The Marienville facility, which was built in 2000 with the scanning technologies, is “in the top 20%… industry-wide” as far as its technological use, estimates Baker, who notes that “there are a lot of smaller mills that do everything in a very old-fashioned, very manually-oriented way, with almost no technology.” But in today’s competitive market, Baker thinks this technology is more than just helpful, it’s “almost mandatory.” Without the headrig scanner, for instance, he says, “we would not be able to compete when we buy timber, we just couldn’t get the yield out of the logs.”
As industry technology continues to develop, we’ll likely see a rising demand for automation with the intent of improving efficiency and consistency. But the bigger picture, and our focus at Northwest Hardwoods, is the value of the data from new technology: data that lets us do more with what we already have, rather than simply speeding up the milling process. Keeping our mills outfitted with leading technologies will ensure we continue to provide the highest quality products consistently, efficiently, and sustainably.
The Membership Drive Is On!
This year's membership drive is now underway, and as always, the competition will be intense.
In addition to valuable cash prizes, the winner now also receives the membership plaque, presented at the Annual Meeting. With the highly successful 2019 Annual Meeting now in the books, it is time to work toward 2020.
When you recruit new members, the entire WPA membership is the winner!
New members can join and pay on the website. Here is the link: www.westernpallet.org
Saúl Moreno - co-owner of Moreno Pallets, told the San Diego Union-Tribune that before leaving every afternoon, employees were tasked with checking cables or the plugs on the property, and there were fire extinguishers in every place as required by law. In this case, however, the Caliente fire started a few miles away.
"(I feel) sadness," Moreno told the newspaper. "These are things that happen, but I have faith that we are going to get ahead. Now all we have to do is start all over again.”
While both had insurance, it didn’t cover certain materials such as wood, according to the report. Moreno's daughter, Evelyn Moreno, opened a GoFundMe campaign calling for community support to rebuild the two businesses, which collectively employ more than 30 people.
Oregon Pallet Fire: We'll Be Back, Bigger and Better
On August 19, a fire took place at Oregon Pallet in Salem, Oregon. The fire began about 3 am on a Monday morning after the plant had been closed for the weekend. A majority of the plant's inventory was lost, while an excavator, a grinder, 11 trucks and a yard goat were also destroyed in the blaze. Total losses estimated in the range of $2.5 million.
Carly Taylor of Oregon Pallet, told a local newspaper that the company is fully insured and will rebuild.
Bryce Taylor or Oregon Pallet told Western Pallet Magazine that he has been overwhelmed by the support his company has received from customers and the overall community. And he said that his crew has gone above and beyond in the recovery effort.
After acquiring new trucks from multiple states, the company has quickly recovered. It is successfully making all of its deliveries in the second week following the blaze.
In 20 years, Oregon Pallet has only previously ever called the fire department on one occasion for a very small fire.
Bryce said that the company moved into its current structure in 2016, and a lot of effort was taken at that time to ensure that fire safety planning was in place, contributing to the building being saved in the August 19 fire.
While the company was well insured, there is always a case for more. "Whenver you think you have enough insurance, buy more," Bryce said. He is looking forward to catching up with WPA members at the 2020 Annual Meeting.
AUGUST 2019