Vibrations are detected continuously in the factory, a system that distinguishes Energex from its competitors. This system makes it possible to adjust the machines more quickly and reduces the need for grease. Energex produces 120,000 metric tons of pellets per year, as much as its twin plant located in Pennsylvania. The main buyers are in the United States. Only two per cent of production remains in Quebec. year. Nevertheless, the plant still does not operate at full capacity and currently produces between 70 to 75 per cent capacity. To solve some of its fibre supply challenges, Energex has part-nered with Tafisa Canada in Lac-Mégantic, a particleboard plant. The group purchases of timber allow for improved cost control. “We do not hurt each other and we have a higher bargaining power,” Béraud says. Given these difficulties, when asked what Energex’s next step will be, Béraud can, of course, imagine starting a new plant to get clos-er to the raw material and the buyers’ market. But before thinking about getting bigger, a better bulk distribution network needs to be developed, he believes. And that’s a big gap in the pellet market. Even though wood pellet plants compete directly with the oil industry, paradoxically, the company could benefit from the fossil energy supply network. “We must not delude ourselves, people in the oil industry tend towards renewable energies,” says Béraud, who gives the example of Sonic, who, after buying a pellet boiler licence are starting to look at the distribution channels. “Here, we have Turmel oil, which supplies heating oil,” Béraud explains. “They know their customers and their boilers. These peo-ple have an interest in maintaining their energy distribution network. Whether they are distributing pellets or oil, it’s the same setup. They would be good candidates to help build the distribution network.” • A provider of Bulk Materials Handling Solutions Receiving | Screening | Sizing | Conveying | Stacking | Reclaiming | Ship Loading www.Bruks.com | [email protected] 20 Canadian BIOMASS CBM_Bruks_changes_MayJune17_MLD.indd 1 JULY/AUGUST 2017 2017-05-25 3:42 PM
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