Robot Assisted Wood Pellets Packaging
Ordering 10kg Wood Pellets from Balcas Energy – Now Packed by Robbie the Robot
When customers order 10kg wood pellets from Balcas Energy, they might notice a difference in pallet appearance. This change comes from our recent investment in advanced automated wood pellets pallet stacking and wrapping technology.
Earlier this year, we commissioned a new stacking robot, affectionately named Robbie by the brites team. Robbie ensures every pallet of locally produced 10kg wood pellets is stacked perfectly and wrapped securely.
Why We Invested in Robbie
During the global bagged pellet shortage in the winter of 2017/2018, demand for pellets surged unexpectedly. To meet future peaks in demand, we expanded our bagging capacity. Our upgraded factory now operates 24/7, ensuring we can deliver home-grown, high-quality 10kg wood pellets when customers need them most.
A Smarter Pallet Design
As part of the automated bagging process, Robbie gently rolls each bag to make it flatter. This precision stacking creates neater, more compact pallets. Customers may notice their pallet looks shorter—around 200mm less than our older, manually stacked pallets—but it still contains the same quantity of pellets.
Quality You Can Rely On
Balcas brites 10kg wood pellets are:
- Made locally from sustainably grown timber processed in our own sawmills.
- Produced to exceed ENplus® A1 quality standards.
- High in calorific value for efficient heating.
- Low in fines and ash for cleaner burning.
Order Your 10kg Wood Pellets Today
Whether for home or business heating, our Balcas brites 10kg wood pellets deliver performance, reliability, and sustainability.
Order online now and enjoy fast delivery direct to your door.
Forest Industries Ireland Launched to Champion the Sustainable Growth of Irish Forestry Sector
Forest Industries Ireland Launched to Strengthen the Forestry Supply Chain
Forest Industries Ireland (FII) has officially launched, uniting 22 companies from across the entire forestry supply chain.
Operating as a new business sector within IBEC, the association aims to strengthen Ireland’s growing and sustainable timber industry.
Balcas CEO Brian Murphy Appointed as Inaugural Chair
Brian Murphy, CEO of Balcas, chairs the newly formed group. FII members currently represent a combined turnover of €800 million annually.
The industry forecasts growth to €1.6 billion by 2035, as Ireland’s forestry sector reaches full maturity.
Ireland’s Forest Sector Is Maturing Rapidly
Mark McCauley, Director of FII, highlighted the opportunity now emerging for forest owners nationwide.
“There are over 21,000 private forest owners across Ireland,” he said. “Many trees planted 40 years ago are now mature.”
This increase in timber supply requires greater coordination across the forestry supply chain to maximise efficiency and value.
Balcas Leads the Way in Sustainable Timber Processing
Balcas, a key player in the sector, processes over one million tonnes of logs annually from Ireland and Scotland.
Brian Murphy, the inaugural FII Chairman, described the industry as hugely sustainable and rooted in natural resources.
“Our core ingredients are sun, carbon dioxide, rain, land, and rural employment,” he said.
He added that forests are now managed as crops, designed to optimise both economic and environmental returns for landowners.
FII to Drive Industry Growth and Collaboration
Forest Industries Ireland will focus on several key priorities to support the sector’s long-term success:
- Driving industry growth and investment
- Improving policy and regulation with Government support
- Increasing industry visibility and national profile
- Encouraging cooperation across joint forestry initiatives
- Helping the sector respond to Brexit-related challenges
A Stronger, Greener Future for Irish Forestry
As Ireland’s forestry sector evolves, FII will act as a central voice, promoting the economic and environmental value of sustainable forestry.
The launch marks a major step forward for Ireland’s forest industries and the broader bioeconomy.
Photo Caption: Mark McAuley, Director (left) and Brian Murphy, inaugural Chairman of Forest Industries Ireland, pictured at the launch of FII
New Developments at Balcas Biomass Wood Pellets
New Developments at Balcas
We can confirm that on 1st September 2018 Balcas Timber Ltd acquired Forever Fuels Ltd. Manufacturer of Balcas Biomass Wood Pellets have the trade and assets of the leading GB wood pellet distributor.
Exciting Opportunity
This exciting opportunity enables Balcas to further strengthen its position. We are now principal supplier in the UK and Ireland wood pellet industry.
Ian McCracken, brites Business Development Director commented. “We are confident that the combination of the Forever Fuel team’s experience. They make industry-leading deliveries of wood pellets and the Balcas team’s experience in manufacturing wood pellets will make brites the best choice for all users of wood pellets. This will improve the security of supply. We will continue to develop our friendly service offering, including online ordering and technical know-how.”
New Direction
On behalf of Summerleaze (parent company of FF), Bruno Prior, Director said. “We are pleased with the potential of this new direction. We have a clear determination from the new owner to harness the existing strengths. Both companies will provide a long-term future. All of the employees of Forever Fuels have transferred to Balcas and we look forward with confidence to the business growing strongly under its new owners.”
Order Today
Order your Enplus A1 certified Balcas biomass wood pellets today.
Agriculture Minister tours brites plant in Enniskillen
Balcas Showcases Wood Pellet Fuel Efficiency to Minister Michelle McIlveen
Balcas welcomed Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Michelle McIlveen MLA. At its Enniskillen plant, they showcased its advancements in wood pellet fuel efficiency.
Innovating the Sawmilling Industry
Sawmilling has a long history, but Balcas has transformed the Enniskillen sawmill into a modern, globally competitive facility with support from the Forest Service. Over the past decade, Balcas has expanded into renewable energy, significantly improving efficiency.
Environmental Impact and CO2 Reduction
By displacing 100 million litres of heating oil, Balcas reduces the UK’s annual CO2 output by over 300,000 tonnes. Additionally, the company generates enough electricity to power every home in Fermanagh, further demonstrating the environmental benefits of wood pellet fuel.
Leading in Renewable Energy Solutions
With annual brites wood pellet sales exceeding 200,000 tonnes, Balcas continues to lead in sustainable fuel solutions. The company’s high-quality wood pellets maximize wood pellet fuel efficiency, offering homeowners and businesses a cleaner, cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels.
Balcas CEO Highlights Government-Industry Collaboration
Balcas CEO Brian Murphy expressed his enthusiasm for the Minister’s visit, stating:
“We are delighted to welcome Minister McIlveen to our plant in Fermanagh. Our work exemplifies how government policy and private enterprise can collaborate to create long-term skilled jobs while enhancing rural prosperity and sustainability.”
Minister McIlveen Commends Balcas’ Achievements
The Minister praised Balcas for its achievements in pellet fuel efficiency and sustainable energy production, remarking:
“What I have seen today at Balcas is impressive. Their innovative approach to utilizing forest resources strengthens the forestry sector, supports rural development, and creates essential jobs. Balcas leads the way in renewable energy by converting wood fibre into electricity and high-efficiency wood pellets for the domestic market.”
Commitment to Sustainability and Efficiency
Balcas remains committed to advancing wood pellet fuel efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable energy solutions across the UK. By investing in innovation and collaboration, Balcas continues to set the standard for environmentally responsible fuel production.
