Lumber Stackers with Automated Stick Placers

Project Overview

After lumber is cut at a sawmill, it must be organized into uniform bundles and stacked for drying before it can be sold or processed further. Between each layer of lumber in the stack, thin wooden sticks (also called stickers) are placed at regular intervals to create air gaps that allow moisture to escape evenly during the drying process. Without proper stick placement, lumber can warp, cup, or develop mold — reducing its grade and market value.

UTEC Industrial fabricated VPG lumber stackers with integrated automated stick placers for Gillingham Best that handle this stacking and stick placement process at production speeds. The system takes incoming lumber from the mill's sorting and grading line, organizes boards into layers of uniform width, and automatically places sticks between layers as each new course is built up in the stack.

The automated system runs at high speed to keep pace with modern sawmill production rates, accommodating various lumber sizes and dimensions without requiring manual reconfiguration. This eliminates one of the most labor-intensive steps in sawmill operations while producing more consistent stacking quality than manual methods.

Key Results

• VPG lumber stackers with integrated automated stick placement
• High-speed operation keeping pace with modern sawmill production rates
• Accommodates various lumber sizes and dimensions
• Consistent stick spacing for optimal air circulation during drying
• CNC-machined precision components for reliable positioning
• Rugged construction designed for harsh sawmill environments