USA – Freres Lumber Co, Inc. is the first U.S. company to install and operate the Taihei Horizontal Press Model P25-AB, a horizontal hot press for laminating plywood after the gluing and prepressing processes.

In keeping with its history as a leader in early adoption and innovation, Freres is already reaping the numerous benefits the horizontal press offers over the conventional U.S. vertical press technology. The horizontal press differs from conventional vertical presses in that the heat plates are installed vertically and apply pressure to the plywood horizontally.

The new press was installed between Thanksgiving and Christmas and was fully operational on December 17, 2019. This horizontal press increases production efficiency, maximizes the uniformity of contact pressure, is easier to install and maintain, is safer and is more energy efficient than the conventional U.S. vertical presses. Unlike the U.S. vertical presses, the horizontal press does not require a dedicated operator—the system has an automatic feed system. Even modern vertical chargers, which transfer pre-pressed panels to the press, require an operator to manually feed every panel into the press.

“We are committed to investing in advanced technology to keep Freres current and competitive, and have always looked to the future when making equipment and product decisions,” said Kyle Freres, vice president of operations for Freres Lumber.

Freres Lumber Co., Inc. is an Oregon-based premier wood products manufacturing company dedicated to bringing innovative, high-quality and environmentally sound wood products to market.

Freres Lumber was established in 1922 by the patriarch of the Freres family, T.G. Freres.

The company is almost one hundred years old, and remains a presence in Oregon’s Santiam Canyon today, providing local family-wage jobs and producing high-quality wood products. Freres operates six plants and follows sustainable management practices throughout its operations.