West Fraser Achieves Major Energy Savings with Rockwell's Drive Technology Solutions

West Fraser Saves Over $266,000 Annually Using Advanced Drive Technology

West Fraser, a leading player in the wood products industry, has recently made strides in energy efficiency by successfully utilizing medium-voltage drive technology from Rockwell Automation at its Cowie, Scotland plant. This initiative is not only an impressive financial maneuver but also pushes the company closer to environmental sustainability goals.
The deployment of Rockwell's Intelligent Packaged Power (IPP) solution, which includes the CENTERLINE® 1500 medium-voltage motor control center (MCC) and three Allen-Bradley® PowerFlex® 6000T variable-speed drives, has significantly optimized energy consumption across crucial operations.

Optimizing Energy Use

The Cowie facility, known for its production of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and particleboard, was identified as an ideal location for the introduction of smart motor control technologies. The energy-consuming fan applications used for drying raw materials and extracting finished products were transformed with precise control, which has led to an astounding annual savings of more than $266,000 (£209,939).
Asa Arvidsson, the regional vice president at Rockwell Automation, highlighted that variable-speed drives can greatly reduce energy usage and carbon emissions across various industrial motor applications. This successful implementation not only cuts costs but also emphasizes the importance of advanced technology in achieving sustainability achievements.

Enhanced Performance and Reliability

West Fraser's engineering manager, Gordon McArthur, expressed satisfaction with the improvements brought about by the new technology. The ability to adjust the fan speeds swiftly and accurately according to the required production set points has led to enhanced process control and reliability. McArthur noted that the familiarity of West Fraser’s engineers with Rockwell Automation technology has facilitated a smoother implementation process.
Together with Rockwell's IPP project team, West Fraser has benefitted from additional site services provided by HF Controls, a recognized partner within the Rockwell Automation ecosystem. This collaboration has been essential in ensuring that the medium-voltage drive installations are both effective and efficient.

Future of Sustainability in Wood Products

With ambitious sustainability targets across North America and Europe, West Fraser is setting an example for the wood products sector. Their efforts in carbon reduction and energy savings are indicative of a broader industry trend towards integrating digital technologies and sustainability practices. As the world increasingly focuses on environmental impact, initiatives like West Fraser's are vital for demonstrating the potential of smart industrial technologies.
By partnering with Rockwell Automation and utilizing innovative solutions, West Fraser is not just focusing on immediate cost savings but is also committed to creating a more sustainable future for their operations. Through these enhancements, the company is paving the way for others in the industry to follow suit, proving that economic and environmental benefits can go hand in hand.

Conclusion

In summary, West Fraser’s foresight in adopting Rockwell Automation’s advanced drive technology has led to dramatic energy savings and improved operational efficiencies at their Cowie plant. This achievement stands as a testament to the growing importance of sustainability in manufacturing and sets a benchmark for other companies to pursue similar technological enhancements for both economic and environmental gain.