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Sierra Pacific Industries has purchased a customized Bruks drum chipper for its Eugene, Or., sawmill.
The equipment has been ordered from Bruks Siwertell for a new cutting mill and state-of-the-art stud mill being built to replace SPI’s existing sawmilling operations in Eugene. It will efficiently handle sawmill byproducts for onward use in SPI’s biomass energy cogeneration plant and for pulp and paper customers.
SPI’s latest Bruks DH 400 (550) x 1000 drum chipper features custom-designed infeed rollers and supplier-specific gearboxes. “The machine has been tailored to meet SPI’s operational preferences,” says Rafael Escamilla, project development engineer, Bruks Siwertell. “For example, the first two in-feed rollers are segmented, which reduces overall maintenance.”
The Eugene Bruks drum chipper installation is planned for delivery mid-2025. It will process sawmill byproducts, including softwood trim blocks and offcuts, at a rated capacity of around 20t/h, helping SPI maximize efficiency and yields from its wood-processing operations.
“SPI has Bruks Siwertell equipment installed across many of its other facilities, and appreciates the quality, reliability and the ease of maintenance that Bruks drum chipping machines offer. Essentially, we deliver products that last and perform well under high-use, challenging conditions,” adds Escamilla.
Third-generation, family-owned SPI is one of the largest lumber producers in the US, operating 18 sawmills in California, Oregon and Washington; all of which use advanced technology to maximize raw material use. The company is also the largest private U.S. timberland owner and produces millwork, wood fiber products, windows, and renewable energy as well.
