PotlatchDeltic, USA - Improving panel quality with Raute’s Panel Repairing Line R7

MAKING WOOD MATTER

Summary

PotlatchDeltic, one of the top ten lumber manufacturers in the United States, faced rising chemical costs and labor shortages in its plywood panel repair process. By installing Raute’s automated Panel Repairing Line R7, the company achieved up to 65% savings in repair materials, improved panel quality, and enhanced ergonomics – all while reducing manual workload and enabling data-driven production.

PotlatchDeltic Corporation

POTLATCHDELTIC CORPORATION PotlatchDeltic is a leading wood products manufacturer and timberland owner operating across seven states. Its St. Maries plywood mill in Idaho produces approximately 150 million board feet annually, serving diverse markets with high-quality panels. Continuous improvement and automation are central to its strategy for efficiency and workforce sustainability. Its St. Maries plywood mill in Idaho produces approximately 150 million board feet annually, serving diverse markets with high-quality panels. Continuous improvement and automation are central to its strategy for efficiency, safety, and workforce sustainability.
Founded
1907
Location
St. Maries, Idaho, USA
Annual output
150 million square feet
Export markets
US domestic market
Raute Partner Since
2022

Challenge

Before implementing Raute’s automated solution, PotlatchDeltic relied on two manual panel repair lines staffed by up to 12 operators. While the process worked, it presented several critical challenges:

  • High material waste and rising costs
    Manual application of repair chemicals often resulted in inconsistent fill amounts, leading to significant waste and increased expenses.
  • Labor shortages and retention issues
    Located in a remote area of Idaho, the facility faced difficulties recruiting and retaining skilled operators for physically demanding repair tasks.
  • Ergonomic concerns and safety risks
    Repetitive motions involved in routing and filling defects placed stress on operators’ hands and wrists, increasing the risk of injuries and turnover.
  • Inconsistent panel quality
    Variability in manual repairs made it difficult to achieve uniform quality across different wood species and end products, impacting customer satisfaction.
  • Limited data for process optimization
    Existing processes lacked the data-driven insights needed to standardize repairs and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.

PotlatchDeltic recognized that automation could address these challenges by improving ergonomics, reducing material waste, and delivering consistent, high-quality repairs – all while enabling operators to focus on higher-value tasks.

Want to learn how PotlatchDeltic achieved up to 65% material savings and improved panel quality with Raute’s Panel Repairing Line R7?