Business of Sawmilling

This course explores the key aspects that affect the financial success of sawmilling. It addresses all key factors and strategies necessary to ensure a mill's sustainability. Economic factors, such as how supply and demand impact lumber production and prices, how lumber is treated as a commodity product, and the strategies that can be used to reduce the risks of these factors are focused on. The costs that affect sawmilling, including the differing log supply markets in three major regions of North America, key performance indicators used to measure a sawmill's performance, and capital investment criteria are also discussed. The importance of by-products to a sawmill's financial success are highlighted. In the Sales and Marketing module, the role of new and innovative lumber products, and how sawmills can exploit these are reviewed. A key part of the course is the application of what is learned in a hands-on course project. The concepts explored in this course are foundational for the rest of the Business of Sawmilling program.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

To be a successful supervisor/manager in the wood products industry, it is important to understand how a business records its activities and how it processes and communicates these records in a way that is useful for decision making. Without a solid understanding of accounting and finance, it can be difficult to approve and launch new initiatives, justify purchasing new equipment or hiring new staff, or determine the optimal strategy for a business or any particular division within a business. In this course, students focus on accounting and finance and learn what is often referred to as the, language of business.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in ECON 1610

​A lumber manufacturing facility requires a team with diverse skill sets to work together towards a common goal. Optimal efficiency is secured when machines are monitored and well-maintained. Maintenance and reliability programs sustain equipment performance at or better than original machine specifications. Controls and optimization systems improve the execution and performance of machine centers. Understanding the drivers and challenges of these areas of expertise are instrumental in achieving effective and efficient departmental performance. Alongside the need for inspection and concrete maintenance program, a manufacturing process should be optimized and bottlenecks of the process should be accurately identified and eliminated. This course provides the tools to communicate effectively within a dynamic operational team; articulating the impact of changes and opportunities on overall manufacturing flow and efficiency. Topics covered include maintenance KPI’s and planning, optimizer, HMIs and PLCs, simulation analysis and machine centered performance on overall productivity and value.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in FMGT 1660

​This course explores the fundamentals of sawmill residuals resulted from the breakdown of a typical log to the storage, handling and transportation of the residuals to market. It addresses the key factors such as the processing of the residuals, yield, conversions and the measurement processes. It analyses the end uses for residuals with a focus on consumption and the impact of emerging technologies. Aspects of chip quality are discussed with a special focus on prevention of contamination. Safe transportation of the residuals to end users is fundamental for the sustainability of the industry, therefore, the course also focuses on the storage, transportation and offloading of the residuals at mills according to safety practices.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in WOOD 2610

This course presents the fundamental strategies, methods, and terminology of sales and marketing within the lumber industry. It has been designed for people working within this industry who want to gain a deeper understanding of product knowledge and markets, sales and marketing, transportation and logistics and strategic thinking. The course is delivered online and includes industry-specific applications and assignments. Students will explore how sales and marketing impact the growth of a business and, more specifically, how to attract, manage and retain customers. This will include the risks associated with export sales. In addition, students will discuss future trends and the role of industry and associated organizations. Assessment will include a report, presentation, discussion postings and exams.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in WOOD 2620