Economics Of Manufacturing Structural Lumber From Low To Medium Density Hardwoods

An economic assessment and comparison are given of two hypothetical sawmills that process structural lumber from low- to medium-density hardwoods using innovative processing techniques developed at FPL. One mill uses the Saw-Dry-Rip (SDR) process for manufacturing straight structural lumber from low- to medium-density hardwoods. The second mill uses SDR combined with the Edge-Glue-and-Rip (EGAR) process that enables the manufacture of any width of structural lumber even when using small logs. Both processes appear to be viable investment opportunities based on returns on investment. (Author).