The progressive kiln is of a type that is among the new generation of progressive kilns from Valutec. The model, which has been patented by the company, is called OTC and is based on the airflow direction being opposite to that of a traditional progressive kiln with two drying zones.
The kiln supplied to Ziegler Holzindustrie will be used for side boards in smaller dimensions. One reason for Ziegler’s investment is increased quality demands from customers, but requirements at the sawmill also played an important role.
“Previously we could deliver side boards freshly sawn, but now many customers are asking for the timber to be delivered dried. The progressive kiln is also the best logistical solution for us and it yields a significantly more even load on our furnace than new batch kilns,” explains Kai Matthies, Production Manager at Ziegler Holzindustrie.
In addition to the progressive kiln that will be up and running in January, Ziegler also chose to invest in Valutec’s Valmatics control system and Valusim simulator.
Valutec has already concluded several major deals in Russia, Finland and Sweden earlier in 2014. The single largest delivery is the eight progressive kilns and four batch kilns to be supplied to Russia’s AsiaLes, which is based in Khabarovsk.
