SWANSON GROUP – TWO THUMBS UP FOR THG
Strong lumber markets, an obsolete grader assist scanner and the need for fencing accuracy created the per fect storm for Swanson Group to invest in a fully automated grading line at its Glendale, Oregon dimension mill. The company chose USNR’s THG system, along with key ancillary equipment that together are improving the production and grade out for the operation.
Swanson Group is a privately held forest products company that has been owned and operated by the Swanson family since 1951. The company operates four Oregon wood processing plants; a stud mill at Roseburg, the dimension lumber mill at Glendale, and two plywood and veneer plants at Glendale and Springfield. The Glendale dimension mill processes green Douglas Fir in 2x4 through 2x10, and 6’ to 20’ lengths that are marketed domestically. The recent major recession forced the company to look to new products and global markets to ensure its continued success. In addition to standard dimension products the mill also now produces rail ties and small timbers. The Glendale mill is in the midst of installing dry kilns and boilers to allow it to add dry Hem Fir to its product mix.
Selecting a system
Doug Knous, corporate project manager for the Swanson operations, manages all of the major capital investments. He explained the reasoning behind the investment in the THG line. “We had an outdated geometric graderassist system and were still operating with four graders. We were targeting getting the grade out consistently day-in and day-out, as well we wanted to speed up the system and increase production.” Doug said they reviewed all of the ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????q]????????????????????????????????????????%???????????????????Q! ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????t?!???????????????????????????????????UM9K?e?1??????!???? ?????1! ???????????????????????Q! ??????????????????????????????()]??????????Q! ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????()???????????Q! ???? ?????????????????????????????????????????????UM9H?I?????1??1??????5???Q??????????????????????????????? ????A???????Q??I???????????????????5???Q??????????????]??Q????????????????????????????Q???A1 ???????????????????????????????A1 ???
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