The Crow Connection

At Crow, one of our goals is to be the first-place mills turn to improve their operations. Traditionally, we’ve pursued this goal by providing capital and maintenance project support services.

The industry knows that the US needs to add about 1.5 million new homes per year to keep pace with population growth and replace existing homes. Forecasters indicate that lumber capacity in North America will fall short of new demand by close to 7 BBF which is equivalent to more than 20 large-capacity sawmills.

To ensure safety and minimize the risk of operational shutdowns at a time of high demand, many mills commission a structural assessment of critical facilities. Such assessments typically involve an analysis and evaluation of foundations, framings, and associated construction systems and details.

In March 2021, activity in the sector surged to a 37-year high. An estimated half million jobs in manufacturing remain unfilled. Across the spectrum – from low-skilled entry-level positions to specialized roles such as welders and machinists — factory operators find it increasingly difficult to find the workers they need.

When it comes to upgrading conveyors, it’s important to move deliberately. For starters, you’ll need to assess the space, infrastructure, and equipment in place.

Structures and equipment don’t last forever. At some point, they begin to exhibit signs of wear and tear. Eventually, you need to take action. Which is what ‘brownfield” plant modernization is all about. There’s a lot of value in the equipment you already have – and with plant modernization, you can keep on generating value for years to come.