Equipment Manufacturers Expecting A Smoother 2026 Compared To A Rocky 2025

Equipment Manufacturers Expecting A Smoother 2026 Compared To A Rocky 2025

By Lara Stearsman and Barbara Powell

In 2025, the increased usage of AI and efficiency upgrades in sawmills has been widely reported by many equipment manufacturers and service providers across the United States and Canada. Some of these upgrades have been caused by a shortage of labor, which has caused a variety of struggles. Despite a few challenges, several companies reported plans for new products in 2026.

Paul Cleereman

Cleereman Industries & Cleereman Controls

Newald, WI

We work with both hardwood and softwood mills.

In 2025, Cleereman Industries observed a surge in capital expenditure within the hardwood and softwood sawmill industries. Numerous mills have decided to replace outdated equipment and controls, aiming to optimize operational speed and enhance yield recovery. A shared challenge faced by both sawmills and equipment manufacturers alike is a shortage of available labor.  As a result, our industry continues to upgrade from manual labor to automization upgrades to help offset the shortage of labor. The supply chain for purchased parts has stabilized in 2025 and most parts are readily available.

In 2021, Cleereman Industries introduced the innovative Cleereman Edger Line tailored to the sawmill industry. Fast-forward to October 2025, and the successful installation of over 50 of our enhanced Edgers has yielded promising results. Customers are reporting notable spikes in production output and yield. The newly designed Edger seamlessly integrates into existing Edger locations with minimal adjustments required for surrounding equipment. Our Edger was designed to elevate production efficiency, alleviate operator fatigue and ultimately maximize mill yield. Customer feedback highlights their satisfaction with both the competitive pricing and superior quality. We have heard time and time again from our customers that have installed out optimized edger, that you can just stand by the chipper and watch the edgings and see the savings. More boards and less chips. Another new line of equipment in 2025 was our high-end resaw lines. We offer both horizontal and line bar resaw systems, complete with run around and Cleereman Controls.

Cleereman Controls specializes in crafting Carriage Controls, Edger Controls (both optimized and non-optimized), along with Debarkers, Trimmers, Resaws, Slabbers and material handling solutions. Complemented by an in-house engineering division, Cleereman Industries is poised to address diverse customer needs. Our offerings span from individual equipment components to comprehensive turn-key sawmill designs along with our custom sawmill controls and on-site consultation and installation services. Over the last several years we have seen our industry go more towards the one stop shop style of purchasing. Our in-house engineering department has allowed us to handle not only equipment but electrical MCC/Starter design of cabinets and building/foundation layouts. In addition, we maintain a comprehensive stock of all parts for our machines in-house, enabling same-day shipments or pickups. We’re dedicated to guiding our customers through every phase of their sawmill projects.

Our extensive product line encompasses Stave Mills, Lumber-Pro Thin Kerf Bandmills, Debarkers, Log Hauls, Metal Detectors, Log Decks, Log Turners, Track Frames, Rails, Husks, Drop-Belts, Rollcases, Transfers, Resaws, Edgers, Trimmers, Material Handling Lines, Carriage Drives, Operator Cabs, and custom purpose-built sawmill equipment.

One of the biggest concerns we hear from customers is labor. It’s not only the cost of labor but also not being able to find quality labor. Ever since COVID, sawmills have struggled trying to find labor. Manufacturers have focused on technology to replace or improve labor struggles. This trend will continue as manufacturers keep working towards automation and replacing hard to find quality workers with modern technology and automation of traditional manual lines.

Sylvain Dionne

Comact

Quebec City, QC

We work with both hardwood and softwood companies.

Throughout 2025, sawmill investments in both hardwood and softwood sectors have remained selective, with most producers favoring strategic upgrades rather than major brownfield projects. Customers have focused on optimization retrofits, breakdown and trimming lines improvements and planer mill flow enhancements that deliver measurable productivity and yield gains without long shutdowns. Projects are increasingly driven by return on investment and staffing efficiency rather than pure speed. We expect this trend to continue in 2026, with greater emphasis on flexible, modular systems that can evolve with log supply and market conditions.

Parts availability has improved substantially compared with previous years, although lead times for electronics can still fluctuate. Transportation networks have largely stabilized, but labor remains tight, pushing customers to rely more heavily on automation and smart systems to reduce dependency on skilled trades.

For softwood, in the coming year, we anticipate wider adoption of hybrid primary breakdown systems that combine triple limitless profilers, sideboard splitters, circular and bandsaw technologies to optimize value recovery from mixed log diets, all in one breakdown line.

Robotics for stacking and sorting will see an increasing demand, particularly in operations facing chronic labor shortages.

On the service side, mills are seeking long-term reliability partnerships, including condition-based maintenance and performance audits that keep production consistent over time.

Recent progress in AI and computing power is transforming both hardwood and softwood production. In hardwood, AI-assisted vision systems are tightening NHLA and proprietary grading accuracy, helping mills achieve consistent value recovery despite variability in species and color.

In softwood, OPER8, Comact’s platform for plant-wide data management, is consolidating yield, uptime and quality indicators into a single, actionable set of dashboards. Across both segments, predictive maintenance and digital replay tools are allowing operators to prevent downtime, analyze performance and coach teams with greater precision than ever before.

Comact provides complete sawmill and planer mill solutions for both hardwood and softwood applications. The company also offers AI-powered optimization software, digital solutions, robotic handling solutions, reliability services, and comprehensive aftermarket support including spare parts, cutting tools, and on-site or remote assistance.

Technology has become the most effective way to address workforce shortages in sawmills and related manufacturing operations. Advanced automation, intelligent optimization, and robotics now allow mills to sustain or increase production with smaller teams by simplifying operation, improving consistency and removing physically demanding or repetitive tasks. Robotic systems for stacking, sorting and board handling are becoming standard features, enhancing safety, reliability and overall plant flow.

At the same time, data-driven optimization and operator-assist tools empower existing staff to make better decisions in real time, increasing productivity and uptime while reducing stress on limited resources. These technologies don’t eliminate the need for skilled trades but rather transform the nature of mill work, enabling smaller, highly qualified teams to manage complex processes with greater efficiency. Ultimately, automation and robotics are helping mills operate more sustainably, build workforce stability and attract a new generation of technically minded professionals to the wood industry.

Brian Turlington

SII Dry Kilns

Lexington, NC

We provide equipment for hardwood and softwood companies. Also, many industrial wood sectors, pallets, poles, firewood and ties.

As with many of our hardwood customers, 2025 proved to be a slower year. Most projects involved expansions of existing operations or replacement of older kilns with modern, energy-efficient systems. With the continued rise in energy costs, many companies are recognizing that operating older, inefficient equipment has become increasingly cost-prohibitive.

For concentration yards aiming to stay agile with changing markets, upgrades to improve airflow, heat and venting capacity are becoming a priority. These improvements allow greater flexibility to dry a wider range of species and better capitalize on shifts in market demand.

The softwood market in 2025 experienced a bit of the roller-coaster conditions that the hardwood sector is familiar with. While some softwood companies have slowed expansion plans, others continue to move forward with major projects. SII is currently engaged in multiple Dual Path Kiln and Batch Kiln installations for various customers.

Sales of pallet kilns remained steady in 2025, driven by ongoing demand for dried pallets and the beginning of the replacement cycle for older equipment.

Dry Kilns for “After-Treatment” experienced notable growth in 2025, and SII anticipates this upward trend will continue into 2026.

We also saw gains in thermal modification kiln projects in 2025, and we expect continued growth in 2026 as more companies invest in this value-added process.

SII faced no material shortages or transportation delays in 2025. We continue to benefit from a low turnover rate among our skilled workforce and maintain a strong partnership with our local community college, ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified labor when expansion or additional capacity is required.

SII offers a line of fully welded stainless-steel steamers, available in both track-loaded and package-loaded models. The major benefits to our customers include steaming without relying on steam “spray.” Instead, the system uses a closed-loop steam process that boils a controlled pool of water within a sealed vat, returning all condensate to the boiler for improved efficiency and reduced waste. The fully welded interior construction ensures that all “Walnut juice” and condensate remain contained within the unit, preventing leaks into the ground or stormwater systems.

For kiln operations utilizing gas or oil boilers, we offer our SII-HX Heat Exchanger available for both new installations and retrofit projects. According to our supplier’s data, these heat exchangers can recover up to 70 percent of the latent heat typically exhausted during operation, while still ensuring complete removal of moist air from the kiln. SII is actively testing and validating these efficiency results through use in real-world hardwood kiln environments. The SII-HX Heat Exchanger is engineered specifically for hardwood kiln applications and is compatible with most dry kiln manufacturers’ control systems, making it a flexible and cost-effective upgrade for existing operations.

The SII Computerized Control System provides advanced tools for real-time kiln management, enabling precise control and optimization of drying operations.

“Sample Watch” – this feature integrates in-kiln moisture measurement using weight-based platforms and our wired or wireless moisture probes to continuously monitor the drying process and ensure consistent results.

“Utility Watch” – is a powerful energy management tool within the control system, helps manage electrical demand by monitoring the peak load and automatically adjusting operations to reduce utility costs.

“Steam Management” – Working seamlessly in the background, the SII “Steam Management” system allows people to prioritize steam distribution across their kilns. This ensures maximum drying efficiency even when available steam falls below normal operating levels. Together, these integrated systems—backed by the expert support of SII Dry Kilns—equip you with the tools necessary to maximize product quality, increase efficiency and improve overall profitability.

SII is a full-service dry kiln manufacturer specializing in custom-designed kilns for all North American wood species. We also provide a full range of kiln retrofit services — from reroofing projects and controller upgrades to complete panel and piping replacements, and everything in between. For over 55 years, we’ve put our experience to work for our customers, building not only high-quality equipment but also long-term relationships and lasting friendships.

We offer a full line of hardwood drying systems, including package and track kilns, large-capacity center fan wall package kilns, crossflow and down-draft predryers, fan sheds, Walnut steamers, as well as pallet and firewood kilns.

We design and manufacture Dual Path and Batch Track kilns for softwood applications. These kilns can be heated with high-pressure steam or direct-fired systems utilizing biomass or gas burners, providing efficient and reliable performance for a wide range of drying requirements.

At SII, we design our control systems with the belief that you know your lumber and process better than anyone else. Our systems put that control in your hands. Using Wonderware software, we’ve developed the KILN DRY system — a robust, industry-recognized control platform that delivers consistent, efficient kiln operation with the flexibility to suit each customer’s unique requirements.

Thermally Modified wood is finally beginning to take hold in the U.S. SII Dry Kilns has been involved with Thermal Modification since 2008 and has been representing WDE Maspell’s Thermal Vacuum kilns since 2015. WDE Maspell is the world’s most respected name in vacuum drying. Through a unique technology that combines attributes of vacuum drying with accelerated heating for thermal modification, WDE Maspell has developed a superior system to any other on the market. Not only does the vacuum allow the remaining moisture in the wood to be removed very quickly but also removes the odor causing “by-products” from the wood during modification and produces an “odor free” product. As thermally modified wood becomes more popular, the opportunities for many of our customers to produce these products for a fraction of the cost that custom treaters charge becomes a considerable improvement in their bottom line.  

SII’s Sample Watch and Moisture Probe computerized control systems enhance kiln automation by giving operators accurate, real-time moisture monitoring. Whether using sample-based or probe-based measurements, these systems display kiln charge MC percent continuously, reducing the need for manual sample weighing and increasing overall operational efficiency and consistency.

Our Sample Watch & Moisture Probe computerized control systems are popular because of the automation that it provides for the kiln operators, especially those with large numbers of kilns. By providing real time monitoring based either by samples or probes it allows the kiln operators an efficient way to see the kiln charge MC percent vs. weighing a large volume of samples which can be labor intensive.

Jenna Kennedy

McDonough Manufacturing

Eau Claire, WI and Woodstock, NB

Our company works with hardwood and softwood companies.

We’ve seen a noticeable rise in interest around horizontal resaws, which appear to be one of the most in-demand equipment categories right now regarding industry trends.

As for equipment/machinery/service availability, we expect to see continued innovation in products designed to increase yield and reduce labor. Mills are prioritizing automation, optimization, and reliability; technologies that streamline production while improving recovery and efficiency.

We supply a full range of primary and secondary breakdown equipment for both hardwood and softwood sawmills. Our product line includes resaws, gangs, edgers, bandmills and slabbers

Many people think of elaborate auto-graders or other expensive technology when addressing labor shortages in the forest products industry. At McDonough, we focus on practical upgrades such as improving existing resaws with modern controls that simplify operation and reduce the amount of labor required.

Kelly Johnson and Erik Bailey

BioLube Inc.

Fort Wayne, IN

We have formulas that work with both hardwood and softwood companies.

In 2025, we witnessed mills continue moving toward more automation and efficiency upgrades. At the same time, we’re noticing a significant drop in demand as consumers choose fewer natural wood products, which is influencing how aggressively mills invest going into 2026.

As for Biolube, we’re a small, family-owned company with a long-standing, reliable team. We’ve had no turnover, and our strong supplier relationships mean parts, transportation, and labor have not been an issue for us.

Our engineering team is actively developing new feature options for our spray lubrication systems that will further improve efficiency across both hardwood and softwood operations. These enhancements focus on cleaner application with less operator intervention. As mills continue investing in automation and uptime, we see these next-generation lubrication solutions becoming an important part of keeping saws cooler, cleaner, and running at peak performance.

We’re seeing a major move toward plant-wide AI optimization across both hardwood and softwood mills. New software adjusts machines automatically for better yield, fewer errors, and less manual oversight.

Biolube, headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN, is the original innovator in saw lubrication, offering trouble-free Lubie® spray application equipment and biodegradable lubricants for the softwood and hardwood industries. With a focus on eliminating pitch buildup and enhancing tool life, Biolube’s products are trusted by mills across the United States and Canada. “Quit Your Pitching” reflects Biolube’s commitment to solving pitch-related challenges with environmentally friendly, cost-competitive solutions.

• Lube Master 1000 Spray System that installs on head rigs, pallet saws, finger jointers, line bars, gang rips, edgers and moulders

• Saw lubricants to reduce pitch, resin and heat; formulated for consistent film at low application rates.

• Moulder bed lubricants to minimize drag/heat and improve finish on high-speed moulders and planers.

• Steel and carbide grinding fluid

• Blade and pitch cleaners

Technology is increasingly filling the labor gap. Many grader and sorter positions are now handled by automated scanners and updated software, allowing mills to run with fewer people while maintaining consistent quality and higher throughput.

Craig Albright

Messersmith Manufacturing Inc.

Bark River, MI

We work with both hardwood and softwood companies.

Trends in the hardwood market: I am still hearing a lot of positivity and anticipation that the markets will level out and that is backed up with conversations of boiler system upgrades, dry kiln expansions and new boiler system proposals.

The softwood market is the same if not stronger in the positivity, companies from all regions, especially the southern region, are looking for new biomass boiler system proposals for upcoming expansions. No problems with getting parts for new builds and we have a fully stocked inventory for replacement parts.

We will be updating our website burnchips.com for 2026 and unveiling a new product line.

Technology is definitely making a difference in the industry by making day-to-day operations more streamlined and efficient, specifically with computer programming that will eliminate problem areas that have the most downtime in production. An example would be boiler fuel handling systems in both hardwood and softwood markets.

Adam Duplisea

Nyle Dry Kilns

Brewer, ME

We provide service to both hardwood and softwood industries.

In 2025, we’ve seen a clear shift among kiln operators and lumber producers toward optimizing kiln operations to reduce energy and maintenance costs. Many facilities have invested in heat recovery vents, advanced control systems and high-pressure spray systems to improve efficiency, consistency and product quality. These upgrades typically offer quick paybacks, cutting fuel consumption and downtime while delivering direct savings to operations.

Looking ahead to 2026, we expect the same trend to continue with more customers prioritizing energy efficiency and automation as part of broader efforts to stabilize operating costs and meet sustainability goals.

The continuous kiln market is expected to continue to grow in 2026, driven by sawmills and lumber producers seeking greater efficiency, consistency and throughput. Nyle’s ProDRY High-Temperature Continuous Kiln is positioned at the forefront of this trend, offering a proven solution for mills looking to improve drying capacity while reducing energy consumption and labor. Its high-temperature operation and advanced digital controls provide superior drying uniformity and shorter cycle times, key advantages for operations moving toward continuous production. As the industry focuses more on automation, sustainability, and maximizing yield, Nyle’s ProDRY kiln will play a leading role in shaping the next phase of continuous kiln adoption.

Industry trends clearly show that automation is becoming essential to kiln operations, with producers increasingly investing in smarter, data-driven systems to improve consistency, reduce labor dependence and maximize throughput. The integration of AI into kiln scheduling is one of the most significant developments, allowing systems to automatically adjust drying cycles based on real-time conditions such as lumber species, load moisture and ambient environment. By learning from historical performance data, AI-driven kiln controls can optimize energy use, reduce over-drying or defects, and ensure higher product quality. As mills continue to focus on efficiency and cost reduction, automation and AI scheduling will be key tools for achieving both operational precision and sustainability in the coming years.

Nyle Systems offers complete turnkey drying solutions for both the hardwood and softwood industries, providing everything from forklifts and track systems to state-of-the-art continuous kilns. These turnkey projects are designed to deliver seamless integration, efficient operation and maximum return on investment for sawmills and lumber producers. In addition, Nyle also provides a full line of kiln optimization products including heat recovery vents, advanced control systems, high-pressure spray systems and comprehensive kiln audits; all engineered to enhance performance, reduce energy consumption, and improve product quality. Whether upgrading an existing facility or building a new operation, Nyle delivers end-to-end solutions that help mills achieve higher efficiency, lower costs and more consistent drying results.

Technology will play a major role in addressing the ongoing labor shortage in sawmills. As the industry faces challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled workers, mills are increasingly turning to automation, advanced controls and data-driven systems to maintain productivity and consistency. Technologies such as AI-based kiln scheduling, automated material handling, remote monitoring and predictive maintenance are reducing the need for manual intervention while improving accuracy and throughput. These innovations allow fewer operators to manage more equipment safely and efficiently, ensuring stable production even with limited staffing. Over time, technology-driven operations will not only offset labor shortages but also enhance quality control, energy efficiency and overall profitability for both hardwood and softwood producers.

Norvin Laudon

MiCROTEC

Corvalis, OR

Hardwood and softwood companies are both serviced by our company.

The softwood market remains low, as does the hardwood market. Parts, transportation and labor are not a problem at the moment.

We’re seeing very positive market adaption of our new transverse log scanner, the Logeye Stereo, in both hardwood and softwood, as well as our transverse grading scanner, the Goldeneye Transverse, in softwood trimming, edging and grading applications.

We’re excited to release the lineal Goldeneye as a high performance, lower cost lineal softwood lumber grading scanner. The lineal Goldeneye scanner for softwood, along with Woodeye on the hardwood side, continues to set the standard in secondary manufacturing.

Regarding new technology, the advancement of new AI algorithms in hardwood species is especially exciting in the secondary manufacturing industry. The Goldeneye’s AI detection is pushing defect detection to places previously thought impossible.

For softwood, our services deliver scanning and optimization technologies to maximize recovery and efficiency. Our solutions cover every stage of breakdown, including:

For hardwood, we deliver scanning and optimization technologies to maximize recovery and efficiency. Our solutions cover every stage of breakdown, including:

– Log bucking optimization and transverse scanning for primary breakdown (including carriage, headrig, end dogger, or from a transverse to lineal conveyor applications.)

– High-resolution geometric trimming and edging applications

– Precision chop, rip and sorting optimization for secondary manufacturing

Our single most frequently heard challenge from customers is shortage of skilled labor, and as such it’s our challenge every day to develop scanners to automate processes and solve these issues for our customers. Processes that were previously thought to be not possible to automate, such as automated grade sawing on a carriage for example, have recently become possible.

Scott Stringer

DMSi Software

Omaha, NE

DMSi provides software to support the building materials industry, including both hardwood and softwood companies.

DMSi Software has been a trusted provider of software solutions for the building materials industry for 50 years, with deep roots in both hardwoods and softwoods. Our systems are designed to support businesses of all sizes, ranging from timber to consumer. We deliver data in a streamlined format, allowing users to make informed decisions quickly and accurately. Looking to 2026 and beyond, cybersecurity remains a critical focus. Our platforms leverage advanced data analytics and real-time monitoring to proactively defend against persistent threats and ensure robust network security.

Our portfolio of products includes a wide range of tailored solutions designed to meet the needs of hardwood and softwood operations. The DMSi Log system not only has the core ability to purchase and scale logs, but includes automated freight tracking, a full timber contract management system and an automated reporting tool to send information directly to anyone’s email. Our full ERP solution integrates CRM and accounting tools to manage inventory, orders, and warehousing seamlessly. Additionally, our AI-powered end tally solution enables accurate, mobile lumber tallying with minimal capital investment — delivering efficiency and precision on the go.

In response to labor shortages and challenging market conditions, DMSi is focused on developing powerful yet intuitive systems that help customers achieve long-term success. Our solutions are designed to reduce administrative overhead while enhancing the user experience and simplifying workflows. By empowering users to accomplish more with fewer resources, our goal is to remain committed to our customers and ensure that technology remains a strategic asset in every aspect of their operation.

Frances Cooper

Cooper Machine Company Inc.

Wadley, GA

We provide service to both hardwood and softwood companies.

2025 has seen a downturn with a lot of talk of used equipment and repairs. When Trump was reelected, I believe the industry expected good things to materialize for both the hardwood and softwood industries. But instead, we got more tariffs and uncertainty. Interest rates and home prices are still high, so it’s been a tough year for the softwood markets and the hardwood flooring folks. For low grade hardwoods, pallets and ties have been pretty flat.

We are seeing labor has had some inflationary pressures, especially for skilled personnel. Parts have stabilized some, but we are still seeing some longer lead times on certain parts and prices continue to rise on some products. But with the market slow down, we are noticing a slowdown of new equipment sales and more repairs.

We are also hearing from customers that quite a few paper mills are shutting down, and wood waste is increasingly an issue that needs to be addressed.

In addition to Cooper’s regular offerings, we are offering a model of the VSA, part of the slab recovery line, to work with an AIT TS300 Lumber Stacker for a labor-free cutting and stacking solution.

Cooper Machine has designed an Ultrasonic Measuring Board to work with the existing Cooper ultrasonic eye. One board will work with both Cooper Controls as well as any PLC. This is an economical solution for customers wanting to do x/y scanning. The eye is 4x more robust in a sawmill environment than other sensors we have found. This works for both hardwood and softwood mills.

Cooper Machine is home for the best long-lasting Scraggs. With both the Overhead Scragg and the Sharp Chain Scragg, there are options to serve both hardwood and softwood customers and make a variety of products. We are doing more optimizing to get the most of every log and we are automating more. For example, with our pallet customers, we can make a finished cant and split it into multiples of 3 ½ and/or 5 ½ (depending on size) that has one operator to run the whole system from Infeed Deck to the Splitter, including the Scragg and Slat Table.

Cooper also builds Merchandising and Debarking Systems as well as Sorting systems for a variety of logs and products. We also do a variety of other products such as Edgers and Gangs. From design to installation, we have the resources to make a new mill or upgrade a reality.

Medium and larger mills have been automating for years. We are seeing smaller mills wanting to do more automation to help reduce the amount of labor needed as well. We are finding this especially true for the pallet industry. Cooper Machine is committed to finding ways to make this possible for our customers.

Claus Staalner

American Wood Technology, LLC

Jefferson, GA

We have the pleasure of working in both the softwood and the hardwood parts of our industry, and our high technology type of equipment and mill solutions adapt well in both lanes.

2025 has been a challenging year for our industry! We have had the good fortune to be very busy installing new treating plants across the country, and it goes without saying that our new clients will benefit from their previous year’s investment in today’s interesting and challenging conditions. We have experienced a reluctance to invest in larger projects during 2025, with governmental instability, a constantly changing focus and changing import tariffs, all which force everyone into a “wait-and-see” kind of stage. We see a good number of potential projects for 2026 and while the overall economy is not bad, we will need some governmental stability for the market potential to release its appetite further.

We bring a lot of new technology to our lane in the market, being a preservation lumber treating company for the softwood industry with complete turnkey type plants and full automation offerings to our closed systems, faster and higher quality producing Thermo modification plant process for the hardwood producers primarily. Meanwhile, we see a penetration of Thermo wood production into the softwood sector as well and with the increased levels of production control now available to its users, this can open a large opportunity for both us, the consumer and the lumber producers.

Stacy Mellott

Mellott Mfg. Co., Inc.

Mercersburg, PA

We provide equipment for both hardwood and softwood industries.

New equipment sales have continued to trend down throughout 2025. We were fortunate to begin the first quarter of 2025 with orders that had carried over from 2024. Current sales are geared more towards smaller projects, retrofits and maintaining existing equipment. The effects of tariffs are slowly stabilizing but still there is a percentage of uncertainty that affects manufacturing costs. Most suppliers seem to have decent inventory which helps to keep price increases at a minimum. We are doing our best to maintain inventory levels, so we have what we need to take care of our customers.

 If 2026 brings political stability and lower fuel prices as projected, these would create balance and ease costs of transportation that would trickle down through all industries. We are hearing positive thoughts for 2026-2027.

Mellott will be introducing new equipment to be released early 2026.

Since 1965, Mellott Manufacturing has been designing and manufacturing quality log and lumber handling equipment for primarily hardwood but will also work for softwood applications. Mellott has an onsite engineering and design team available to provide solutions for your next project and will consult and work with you to present the best options for your application. We offer material handling integration with new and existing systems. Mellott offers a full line of log and lumber handling equipment along with debarkers, log flare butt reducers, bandsaws, linebars, drop saw trimmers, tilt hoists, crane mat drilling and a full line of tie handling equipment (sorting, stacking, dapping and end plating).

Investing in technology will help with the labor shortage. We see this everyday not only with Mellott equipment streamlining material flows with conveyors but also with the automation controls. It is a process to find the most efficient path, then we do our best to help customers find a new flow as the path changes.

Brad Michael

JoeScan

Vancouver, WA

Our optimizer integrator partners deliver scanning solutions to both hardwood and softwood manufacturers.

In 2025, we have continued to see the increased adoption of optimization and automation in the hardwood sawmill market. Made for sawmill products like our JS-50 X6B snapshot scanner have created opportunities for sawmills to replace manual edgers with optimized short-infeed equipment. These short-coupled systems allow an optimized solution to fit in the same physical space as the old manual equipment. They’ve been especially popular in hardwood mills because they deliver improved recovery, and don’t require huge changes to the rest of the sawline.

During the pandemic, we made significant improvements to our supply chain. This has kept a steady stream of components coming into our production facility. As a result, we’ve been able to ship new orders and turn around repairs faster than ever.

Our latest JS-50 Z8 Super Snapshot scan head is designed for true snapshot applications, where the wood being scanned is not moved through the scan zone. The industry leading 3-inch laser spacing provides additional recovery by reducing the guesswork that optimizers perform between measurements. We developed the Z8 for use on End-doggers and C-frames, but the tighter laser spacing has also delivered great results for optimized edgers that run very quickly.

The JoeScan engineering team is hard at work developing our next big product: a color vision system to provide defect detection for optimization. This includes color cameras, LED light bars and even a transverse calibration fixture with software to make start-ups a breeze. The color vision system utilizes JoeScan’s existing API, so you can easily upgrade geometry-only optimizers to include defect detection.

We continue to see automated and optimized sawlines backfill for the skilled sawyers that are becoming harder to find. Our scanners never take a day off!