We currently have a total of 275,000 board feet of state-of-the-art lumber drying kilns. Two are 30-foot deep pre-cast concrete structures and 3 are brand spankin' new SII Dry Kilns constructed of all aluminum and stainless steel. In an effort to match or compete with the excellent insulating R-value of the pre-stressed concrete construction of the 2 original kilns, the new kilns have 4" of insulation instead of the standard 3". With rising energy costs, we at Prime Lumber Company realize that energy efficiencies are necessary to keep our costs as low as possible - to the benefit of our customers.
All of our dry kilns use a system called "power venting" in which the moisture is removed from the kiln through the use of an electric fan. This system provides quick, forced moisture removal and helps maintain a healthy and stable drying environment inside the kiln. And since the power vents are located on the front and rear walls of the kiln instead of the traditional roof-located vents, no additional moisture or rain can enter the kiln and upset or prolong the drying process. We can dry our lumber as quickly as feasible while also minimizing any lumber degrade.
The kilns are controlled by the latest computer-driven process controllers that connected to our computer network so that we can observe and control the drying process from the office, our homes, or anywhere in the world. But our reliance on technology is tempered by our understanding of its limitations. Quality lumber drying remains an art, and each kiln charge contains a unique blend of material and characteristics. We take extensive moisture samples of our lumber, and then weigh and inspect these samples each day to insure the perfect drying job that our customers have come to expect from us.
For more information about Prime Lumber Company you can send us an e-mail, call us at 336-475-8700, fax us at 336-475-8750, or write us at Prime Lumber Company, 7600 East U.S. Highway 64, Thomasville, NC, 27360.
Copyright 1999, 2006, Prime Lumber Company.