Georgia-Pacific Camden Plywood Invests $18 Million

It was in the late 1800s when the small community of Camden, Tex., welcomed its first forest products mill. What began as the W.T. Carter Lumber Co. is today one of Georgia-Pacific’s largest plywood operations. To ensure its longevity for years to come, Georgia-Pacific is embarking on a $18 million upgrade that will modernize the plant and help increase efficiency.

The capital improvement plan will focus on three different projects beginning with the plant’s dryer. “We’re rebuilding our dryer, which is more than 40 years old,” says George Standley, Camden Plywood Plant Manager. “The dryer is the heart and soul of plywood operations and is one of the most important stages of production. Controlling veneer’s moisture content is critical to producing a quality product.” The dryer project, supplied by Grenzenbach, is scheduled to be completed in July.

While Grenzenbach is reconditioning the dryer, the facility will also modernize its stenciling and strapping operation. Currently the mill manually stencils and straps. “This area of operation can sometimes slow down the process since an operator has to manually place a stencil on a bundle of plywood, paint it and remove the stencil. This process must be performed several times to ensure that all the required markings are captured clearly,” says Standley. The new automated strapper and stenciling system is currently being installed.

Later this summer, Camden Plywood will wrap up its capital improvement projects with the introduction of its robotic patch system. Currently patching veneer is handled by multiple workers who are stationed on the line. According to Standley, the technology will be operated by four robotic technicians who are now being trained on the system.

From left to right, Edgar Damian, Georgia-Pacific Precision Technician and Robotic System Trainer, and new Robotic Technicians Nathan Clark, Cristine Klenke, and Victoria Nickerson

“Camden Plywood is an example of how plants are being modernized to not only improve production, but to attract, retain and challenge industry employees,” says Standley. “Modern technology can challenge employees and give them the opportunity to grow their careers. By adding robots to our lines, it is our goal to provide more meaningful work which leads to greater job satisfaction.”

Georgia-Pacific’s Camden Plywood employs approximately 500 people and over the next few months more than 100 contractors will be onsite performing the upgrades.

Latest News

Kronospan Completes Simsboro Particleboard Purchase

Kronospan, a producer of wood panel products, has announced the closing of its purchase of Roseburg’s Simsboro, La., particleboard facility following the expiration of the required regulatory review period. Ownership of the plant has been transferred from Roseburg to Kronospan…

Hymmen’s Dr. Werner Pankoke Dies

Werner Pankoke, died at the age of 85 following a stroke. Born March 29, 1938 as the third child of Bielefeld, Germany dentist Dr. Wilhelm Pankoke, Werner decided not to follow in his father’s footsteps when he began his studies. Instead, he was drawn to Munich Technical University, where he pursued his grandfather Theodor Hymmen’s engineering interests—studying mechanical engineering…

Metsä Group, Sweco Sign Agreement For Design Of LVL Mill

Metsä Group and Sweco have signed an agreement for the implementation planning of the new Kerto LVL mill in Äänekoski, Finland. “We have strong confidence in Sweco’s expertise and resources from our previous collaboration projects. It is therefore natural that we continue our cooperation in this project to develop the Äänekoski mill area,” says Jaakko Anttila, Executive Vice President, Metsä Wood…

Find Us On Social

Newsletter

The monthly Panel World Industry Newsletter reaches over 3,000 who represent primary panel production operations.

Subscribe/Renew

Panel World is delivered six times per year to North American and international professionals, who represent primary panel production operations. Subscriptions are FREE to qualified individuals.

Advertise

Complete the online form so we can direct you to the appropriate Sales Representative. Contact us today!