Today Simonds International and Burton Saw. announced the merger of the companies in a transaction that will create the leading producer and marketer of cutting tools and related equipment for the primary wood fiber industry. The combined entity, Wood Fiber Holdings, Inc., will continue to operate in the United States and Canada with 12 facilities located in the major wood fiber regions of North America. All products and customers segments currently served by Burton, Simonds and B.G.R. Saws will continue uninterrupted during the integration process and thereafter.
Ray Martino, President and Chief Executive Officer of Simonds said: “This merger will combine the two leading companies in our industry with a deep history of product innovation, quality products and customer focused organizations providing value added services to our customers. The cultures of the two companies are similar and will strengthen our service to the industry. The Burton, Simonds and B.G.R. brands are prominent in the industry and will remain a core part of the combined company in the future.”

Craig Tompkins, President and CEO of Burton Saw said: “The merger brings together the strengths of two great companies with a common goal, efficient and innovative solutions to the industry we serve. The products and services offered by the merger will enable both companies to go beyond current offerings and bring a complete solution through products, services and equipment that reflect the needs of the marketplace.”

About Simonds International
Simonds International, founded in 1832, is a leading supplier and marketer of cutting tools and related products to the wood, pulp, paper and tree care industries. B.G.R. Saws was established in 1968, through almost 50 years of history the company developed into a sawmill source for their saw needs as well as innovative line of filing room equipment. Simonds and B.G.R. merged in May of 2017. For more information, call (800) 343- 1616 or visit www.simondsint.com.

About Burton
Burton Saw and Supply, founded in Vancouver, BC in 1903, originally sold only saw manufacturer supplies to the mills of Western Canada. In 1927, The Burton Saw Company moved to Eugene, Oregon and transformed itself into the leading provider of products, equipment and technical solutions to the saw filing and knife grinding rooms, as the company expanded throughout North America. For more information visit our website at www.burtonsaw.com.

Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism collaborates with the Massachusetts Ski Areas Association for Advertising Campaign on TripAdvisor

The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) and the Massachusetts Ski Areas Association have collaborated to produce an online advertising campaign on TripAdvisor to promote learning to ski or snowboard at one of the Commonwealth’s 12 alpine ski areas.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the Massachusetts Ski Areas Association and TripAdvisor to highlight our spectacular winter activities and experiences across the state,” said Francois L. Nivaud, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “We invite visitors to take a fresh look at Massachusetts snow sports, with plenty to offer beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders. Beginners can master the art of skiing or snowboarding on pristine slopes and manageable trails, and enjoy all the comforts of cozy and family friendly lodges.”

MOTT and the MA Ski Areas Association are partnering with Massachusetts-based travel website TripAdvisor for a two-month long digital advertising campaign to drive winter sports enthusiasts to http://www.massvacation.com/skima/. The campaign launched January 5^th and will continue through March 5^th, targeting travelers interested in exploring wintertime New England outdoor activities. Promoting Massachusetts as a great destination for learning to ski or snowboard, the campaign will also encourage active skiers and snowboarders to invite a friend to join them on the slopes. This local effort coincides with National Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month in January, and will target snow enthusiasts in New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island, in addition to Massachusetts residents.

“MOTT has been a great partner in increasing the exposure of our ski areas with this effort,” said Paul Maloney, President of the Massachusetts Ski Areas Association and General Manager of Jiminy Peak Resort. “Skiing plays an important role in the state’s overall winter tourism, especially in the western part of Massachusetts.”

The Massachusetts ski areas will support January’s National Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month with special learn to ski or snowboard packages. Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito recently declared Friday, January 5^th as “Massachusetts Learn to Ski & Snowboard Day” to bring extra attention to the sport and encourage more people to give it a try.

For more information on the ski areas or direct links to their websites, visit www.massvacation.com.