on this morning's commute - crossing Burrard Inlet - 6:50am
Seabus Sunrise
Monthly Archives: September 2011
Mothballed
On September 14th I linked to a story regarding the uncertainty around viability for future start-up at Winton Global here. It was announced today the closure is permanent.
Fuel-saving measures for truckers
Details of a complex carbon-credit program for BC truckers hauling for the forest industry outlined here.
“’This isn’t just a numbers game; this is a true reduction of carbon, a measurable, verifiable reduction of fuel used,’” MaryAnn Arcand, cooperative chair, said.
Overcoming Pine Beetle
Tuesday
Gathering Nuts
While some might be going nuts over financial markets this first day of fall, some guys seem oblivious to the goings on this season.. as this squirrel, brazenly stocking up on inventory off my parents’ backyard deck.
Faster than Speed of Light?
Wouldn’t you know it! At a time when we’re agonizing to overcome transportation hurdles that seem to intercept every effort affecting on-time lumber delivery, scientists are rubbing it in… by telling us they’ve now clocked neutrons travelling faster than the speed of light!
So far our traffic manager offers little consolation, telling me the scientific discovery merely establishes new standards of excellence for us to aim for on the next truckload order.
A Family Affair
My cousin Dean Maier also works in the forest industry, as a lubrication specialist at Industrial Autolube International.
Dean has developed some very unique solutions to reduce the volumes of lubricant traditionally applied to equipment in sawmills. His saw guide lubrication system is a trademark of the company’s success, whereby an inefficient system of multiple valves and flow controls is converted to hi-tech. As Dean says, “When you can actually see all the data in real time, as to what’s flowing, oil and water use can be optimized, which reduces waste.”
Autolube’s saw guide system alone can reduce oil consumption in the mill by up to 112 gallons per week, providing an annual savings of over $30,000. When lubrication systems have been optimized throughout the mill, savings of over $200,000 have been realized.
OK – well, that concludes a bit of a plug for my cousin Dean’s company – although I must say, I have always found learning about his current project, and creative solutions, fascinating.
A screen shot - showing all parameters in real time
More than just a phone
As we look forward to moving to a new Dakeryn office in January, an article in the Canadian Business Magazine caught my attention – it cites a case study here regarding the impact of office design on productivity. While it’s well-known that lumber trading involves more than just a pretty face on the phone, it turns out lighting is the factor which most affects productivity in the office (followed by spatial arrangement, noise, furniture, and temperature). “Natural and artificial light is very essential in any office environment. It gives a sense of energy and affects the mood of the employees.”
Full Story: Can a new office space change your company?
Prompt Planting
Reforestation efforts for a number of 2010 wild fire sites are already underway in the Cariboo region of BC.
