NZ’s first operational continuous timber drying kiln

Red Stag Timber in Rotorua commissioned this week New Zealand’s first operational Continuous Counter Flow Kiln. The kiln capacity is 100,000m3 of dried timber per annum. Rather than the more traditional kiln designs and operation, the Mahild double tracked 60 metre kiln uses two tracks within the kiln. The heat from the hot dry exiting stack is used to pre-condition green lumber entering the kiln and the humidity from drying green lumber is also used to recondition dry wood exiting the kiln.

This new kiln will significantly reduce the energy required to dry timber and is part of Red Stag’s drive to improve efficiency and product quality. Kiln Manager, Steve Goldsmith says he is extremely pleased with the quality of the lumber coming out of this new Mahild kiln.