November 8, 1961 -- Dr. James D. A. Clarke, University of Oregon
State, the originator of the waferboard process used by Wizewood Ltd.,
termed the men involved in the production of the new product here,
"Pioneers in an undertaking unique on this continent." He charged the men
to strive for a quality product of which they might all be proud.
Dr. Clarke, associated with the Scott Paper Company for many
years, holds numerous patents on wood processes.
Over sixty plant employees attended the informal meeting and
smoker held in the plant last Wednesday at 8 p.m.
John M. Gunn, a U.B.C. graduate, presently with C.C. Archibald
and Associates, consulting engineers to Wizewood, conducted a "chalk
talk" on the waferboard process. He discussed the various types of
resins used in lumber products and pointed out the advantages of the
phonelic (waterproof) resin used in the production of waferboard.
He went on to explain how waferboard could be made stronger or
heavier or thicker by various changes in the production line. Mr. Gunn
also stressed quality controls and indicated the build--in features of
the equipment which would permit plant personnel to maintain these
controls.
Lew Greer, general manager, introduced Dr. Clarke who spoke
briefly of the future in the wood products industry. He stated that as
the larger trees in the forests dwindled away, plywood manufacturers
would have to find substitute products. Waferboard provided a ready
solution, and here on the prairies, provided the means of utilizing what
was ordinarily regarded as a "Weed Tree" (poplar) to manufacture a top
quality product which compared most favorably with other wood products.
Dr. Clarke went on to say that the Wizewood plant had been very
well engineered and that provisions had been made to allow for further
refinements in the process as the plant personnel became experienced in
the production of waferboard. He hinted at a limitless need for the
product as time went on.
Wizewood Ltd. President, W. Thorpe, thanked the speakers and
encouraged plant personnel to make suggestions for improvement when
they saw an opportunity to do so.
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