By Dana Spessert
Chief Inspector
National Hardwood Lumber Association
In 1898, 59 Hardwood industry leaders, determined to create order out of chaos, took the first step with the creation of the National Hardwood Lumber Association. At the time, their sole purpose was to develop a standard set of Grading Rules for the industry. The Rules created the very foundation of Hardwood lumber value and played a critical role in stabilizing trade between manufacturers and consumers of Hardwood products around the world. While NHLA and our industry has changed many times since that date, our goal has always remained the same – to bring strength and structure to the Hardwood industry worldwide.
The creation of the Rules was just the first step of a long journey to our modern industry. It wasn’t long before NHLA recognized the need for Rules enforcement to maintain stability in the industry. Once again, NHLA responded with the creation of the NHLA Inspection Services in 1904. The NHLA “National Man” quickly became known for his integrity, superior knowledge, and ability to apply the Rules to lumber grading.
NHLA Inspectors have helped maintain Hardwood value through world wars, multiple depressions, devastating trade wars, and of course, a global pandemic. Through it all, the NHLA Rules and National Inspectors played a crucial role in rebuilding and stabilizing the Hardwood markets.
Fast forward to 2021. American Hardwood markets are more global and diverse. Our mills are increasingly more complex and technologically sophisticated. We are faced with competitors offering look-alike products that threaten our very existence. Success in this environment will be defined by our ability to accept that change is necessary.
Consider the fact that generation after generation, sawmills have focused on producing lumber instead of making money. There is a big difference between those two business philosophies. While every mill is different, take a moment to consider what that really means. In good times, we don’t always focus on what waste costs us, particularly when there is a large profit margin on certain species. It’s only when times get tough that we start worrying about making money.
“American Hardwood markets are more global and diverse. Our mills are increasingly more complex and technologically sophisticated. We are faced with competitors offering look-alike products that threaten our very existence. Success in this environment will be defined by our ability to accept that change is necessary.”
Dana Spessert, Chief Inspector, National Hardwood Lumber Association
There is a profound benefit of establishing a business goal to maximize productivity and profitability in both good times and bad. Just imagine the increased return on investment!
NHLA’s Sawmill Operations Management Services is our newest members-only value designed to maximize a sawmill’s profitability year-round. There is no one better qualified to guide mill managers through the process than NHLA Inspectors. The services help sawmills manufacture more and higher quality lumber out of their logs by maximizing yields throughout the entire sawmill operation. Maximized yield equals increased profitability at every stage of the manufacturing process.
There is an old saying, “You cannot manage what you do not measure.” This is a very true statement that should resonate with every manufacturing manager. Along with the detailed studies of how a mill’s raw materials are utilized, NHLA’s Inspection Services team is also offering an extensive operations assessment of our members’ sawmills and lumberyards. Our inspiration derives from NHLA’s goal to address a common challenge in most mills – over edging. By focusing on every part of a mill’s operations where material could be mis-manufactured, NHLA’s Inspectors can identify problem areas and set tight tolerances to improve productivity and profitability.
With over 15 tests available, depending upon the operation, subscribers have the opportunity to partner with NHLA’s experts to deliver measurable enhancements to the entire manufacturing process.
Our Inspectors typically find the most significant losses at the outfeed or the waste conveyer coming from the mill. We typically find that the edger setup is the source of the biggest losses. Sometimes the problem results from a training issue; other times, it is a calibration problem.
After the assessment is complete, users are provided with a comprehensive report that identifies weaknesses in machine capabilities or personnel training. Mill owners are given an action plan that details the solutions needed to work with the member user to set a path of increased productivity and profitability moving forward.
Companies who have signed up for the Sawmill Operations Services save $400,000 on average. Inspectors are available for follow up training to keep your sawmill running at maximum effectiveness all year long through a customized member-only subscription program.
Companies that have opted in to these programs agree to have their data confidentially averaged with others in the program to set benchmarks for the measurements.
These benchmarks will be the measurement that NHLA believes will move this industry into the future with sustainable and profitable manufacturing practices.
If you have questions about our programs or would like to find out more, please contact NHLA Chief Inspector Dana Spessert at d.spessert@nhla.com or 901-399-7551.
