The production control system developed at Metsä Wood's Renko sawmill refines log sorting and improves more efficient utilization of wood raw materials, says Metsä Wood's Sawmill Production Director Harri Haapaniemi.
The successful innovation is planned to be introduced at the company's other sawmills this year.
Renko Sawmill, which produced 300 cubic meters of sawn timber last year, is one of the largest sawmills in Finland. With 000 truckloads of logs needed for production every day and 50 truckloads of finished sawn timber shipped out worldwide every day, it requires the sawmill to have streamlined and flawless processes.
“Production efficiency and material efficiency have developed hand in hand through continuous improvement and overall management,” says Haapaniemi.
In recent years, Metsä Wood's mills have invested heavily in measurement and optimization technology and the production control systems that work alongside them. X-ray and 3D technology is used to measure logs, technology that combines product selection and material technology is used in the sawing process, and finished products are sorted using cameras.
The production control system tested at Renko sawmill was inspired by the experiences of the personnel.
"We are considering a new perspective on sorting logs, in addition to the traditional sorting by top diameter and length. The logs are sorted according to customer requirements at the sawmill reception, which allows us to ensure the quality and quantity of orders for customers at an early stage."
Increases processing value
X-ray technology enables monitoring of the internal quality of logs, in addition to the physical length and diameter of the wood raw material, which can then be used to guide them to the most suitable sawing settings. This also ensures the quality of the material customers need.
Renko Sawmill's customers, which include the component, furniture and planing industries, have different quality criteria for wood raw materials, such as knots or overall quality of the wood.
In addition to taking into account customers' quality criteria, the production control system also improves the added value of Renko sawmill's production.
"It also strengthens the sawmill's competitiveness. We can also react more quickly to market changes and better anticipate customers' future requirements," says Haapaniemi.
The production control system piloted at Renko sawmill will also be utilized at other Metsä Wood sawmills in the future.
"In terms of developing operations, owning multiple sawmills is a strength. We can launch and pilot new projects at one sawmill, and after testing, expand the use to other sawmills as well."
Material efficiency in sawmills means precise utilization of wood, minimizing waste. The side streams generated at sawmills are fully utilized either in pulp mills or in energy production at the sawmill. The Rengo sawmill's power plant produces heat for drying and also generates electricity.
Text: Olli Manninen
Photo: Harri Nurminen / Metsä Group
