DIBOLL, TEXAS (May 25, 2018)….Constructed in the 1960s, the Georgia-Pacific crane that has been a part of the Diboll skyline for the last 55 years, is being dismantled to make way for a new, more efficient, and modern crane with additional safety technology. For the next six months, work crews will remove sections of the current crane while simultaneously replacing it with the new state-of-the-art — Kone Crane.
Originally used as a military shipyard crane, and relocated to Diboll in the 1960’s, the crane’s main purpose at GP’s Diboll Lumber facility is to unload log trucks. With great ease, the massive piece of equipment lifts logs from a truck with only two passes, which are referred to in the industry as “bites.” Over the years, as productivity levels at the facility have increased, the unloading speed of the crane has not kept pace. When the crane was originally installed, the sawmill was unloading about 50 trucks a day. With innovative upgrades and increased efficiency, the crane now unloads over 130 loads of logs per day.
Derek Jones, one of the four crane operators at Diboll Lumber, has been with the company for 20 years but has been operating the machinery for a little over a year. He knows first-hand how vital a crane is to the mill’s daily operations. “This is where it all begins at the mill. The speed and efficiency of the crane helps expedite the process which ultimately has an effect on the mill’s overall production. And time is money for the log truck drivers,” said Jones. “As soon as I can get a truck unloaded they are able to get back to the woods and secure another load of forest products.”
Once the new Kone Crane is completely installed and functioning at full capacity, operators will be able to unload log trucks in just one bite, and with its galvanized structure the crane won’t have to be painted throughout its lifetime. Stretching 80 feet in width, 927 feet in length, and 87 feet in total height, the new crane boasts numerous operational improvements including automatic scales that show the operator the exact weight of a load of logs; cameras that allow the operator to have a 360 degree view of the truck that is being unloaded; state-of-the art safety controls, increased log storage capacity; lightening protection; and LED lighting for complete visibility. There are also maintenance platforms that are easily accessible, and operators will benefit from a heated and cooled cabin.
As the current crane comes down—contingent plans to keep the mill running smoothly are in place. Additional equipment to unload log trucks has been purchased. However, during construction, coordination of log deliveries for the facility will be critical due to limited storage space.
“We’re investing in the future of this community,” said Bill Eckmann, Diboll Lumber Plant Manager. “We are looking forward to the next 50 years of providing substantial jobs to the people of Diboll and the surrounding area that ultimately contribute overall to the East Texas economy. With plants across the United States and Canada, Diboll Lumber is part of one of the largest wood products manufacturers in North America.”
The Kone crane is scheduled to be in full operation by October 26, 2018.
