MAY 2019
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.
Baker, and “the more un-uniform the log is, the more valuable that tool is.”
A similar system works to optimally edge the boards by identifying the shape of the board and setting the saw. A major advantage of these machines is that they make it easier and faster to identify any trending issues or mistakes, so that corrections and be made swiftly and effectively to ensure a consistent product.
Cont'd on Page 18.
At right, a log being scanned to ensure optimal recovery.