Day 3- Tuesday July 17, 2012
1 -Colonial Millworks LimitedWe traveled to a place called Colonial Millworks Limited in Beverly, WV. Our tour guide took us around and showed us the mill. When the lumber comes in, it is already pre-dried. They do not have to use a kiln for drying the wood. This company stores around 1.5 million in board feet. This is an incredible amount of wood. They do cut lots of wood and then sell their sawdust to one of the first companies that we saw this week, Hamer Pellet Fuel.
Colonial Millworks Limited makes lots of different products: handrails, molding, cabinets, etc. Some companies make these products but do not finish them. When I say finish, I’m talking about staining and getting it shipped to the right vender. We saw a company Monday that also finished products but not the way Colonial does. They use UV (ultraviolet) lighting to finish the product. After staining the piece they will send it through UV lighting to put a glossy look to the wood. Most often people will notice this in cabinets, molding, and also flooring. Currently this company was working on a project for Walt Disney World (what an honor)!
2- Armstrong Wood Products/ Bruce HardwoodsThe second place that we traveled to was a company called Armstrong Wood Products/Bruce Hardwoods. This company has been in business since 1989. They have around 15 acres of company under roof, 650 employees, and the wood that they use the most is oak, maple, hickory, and ash. They currently hold the largest kiln this side of the Mississippi River.
When entering the mill, we had to wear safety glasses…always follow the rule safety first. Our tour guides name was Jared Runner. We were not allowed to take pictures inside the mill. However, the walk through was astounding. This company focuses on making hardwood flooring only.
When the timber comes in from the logging companies, it has already been cut from the log. Armstrong receives the wood then they will then put it in their kilns, of which they have 32 of them. Once it is dried it is then put through the whole process of making flooring. It has to be graded and separated into what style of flooring needs to be cut. This company also uses their sawdust to steam power their machines and then the left over is then shipped off to Hamer Pellet Fuel to use to make pellets. 11-12 trucks a day leave from Armstrong to move the sawdust elsewhere. On a daily basis this company deals with around 40 million of board feet a day. They certainly have an amazing output in the mill.
3- Beverly, West VirginiaThe third visit today was to Beverly, WV, the historical part of the town. We toured the old bank, court house, and also Stonewall Jacksons sister’s house. Lots of history from the Civil War was made right here in the heart of West Virginia. 4- Presentation by Luanna Moore- Oh how do I express how much I enjoyed her. She was teacher of the year in Randolph County, WV. She taught us how to play the Dulcimer. This is an instrument that has been played in the Appalachian area for years and years. Great lesson and a very nice lady. This is my new hobby for sure!
1: Colonial Millworks Limited
Cabinets being made at Colonial
Stacks of timber ready for ordering
UV light machine to finish the product
3: Beverly, WV
Courtroom in the old Beverly court house
The Beverly Bank Certificate
4- Luanna Moore (Dulcimer)
Luanna Moore...our fearless leader teaching us to play the Dulcimer
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