Innovation Rooted in Hardwood

Comact’s Commitment to Moving the Industry Forward

For over a century, Comact has been at the forefront of wood processing innovation. While our history is long, our focus remains firmly on the future: helping hardwood producers maximize value, efficiency, and consistency with solutions built on cutting-edge technology.

LEADING IN HARDWOOD OPTIMIZATION
Hardwood grading and defect detection remain some of the toughest challenges in the industry. Dirt, spots, and chain marks often mimic natural defects, complicating machine grading and placing additional strain on already limited human resources. Additionally, mills across North America are facing a shortage of experienced graders.

Comact’s answer is artificial intelligence. We are the only company to have trained our AI models specifically on hardwood species, which ensures unmatched precision in defect detection. With AI-powered solutions like TrimExpert, EdgExpert, GradExpert, and ResawExpert, mills can achieve significant gains in yield and grade recovery, often seeing improvements of up to 10% in productivity and higher proportions of prime-grade outturns.

Just as important, our scanners and AI models cover more than 35 hardwood species, from walnut and maple to red and white oak. That flexibility allows mills to respond quickly to market demands, optimize both green and dry lines, and consistently meet NHLA grade standards. Whether you’re running high-volume production or smaller specialized operations, our technology has proven to deliver measurable ROI, often within remarkably short payback periods.

ROBOTICS: FROM LABOR CHALLENGE TO INTELLIGENT TRANSFORMATION
The labor shortage isn’t unique to graders; it extends across the entire mill operation. Robotic automation offers an answer. Comact has pioneered AI-powered robotic systems that transform how mills handle board stacking.

At facilities like Batesville Casket Co. in Vicksburg, MS, four robots have successfully replaced four operators, cutting the required labor from six to just two while handling over 1,000 unique products with consistency and precision. These systems aren’t just replacing labor. They’re reimagining production. Our robots adapt in real-time to recipes, detect warps, separate touching boards, and even handle narrow or sensitive products with ease. This innovation enables mills to remain productive despite staffing challenges.

The result? Smoother operations, higher throughput, and peace of mind, knowing that production won’t be interrupted by labor shortages.

WHY NHLA MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
Our relationship with NHLA has been instrumental in driving these innovations forward. By engaging with NHLA members, Comact has gained invaluable insights into the unique challenges facing hardwood producers today. These conversations have helped us refine our AI models, tailor our robotic systems, and ensure that our solutions support NHLA grading rules and customer expectations.

The NHLA community also provides a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Whether at the annual convention or through technical exchanges, these connections enable us to test ideas, pilot solutions, and stay aligned with the needs of the hardwood market. We view NHLA not only as an association but as a partner in our shared mission to elevate the industry.

WHAT SETS COMACT APART
Three qualities set Comact apart in hardwood optimization:

1. Proven AI Technology for Hardwood – Unlike general-purpose solutions, our AI is trained directly on hardwood, delivering unmatched accuracy in defect detection.
2. Robotics Designed for Wood Processing – Our systems are purpose-built to handle the complexity of hardwood fiber, stacking, and trim block sorting with intelligence
   and precision.
3. Customer-Centric Approach – At our Mirabel facility, we offer free scanner testing, ensuring our customers not only adopt technology, but also fully succeed with it.

LOOKING AHEAD
The hardwood industry is steeped in tradition, yet it thrives on adaptation. As markets evolve, customers demand greater consistency, flexibility, and proof of sustainability. Comact is proud to support mills in meeting these challenges head-on, with AI-driven scanners, robotic automation, and a relentless focus on results.

By combining innovation with a deep understanding of hardwood, we aim to help producers maximize value from every log, every board, and every block. And thanks to our ongoing collaboration with NHLA, we know we’re building solutions that truly make a difference for the hardwood industry today and in the future.

Ready to see how our hardwood solutions can support your success? Contact our team today at [email protected] or visit www.comact.com to learn more about our services.