‘Committed to excellence and driven by innovation’ – Comact believes on the motto. The company redefines the standard of OEM brand and pushes boundaries to make it more inventive. For over 100 years, Comact has been a leading OEM in high-caliber wood processing equipment, digital technologies, cutting solutions and more. We are happy to have Anne-Marie Lévesque, Vice President, Business & Product Development who shares company legacy, LIGNA participation, their advancements and innovations. Excerpts.
WPE: Tell us, how has been 50 years of LIGNA for you and what kind of feedback you have gained?
Anne-Marie Lévesque : LIGNA has always been a major event in the global wood processing industry, and this year marked a special milestone for Comact as we returned after more than a decade of absence. Coming back after 12 years, we were truly energized by the response—we received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both long-time partners and new contacts who were eager to learn about the innovations we’ve brought to the market.
LIGNA provided an exceptional platform to showcase how far we’ve come, especially in areas like automation, AI, and integrated sawmill solutions. It also allowed us to reconnect face-to-face with the global community and reaffirm our commitment to shaping the future of smart wood processing.
WPE: Can you introduce your company and share some advancements you’ve made? How can COMACT benefit the woodworking industry?
Anne-Marie Lévesque : Comact is a North American leader in high-tech OEM wood processing solutions, with over 100 years of experience supporting sawmills across the industry. We offer a complete range of equipment, automation technologies, and integration services designed to improve recovery, productivity, and adaptability.
Recent innovations include intelligent vision systems, advanced sawlines, and AI-powered tools that help mills run faster, safer, and smarter. Our robotics solutions are designed to handle high product variability and reduce labor dependency, while our artificial intelligence systems bring predictive insights and real-time adaptability to every stage of the process. But beyond technology, our value lies in strong partnerships and a deep understanding of operational realities—helping mills succeed in an increasingly demanding market.
In addition to supplying advanced systems, we also manage the full execution of projects—from engineering and construction to commissioning and start-up of fully operational facilities. This comprehensive approach ensures that all components work together seamlessly, reducing risk and maximizing long-term performance for our clients.
WPE: People can count on ‘Comact’s proven track record for industry-transforming innovations’. Can you please enlighten it? Tell us how your innovations particularly in digital technologies would be groundbreaking option for your global clients?
Anne-Marie Lévesque : We believe that since 2015, we’ve introduced a truly innovative business model by offering full project execution—from construction through to fully operational sawmills. This approach has allowed us to deliver consistent results, on time and on budget, while giving our customers the confidence that every element of their investment works in sync.
Now, we’re entering a new decade focused on building the mill of the future—a fully connected operation where our core digital technologies come together to deliver unmatched intelligence, agility, and performance.
At the heart of this vision is OPER8, our centralized data platform that brings together production insights, quality metrics, and maintenance insights in one intuitive interface. Our Smart Vision systems go beyond traditional photocell system by using AI to understand and react to what’s happening in real time—maximizing throughput and minimizing downtime. Meanwhile, robotics and AI work hand in hand to automate complex tasks with high precision, even under variable conditions.
Together, these technologies shift the focus from isolated automation to a truly adaptive, intelligent mill—helping our global clients stay ahead of market demands, workforce challenges, and resource efficiency. We’re not just optimizing processes—we’re redefining what’s possible.
WPE: You have recently entered into a strategic partnership with Lakeland Steel. How is the collaboration beneficial for both of you?
Anne-Marie Lévesque : Our strategic partnership with Lakeland Steel marks a key step in Comact’s global growth strategy, particularly in Australasia. Lakeland now represents Comact across New Zealand, Australia, and the South Pacific, not only for equipment sales but also as a full-service partner for project execution.
Their localized expertise—including engineering, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance—ensures our customers benefit from faster response times, seamless execution, and support that meets Comact’s high standards. This collaboration brings together two organizations with complementary strengths and a shared focus on customer success.
We’re already seeing results from this alliance through a major project with Red Stag Timber in Rotorua, where both teams are working together to rebuild the outfeed line at the planer mill with Comact’s automation and equipment. This partnership allows us to deliver high-performance solutions while ensuring regional proximity and long-term service continuity for our clients.
WPE: Are there any recent inventions or projects you’ve worked on that you’d like to share? Also, do you have any upcoming initiatives or projects in the pipeline for Comact?
Anne-Marie Lévesque : Earlier this year, we introduced our new hybrid sawline—a major innovation that combines circular saws, bandsaws, and smart technologies to efficiently handle a wide range of log diameters. With integrated cutting modes such as double profiling, quadruple circular cutting, and sideboard splitting, this solution enables mills to maximize recovery and product flexibility on a single line. Enhanced by AI-powered Smart Vision and closed-loop optimization tools, it sets a new benchmark for operational performance.
We are also expanding our footprint in Europe, where demand is rising for high-efficiency, digitally driven solutions. Our increased focus on this market includes strengthened local partnerships, dedicated service, and tailored offerings to support regional growth.
To date, Comact has delivered over 20 complete greenfield projects, managing every phase from construction to start-up. Most recently, we announced a new project with Hampton Lumber in South Carolina, where we will oversee the full execution of a next-generation sawmill.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to building the mill of the future—with ongoing investment in advanced sawlines, robotics, AI optimization, and expanded OPER8 capabilities to help customers operate smarter, faster, and more sustainably.
