Whiteheads partners with Springer for sawmill upgrade
Friday 2 Feb 2024
A decade-long partnership
In a move dating back to 2008, Australian company WHITEHEADS Timber Sales initially
conceived the idea of modernising its sawmill. Strategically aligning with SPRINGER
and its partners, this ambitious project for the company brings top-notch
technology to Australia's sawmill industry - beyond anything previously known in
the region. Recognizing the imperative for cutting-edge wood processing technology,
WHITEHEADS Timber Sales and SPRINGER embarked on a transformative journey to
reshape the operation.
Setting industry standards
The upcoming sawmill upgrades will showcase the highest process efficiency, the
lowest energy consumption, and incorporate the latest generation of robotic-based
machine design and functionality. Additionally, state-of-the-art scanning,
optimizer, and data processing technology will be integrated, reinforcing a
commitment to a technologically advanced approach to wood processing.
Comprehensive sawmill overhaul
This large project includes a saw infeed transformation with the latest LMC (Log
Motion Control) generation, featuring an all-new SPRINGER measurement conveyor and
LINCK seamless servo pos centering infeed - powered by MICROTEC's latest generation
of real time scanning and image processing technology. In the next step, a complete
overhaul of the log infeed deck will introduce SPRINGER's cutting-edge screw
feeding technology, promising seamless and efficient processing.
Revolutionising greensorter operations
The Greensorter will undergo a comprehensive rebuild and upgrade, featuring the
all-new SPRINGER trimmer line. The trimmer line incorporates next-gen board
manipulation gear such as the E-loader, beltless trimmer system E-cut with servo
pos PET, and a fully automated visual autograding system. Powered by MiCROTEC's
GE900 series with ViSCANplus, this system ensures structural grade prediction on
top of fully automatic visual grading, while the enhanced sorter management system
VARiOSORT adds a new dimension to efficiency.
Project redefining industry standards
WHITEHEADS Timber Sales and SPRINGER are investing significantly to ensure the
upgrade will redefine industry standards and establish a new benchmark for sawmill
operations globally. The installation of these upgrades is scheduled to commence
in 2025, marking a pivotal moment in WHITEHEADS Timber Sales' journey toward
operational excellence. In collaboration with SPRINGER, the Australian company is
not only upgrading its sawmill but pioneering a transformative approach that will
undoubtedly set new standards in wood processing technology, ensuring a future that
is both efficient and sustainable; and the next project cooperation is already in
the pipeline.
About SPRINGER: The family-owned company located in Friesach (Austria)
plans, develops, and produces machines and state of the art solutions for the wood
processing industry. All processes, such as transporting, sorting, grading of wood,
and automation, are implemented at the highest technological level. Special
attention is placed on sustainability. The climate-neutral company employs more
than 500 people worldwide and is led by the family's third generation, Timo
Springer and Gero Springer.
Source: SPRINGER
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