CALIFORNIA TRUSS - PERRIS, CALIFORNIA

Material Flow Challenge:

This client, in the Southern California market, resolved to greatly improve their piece count output through their saw operation while committing to pre-picking their job packages. They upgraded (2) saws to AutoMills while developing a material flow technique to replace their former system significantly limited by forklift loading. California Truss also wanted to implement a procedure to purchase and saw lumber provided in (1) foot length increments for the cost savings it would provide. The challenge, from a material handling perspective, involved supplying and re-stocking high volumes of lumber pre-picked to two automated saws from as many as (18) different bunk locations consistently with a minimum of wear and tear on the personnel involved.

Equipment Solution:

The California Truss management group, in conjunction with (2) vendors, developed a unique system that combines both picking conveyors and an overhead crane. Lumber bunks are now organized conveniently around two lengths of 60 ft. conveyors that advance lumber to the saws. The conveyors are designed for ease of pre-picked side loading and are provided with side-transferring components that positively position the various jobs to the 0-lineof each saw. Lumber is restocked between the saws and respective conveyors with the use of an overhead crane that moves on ground mounted rails.

System Benefit:

An impressive buffer of pre-picked job packages can be maintained on 60 ft. of chain conveyor feeding the saw. This client can take advantage of incremental lumber length purchases. The automated saws, recently integrated into their production scheme, can be used at a near optimum level. And lumber can be easily restocked between the saws with the use of their overhead crane. The piece count output through California Truss saws has been increased dramatically.