(Image: FJ)

This piece is an extract from our A View from the Forest (previously Forestry Features) newsletter, which is emailed out at 4PM every Wednesday with a round-up of the week's top stories. 

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SLOVENIA. It's a desperately pretty country in the heart of Europe, complete with vast forests and towering mountains.

And it's there – around 40 miles from the capital Ljubljana – that you'll find the home of Uniforest; a home that has just been expanded.

Last week, FJ joined press, dealers and distributors from around Europe and as far afield as Bhutan for the official opening of the manufacturer's new production facility in Latkova Vas.

Located a stone's throw from Uniforest's current site, the plant covers a floor area of 4,500 m2, which could even be expanded by a further 1,000m2 should demand arise.

In short, it is a significant next step in a journey that began three decades ago.

Music kept the more than 500 guests entertained throughout Music kept the more than 500 guests entertained throughout (Image: FJ/Jack Haugh)

Founded in 1992, the company’s first forestry winch came out in 1995 and, in 2003, the first prototype log splitter. Today, its winches and firewood splitters are used around the world.

Uniforest director Drago Pintar said: “Today, I am filled with feelings of pride, happiness and joy that I cannot even describe, because they can only be felt.

“I am touched because I have devoted practically my entire professional life, more than 30 years, to developing Uniforest.

“But all that we see today would not have happened without you, dear colleagues, who, with hard work, perseverance, ingenuity, and a great deal of initiative, make Uniforest a successful business.

The new site was opened during a lavish ceremony last week The new site was opened during a lavish ceremony last week (Image: FJ/Jack Haugh)

“I am truly glad that I have been able to pass this onto you.”

Forestry is – and, I suspect, always has been – a place where success can be achieved from relatively small beginnings. Drago and Uniforest's story is just another example in an industry where so many punch above their weight.