SCA Timber plans to more than double production capacity at its Tunadal sawmill by investing £17.6m in a new automatic grading mill.
This will replace two existing grading mills and, once operational in autumn 2009, will bring potential capacity to 750,000m³ of Nordic spruce sawn products, compared with 332,000m³ in 2007.
Kilned products will be graded using image analysis technology and acoustic strength sorting, with the products moving automatically through to packaging or further processing.
Jerry Larsson, currently manager of Tunadal sawmill, will become its new technical director this autumn and will assume responsibility for delivery of the new grading mill. He will also focus on technical research and development.
A new cros-scutting line was opened at Tunadal sawmill in June this year to manufacture precision components. The line will primarily produce window shutters and door furniture, and shed components for customers in France and Scandinavia.
Tunadal’s new £3m progressive and chamber kilns came on stream during May.
