Grayson Lumber, a lumber mill located in Houston, Alabama, has successfully integrated a WEIMA shredder into its operations to process wood waste generated during lumber production. By utilizing the shredder, Grayson Lumber has found an innovative solution to repurpose wood waste, which is then utilized as fuel in an on-site boiler. The adoption of the WEIMA shredder has led to significant improvements in efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
Sustainable Operations in the Woods
Grayson Lumber, established in 1942, has been under the ownership of the current management team since 1994. Situated within a scenic national forest, the company operates with a team of approximately 75 employees working a single shift five days a week. Grayson Lumber specializes in processing southern yellow pine trees into dimensional lumber, which is primarily distributed to large retailers such as Lowe’s and Home Depot, as well as truss manufacturers.
About Grayson Lumber Co.
01
AL
Houston
02
WLK 15
Shredder
03
1942
Founded
The Need for a Waste Disposal Solution
As part of its lumber production process, Grayson Lumber must chop slabs of wood down to size, which generates a substantial amount of wood waste. These end-cuts took up significant space and had to be moved around the campus with a company-owned dump truck. In 2019, the company recognized the need for a more efficient waste disposal solution that would reduce costs and minimize environmental impact.
In the past, the wood residues took up a lot of space on the company's premises.
During their search for an effective waste disposal solution, Grayson Lumber discovered WEIMA shredders. Unlike alternative machinery options with high horsepower requirements and lengthy lead times, the low horsepower and lower RPM of WEIMA shredders stood out as a more suitable choice for their specific needs. This realization marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership between Grayson Lumber and WEIMA.
Revolutionizing Waste Handling with WEIMA
The company invested in a WEIMA WLK 15 single-shaft shredder and quickly integrated it into its production line. This shredder efficiently processes the wood waste generated during the planing process, ensuring optimal sizing for direct use in the on-site boiler. The appropriately-sized screen on the shredder allows for precise throughput sizes, minimizing the need for additional handling. The shredder also preserves larger wood chunks, which are mixed with the shredded wood to provide a consistent fuel source with reliable BTU for the boiler.
WEIMA WLK 15 single-shaft shredder for waste wood at Grayson Lumber mill
Learn more about the WLK 15 single-shaft shredder
WL 15
Preventative Care for Optimal Performance
Grayson Lumber’s experience with the WEIMA shredder has been highly positive in terms of maintenance and reliability. Over the past three years, the machine has required only preventative maintenance. At the time of purchase, Grayson Lumber procured a full set of spare knives, ensuring uninterrupted operation. The company follows the manufacturer’s recommendation of rotating the knives regularly and replacing them after four rotations. This proactive approach to maintenance has kept the shredder running optimally.
The rotor with a length of 1,500mm shreds the residual wood.
Encouraged by the success of the WEIMA shredder, Grayson Lumber recently expanded its operations by constructing a second mill on-site to process green wood. To handle the increased volume of scrap wood from this new production line, the company has made plans to acquire a second WEIMA shredder. This expansion highlights Grayson Lumber's confidence in the WEIMA shredder and their ongoing partnership with the manufacturer.
From start to finish: Grayson Lumber x WEIMA
The integration of the WEIMA shredder has yielded significant benefits for Grayson Lumber across various aspects of their operation:
- Logistical Efficiency: The introduction of the shredder, coupled with an auger system, has eliminated the need for a dump truck to move wood waste around the lumber yard. This has resulted in substantial savings in fuel and maintenance costs, while optimizing labor utilization.
- Environmental Sustainability: By repurposing wood waste as fuel for the on-site boiler, Grayson Lumber has significantly reduced its environmental footprint. The utilization of the shredder ensures efficient processing and utilization of wood waste, mitigating the need for traditional disposal methods.
- Economic Advantage: Grayson Lumber found the WEIMA shredder to be an economically viable solution. The cost-effectiveness of the shredder, coupled with the savings in fuel, maintenance, and labor costs, has positively impacted the company's bottom line.
Driving Sustainability, Fueling Success
Grayson Lumber’s integration of the WEIMA shredder has proven to be a game-changer, allowing the company to efficiently process wood waste and utilize it as a valuable fuel source for their on-site boiler. The partnership with WEIMA has not only enhanced operational efficiency and sustainability but has also resulted in cost savings.
The WEIMA WLK 15 efficiently processes Grayson Lumber residues.
As Grayson Lumber continues to expand its operations, the collaboration with WEIMA remains instrumental in maintaining smooth and productive mill operations.
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