From the Field: Drew Snider

Embracing Technology in the Hardwood Industry

This month, we’re featuring our National Inspector, Drew Snider, whose work takes him deep into the evolving heart of the hardwood industry. Drew has witnessed firsthand how technology is reshaping the way mills operate — blending time-honored craftsmanship with modern efficiency.

“What I enjoy most about my role is getting to see how technology is reshaping the hardwood industry in real time,” Drew shares. “For years, mills depended almost entirely on manual processes and the experience of their crews. That knowledge is still at the heart of what we do, but now I’m watching automation, robotics, and digital tools come alongside those skills to make operations more efficient and reliable. It’s rewarding to be in a position where I can help bridge the old with the new.”

One of Drew’s most memorable experiences in the field took place at a mill that had just installed an automated grading system. Lumber that once took hours to sort and measure was now processed in a fraction of the time, with remarkable precision. But what stood out to Drew wasn’t the technology itself—it was the reaction from the seasoned graders. “Instead of feeling replaced,” he recalls, “they recognized how the system freed them up to focus on higher-level quality decisions where their experience mattered most.”

That moment underscored what excites Drew most about the industry’s direction: a balance between craftsmanship and innovation.

Over time, Drew has developed a specialty in helping mills integrate digital tools into daily operations. Whether it’s real-time production tracking, predictive maintenance, or yield optimization, these systems give mills the insight they need to run leaner and cut down on costly downtime. “In today’s market,” he explains, “even small gains in efficiency can make a real difference to the bottom line.”

Recently, Drew has seen more mills in his region adopt robotics and automation in handling and stacking systems—improvements that enhance throughput, safety, and worker satisfaction. “Mills that implement these technologies often have an easier time attracting and keeping employees,” he notes. “The jobs become more sustainable and engaging than they used to be.”

These shifts couldn’t come at a better time. With increased global competition, shifting demand, and sustainability expectations, mills face pressure to adapt quickly. Drew sees his role as helping members navigate those changes—showing them how to put technology to work without losing the human touch that defines the hardwood industry.

“At the end of the day,” Drew reflects, “technology doesn’t erase craftsmanship— it enhances it. It ensures that the knowledge and tradition of this industry continue to thrive for the next generation.”