Upgrading a sawmill isn’t just a business decision—it’s a commitment to craftsmanship, consistency, and the long-term needs of customers who rely on high‑quality lumber. This year marks a major milestone for our operation as we transition from our hardworking 20‑year‑old Wood‑Mizer LT‑70 to a next‑generation Mebor HTZ‑1200‑class system. While our own machine is still being installed, the technology behind it represents a dramatic leap forward in both capability and precision.
Why This Upgrade Matters
The Mebor system is engineered for industrial‑scale performance. Compared to our legacy LT‑70, the new mill delivers:
- 4X throughput capacity — dramatically increasing the volume of logs we can process per hour.
- Superior cut accuracy — tighter tolerances mean more consistent boards and less waste.
- Heavy‑duty log handling — enabling us to process larger hardwoods with greater accuracy and consistency.
- Automated controls — improving repeatability and reducing human error
This upgrade isn’t simply about speed. It’s about producing lumber that meets stricter dimensional standards, with cleaner surfaces and more uniform thickness across every board.
Precision That Customers Can See
One of the biggest advantages of the Mebor system is its ability to maintain tight tolerances across long production runs. For customers, this means:
- Boards that fit together cleanly
- Less planing and machining required downstream
- More predictable performance in furniture, cabinetry, and structural applications
In short, the lumber coming off Foothill’s new Mebor sawmill will be more accurate, more stable, and more reliable.
A Commitment to Quality and Sustainability
Increasing throughput doesn’t mean cutting corners—it means using logs more efficiently. With improved accuracy and reduced kerf waste, the Mebor allows us to:
- Maximize yield from every hardwood and Southern Yellow Pine log
- Reduce waste due to board inaccuracy
- Improve energy efficiency per board produced
- Significantly enhance lumber dimensional accuracy
This aligns with our long‑standing commitment to sustainable forestry and responsible milling practices.
Building for the Next Generation
Investing in a mill of this caliber is a long-term decision. It positions us to serve customers with higher volumes, faster turnaround times, and a superior end product that reflects the best of modern sawmill engineering. As installation continues, we’re excited to share updates and give a behind‑the‑scenes look at how this upgrade will shape the future of our operation.
The goal is simple: produce the best lumber possible, with the consistency and craftsmanship our customers expect.
