Maximising Timber Usage: The Cost-Effective Approach to Component Production

At Programmed Timber Supplies (PTS), we’ve recently initiated a conversation with numerous frame and truss plants, challenging them to reconsider their traditional assumptions about timber usage and the cost of component production.

Our aim is to shed light on the potential for significant cost savings and optimisation in the industry.

The Old vs. The New

Historically, plants have purchased long-length premium grades (MGP10 & 12) and handled all cutting in-house. While some continue this practice, a growing trend is emerging: the use of pre-docked components and, for certain applications, lower-grade but ‘fit-for-purpose’ products. PTS proudly supplies these cost-effective alternatives.

The ‘Whole of Log’ Concept

The timber industry has always maintained a price differential to ensure ‘whole of log’ production is absorbed into the marketplace. Sawmills and processors, like PTS, work diligently to balance supply and pricing incentives to achieve this goal. This process results in high levels of product utilisation and optimisation across various markets and industry sectors that use timber components.

The Role of PTS

As an optimisation specialist, PTS considers the needs of not only the frame and truss industry but also other high-volume timber users. The result? A consistent supply of competitively priced components, offering a viable alternative to traditional stock.

The Advent of High-Grade Optimising Saws

The introduction of saws in plants that optimise high-grade timber has led to an increased use of high-priced timber. However, operators can achieve greater gains by considering their purchases as components, rather than focusing solely on high-grade, high-priced products.

The Benefits of Auto Set-Up Saws

Auto set-up saws are excellent technological applications that reduce labour-related expenses. However, the claims of timber utilisation gains through fabricated examples of nesting can be questionable. Our experience indicates that it would be challenging to substantiate these claims across a typical frame and truss cutting profile.

The Advantages of Linear Saws

Linear saws, with their speed and accuracy, should be focused on cutting high-grade requirements and purchasing the right lengths of timber to suit these higher-grade components. Other components, such as nogging, webs, trimmers, and blocks, can be purchased pre-cut.

PTS provides fabricators with the opportunity to buy a range of components at a lower cost than manufacturing themselves from long-length, higher-priced timber. If you’re looking to reduce your manufacturing costs, consider manufacturing less and optimising more.