A comprehensive plant concept instead of a conventional log yard

Task

For best wood SCHNEIDER, a new sawmill with a cutting capacity of 350,000 solid cubic metres per year was built in Meßkirch – but without a traditional log yard. As pre‑sorting is typically a condition for achieving optimal wood yield, this concept presented a particular challenge. The goal was to ensure a continuous material flow, high process stability and maximum economic efficiency – while simultaneously reducing the space requirement and maintaining a closed raw‑material cycle.

In addition, due to limited storage space, all plant components had to be delivered and installed just‑in‑time. A comprehensive planning approach was therefore essential – one that considers every process step and is precisely tailored to the customer’s performance profile.

Solution

HOLTEC developed a customised two‑line concept for large‑ and small‑diameter logs together with Schneider. The pre‑sorted logs are delivered directly from the truck to the respective line – without the need for an additional log yard or ground‑based handling equipment. This significantly reduces energy consumption and operating costs.

In both lines, the chippers set the pace, and all feeding speeds are precisely synchronised with them. While the large‑diameter line is designed to be robust and capable of handling big dimensions, the small‑diameter line achieves high cycle rates and optimum utilisation thanks to pre‑sorting into five buffer decks. Automatic separation, acceleration and gap‑optimised feeding ensure a constant material flow.

Modern measuring technology (Joro‑3D and JE‑Woodarchiv) provides precise measurement and documentation of every log. Through consistent process analysis and close project coordination, one of the most advanced sawmills in Europe was created – efficient, sustainable and precisely tailored to the customer’s requirements.