Thursday, November 7, 2024
French wood processor C2R has chosen an advanced horizontal crusher from Vecoplan to enhance efficiency and profitability in its operations. Known for its rigorous wood processing requirements, C2R handles materials of varying quality and has relied on Vecoplan’s innovative technology to meet production goals and adapt to fluctuating market conditions. This new equipment aims to streamline the production process, enabling C2R to crush all types of wood materials in one step and increase flexibility in sourcing raw materials.
Amid a tough economic landscape, Christophe Lagarde, co-manager of C2R, explains that wood processors in France are facing rising challenges. Reduced demand from the DIY sector has limited residual wood supplies, crucial for producing biomass fuel, leading to higher costs. Simultaneously, a surge in the popularity of wood stoves has increased competition for wood as a fuel source, intensifying demand across the industry. “Not only are fewer trees being processed, but the market is now more competitive with limited resources and a shortage of qualified workers,” said Lagarde.
Founded in 2008 in partnership with Comptoirs des Bois de Brive (CBB), a subsidiary of the Sylvamo Corporation, C2R processes 130,000 metric tons of wood annually, supplying wood products for the paper industry and biomass fuel for regional energy needs. Despite its success, C2R recently faced the need to modernize to accommodate larger and more diverse wood products, especially given the rise in demand and competition in procurement.
A Proven Partnership and Strategic Solution
For over a decade, Vecoplan has been C2R’s partner in wood processing technology. Headquartered in Germany with a strong presence in France, Vecoplan specialises in designing and implementing custom solutions for shredding, conveying, and separating wood and biomass products. Vecoplan provided C2R with dual processing lines for both paper industry wood chips and biomass fuel production. However, increasing competition required C2R to upgrade its capabilities. “Previously, we used two tools for processing, but with changes in market demand, we needed a more versatile solution,” said Lagarde.
The recently installed Vecoplan VVB primary crusher offers an efficient, robust solution to handle diverse wood residues, including sawmill off-cuts, bark, and forestry chips. The machine ensures uniform moisture content and meets specific particle size standards, crucial for high-quality fuel production. According to Vecoplan’s Bertrand Thiebold, the VVB system incorporates innovative screening technology, sorting materials into appropriate sizes to maximize processing efficiency.
High-Efficiency Crusher Optimises Production
The heart of C2R’s new system is Vecoplan’s VVB crusher, featuring a solid steel rotor with substantial flywheel mass, designed to process large quantities of wood with minimal contamination. “With less than 2% impurity tolerance, the machine adapts to various input materials, from logs up to 400mm in diameter to pallets and demolition wood,” explained Ralf Rosenkranz, Vecoplan’s head of application engineering. The system’s counter-knife unit and sieve basket automatically adjust to foreign material, maintaining smooth operation and protecting the equipment from damage.
Ergonomically designed for easy maintenance, the VVB’s rotor hood and rear panel fold down, doubling as a platform for quick machine access. The VSC control panel enables remote adjustments, stores custom settings, and offers online troubleshooting to reduce downtime and increase efficiency. “The hotline support has been invaluable, particularly during installation,” said Lagarde, noting the efficiency gains made possible by Vecoplan’s remote support.
Vecoplan France: Localised Support Strengthens Partnership
The newly founded Vecoplan France subsidiary provides C2R and other French clients with direct access to Vecoplan’s expertise, eliminating language barriers and enhancing service quality. “Having regular contact with Vecoplan France has improved our ability to optimize systems to meet our needs,” Lagarde remarked.
Operating five days a week in an eight-hour shift, the VVB crusher has increased C2R’s material processing capacity, allowing the company to accept a broader range of wood supplies. “With this machine, we have a distinct advantage in material sourcing, enabling us to work with whatever our suppliers offer,” added Lagarde. Confident in their decision, C2R sees Vecoplan’s crusher as a crucial asset in navigating a challenging market, solidifying Vecoplan’s role as a strategic partner in French wood processing innovation.
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