Wood Business

Features Mills Sawmilling
Vida Alvesta invests in a further continuous kiln from Valutec

May 19, 2017 - Vida Alvesta has chosen to invest in a continuous kiln from Valutec. This deal is the second within a short space of time between Valutec and Vida Alvesta, a customer that chose a drying solution of the same type just five years ago. The investment will increase the drying capacity at Vida Alvesta from around 175,000 m3 to 225,000 m3 and will help to even out production and facilitate stock management.

“We already have a very good relationship with Valutec. They are highly knowledgeable and provide excellent support. Therefore we saw no reason to switch supplier,” says Christian Drott, chief executive officer of Vida Alvesta.  

The plant to be delivered is a 2-zone FB continuous kiln, which means that drying takes place in two separate zones. The first zone provides quicker humidifying, which reduces the risk of dry cracks at the input end. The second zone acts as an equalisation zone and reduces moisture distribution. The continuous kiln is equipped with Valutec’s Valmatics control system and will solely be used for drying spruce down to a moisture ratio of 18 per cent.  

“Opting for an FB once again was a fairly obvious choice. Logistically, everything runs smoothly with continuous kilns, and our existing FB continuous kiln runs problem-free with no stoppages. By siting the new kiln right next to the existing one we also hit on a financially beneficial solution for both parties,” says Christian.  

Vida is Sweden’s largest privately-owned sawmill group with around 950 employees at 18 production facilities, nine of which are sawmills. Production mainly focuses on construction lumber for a number of different markets. Roughly 85 per cent of the production output is exported to Europe, the USA, Australia, Africa and Asia.  

“It’s a great feeling to be involved and continue to contribute to Vida Alvesta’s development. We know one another well and look forward to continued positive collaboration with Vida,” says Robert Larsson, chief exective officer of Valutec. 

The continuous kiln will be delivered and installed in the autumn and put into operation in November. Vida Alvesta already has ten batch kilns and one continuous kiln from Valutec. 

May 19, 2017  By Valutec




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