Equipment and Storage
Vanderloo brander
Over the years a steady investment policy has resulted in production lines equipped with modern, computer-controlled equipment. From the initial sizing of timber, to the delivery of the finished product, the emphasis is on accuracy and consistent quality.
Comparatively rare in the UK, our Holtec cross-cut saw can take a full pack of 3.6m long timber and cut to a required size in one pass. This speed of processing enables us to avoid the delays incurred from the need to order specific lengths of timber as well as reducing the number of different lengths held in stock
Comparatively rare in the UK, our Holtec cross-cut saw can take a full pack of 3.6m long timber and cut to a required size in one pass.
Nailing machine
Also rare in the UK, our Stortie "decknailer" machine fully automates the manufacture of two- and four-way entry pallets robotically stacking the finished pallet at the end of the sequence. Throughput is impressive producing up to 2000 pallets per shift.
All automated lines have branding facilities producing a clean, clear and permanent identification that, by name or code, will help locate and keep track of a company’s pallet stock.
Four way pallet
Two way pallet
The Stortie "decknailer" machine fully automates the manufacture of two- and four-way entry pallets
Wood marking
Somerlap Forest Products Ltd has been registered with the UK Wood Packing Material Marking Programme run by the Forestry Commission and TIMCON. Somerlap is now permitted to use DB-HT Heat Treatment (Debarked and Heat Treated) and CPI (Chemical Pressure Impregnation) as part of its permanent wood mark. This mark provides an assurance that the product was manufactured in the UK, under official control, and that it meets a prescribed minimum phytosanitary (plant health) standard.
These marks are defined as follows:
DB: Bark free wood - is defined as wood from which all of the outer layers of bark, excluding the vascular cambium (sometimes known as 'inner bark'), ingrown bark around knots and bark pockets between rings of annual growth has been removed.
HT: Heat treatment - is defined as the process in which a commodity is heated until it reaches a minimum temperature for a minimum period of time according to an officially approved technical specification. For plant health purposes, this has been defined as a minimum temperature of 56°C, measured at the core of the wood, for at least 30 minutes.
What benefits does this mark provide?
Wood packing manufacturers in the UK who make or repair pallets, crates and boxes may supply these products to companies involved in export. Subsequently the packing will therefore be used for goods shipped overseas and some of it will be used for goods shipped back to the UK. If this wood packing material cannot be easily identified as having originated in the UK, it would be liable to remedial treatment such as fumigation, heat-treatment or re-exported or even destroyed at the importer's expense.
ISPM15 Implementation and import regulations
for wood packaging materials.
All members of the World Trade Organisation have agreed that the standards are an important addition to import requirements. Up to date information on the current status of implementation on most countries can be found at: www.timcom.org | www.ippc.int
Further information can be obtained from the Forestry Commission's website:
www.forestry.gov.uk/planthealth