suitable form for papermaking. Specific products include:
- Recycling and Approach Flow Systems: Equipment designed to pulping, screening, cleaning, and de-inking used to remove contaminants like ink and metals, preparing pulp for use in recycled paper.
- Virgin Pulping Process Equipment: This includes advanced systems for pulp washing, evaporating, and recausticizing, essential for the processing of virgin pulp.

- Doctoring, Cleaning, and Filtration:
- This category features a comprehensive range of products essential for maintaining the efficiency of paper machines:
- Doctor Systems and Holders: These systems use blades to clean rolls in order to enhance operational efficiency. A paper machine may utilize up to 100 of these systems.
- Profiling Systems: They control key factors such as moisture, web curl, and gloss during the converting of paper.
- Doctor Blades: Manufactured from various materials, these blades serve multiple functions and have a lifespan that varies based on the application.
- Shower and Fabric-Conditioning Systems: These systems effectively remove contaminants from paper machine fabrics to ensure optimal performance.
- Water Filtration Systems: Various filtration systems are employed to remove contaminants from process water, facilitating reuse and contributing to sustainability.

Fluid-Handling Segment

Kadant’s fluid-handling products support various industrial processes, including those in papermaking and beyond, featuring:

- Rotary Joints for transferring fluids into and out of rotating machinery, critical in maintaining efficient operations.
- Syphons for efficiently removing condensate from drying cylinders.
- Turbulator® Bars designed to improve heat transfer efficiency within paper drying equipment.

- Engineered Steam and Condensate Systems: These comprehensive systems manage the flow of steam from boilers to drying cylinders, optimizing energy efficiency during processes ranging from papermaking to food production.

Fiber-based Products

Kadant has developed innovative biodegradable products from papermaking byproducts. These include:
- Absorbent Granules: Primarily designed for agricultural use and oil/grease absorption applications, these granules serve as eco-friendly solutions.

International Operations

Kadant Inc. distinguishes itself with a significant presence in international markets, manufacturing its products in multiple locations across Europe, North America, South America, and Asia. This strategic global footprint not only enables the company to cater to local demands effectively but also to leverage diverse market opportunities. Through its extensive network, Kadant serves large-scale global customers, solidifying its reputation in the pulp and paper industry.

Conclusion

Kadant Inc. is a prominent player in the global papermaking and recycling landscape, offering a wide array of products and services designed to improve efficiency and sustainability. With an extensive history and a commitment to innovation, Kadant continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the evolving needs of the paper industry worldwide. The company’s dedication to international operations further enhances its ability to serve a diverse market while promoting advancements in papermaking technology and environmental stewardship.