The One-Of-A-Kind Cleereman Controls Simulator

The One-Of-A-Kind Cleereman Controls Simulator

At Cleereman Industries, we’ve spent 70 years building sawmill equipment that’s tough, precise and designed to help our customers reach their full potential. By combining decades of experience with modern innovation, we deliver machinery that performs today and stands the test of time. For generations, sawmills across the country have trusted Cleereman because our equipment is built tough, built precise and built to last. Cleereman has earned a reputation for keeping operators safe, productive and confident on the job.

Cleereman Controls has that same commitment to reliability, precision, safety, and is proud to introduce their latest innovation: the Cleereman Controls simulation cab, designed to make operators’ jobs easier, more efficient and safer than ever before.

At the beginning of August, after 12 months of engineering and design, we were able to debut our simulator at the Nashville Forestry Expo. The simulator cab was the star of the show and a big hit with operators, sawmill managers, and other industry professionals. Hundreds of attendees made their way over to the Cleereman Controls booth to check out the excitement. Attendees had the chance to step into the cab, navigate realistic scenarios and experience firsthand how training can be elevated with virtual reality. The response we received was overwhelmingly positive, and it was clear to us that there’s a strong interest in more of these training simulators in the future.

This one-of-a-kind simulator is a perfect replica of the Cleereman cab, accurately recreated in virtual reality. Every control, every interface, and every detail matches the real machine, giving operators an authentic experience from the comfort of a safe, controlled environment.

Built with Real Components: This is not a video game or a software demonstration.

The simulator uses the exact hardware installed in working mills, including the PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), RMC Motion Controller, HMI touchscreen displays and operator consoles. When you sit down at the simulator, your hands are on the same controls that would be shipped to your mill. This isn’t an approximation; it’s the real thing. Cleereman Controls President, Stefan Dracobly was the mastermind behind this exciting project.

The cab features the same joysticks and control panels operators use every day, and three 70” TV screens provide a fully immersive simulation of a working sawmill. Powered by advanced technology, it copies the sights, sounds and challenges of real operations, allowing users to practice complex maneuvers, navigate operational scenarios and familiarize themselves with every control. It also runs the same control programs we’ve developed and refined for sawmills across North America, so the response to every action is exactly how it would behave on a real machine. This gives operators an authentic hands-on experience while eliminating the risks or wear associated with live equipment.

This simulator isn’t just a showcase of technology; it’s a practical tool that demonstrates Cleereman’s commitment to safety, precision and operator success.

By offering hands-on training that feels as real as it gets, without the stakes, it helps operators build confidence, sharpen skills and prepare for real-world challenges. As operators improve their abilities through repeated practice in the simulator, they can reach their full potential more quickly, making better decisions and performing tasks more efficiently.

For sawmill owners, that translates directly into a smoother, more productive operation. Skilled operators make fewer mistakes, reduce costly downtime and maximize the life and performance of the equipment. By reducing mistakes and improving workflow, the simulator contributes to overall efficiency and profitability, ensuring that both operators and the sawmill as a whole can operate at their best. Additionally, it provides a safe environment for owners and new operators to explore and evaluate the controls before using live equipment, helping them make informed decisions and feel confident in their investment.

As interest grows and technology advances, we’re excited about the possibility of creating more simulators to bring this immersive training experience to sawmills everywhere.

Before you make the decision to invest in new controls, come sit down at the console and see for yourself how Cleereman Controls systems respond. We believe once you’ve tried it, the choice will be clear, and you’ll see why Cleereman Industries and Cleereman Controls continue to lead the way in sawmill technology and equipment.

Visit cleereman.com to learn more.