Insider
THE MAGAZINE FROM USNR | ISSUE 50
Operating through COVID-19 BOIS CFM IGNITES ITS TWO THUMBS UP FOR MARKET WITH A NEW GRADING WITH THG PROCESSING PLANT
WAIPAPA PINE FOCUSES COMPARISON ON EFFICIENCY WITH SHOPPING – WHY SMART INVESTMENTS THG?
USNR SERVICE ꟷ CLOSING THE GAP THROUGH COVID -19 WITH MILLTRAK 3D AND BEYOND
Contents
Millwide Insider
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES THROUGH A PANDEMIC
ISSUE 50 SUBSCRIPTIONS
The human spirit is nothing if not blessed with an abundance of resilience in the face of difficult circumstances. The COVID-19 pandemic has touched all of us, but our industry as a whole and our individual business partners and associates have weathered the storm with the strength of the human spirit. In this issue we bring you stories about enduring companies that are sustaining their operations with smart investments that bring renewed confidence for the future.
colleen.schonheiter@usnr.com
Bois CFM − New advances for hardwood processing . . .................................... 3
Woodland, WA: +1.360.225.8267
When orders are flying in and production is limited by a highly manual process, the solution is to invest in automated systems that will meet the demand. This is what challenged Bois CFM to up its game and invest in a new advanced processing plant. Today that vision has become a reality in spite of difficult market conditions due to COVID-19.
Waipapa Pine − Gaining efficiencies ................................................................... 8 Even when a mill is not capacity-limited, equipment upgrades delivering the latest technologies can bring significant returns, and make the job safer and more satisfying for equipment operators. Waipapa Pine’s chain of successful mill upgrades is proof positive.
USNR Service − Through COVID-19, and beyond .. ......................................... 16 Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, USNR’s support for its customers has been unwavering. When and where you need us we are there to serve your needs, no matter the challenges. Like our customers, we’ve found new means and new tools to get the job done safely, efficienty, and effectively.
USNR’s Safety Culture − Driving this culture at USNR ...................................20 Recognizing the importance of health and safety, USNR created a role to elevate this culture within our organization. Meet USNR’s Safety and Training Manager, Adrienne Bootsma.
Tel.: +1.250.833.3028 subscriptions@usnr.com EDITOR
Colleen Schonheiter
USNR
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Bois CFM
New advances for hardwood processing SPEEDING UP PRODUCTION, PARING DOWN COSTS, IMPROVING RECOVERY When orders are flying in and production is limited by a highly manual process, the solution is to invest in automated systems that will meet the demand, as well as reduce the overall cost of doing business for the longer term. This was the situation for Bois CFM when it decided to up its game with a new, advanced processing plant. Today that vision has become a reality, and in spite of the difficult market conditions (driven by COVID-19), the mill is getting the benefit of new technology while moving closer to its production targets.
We believe the end-dogger system has a bright future in hardwood processing. It could replace up to half of the existing conventional log carriages in these types of applications.
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BOIS CFM — NEW ADVANCES FOR HARDWOOD PROCESSING
A log is dogged at each end prior to being fed through the side and bottom chip heads. The 2 conical canter heads and drum style bottom head create a cant with 3 smooth sides upstream from the Quad Arbor Saw Box and VSA Gang.
Bois CFM is a sawmill located in Sainte-Florence, Quebec that processes aspen, larch, spruce, and birch into components for pallets. The pallet products that are typically 40” to 54” in length with differing thicknesses and widths, are custom green rough sawn for direct sale to North American pallet assemblers. Its old mill operated with a very manual process resulting in high production costs. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic customer demand was high and growing, so it made sense to invest in new, highly automated systems to move its production to the next level. After consulting a variety of vendors and other wood processors, the mill chose USNR based on expectations for better material yield and return on investment.
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The new supply
Challenging species
Sideboards are routed to a new optimized edger system comprised of USNR’s Maximizer infeed to a Saw Boss edger box with BioLuma 2900LV sensors. The system features BioVision grading with Deep Learning technology to further improve the decision-making process. The mill’s trimmer was also equipped with USNR optimization and BioLuma 2900LV sensors for geometric and vision scanning, along with Deep Learning technology.
The challenging characteristics of aspen are a major reason Bois CFM chose an end-dogging solution over a sharp chain. Because the enddogger holds the log in place at each end, there are no physical restrictions limiting rotation, compared with a
The new mill incorporates a complete new optimized primary and secondary line. The line includes an optimized End-Dog Carriage system with LASAR2 scanning, canter heads, a Quad Arbor Saw Box, and a Vertical Sawing Arbor (VSA) Gang.
All this technology might seem like overkill for a pallet mill, but there is much more to the story and it begins with the log diet: mainly aspen. Aspen is a lower-quality hardwood species with few high-value products, which is why Bois CFM produces pallets in high volumes. Another challenge with aspen is its difficult log characteristics; gnarly shapes, lots of knots, extreme sweep, and other defects. Sometimes there are 3 different sweep curves in one log.
Enhanced recovery is another big advantage of the end-dog system. The automated system offers a 33% improvement in recovery compared with the old manual process.
Scan the QR code to watch a video of the End-Dog Carriage system in action, or go to: https://www.usnr.com/en/ product/enddogcarriage/videos
The End-Dog Carriage system features two Lasar2 sensors that are positioned to capture the complete profile of the log. The sensors are mounted at both sides of the carriage to scan the front and back sides of the log as it is rotated on the “knees” prior to being dogged. The drawing at right identifies the sensors’ field of view.
conventional log turner (as quad rolls). The system provides full control of rotation, skew, and tilt on every log. More control leads to better accuracy, which in turn leads to better recovery.
25% less fiber per 1,000 bf; 33% improvement in recovery
Enhanced recovery is another big advantage of the end-dog system. Between the old process and this new advanced system, the automated system requires 25% less fiber to produce 1,000 bf of products, thus yielding 33% improvement in recovery. As trees get smaller, hardwood producers could change their approach to processing. USNR
Account Manager Martin Vaillancourt said, “We believe the end-dogger system has a bright future in hardwood processing. It could replace up to half of the existing conventional log carriages in these types of applications.” For customers processing small to medium diameter hardwood logs who want to increase piece count, this system will do it and achieve higher recovery at the same time. Conventional carriages have limitations. It’s basically a manual operation with the operator controlling the carriage speed, whereas an end-dogger is automatic. It loads the log automatically and sends it through the saws, with no back and forth. The end-dog process is closer to the philosophy of softwood where operators don’t have as much
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BOIS CFM — NEW ADVANCES FOR HARDWOOD PROCESSING
The edger line boasts vision-based scanning for accurate defect detection utilizing Deep Learning technology.
We’ve increased the range of our products by staying flexible, and our product mix continues to evolve daily.
of an impact on recovery. USNR’s End-Dog Carriage system is a complete high-tech solution when combined with modern PLC controls, advanced scanning, optimization, and automated grading.
High-tech hardwood processing
Bois CFM is a very high-tech mill in this market. One major focus for the mill was a system that could accurately process the complexity that aspen presented with its multitude of defects: knots, pith, splits, sap stain, bark pockets, rot, grub hole, and insect hole. The fact that they utilize vision at both the
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edger and trimmer is extremely beneficial. It allows the system to get the highest value from every piece by accurately finding defects, and using each board to its best suited purpose within the pallet based on its grade. Deep Learning helps the system decide where to put the waste within the pallet components. Although the mill is still in the commissioning phase, these systems are having a big impact on recovery.
A new processing paradigm
The biggest challenge the mill faced was integrating the new technology into its operation both from a human resource as well as management mindset, going from highly manual
Deep Learning Deep Learning is a subset of machine learning, where neural networks learn from large amounts of data similar to how humans learn from experience.
This allows for faster start-ups and increasingly accurate grading solutions. USNR has sold over 60 systems to date that use Deep Learning technology.
Edger vision scanning solutions highlight the benefits of BioVision with Deep Learning technology. Defects are identified highly accurately, and the optimizer fits the highest value board products into the flitch for processing.
to highly automated processing. After several months of operation, management responded, “There is still a ways to go to reach targeted capacity, but integration has gone very well. Our staffing level has gone from 16 down to 10 on the production line. We’ve increased our support and maintenance by specializing resources in mechanical, filing room, and electrical engineering.” Management also said, “We’ve increased the range of our products by staying flexible, and our product mix continues to evolve daily.”
noted, “This was a very good start-up and after-sales service, with good follow-up and communication with a very competent team from USNR.” The mill is enjoying the benefits of advanced technology in its process, and now focused on increasing its capacity. While demand has slowed due to the pandemic, all indications are that it is ramping up once again to respond to a manufacturing climate that is gearing back up.
Mill personnel who were instrumental in the success of the project include Mr. Sébastien Tremblay, project manager, and Mr. Jean-Yves Roussel, financial manager who made it possible to complete the project on schedule. Mill management also
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Waipapa Pine
Gaining efficiencies SMART INVESTMENTS − SAFER, MORE SATISFIED PERSONNEL Even when a mill is not capacity-limited, equipment upgrades delivering the latest technologies can bring significant returns, and make the job safer and more satisfying for equipment operators. Waipapa Pine’s chain of successful mill upgrades is proof positive.
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The results we have seen are outstanding. We’ve seen a 4.2% improvement in sawn recovery, an 8.3% improvement in grade recovery, and a 13% increase in output.
The new supply includes a Revolver Lug Loader fitted with a rotating overhead hold down assembly to facilitate dealing a variety of material thicknesses (above), and a Transverse High Grader and Multi-Track Fence to automate the grading, trimming, and sorting processes (left).
Waipapa Pine’s Kerikeri mill has been upgrading its processes to improve its bottom line, to increase efficiencies, and to move its staff to more challenging and satisfying roles. This latest project succeeds on all fronts. The Waipapa Pine mill in Kerikeri, New Zealand has been in operation processing Radiata Pine into framing timber since 2012. In 2017 the mill installed a USNR Lasar2 scanning system to optimize its carriage operation. The most recent project, completed early in 2020, included major upgrades to the board edger, and green chain/trimline at the plant. Prior to the latest upgrades there were many roles within the mill that required very heavy, manual inputs from the team. The mill’s board edger was manually fed, at 8-10 boards a minute. Clearing the slash decks of rubbish from the board edger and trim line were also hands-on manual processes. Thus mill management decided to invest in new technology to improve these areas.
Focus on efficiencies
“We are happy with the overall capacity of the mill, so this investment was about moving our focus into gaining efficiencies around this capacity,” said Grant Arnold, Waipapa Pine Operations Director. Log prices in NZ have continued to increase due to export demand, while at the same time New Zealand expects to be experiencing a drop in harvest in this region in coming years. “We wanted to invest in technology that gives us every opportunity to maximize value return on the raw logs we process,” continued Grant. With this goal in mind, Waipapa management looked for improvements that could be made from both sawn recovery and grade recovery perspectives. They were also looking for an opportunity to dramatically change
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WAIPAPA PINE — GAINING EFFICIENCIES
The new BioVision Edger system provides dramatic improvements in value recovery by accurately detecting and classifying the defects, far more precise edging, and better grade solutions.
We are happy with the capacity of the mill, so this investment was about moving our focus into gaining efficiencies around this capacity.
the type of work within the mill, from highly manual to far more automated, providing a safer workplace while increasing the skill level and satisfaction of mill personnel.
The mill’s decision
The focus of the upgrades involved improving the functionality and level of optimization at the edger and trimmer stations. The mill’s goal was to provide enough speed/capacity to be able to run both green sawn and kiln dried, planed timber at the same time. This project would be the largest completed on site over the last seven years, but it had to be completed with minimal mill downtime. To provide this challenging solution, Waipapa looked to USNR. Waipapa management cited USNR’s high level of capability and focus on supporting the customer, so there was little interest in evaluating another supplier. Grant Arnold explains: “Several years ago, we invested in USNR 3D log scanning on our carriage,” he said. “We saw massive improvements in all measures off the headrig, so it was a no brainer to remain with the USNR platform.”
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USNR’s solution
The new technology involved upgrades to the mill’s USNR 4TA36 edger that the mill bought used for this project, and was updated by USNR. This included adding a fourth shifting saw to the edger sawbox, and installing USNR’s state-of-the-art BioVision optimization system. The edger ’s fourth saw accommodates the broad range of material widths the mill processes, ranging from 75mm to 300mm (3” to 12”). The BioVision system utilizes proprietary BioLuma 2900LVG sensors. Its optimization platform takes advantage of Deep Learning technology for enhanced defect recognition and classification. The project also included the conversion of the plant’s existing trimline to a combination line, with the goal to enable processing a random mix of green sawn and kiln dried material, with the addition of the Transverse High Grader (THG). The optimizer provides 3D modeling based on an enhanced optimization platform that is shared across all of USNR’s vision scanning products.
The THG utilizes 4-sided scanning as well as an end-grain scanner to assist in locating the board’s pith. This provides highly accurate defect detection and grade solutions for both green and dry products.
These systems are also now enhanced with the benefits of Deep Learning technology. Also included in the project were installation of a new Revolver Lug Loader and Multi-Track Fence. Both are instrumental in providing increased processing capacity, and maintaining efficiencies and trimming accuracy at the speeds
that the mill targeted. The Revolver was chosen to efficiently handle the variation of product thicknesses, from 25mm to 105mm (1� to 4�), and green as well as kiln dried product. The Revolver is fitted with a rotating overhead hold down assembly that assists the feeding process for mixed thickness products.
We wanted to invest in technology that gives us every opportunity to maximize value return on the raw logs we process.
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WAIPAPA PINE — GAINING EFFICIENCIES
The green trim line from the Revolver Lug Loader through the THG, Multi-Track Fence, and trimmer, to the incline to the sorter.
Dry line integration We effectively had two weeks to have everything mechanically completed so that electrical and controls could be installed.
The planer outfeed is designed to feed directly to the green trimline on a separate landing deck. The mill plans to install a moisture meter after the Revolver Lug Loader to identify green vs dry material. This will allow the mill to run green and dry material through the green trimline simultaneously. This component of the project has been delayed due to COVID-19. In the meantime, with a wide range of product sorts the initial process employed is running dry material in batches through the trimmer line to take advantage of the grading
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accuracy of the THG. With the very attractive payback being seen, the mill is eager to implement this additional capability.
The installation
The plant upgrades were clearly a team effort. USNR and Skookum Technology (USNR’s agent in the region) worked closely on engineering and project management, and mechanical integration of the new mill hardware was provided by Skookum. The groups coordinated closely with mill personnel to ensure a very successful result.
The project needed to be completed during the four-week downtime window over the plant’s Christmas shutdown. To prepare for the installation a lot of equipment needed to be constructed within the mill but offline, while the mill operated at full capacity. Other equipment needed to be assembled outside of the mill and readied for moving into place once the back end of the sawmill building was demolished. “Needless to say, planning and execution of the project was critical,” said Grant. “We effectively had two weeks to have everything mechanically completed so that electrical and controls could be installed.” “The USNR team members were great,” said Grant. “Everyone had their job to do and completed it without any issues at all. Communication between the USNR team and our project guys was excellent from start to finish. It was also great to have such highly skilled and knowledgeable USNR staff on site so we could learn from them.” Grant also noted that the Skookum design team did a great job, while Skookum engineers supported the Waipapa Pine team very well on site.
This investment will provide us the opportunity to maximize efficiencies across our complete processing footprint, while being able to respond nimbly to any changing landscape we have in front of us.
in grade recovery, and a 13% increase in output.” Raw log input costs have reduced, and overall value return has been improved. This project has had a large impact on how the mill operates and the type of roles/work that staff members perform. Now, 95% of the operational jobs within the mill are very “hands off”. Health and safety stats have improved, and the company has been able to take its manual graders and train them in the new technology, which has given them a great boost from both a job satisfaction and skills perspective.
Prepared for the future
“We are experiencing some very uncertain times, with unpredictable long-term economic impact,” said Grant. “This investment will provide us the opportunity to maximize efficiencies across our complete processing footprint, while being able to respond nimbly to any changing landscape we have in front of us.”
On the Waipapa side, Phillip Crawley, Engineering Manager, completed an outstanding job managing the delivery of a complex project within the confines of a very small timing window to install and commission the plant upgrade. Processing Managers Jody Mitchell and Dan Spake also worked hard to ensure successful commissioning of the lines, and optimization of the outputs. Training of mill personnel was done at USNR’s facility in Salmon Arm, BC, and was also held on site in New Zealand during start-up and commissioning.
Results
“The results we have seen are outstanding, across all key measures within the business,” said Grant. “We’ve seen a 4.2% improvement in sawn recovery, an 8.3% improvement
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Upgrades will make your stacker run like new USNR offers three upgrades that will transform your existing stacker into a feature-rich, user-friendly design that provides excellent stick alignment and smooth, continuous operation at high speeds, all at a fraction of the cost of a new system. The Stick Lifter upgrade replaces all lifters with the nextgeneration Direct Lift design that enables you to run at higher speeds without affecting lift position. The Stick Feeder upgrade adjusts feeder timing to match the distribution lug chain-speed timing for smooth stick transfers even at the highest chain speeds. The Rake Off Assembly upgrade converts your system from hydraulic to electric, for a smooth operation (up to 20 cycles per min.) while maintaining the ability to retract forks, even if boards are out of position, without damaging the Rake Off. Contact us to learn more.
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USNR Service
Through COVID-19, and beyond WE’RE THERE WHEN AND WHERE YOU NEED US Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, USNR’s support for its customers has been unwavering. When and where you need us we are there to serve your needs, no matter the challenges. Like our customers, we’ve found new means and new tools to get the job done safely, efficiently, and effectively.
Remote support has been a part of our toolkit for a long time. The advent of newer technologies along with the abundance of smart devices has been a game changer for many industries like ours.
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USNR SERVICE — THROUGH COVID-19, AND BEYOND Having the designation as an essential service has afforded USNR the green light to continue supporting our customers throughout this pandemic. We are fortunate that technology and infrastructure are in place to allow us to continue our activities within our manufacturing facilities, employees working from home, and technicians supporting our customers remotely and with limited travel.
USNR’s large and dedicated service team has been there to serve our customers long before the COVID-19 virus was thrust into our world. Challenging work environments and conditions are nothing new, but what is new is the reality that now we must take extra precautions to ensure the safety of our teams and our customers while providing continuous support for our industry. During the initial outbreak, many of our service technicians were called back home as regional governmental travel restrictions were put in place. As our industry is designated essential, any team members who didn’t need to travel far to accommodate customers’ emergency service were able to continue to handle these calls. Key capital system start-ups that were already underway continued with appropriate precautions in place to guard against spreading the virus. The regular support calls were handled remotely, with technicians either working from home, or from our offices with strict safety precautions. As some restrictions are lifting, our service technicians are more able to travel as needed. These service trips are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to continue to provide a safe environment for everyone.
COVID-19 Customer Response and Awareness Protocol
Early on, USNR established our own protocols for the safety of our employees. Then we built those protocols into a guideline we adhere to in our facilities and when our team members go to a customer’s site. These ensure we all remain as safe as possible, while allowing us to perform necessary service work. Our objective in the protocol is to take the appropriate precautions against potential exposure by evaluating a customer’s COVID-19 awareness, policies, and practices prior to allowing USNR employees to enter the premises, and offering a summary of USNR’s efforts for customers’ site evaluations. The customer’s safety verification covers such initiatives as their policies and practices as they relate to stopping the spread of COVID-19, sick leave policy, whether any of the customer’s personnel exhibit signs of infection or have exposure to an infected individual, and how the customer is prepared to assist a USNR employee on their site who may face a medical emergency. And on the USNR side, the protocol details our preparedness measures, international travel, individuals
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displaying flu-like symptoms, social distancing, and the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Remote support solutions
For many years USNR has supported customers’ systems remotely with the use of webcams and remote support platforms to resolve issues and to perform updates. Now newer platforms have been launched that allow augmented reality through the use of remote control and viewing software. Using these platforms we can observe your system at a glance, whether it’s machinery, PLC controls, optimizers, or anything else. Our service experts will guide customers through the solution repair by placing 3D markers onto real-world objects as they are displayed on a mobile device. Once you download the software app to your phone or tablet and provide USNR with your ID, our technicians connect remotely to your mobile device’s live camera to see exactly what you are seeing. As you move the device our technician sees the live feed, which can be paused while he draws an arrow to, or circle around an area on the screen where the repair action needs to be taken. This system also benefits our technicians in the field by allowing our engineers to remotely help in resolving issues. Jason Corkle, Corporate Service Manager, comments, “ Remote support has been a part of our toolkit for a long time. The advent of newer technologies along with the abundance of smart devices has been a game changer for many industries like ours.”
Here’s how it works: Remote camera sharing and real-time video streaming - This allows you to share your smartphone’s camera view. The camera becomes our eyes so we can see the problem and help you address it on-site. Two-way voice communication - Allows two-way communication for detailed instructions on how to fix the issue at hand. Highlighting on 3D objects and adding text - We can help you fix the issue by drawing and highlighting on the screen which is overlaid onto real-world objects, as well as adding text descriptions.
Top: A USNR service specialist instructs a worker via remote support. Above: A USNR service technician demonstrates the use of remote support tools.
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USNR SERVICE — THROUGH COVID-19, AND BEYOND
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE PROGRAM Regular preventative maintenance service, on-going employee training, and product/ system tuning will help ensure maximum recovery and return on your investment while reducing downtime. Our SMP covers all USNR equipment including mechanical, optimization, and PLC controls components. It affords customers 3 levels of contracted service: Premium, Standard, and Utility. All levels offer the following benefits: on-site service remote support: 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, and 365 days/year travel rate discounts monthly payments The Premium level offers a host of extra benefits, Standard offers several extra benefits, and Utility is an economical plan that works for many customers. Masks are a new addition to the standard PPE our service technicians wear in a typical mill environment.
Freeze image - The video stream can be paused to get a clear still image to highlight and discuss technical details. Mobile to mobile - The system enables us to connect and support anyone with an iOS or Android device. USNR’s remote support can be accessed as a stand-alone service or in conjunction with the System Maintenance Program (SMP). Our augmented reality service is included for all current SMP contracts at no additional charge. You can be assured that when you partner with USNR you have our commitment to support your systems safely and efficiently, today and always. We have the tools and people in place to support you no matter where you are in the world.
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USNR’s Safety Culture
Driving the safety culture at USNR PROACTIVELY REDUCING RISK AND CULTIVATING SAFE WORK ENVIRONMENTS Recognizing the importance of health and safety, USNR created a role to elevate this culture within our organization. Meet USNR’s Safety and Training Manager, Adrienne Bootsma.
A proactive approach to safety lends to success, especially in morale, productivity, and overall cost. Safety is not a stand-alone initiative, but needs to be integrated into everything that we do.
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DRIVING THE SAFETY CULTURE AT USNR The safety and training of our employees and our customers are very important to USNR during normal times, and now even more so with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately we already had an experienced team in place along with the infrastructure to tackle challenges like these.
Safety and Training Manager
Adrienne Bootsma holds the role of Corporate Safety and Training Manager. In this role she is responsible for the implementation of a comprehensive safety management system, and leads USNR’s safety and training efforts. Adrienne has a team that encompasses each of our facilities throughout North America and in Sweden, that promotes, monitors, and reports on our safety and training initiatives for our employees working at our facilities, and while visiting customers’ sites.
COVID-19 challenge
The COVID-19 pandemic is a unique challenge for USNR as well as for our customers all over the world. But our responses have been swift, efficient, and effective. Adrienne notes, “The COVID-19 pandemic is ever evolving and challenges all decision makers, stakeholders, and health and safety professionals as we navigate uncharted territory.” Adrienne is proud of USNR’s proactive safety culture and says that this positive climate has really helped with the adoption of new processes and procedures. As USNR’s operations and customers are scattered around the globe, part of Adrienne’s job is to remain
abreast of trends, recommendations, policy, and law, in jurisdictions around the world. In connection with COVID-19, Adrienne has been leading a management task force to develop and implement safety policy, and actively intervene to maintain the safety of our personnel and stakeholders. Through our response efforts USNR continues to operate all of its manufacturing shops in North America and in Sweden. We also service customer equipment throughout the world on a daily basis. Adrienne says, “Everyday presents a new challenge, and through diligence and protocol we are navigating and succeeding. I am very proud that USNR is committed to the health and safety of all its employees.”
Safety beyond the pandemic
Personal protective equipment now includes face coverings, sanitizing spray and wipes, hand sanitizer, and gloves. Adrienne notes that this is the new normal for personal protection. “There is a renewed emphasis on behavior-based safety; individuals are responsible for their behaviors. This proactive approach shifts influence from “having to work safely” to “wanting to work safely”. Wanting to wear a face covering rather than having to wear a face covering.”
Leadership
Adrienne has had a long career with USNR, and her emergence as a leader in the health and safety arena is an important development for the company. Raised by teachers in a small community, Adrienne has always had a keen interest in continuous learning. Her career began in 1998 as a co-op student placement in USNR’s electrical plant at Salmon Arm, BC. Upon completion of a Computer Automated Systems Technician diploma, she joined the company fulltime. After successive advances, Adrienne became the Electrical Plant Manager. In 2017 she completed an Executive MBA in Health and Safety Leadership, and assumed the role of Environmental Health and Safety Manager. Adrienne has recently moved to USNR’s head office in Woodland, WA and has taken on a dual role leading the company’s efforts for both safety and internal/external training.
USNR integrates safety into everything we do
Understand all the hazards and risks involved in the task at hand Seek to eliminate or minimize the hazards and risks Never proceed until an analysis is complete Re-evaluate the hazards and risks if anything changes
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Delivers dramatic production increases With over 150 years of experience, USNR’s Coebrand veneer lathe systems are known to provide the highest recovery, greatest throughput, and highest quality veneer in the industry. Designed for both hardwood and softwood applications, our lathe systems accommodate log diameters from 4-1/2” to 60” (115 mm to 1,5 m), and will peel blocks down to 2” (50 mm) diameter cores. Available in dual or triple spindle models, USNR lathe systems offer versatility and improved recovery. With over 1,200 lathes in operation, over 90% of veneer in North America is peeled on Coe-brand lathes. Contact us to learn more about the benefits of putting this technology to work in your mill.
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New Projects BR-Wood − New Sawmill
USNR’s European headquarters, located in Söderhamn, Sweden, has signed a contract with the Belarusian company BR-Wood LLC for the supply of a complete sawmill. BRWood is the largest wood processing company in Belarus. The contract includes all equipment for log handling, debarking, saw line, edger line, lumber sorting, and residuals handling. All optimization and PLC control systems will also be supplied by USNR. Deliveries will begin in 2020, with commissioning in 2021.
Dempsey Wood − Bucking Optimization
Dempsey Wood Products at Orangeburg, SC has ordered optimization and controls to automate its bucking line. The mill has been updating its operation for several years, and wants to increase log input to its sawmill, which this project will accomplish. The new optimization and controls systems will automate the line, resulting in much improved throughput as well as far higher recovery from each log. The new bucking system will be configured with 3 scan zones to accommodate the short infeed to the bucking saws, and utilize USNR’s BioLuma lineal laser profile technology to generate the bucking solution. The system will include the MillTrak 3D log gap control system which will monitor and control the gap between pieces to ensure smooth flow and maximize throughput. The installation is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2020, with full production before the end of 2020.
Derome Group − Cambio 500 The Derome Group has signed a contract with USNR for a Cambio 500 for its sawmill in Kinnared. The new debarking machine will be delivered and put into operation at the beginning of next year.
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The new debarking machine replaces an existing Cambio 500 which has served the company well after service both in Kinnared and at another former sawmill.
Haapajärvi − Cambio 460
The latest in the line of orders for USNR’s Cambio line is a Cambio 460 to be installed at Haapajärven Ha-Sa Oy in Haapajärvi in central Finland. This debarking machine replaces an older Cambio 460 that will remain as a spare machine. The mill also has a Cambio 75 and a CamTrim flare reducer in the sawmill’s debarking line.
Jordan Lumber − LHG update, Deep Learning technology Jordan Lumber of Mt. Gilead, NC installed its Lineal High Grader (LHG) in the early 2000s, and it has been providing accurate defect detection and classification performance. With the advent of USNR’s Deep Learning technology and improved computing capability, the mill is now investing to upgrade its system to take advantage of the latest technology advancements. The upgrade includes moving to the new software platform now shared by all the USNR automated grading systems (BioVision in the green mill, Transverse High Grader in the dry mill, and AddVantage chop and rip optimizer in the value added market). The Deep Learning neural network will enhance knot, pith, bark, and other defect detection and classification, and provide highly accurate grade and trim solutions. The mill’s WinTally sorter management system will receive the latest version release. WinTally works in conjunction with the automated grading system to provide enhanced sorting and product processing.
KyKenKee − Counter-Flow Kiln KyKenKee Inc. of Vance, AL has ordered a new Counter-Flow Kiln to add drying capacity to its operation. The plant has 7 existing kilns, with 6
of those being USNR units. This new kiln will be natural gas-fired, and will utilize the Kiln Boss control system that also controls the other kilns at this site. The Counter-Flow Dry Kiln delivers continuous non-stop production, enabling you to increase kiln production by up to 50%. It uses a staging and loading system to keep packages moving through the kiln continuously and automatically. The Kiln Boss system allows the mill to easily control all important wood drying variables. The system tracks custom drying schedules, provides alerts to potential problems or to system changes, and reports batch and historical statistics for review. This latest kiln will be installed in Q3 and started up in Q4 of this year.
Moelven Notnäs Ransby − Multi-Track Fences
Moelven Notnäs Ransby AB has ordered two Multi-Track Fences from USNR. The new units with their fast and precise adjustments will increase both the accuracy and the throughput for the operation. These two are #7 and #8 units sold in Europe (around 160 machines sold worldwide), three of which were also sold to Germany in quick succession.
Paul M Jones Lumber − Double track dry kiln Paul M Jones Lumber of Snow Hill, MD is expanding its kiln capacity with a new double-track dry kiln. The mill produces lumber and heavy timbers, much of which supplies treaters for marine applications.
The new supply will more than double its capacity with a 54’ long steam-heated, high temperature batch kiln, and Kiln Boss controls. The existing kiln at this site is a Coebrand kiln, still performing well after decades of production. The Kiln Boss system will control both kilns, and the mill is also installing SCS in-kiln moisture measurement in both kilns. The new kiln is scheduled to be started up in Q4.
Piedmont Hardwood − StickN-Fork Stacker
Piedmont Hardwood in Mount Pleasant, NC is updating its sawmill with a new Multi-Track Fence and a Stick-N-Fork stacker from USNR. The mill is looking to improve the accuracy and throughput of its trimmer line, and to gain efficiencies and productivity at its stacker. As part of this project, the control system will be updated to ControlLogix, and a WinTally sorter management system will be added. This project is scheduled to be completed in fourth quarter 2020.
WKO − LHG update with Deep Learning technology
The Wilkins family owns two mills: WKO at Carson, WA and Mt. Hood at Hood River, OR. Both mills installed USNR’s Lineal High Grader (LHG) a few years ago, and are now updating these systems with the latest technology that provides the benefits of Deep Learning technology for improved lumber grade classification and recovery.
advancements. New vision sensors, computer hardware, and the latest software load will be installed. Deep Learning technology will provide enhanced detection of knots, pith, bark, and more defects. These systems will be upgraded later this year.
The latest platform that USNR provides for all of its grade scanning systems - both green mill and dry mill, includes Deep Learning technology along with other
The program provides flexible options for sourcing series-2X, -3X, and -4X valves to keep your mill running smoothly while you plan an overall transition to the series-4X valve platform. Options for new, remanufactured, and repair/exchanges allow you to avoid downtime during this industry-wide transition.
Valve Service Options Purchase a lower-priced remanufactured valve and get a full 2-year warranty (from date of shipping). Requires a valve core return, core credit applied. Return series-2X, -3X, and -4X valves for rebuild. The 3-week standard turn around time drops to 2 weeks when shipped priority. Purchase new in-stock valves and receive a core credit with the return of a replacement valve core. Note: Upgrading the 4WRLE-3X series valve to a series-4X requires scheduling a service call for valve tuning at installation. Series-3X valve core return credit honored for a limited time.
www.usnr.com | ISSUE 50 | Millwide Insider 23
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New, Remanufactured, or Rebuilt? Yes!
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USNR and Bosch Rexroth are providing a solution for obsolete and long leadtime valves. We offer a highly flexible replacement/upgrade path to the more efficient series-4X valve, giving you options that minimize the impact on your operation.
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Bosch Rexroth Valve Exchange Program
PO Box 310 Woodland, WA 98674
Profile Clayton Paratore is an Account Manager, based in Painesville, OH Clayton Paratore is an Account Manager, working in our engineered products division. He joined USNR in January 2019.
The product lines Clayton is most associated with are large multiopening column presses for the manufacture of fiberboard, OSB, and other composite materials. He also promotes modern designs of presses for the rubber industry.
A mechanical engineer by trade, Clayton earned his degree at Cleveland State University. His background includes the aerospace industry and with integrating automated systems for a broad range of industries. During that time he came to realize that he most enjoyed helping customers formulate solutions for their issues, rather than day-to-day engineering responsibilities.
Upcoming Events 2020−2021
Clayton says, “When an opportunity came to join the sales team at USNR I seized it.”
Clayton has especially enjoyed learning about USNR press products, and is awed at their longevity. “It is rewarding to see products like OSB siding distributed in applications across North America, and knowing that it was almost certainly made on a USNR press. Traveling to rural communities that have grown around plants with our reliable, long-life systems has shown me the importance of supplying quality equipment.” He also notes how eager the USNR engineering team members are to help him get his feet wet in a new industry. Clayton practices Brazilian Jui Jitsu as well as several forms of mixed martial arts. He and his fiancé, Jordyn, enjoy cooking together and entertaining guests with their culinary pursuits. He says, “We are nutrition nerds!”
He applies his mechanical engineering talents to work on his ATV and truck, and is also avid helping others achieve their fitness goals.
2020 Events: SEPTEMBER 15−18: Woodworking, Minsk, Belarus SEPT. 30−OCT. 2: ExpoDrev Russia, Krasnoyarsk, Russia OCTOBER 14−15: OptiSaw (Virtual) 14−English, 15−French 2021 Events: MARCH 23−25: Montreal Wood Convention, Montreal, Quebec MARCH 30−APRIL 1: Mass Timber Conference, Portland, OR MAY 21−22: Expo Richmond, Richmond, VA MAY 10−14: Ligna, Hannover, Germany
