Life After Covid

the grocery store with dents, you don’t buy it. You slide it away and purchase the one that has no imperfections. People feel the same way about lumber. If it looks good, people feel it is good. Also, with lumber inspection, it’s not only grades but tally as well. So, we’re monitoring how they tallied the number to get the correct footage.

Q: In your experience, where do most problems begin in a sawmill operation?

A: When certain species (like red oak or white oak) have large profit margins, some people can become wasteful. They enter a mindset where they don’t care what they are wasting because they are making money. But when times get tough, they have a hard time turning an acceptable profit.

It’s crucial that you maximize your profitability at every stage, in all circumstances, whether it’s good times or bad. And if you’re maximizing your profitability when times are good, you will carry that right into the bad times, and you will have fewer bad times because you’re always maximizing the value. This will sound controversial, but the goal of any hardwood operation is not to produce lumber. The goal should be to make money. If you switch your focus to making money, you’ll produce even more lumber. Our Operations Management Program can help you find the spots that will make you more money.

Q: Could you break down what happens during the Operations Management Program?

A: Usually, the first thing we do is go directly to the edger outfeed – where the waste trough is going into the chipper. This is the best way to tell if there is a problem with the edger or edger operator. We look for waste that should have been left on the board and sold as lumber. Then we start looking at other areas and answering questions. Is the problem with the edger setup? Is it merely that the operator needs more training? Is it an optimized edger or a mechanically-ran edger? There are a lot of factors we consider.

Q: Is the edger operator typically the problem?

A: The operator is usually not the problem. But if that is the case, we can provide the training needed, because, in the end, it is really about lumber grades. To determine your profitability, you have to sell your material, and the only way you can sell it is by grading it. Your measurement is what tells you how valuable the lumber is. We learn what the finished product should be, and we train operators on how to measure value by grading. The goal is to make highervalued lumber so it’s more profitable.

Q: What is the next step?

A: Next, we look at how they are opening the log gap – minimum opening face. Are they opening too big or too small? We help them to be more decisive on that. Another significant component is the thickness measurement. That is why we measure the thickness of the lumber at each machine center to determine whether they’re within standard tolerance. This is extremely important. For every tenthousandths of an inch of over thickness, it’s 1% yield.

Q: So, is the edger a quick fix?

A: In most cases, yes. But it also requires long-term monitoring to keep it that way. The thickness measurement needs to be done on a regular basis. And consistently from that point forward. To capitalize on the profitability of thickness measurement, it has to be continually monitored. Most hardwood mills aren’t doing that.

Q: Okay, how does a company consistently measure thickness?

A: We can help them do that. We can help give them the guides to achieving that. So, measuring and monitoring are only part of getting it done. You measure and monitor it; then, you look for ways to improve it.

Q: On average how much money in lost profits can you recover, and how well-received is the program?

A: Over the course of two years, we have conducted more than 480 tests and helped companies save an average of $400,000 annually.

Q: What makes NHLA an expert in Operations Management?

A: The industry should trust our experience. I developed and honed a quality control program at a previous employer. I spent nine years managing a team of six quality control technicians and their main job was to measure the points. By doing that, we were able to save the company over a million dollars a year. We have a proven system that works, and if implemented correctly, it will work for any company.

I have trained the NHLA National Inspectors this quality control measurement system. Collectively, we have seen an untold number of hardwood lumber operations, from logging and sawmills to flooring and furniture manufacturing. We’ve had more experience on various operations than most anyone else in the world. Our team of National Inspectors has more experience than just hardwood lumber grading. With this experience in hand, we can go through one pack of lumber and identify many problem areas within an operation – not just problems with grading the lumber.

Q: How can a company find out more about the program or get signed up?

A: They can email me at d.spessert@nhla.com or give me a call at 901-399-7551.

NHLA PROVIDES EDUCATION AND TRAINING TO IMPROVE YOUR

BOTTOM LINE Register for classes at www.nhla.com/Education.

COVID-19 IMPACT:

At the time of publication, these educational courses are being offered. However, due to the unknowns of the COVID-19 pandemic please visit nhla.com for the latest information or call NHLA headquarters at 901-377-1818 to confirm that these courses are taking place.

AUGUST 16-27

Inspector Training School Online Training Program MODULE 1 Two weeks of hands-on training. Venue: NHLA Headquarters Memphis, TN Module 2: Online study Module 3: Three weeks handson training and final testing at NHLA headquarters. Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor and Associate Dean of Education

AUGUST 30-Sept. 1

Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber.

Venue: NHLA Headquarters Memphis, TN Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor and Associate Dean of Education

JUNE 14-17

Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber.

Venue: Yoder Lumber Co., Inc. Millersburg, OH

Instructor: Mark Depp, NHLA National Inspector

SEPTEMBER 13-Nov. 5

Inspector Training School 196th Class Traditional 8-week hands-on training to achieve the certificate of completion in Hardwood Lumber Inspection.

Venue: NHLA Headquarters Memphis, TN

Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor and Associate Dean of Education

JUNE 14-August 6

Inspector Training School 195th Class Traditional 8-week hands-on training to achieve the certificate of completion in Hardwood Lumber Inspection.

Venue: NHLA Headquarters Memphis, TN

Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor and Associate Dean of Education

NOVEMBER 29-Dec. 10

Inspector Training School Online Training Program MODULE 1 Two weeks of hands-on training. Venue: NHLA Headquarters Memphis, TN Module 2: Online study Module 3: Three weeks handson training and final testing at NHLA headquarters. Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor and Associate Dean of Education

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE NHLA FACILITY GRADE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM!

Cory Christen with NHLA’s Kevin Evilsizer.

Kendrick Forest Products is a member of the National Hardwood Lumber Association’s (NHLA) Facility Grade Certification Program. This is a voluntary quality assurance ” program where our lumber is re-inspected by the NHLA National Inspector 2-3 times per year to ensure we are representing the lumber properly. It is with a great deal of pride that I can inform you Cory Christen passed his test with flying colors. He was well within what the NHLA allows. Great job, Cory! This certification gives us a competitive advantage when selling in the marketplace as new customers know that we honor the NHLA grades and system. Most mills are not certified. In fact, Kendrick is the only mill in Iowa with this designation and one of only two in the American Walnut Manufacturers Association. Kevin and the NHLA have been a great resource for continuing to build into our team. We look forward to Kevin coming back in the summer.”

— Greg Blomberg, General Manager at Kendrick Forest Products

NHLA JOB BOARD

Here you will find our current job listings. To see more details or to post a job, visit www.nhla.com/industry-services/job-board.

HARDWOOD LUMBER INSPECTOR AMERICAN HARDWOOD INDUSTRIES

The American Hardwood Industries Waynesboro, VA sawmill is hiring a hardwood lumber inspector. This is a great opportunity for an individual with prior lumber grading experience. This person would be grading green and/or dry hardwood lumber with an emphasis on quality assurance. This is a full-time opportunity working for a world-class hardwood lumber manufacturer.

Responsibilities • Applies NHLA grading rules to inspect lumber at production rates, while maintaining the required grading accuracy. • Communicates with sawyers, machine operators, and maintenance to ensure a consistent flow of quality lumber. • Works safely to help maintain a safe work environment.

Skills & Experience Required • NHLA certified or equivalent experience. • Possess the ability to accurately apply NHLA rules. • Minimum of one (1) year experience grading green and kiln-dried domestic lumber - this is not an entry-level position. • Experience and ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with a focus on safety and quality.

Salary & Benefits • Competitive Pay

• Full Time

• First Shift

• Full Plan of Benefits.

How to Apply Send your resume to: bkelley@ahiwood.com American Hardwood Industries 567 N. Charlotte Ave. | Waynesboro, VA 22980 540-946-9170 | www.ahi.workbrightats.com

HARDWOOD LUMBER INSPECTOR NELSON HARDWOOD LUMBER CO., INC.

Nelson Hardwood Lumber Co. is seeking a full-time Lumber Inspector to grade hardwood lumber on a green chain, using NHLA rules.

Skills & Experience Required NHLA grading certificate required.

Salary & Benefits Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid vacation, health insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, paid life insurance.

How to Apply Send your resume to: nelsonhw@mhtc.net Nelson Hardwood Lumber Co., Inc. P.O. Box 346 | Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 608-326-8456 | www.nelsonhardwoods.com

HARDWOOD LUMBER INSPECTOR BILLSBY LUMBER COMPANY

Billsby Lumber is seeking a hardwood lumber inspector to inspect green lumber on green chain, making sure lumber is correctly piled and tallied. This position is 40 hrs per week / Monday -Thursday.

Skills & Experience Required • Must be an NHLA graduate or equivalent.

• Must be able to apply NHLA grading rules with the ability to upgrade.

Salary & Benefits Excellent pay, Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance, life insurance, IRA retirement, clothing allowance, paid vacation, paid holidays, and daily production bonus.

How to Apply Send your resume to: info@billsbylumber.com Billsby Lumber Company 2725 E.Larch Rd | Harrison, MI 48625 989-539-9842 | www.billsbylumber.com

HARDWOOD LUMBER INSPECTOR JONES LUMBER COMPANY

Jones Lumber Company is searching for a Lumber Inspector to join our growing team. Topnotch candidates will have the talent to work on a fast-paced production line as a safe and skilled team member grading lumber.

NHLA JOB BOARD

Here you will find our current job listings. To see more details or to post a job, visit www.nhla.com/industry-services/job-board.

Responsibilities • Use visual judgment and knowledge to inspect and grade lumber: determine species, grade, and volume according to NHLA lumber grading rules.

• Respectfully and effectively communicate with other team members.

• Maintain a safe work environment and abide by all safety and company policies.

Skills & Experience Required • High school diploma or GED.

• Skilled using the NHLA rules. • Two or more years of experience as a Lumber Inspector. • Outstanding attention to detail. • Team-work focused. • Exceptional attendance record. • Ability to work at a fast pace. • Ability to lift 50 lbs. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Salary & Benefits Jones Lumber offers a great benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and many more elective coverages. 401K with 5% company match and company paid Short Term Disability. Vacation and holiday pay Competitive pay based on experience.

How to Apply Send your resume to: stan.morgan@joneslumberco.com Jones Lumber Company 3 Dave Levite Rd | Natchez, MS 39120 601-445-8206 | www.jones.com

NHLA JOB BOARD

Here you will find our current job listings. To see more details or to post a job, visit www.nhla.com/industry-services/job-board.

HARDWOOD LUMBER INSPECTOR ST. MARYS LUMBER COMPANY

(a division of Bingaman & Son Lumber, Inc) Bingaman & Son Lumber, Inc., a leading wood products manufacturer, is seeking a full-time Lumber Inspector to join the team at our St. Marys Lumber Company division in St. Marys, PA. This critical position is responsible for the accurate inspection and grading of green hardwood lumber according to NHLA grading rules, with an emphasis on quality assurance.

Skills & Experience Required • NHLA grading certificate required. • 3 to 5 years of green lumber grading experience preferred. • Looking for an enthusiastic individual who is looking to contribute to a team effort.

• Must be able to stand for long periods. (Four 10 hour shifts per week.)

Salary & Benefits We offer competitive wages and some of the best benefits in the region - health insurance, 401(k), stock options, dental, vision, life, vacation, etc. E/O/E

How to Apply Send your resume to: abowersox@bingamanlumber.com St Marys Lumber Company 153 Aviation WaySt. | Marys, PA 15857

MILLWRIGHT JONES LUMBER COMPANY

Jones Lumber Company is searching for a Millwright to join their growing team. This role creates value by ensuring machine reliability through troubleshooting and preventative maintenance techniques on industrial plant equipment. This position is a vital resource for the company’s ongoing success and productivity.

Responsibilities • Troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining industrial machinery. • Installing and aligning new equipment. • Performing periodic maintenance routines including lubricating machine tools and equipment for improved reliability and up time. • Maintaining accurate maintenance logs including labor hours and critical preventative maintenance findings. • Working with the operations and maintenance teams to identify and prioritize maintenance needs. • Helping meet or exceed production and quality goals while optimizing equipment to reduce waste. • Adhering to all company safety and environmental guidelines, policies, and procedures and actively participating in the safety program.

Skills & Experience Required • High school diploma or GED. • One (1) year or more of experience working in a mechanical maintenance position within a manufacturing, industrial, or military environment. • Experience working with hydraulic and pneumatic systems. • Experience using a cutting torch and welding. • Experience troubleshooting issues with bearings, chains, sprockets, gearboxes, and conveyors. • Experience reading and understanding mechanical drawings. • Experience with the precision alignment of motors, couplings, bearings, pumps, and lubrication

Salary & Benefits Jones Lumber offers a great benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and many more elective coverages. 401K with 5% company match and company paid Short Term Disability. Vacation and holiday pay Competitive pay based on experience.

How to Apply Send your resume to: stan.morgan@joneslumberco.com

Jones Lumber Company 3 Dave Levite Rd | Natchez, MS 39120 601-445-8206 | www.jones.com