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OUR JOURNEY

OUR JOURNEY – FROM THE FOREST TO THE FUTURE

Palax USA is built on a story of hard work, hands-on experience, and a lifelong passion for wood processing. Our journey in the United States is led by Scott “Happy” Mouritsen, an entrepreneur whose roots go back to the forests of Montana. Growing up in a large family surrounded by nature, Scott learned early the value of hard work, self-reliance, and practical skills. Firewood wasn’t just a necessity — it was a way of life. By the age of 12, he was already cutting, collecting, and selling firewood, developing both technical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset.  Over the years, Scott built a diverse skillset — from forestry and mechanical work to electrical systems and sales. His natural ability to connect with people and his positive attitude earned him the nickname “Happy,” which reflects his approach to business: honest, hardworking, and always focused on improvement.  In 2010, Scott founded Iron Horse Grinders, building a successful manufacturing company known for high-performance machines and strong customer relationships.  Today, that journey continues with Palax in the United States. Palax is one of the leading firewood processor manufacturers in the world, known for its top-quality engineering and reliability — proudly made in Finland. Now, Scott brings these world-class machines to the U.S. market, combining European quality with local expertise and hands-on support. With main operations based in Arizona and Montana, Palax USA is strategically positioned to serve customers across the country — from large-scale operations to individual firewood producers. Our mission is to deliver high-quality, reliable, and efficient firewood processing equipment while building strong relationships with our customers and distributors. We are committed to helping every customer find the right solution for their needs and future growth. From the forests of Montana to the global stage, this journey is about more than machines — it’s about craftsmanship, trust, and a passion for doing things the right way.

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Our Journey So Far

  • 1954 

    PALAX IS FOUNDED

    Lauri Viitamäki founded the Terästakomo company in 1954 in the Viitala village of Ylistaro, Finland, where he started working as a village blacksmith in a workshop built adjacent to a smoke sauna. The first product introduced to the market was half-tracks for tractors. In 1959, the first firewood processor was introduced, and in 1962, the first wood-frame circular saw machine was introduced.

    2026

    PALAX arrived in the USA

    In 2026, Scott “Happy” Mouritsen brought Palax to the United States, combining Finnish engineering with his hands-on wood processing expertise. Palax USA delivers reliable solutions with fast shipping to every state.

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