Richmond Plywood, Canada - Doubling patching capacity with Raute’s Veneer Patching Line R7

MAKING WOOD MATTER

Summary

Richmond Plywood (Richply), one of North America’s leading plywood producers, faced growing demand for high-quality sheets and a shortage of skilled operators. To overcome these challenges, Richply upgraded from its first-generation P1 Patchman to Raute’s R7 Veneer Patching Line. The result? Patching capacity doubled, labor requirements dropped significantly, and production efficiency soared – ensuring Richply stays competitive in a demanding market.

Richmond Plywood Corporation

Richply is a major plywood manufacturer serving diverse markets across North America. Known for its full range of softwood plywood products – from structural sheathing to premium specialty panels – the company operates on the banks of British Columbia’s Fraser River.
Founded
1956
Location
Richmond, Canada
Annual output
265,000 m3 3/8" basis
Raute Partner Since
2008

Challenge

Richply, one of North America’s largest plywood producers, faced growing pressure to meet increasing customer demand for high-quality sheets. While their first-generation P1 Patchman had served them well for eight years, new challenges emerged: 

  • Need for higher patching capacity
    Richply’s diverse customer base required more output without compromising quality. The existing system could not keep pace with rising demand.
  • Labor shortages and declining operator interest
    Operating the patching machine required multiple skilled operators, but interest in these roles was decreasing, creating staffing challenges.
  • Competitive pressure to optimize production
    To maintain its position as a leading producer, Richply needed a solution that would not only increase capacity but also streamline operations and reduce costs.

 

We realized that to stay competitive and meet customer expectations, we needed a system that could deliver speed, precision, and automation.

– Gurnam Minhas, Chairman, Richmond Plywood

Want to learn how Richply doubled its patching capacity and reduced labor requirements with the Veneer Patching Line R7?