Cutting edge multi-million pound investment at timber business

Arbor Forest Products, an independent timber importer and processor, has invested £4m to install a sawmill planing line at its site in New Holland, Humberside.

An integral part of Arbor’s long-term strategy, the new line features the latest equipment that is the first of its kind in the UK.

This will allow the company to further automate its production processes, stay ahead of market demand and pass on efficiency savings to customers.  

The new system was developed in conjunction with System Hall AB, a Swedish company  specialising in the design, manufacture and supply of material handling systems for the  woodworking industry, primarily in the Nordics.

Replacing a 12-year-old system, Arbor and  System Hall worked to define the best-possible solution, delivering a sawmill line that comprises a WEINIG H4200 moulding machine and a range of in-line cutting  options, as well as a 5.4m long chop saw.

It means Arbor has been able to remove an entire step from its production processes, increasing efficiencies and making a more cost-effective final product.

The sawmill’s timber scanning technology will help to reduce defects, reduce waste and save time.

In total, the system can custom-cut and process 200m of timber per minute – around 40,000 km a year which is roughly equivalent to the circumference of the Earth.

Operations director, Phil Yell, said: “Our strategy is to stay at the forefront of the  industry and guarantee the best quality for our customers – that’s why we’ve invested over  £15m in automation, such as the sawmill, over the last couple of years.

“We’ve always been  driven to push the limits when it comes to technology, and in a tough labour market, it’s  even more important to question how we do things and to critique what we’re using. This is the only way to improve efficiencies and productivity. 

“That’s why System Hall were so exciting to collaborate with. This is the second major  investment with them in three years, and they continually push us to think differently and  aim high with new equipment.

“The result is one of the most advanced sawmills in the UK,  helping us to exceed customer expectations.”