Kadant, Inc. (KAI)

Kadant Inc. supplies equipment and critical components used in papermaking, paper recycling, recycling and waste management, and other process industries worldwide. The company operates in two segments, Papermaking Systems and Wood Processing Systems. The Papermaking Systems segment develops, manufactures, and markets custom-engineered stock-preparation systems and equipment for the preparation of wastepaper for conversion into recycled paper and balers, as well as related equipment used in the processing of recyclable and waste materials; and fluid-handling systems and equipment used in industrial piping systems to compensate for movement, as well as to transfer fluid, power, and data. This segment also offers doctoring systems and equipment, and related consumables to enhance the operation of paper machines and other industrial processes; and filtration and cleaning systems for draining, purifying, and recycling process water, as well as cleaning fabrics, belts, and rolls in various process industries. The Wood Processing Systems segment develops, manufactures, and markets stranders, debarkers, chippers, and logging machinery used in the harvesting and production of lumber and oriented strand board, an engineered wood panel product used primarily in home construction. This segment also provides pulping equipment refurbishment and repair services for the pulp and paper industry. The company also manufactures and sells granules for use in turf and ornamental applications, and oil and grease absorption, as well as carriers for agricultural, home lawn and garden, and professional lawn applications. The company was formerly known as Thermo Fibertek Inc. and changed its name to Kadant Inc. in July 2001. Kadant Inc. was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Westford, Massachusetts.