Packageing Firewood

Frank_Pender · December 12, 2001, 07:27:21 AM

I have been considering the packageing of of the fall dwon from my mill in a container of sorts for resale as firewood. I have seen advertised the machines that shrink wrap the wood. I have seen the product being sold in local grocery stores. I have just heard that someone is hauling bug kill pine from Montana to Oregon in log form and then processing it into 16" lengths and packaging it. From all indications is measures approximately .75cu.ft. The calcualtes to approcimately 171 bundles per cord at $2.75 per bundle =$470.25 for a cord. Yes, I realize that there is a great deal of labor, machinery and well as materials involved. I have begun my customery research on the feasability of marketing of the packages etc. I could use some knowledge and experience form other parts of the country, please. :P

Jeff · December 12, 2001, 11:49:43 AM

Our Town has a state park. The park sells small bundles of wood like that to campers. Years ago I checked into this because I thought, hey! slabwood! I could haul it home buzz it up and make a killing.

Turned out the park took bids from potential vendors for contracts lasting x number of years. The guy that got the contract could then afford the equipment to produce more, cheaper thus supplying all the little party stores around the park too cornering the market.

Once he had the market, and the machinery to mass produce the bundles, he was always able to under bid everyone else. A couple of guys did under bid him once I understand, but lost the contract because they did not keep up with demand. so he got it back.

Ron Wenrich · December 12, 2001, 02:35:37 PM

That $470/cd figure is a retail price, which you will never see. When I worked in a retail store, way back when, mark up was generally 2-3 times, depending on the type of store. So, that reduces your price to $160-$235. Still a respectable number.

Around my parts, they are getting about $100/cd for cut, split, and dumped. Now you must be able to market, bundle and deliver 1 cord of wood for $60-135/cd. Delivery will be different, since you can't just dump bundled wood.

I've seen those bundling machines, and I forget how much they cost. Most are now including some sort of handle to carry the wood. You have to figure how long it will cost to bundle it and how soon you can pay off your equipment. Anything over 2 years is usually not considered cost effective.

What you really ought to have is an edge, where you can charge just a little more for a little less input. I always wondered why nobody has tried to market holiday logs.

Most people who buy bundled wood are looking for a 1 night fire and usually in a fireplace. Holiday logs are treated with different chemicals to give different color of flames. I know copper will give a green flame, for example. Might be an interesting marketing angle. Just remember to cut me in on the royalties. :D

Jeff · December 12, 2001, 02:52:43 PM

This Idea was presented on the forestry forum so Ron needs a big enough cut to cut with me :D

Bibbyman · December 12, 2001, 04:25:03 PM

See if this link works to the pictures I took at the Paul Bunyon show in Ohio earlier this fall.

It shows a firewood packing system by Mountain Valley MFG. One guy assembles the sticks in a framework that supports both ends. (The one with the yellow suspenders and Wood-Mizer hat. Pix 8 ) This bunch is then pushed along on roller tracks and then next filled. The guy on the end positions (Taking completed bundle out Pix 7 ) the bundle on the wrapper that makes several turns with a heavy plastic wrap. On one of the wraps, the operator inserts a sheet of paper with brand name, volume, etc. on it. The last step is to pick up a small air powered staple gun and shoot on a handle. The wrapper then removes the bundle and pulls the two supports out and slides them back down the outside of the framework to the guy to place back into the framework and re-fill with wood.

We don't have the contact info handy but maybe this is enough for you to sniff them out if this is something you think you're interested in. I think the system cost start at about $5,000.00 then it has some extras.

http://www.cartogra.com/home/ViewMyAlbum.asp?coll_id=1074311

marc · December 14, 2001, 04:13:21 PM

here are a few web sites you should take a look at the first www.baileys-online.com they sell the blockbuster and you can get a free video from them. the next one is www.timberwolfcorp.com they have processors, splitters and conveyors. as for firewood packagers go to www.mtnvalleymfg.net and they have a video right on there site. The last one i know of is home.sprynet.com/sprynet/bbmfg and that is another pakager.