To Design and Build a Sawmill

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kiln, wood drying, woodLike most industries, a successful sawmill utilizes the best possible equipment, and is run by the most knowledgeable and skilled employees. Accomplishing this is no simple task, however. There are generally phases to design and build a sawmill and each one requires a level of professional knowledge.

Knowing the Business

Because sawmills process wood and related materials, there is a certain amount of uncertainty involved in their business; the growth and availability of materials can vary and mill owners much be prepared for this. A mill must be designed to manage sudden overflow of incoming wood and outgoing product, but not put so much into the mill that it’s overstuffed and a large percentage goes unused during slow production periods. An outline and model for the mill should include some flexibility to meet fluctuating market needs and product availability.

Optimum Equipment

The absolute best and most expensive equipment is a nice benefit, but it’s not necessary. What’s better is the right equipment for the job—to calculate as closely as possible what machinery is absolutely necessary. This element of the design is directly related to the issue of market and production fluctuation; the machinery should be able to handle times of high demand, but not be a waste when production is slow.

Safe Layout

Of course, safety is paramount. A sawmill is a collection of potential dangers and safety regulation for employees isn’t enough to prevent incidents. The safety precautions must begin at the mill’s conception. Aisles must have room to move, but additional space may be helpful to aid in preventing incidents. Equipment should be positioned carefully to accommodate the product and the people operating the machines.

Even a professional needs some help to build a sawmill; conception, design, and construction are all complex processes that are best done as a collaboration. At BEP Engineering Services, we work with you to make your ideas come to life.

Go Local for Engineering Services

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actionimageEconomically, engineering services can be costly. There is a wealth of engineers from which to choose, all over the U.S. and Canada. Yet, states, counties, cities, and other areas have their own requirements when it comes to design and construction of mills and other facilities. Local civil engineers have the advantage of this specific knowledge, as well as other beneficial qualities.

Plans and Design: Plans must be created that suit the location. Any plans—enhancements, expansions, entirely new structures, etc.—a local engineer can best provide, designed specifically for the landscape. This particular knowledge can be invaluable to any project. Elements such as waste disposal and water drainage systems that must adhere to local health standards, criteria for wall construction, zoning, electrical wiring, landscaping, and other features that must meet certain standards. This means higher likelihood that any necessary inspections will be passed, and certifications and permits acquired.

Costs: A local engineer understands costs involved in local projects. A national, but non-local engineer making estimations based on research of an area with which he may not be entirely familiar could drive up costs, and mean complicated changes or negotiations later. Someone local can offer you more accurate, competitive quotes.

Of course, local engineers can also provide better oversight during the course of the project; it is much easier to do so because they are within a more reasonable distance.

At BEP Engineering Services Ltd., we contract general engineering and industrial architects for all your local needs. We work with our clients to bring together the most qualified people for the best possible designs. We have a range of clients and have significant experience with planning modifications and entirely new facilities, and making certain projects are prepared to run smoothly. If you need local engineers, we can help you obtain the absolute best.

New Year’s Resolutions for 2016’s Mills

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The year is quickly winding down and 2016 will be here before we know it. As you look for means to create efficiencies in mill operations and brainstorm ways to generate more revenue in the New Year, don’t forget about what your team at BEP Engineering Services can offer you.

With almost 35 years in business, we’ve grown alongside you and have fine-tuned our offerings to meet your mill’s unique needs related to plant modernization. This means you can look to us for assistance with:

Professional Mill Engineering. Let us review your equipment layouts and flow of your plant to offer suggestions for improvement. We may find that simple redesign and modifications to existing equipment can create efficiencies and reduce your costs.

Dry Kilns. We’re partnered with BRUNNER HILDEBRAND, the pioneer and industry leader in dry kilns, to bring you their innovative drying technologies. These include conventional kilns and a wide variety of continuous kilns to meet any drying need.

Dust Control. Help your employees to work as efficiently as possible, minimize equipment maintenance, and reduce risk of fire when you get dust under control. At BEP Engineering Services, we offer Agglomerative Dust Suppression Systems to help you meet these goals.

In closing, know that we at BEP Engineering Services stand ready to help you gain a competitive edge and ensure customer satisfaction in order to boost your business in the New Year. Contact us to discuss your needs, and let’s get a plant modernization plan in place for 2016.

Two Key Attributes of an Effective Project Scope

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In a recent post, your BEP Engineering Services team disclosed five ways in which your scope can negatively impact your project. Now, let’s focus on how to avoid having an inadequate scope in order to ensure your project’s success.

Here are two key attributes of an effective project scope:

A clear vision. Do you truly know what it is you want to achieve? If not, it’s highly likely no one else does either. Don’t allow general contractors to pad numbers in order to cover any possible changes due to your uncertainty, and don’t rack up change orders in trying to figure it out. Take some time to define what you want to accomplish to ensure 1) you have the end result you desire and 2) you’re not paying more than you should be.

Details, details, details. Once you have a clear vision, think that vision completely through and lay it all out on paper. Put it into words or images; just make sure that the details are there to fully support your vision. This will ensure general contractors are completely clear on your expectations and their deliverables, and allow them to communicate those effectively to their subcontractors. It also provides you a paper trail in the event of issues.

Because of our experience and our customer-first philosophy, we always put ourselves in our clients’ shoes and help them iron out these two key attributes of an effective project scope. After all, their success is our success, so if we can help you realize your vision, without unnecessary costs and heartache, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Two Important Reasons You Need an Experienced Firm for Mill Engineering

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If you’re ready to open your new mill or revamp your current facilities, you’re either about to go out to bid or are in the process of evaluating your proposals. Different mills will base their decision on different considerations, ranging from price to reputation, but there’s one factor that should always be front of mind – experience in mill engineering.

By having a firm grasp of the mill products industry and what a company needs to succeed in it, an engineering firm specializing in mill engineering offers the following two important benefits to your business:

Full-service engineering. Your standard engineering firm may know how to design and build, but do its personnel know your business well enough to also offer services related to your equipment? Save time and headache during planning and execution when you go for mill engineering experience.

Cost efficiencies. By partnering with a firm that understands your facility needs, costs may be realized in construction, as well as on an ongoing basis. Save money when you partner with a mill engineering firm that can set you up for maximum efficiency and minimum energy utilization.

Whether or not you realize it, your engineering firm’s experience in mill engineering is going to affect your bottom line in one or several ways, so make the wise choice.

Learn more about our mill engineering services, as well as the clients who have relied on BEP Engineering Services, on our website.