Crow Connection

Optimal Plant Layout Design

What is an Optimal Plant Layout Design?

By Hunter Wylie / February 20, 2024 /

Plant layout design is a critical factor in achieving manufacturing efficiency and profitability. It involves carefully planning and organizing the physical arrangement of machinery, equipment, workspaces, and materials within a manufacturing facility to maximize productivity, reduce waste, and enhance overall operational performance. An optimal plant layout is a key driver of success in today’s competitive…

Read More
Plant Layout Optimization

Plant Layout Optimization Techniques: Enhancing Manufacturing Productivity

By Hunter Wylie / February 9, 2024 /

In today’s competitive business landscape, optimizing manufacturing processes is essential for companies to remain competitive, meet customer demands, and ensure profitability. One crucial aspect of achieving this optimization is the design and layout of industrial plants. A well-organized and efficient plant layout optimization can significantly impact productivity and overall operational success. The Significance of Industrial…

Read More

Another Year to Remember or Another Year to Forget? 2021 in Review

By Hunter Wylie / February 21, 2022 / Comments Off on Another Year to Remember or Another Year to Forget? 2021 in Review

Looking back on 2021, one thing is clear: the lumber and wood products industries, like much of America and much of the world, is still contending with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 2021 was a year in which lumber prices skyrocketed and then dropped.

Read More

Is Your Fabricator All That? Three Keys for Measuring Value.

By Hunter Wylie / February 21, 2022 / Comments Off on Is Your Fabricator All That? Three Keys for Measuring Value.

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.

Read More

Improving productivity with PLC programming

By Hunter Wylie / February 21, 2022 / Comments Off on Improving productivity with PLC programming

If you need to upgrade or improve your PLC systems, start by collecting detailed field notes of equipment, wiring, functions, etc.

Read More

Many investments and upgrade projects continue to emerge in the US South

By Hunter Wylie / November 15, 2021 / Comments Off on Many investments and upgrade projects continue to emerge in the US South

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.

Read More

The time is now for a structural assessment

By Hunter Wylie / November 15, 2021 / Comments Off on The time is now for a structural assessment

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.

Read More

Can’t Fill Your Manufacturing Jobs? Read This Before It’s too Late: 3 Keys to Attracting and Keeping Manufacturing Employees

By Hunter Wylie / October 6, 2021 / Comments Off on Can’t Fill Your Manufacturing Jobs? Read This Before It’s too Late: 3 Keys to Attracting and Keeping Manufacturing Employees

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.

Read More

Looking to Upgrade a Conveyor? Ask These Questions First

By Hunter Wylie / September 2, 2021 / Comments Off on Looking to Upgrade a Conveyor? Ask These Questions First

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.

Read More

Why Plant Modernization? Four Reasons to Go with a Brownfield Expert

By Hunter Wylie / July 15, 2021 / Comments Off on Why Plant Modernization? Four Reasons to Go with a Brownfield Expert

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.

Read More