#Canada #Surrey #Kadant Carmanah #Hexion Inc. #wood processing

Kadant Carmanah Design Collaborates with Hexion Inc. for Wood Processing Innovation

In an exciting development within the manufacturing sector, Kadant Carmanah Design has announced a strategic partnership with Hexion Inc., a recognized global player in adhesives and performance materials. This initiative aims to leverage advanced technology to revolutionize the wood processing industry, specifically targeting improvements in oriented strand board (OSB) production.

Located in Surrey, British Columbia, Kadant Carmanah Design specializes in designing and manufacturing equipment tailored for the panel and engineered wood products and sawmill sectors. The company’s expertise and innovative product lines, such as the SmartRING strander, are set to enhance operational efficiencies for OSB producers. In this alignment, Hexion’s cutting-edge Smartech™ artificial intelligence technology will be integrated, creating a synergistic approach to modern manufacturing challenges.

The Partnership's Vision

According to Todd Macey, president of Kadant Carmanah Design, this collaboration represents a pivotal moment for the company's flagship SmartRING strander product line, which is known for its reliability in OSB manufacturing. The integration of Hexion's Smartech AI technology is expected to elevate the manufacturing process significantly, allowing OSB producers to enhance strand quality while minimizing production downtimes. Macey states, "By merging Hexion's expertise in AI-driven autonomous manufacturing with our renowned stranding equipment, we will empower our customers to improve their production yields and operational stability."

Michael Lefenfeld, Hexion’s President and CEO, echoed this enthusiasm, emphasizing that their partnership would grant OSB manufacturers comprehensive visibility throughout the entire manufacturing process. This seamless integration spans from the strander to various stages like drying, blending, and pressing, thus ensuring a fine-tuned production line ultimately enhancing overall mill efficiency.

Tackling Industry Challenges

The wood processing sector continues to face labor shortages and unpredictable log inventory management, which pose substantial challenges to maintaining the quality and consistency of products. Hexion's AI and machine learning capabilities are designed to address these issues head-on, enabling manufacturers to stabilize strand quality, thus reducing variability in downstream processes.

The outcome is expected to translate into improved efficiency for mills, allowing for more predictable operations and higher-quality end products. Hexion's Smartech division, acquired in 2024, is at the forefront of this technological shift, developing solutions like SmartPress™ and SmartQuality™ which are tailored to optimize resin application processes – critical for enhancing both efficiency and product quality across the board.

About Hexion and Kadant Carmanah Design

Hexion Inc. is a leading global innovator of adhesives and performance materials solutions, serving a multitude of industries including construction, automotive, and agriculture. With a legacy of over a century, Hexion is committed to pioneering sustainable solutions aimed at resource preservation amidst climate change challenges.

Kadant Carmanah Design, with its roots firmly placed in Surrey, BC, provides cutting-edge equipment designed to maximize fiber utilization in wood panel production. Their advanced technologies not only optimize manufacturing but also enable a sustainable approach to production.

For further information regarding this transformative partnership and to discover more about both companies, interested parties are encouraged to visit Kadant Carmanah's and Hexion’s respective websites.

Conclusion

The collaborative efforts between Kadant Carmanah Design and Hexion Inc. epitomize the kind of innovation that is essential for the modernization of the wood processing industry. Through the smart application of AI technology and focused collaboration, both companies promise to lead the charge toward a more efficient and quality-driven production landscape. As this partnership unfolds, the industry will be watching closely as more solutions geared towards operational excellence emerge.