NHLA MEMBERSHIP:
Forging Ahead to the Future By AMANDA BOUTWELL
FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS, the hardwood lumber industry has been an essential part of day-to-day life. The methods used to turn timber into lumber have changed over the years to make the process more efficient. Over the last four decades alone, machinery like automatic edgers and resaws have been used to increase grade yield, helping hardwood companies battle shrinking profit margins. In 2022, several new products and services have been created to help hardwood companies succeed.
M
cDonough Manufacturing Co. is leading the charge with a new resaw system that’s advancing resaw technology and capabilities. Matt Tietz, VP/Owner of McDonough Manufacturing Co., told NHLA that they have recently begun work on a new “AutoMAXX” resaw system, saying, “It is a revolutionary machine that reimagines what a resaw can do.” Basically, the AUTOMAXX system combines physical controls with a visual operator interface. It has high-quality digital imaging and is optimized to maximize yield of grade and input. It is completely automated for turning, fence sets, gap control, and feeding, which allows the operator to focus on cutting decisions and grade. This system increases yield of your highest-grade products and offers increased line counts at equivalent feed speeds. Tietz continues, “Because it only requires one grader/operator, it will help with labor issues and saw fatigue while increasing saw capacity.” Lumber treatment and wood preservation is another segment of the industry offering new ideas. In today’s environment of lumber shortages, higher and fluctuating prices, and supply chain issues,
10
| M AY 2 0 2 2 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S
many lumber producers are looking inward to mill upgrades, new mills, and how to gain as much control of their own supply chain as possible. NHLA member American Wood Technology (AWT) specializes in providing the latest advanced wood treatment equipment for all kinds of businesses. Claus Staalner with AWT told NHLA, “We get a lot of calls these days from mill owners asking about treating their own lumber. Even the smaller mills are now considering investing in treatment plants to treat their own lumber, eliminating one step in the supply chain to serve their clients better, secure supplies, and expand their business.” Staalner also discussed seeing renewed interest in Thermo modification, particularly for siding. Thermo modification is one of the latest trends in the wood conservation field. Thermo modification is useful for various products: outdoor furniture, cladding, decking, siding, flooring, and cabinetry. Claus said, “I imagine pricing on woods like Cedar is now at levels that Thermo treated Poplar is beginning to make a lot of economic sense. AWT is one of the oldest suppliers W W W. N H L A .C O M
