Wood-processing Factory Research Articles

Isolation, Screening and Characterization of Xylose-Fermenting Yeasts Isolated from Saw Dust

Yeasts have been less frequently reported as xylanase producers compared to bacteria and filamentous fungi. Different cellulosic materials including sawdust are produced on a large scale and these can be used for the production of useful enzymes such as xylanases. Xylanases are a group of enzymes that hydrolyze plant fibers made of xylan hemicellulose. Xylose-fermenting yeasts isolated from soil at a wood processing factory were isolated and qualitatively and quantitatively screened for xylanase production using xylose supplemented medium and congo red as indicator. Xylanase enzyme was produced using different xylose concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0%). Pichia chambardii isolate, which was later identified as Wickerhamomyces chambardii by molecular techniques, showed the highest xylanase activity of 199.31U mL-1. Maximum xylanase activity (275.83U mL-1) was achieved at 1.5 %w/v xylose. This study showed that yeasts have a high potential for the production of xylanase enzymes.

From fields to factory – women and plantation-wood processing in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

ABSTRACT Industrial timber plantations and their processing have been promoted by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) government to generate rural employment and reduce economic reliance on the agriculture sector. Using a comparative case-study approach at two wood-processing factories, this paper seeks to understand the existing roles of women in wood processing and how they compare with men in terms of employment, compensation and developmental opportunities, as well as the broader socio-economic factors that enable their employment. Findings show that women were well-represented in the workforce in both cases because management valued purported gendered attributes such as patience [ot-thon] and attention to detail [la-iat]. Demand for employment by rural women of all ages reflects the broader forces of agrarian transition in Lao PDR, including the desire for regular off-farm income to meet the expectations of a contemporary lifestyle. Gender balance in the factory workplace was found to be enhanced by mechanisation, which increased the roles under which women may be employed, and by access to certified markets by companies, which required adherence to international labour standards, including conditions such as maternity leave and carer’s leave. The prominent role of women in wood processing in Lao PDR contrasts with that in Australia because extended families can provide unpaid childcare and other domestic support to working families that ameliorates inflexible work practices, which exist in both countries.

Investigation of CO2 sequestration performance and statistical analysis of dye removal efficiency of liquefied hornbeam based carbon foams: Effects of biomass/solvent weight ratio, tar contribution, and chemical activation

The preparation of carbon foams from bio-based polyols was a preferable alternative for the development of new materials from waste resources. The research described the usage of wood processing factory waste for the production of open-cell carbon foams with a high application potential. Bio-based carbon foams were developed by hornbeam tree sawdust, a low-cost and renewable material for dye removal via adsorption and CO2 uptake performance. In this work, the influences of the solvent type, and solvent/biomass weight ratio on the characteristics of carbon foams were investigated in the solvolytic liquefaction process. A chemical activation process with KOH was applied to the foams and this provided high porosity and surface area (up to 1454 m2/g). Carbon foams were found to have comparable compressive strengths; up to 1.080 MPa. As a result of the statistical analysis, according to the variance analysis performed with a confidence level limit of 95%, it was specified that pH had a negative coefficient and was the most significant factor in NH dye removal. According to the experiments carried out within the scope of investigating the usability of carbon foams in the removal of pollutants from gas and liquid systems, HCFTA-3 carbon foam exhibited a maximum removal efficiency of 55.2% for NH dye when pH was 2, and HCFA-3 carbon foam had the highest CO2 holding capacity at 0 °C as measured by 6.53 mmol/g CO2. This study provided an understanding of the sustainable bio-based carbon foams from industrial waste biomass for practical application of green chemistry.

The relationship between noise level and sleep quality in wood processing factory workers

Background: Many wood processing factories use giant machines to cut or shave wood according to the required needs. When processing wood, the condition workers experience exposure related to machine-generated noise. Exposure to noise generated from the work on average > 85 dB. Conditions of working hours are also long, up to 8 hours per day. There are several impacts caused by the presence of noise, one of which is the occurrence of sleep disturbances. This study aimed to determine the relationship between noise level and workers' sleep quality at the Rana Bhumi wood processing factory, Gianyar, Bali-Indonesia.
 Methods: The research design was a cross-sectional study with a population of 30 samples of wood processing factory workers at Rana Bhumi, Gianyar, Indonesia, who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Measure noise level using a sound level meter and measurement of sleep quality using the Pittsburgh sleeping quality index (PSQI). The data were analyzed using computer software with Spearman's rank test to determine the significant relationship between noise level and sleep quality in wood processing factory workers.
 Results: The results showed that 30 factory workers were obtained by analyzing the relationship between noise level and sleep quality, where p=0.000 (p<0.05).
 Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between noise levels and sleep quality in wood processing factory workers in Rana Bhumi, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia.

Life cycle environmental sustainability and cumulative energy assessment of biomass pellets biofuel derived from agroforest residues.

This study was carried out to produce low-emitting biomass pellets biofuel from selected forest trees such as (Cedrus deodara and Pinus wallichiana) and agricultural crop residues such as (Zea mays and Triticum aestivum) in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan using indigenously developed technology called pelletizer machine. Characterization, environmental life cycle impact assessment, and cumulative energy demand of biomass pellets biofuel produced from selected agriculture crops and forest tree residues were conducted. The primary data for biomass pellets production was collected by visiting various wood processing factories, sawmills, and agricultural crop fields in the study area. Biomass pellets are a type of biofuel that is often made by compressing sawdust and crushing biomass material into a powdery form. The particles are agglomerated as the raw material is extensively compressed and pelletized. Biomass pellets have lower moisture content, often less than 12%. Physically, the produced pellets were characterized to determine moisture content, pellet dimensions, bulk density, higher heating value, ash content, lower heating value, and element analysis. A functional unit of one kilogram (kg) biomass pellets production was followed in this study.The life cycle impact assessment of one kg biomass pellets biofuel produced from selected agro-forest species revealed environmental impact categories such as acidification (0.006 kg SO2 eq/kg pellets), abiotic depletion (0.018 kg Sb eq/kg pellets), marine aquatic ecotoxicity (417.803 kg 1,4-DB eq/kg pellets), human toxicity (1.107 kg 1,4-DB eq/kg pellets), freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity (0.191 kg 1,4-DB eq/kg pellets), eutrophication (0.001 kg PO4 eq/kg pellets), global warming (0.802 kg CO2 eq/kg pellets), and terrestrial ecotoxicity (0.008 kg 1,4-DB eq/kg pellets). Fossil fuel consumption was the hotspot source to all environmental impacts investigated. To measure the cumulative energy demand of biomass pellets made from different agroforestry species leftovers showed that the maximum cumulative energy was from wheat straw pellets (13.737 MJ), followed by corncob pellets (11.754 MJ), deodar sawdust pellets (10.905 MJ) and blue pine sawdust pellets (10.877 MJ). Among the various production activities, collection and transportation of primary raw material, crushing, screening, adding adhesives, pelletizing, cooling, final screening, and packing have the maximum contribution to the water scarcity index, followed by lubricating oil (0.00147m3). In contrast, the minimum contribution to water footprint was from electricity (0.00008m3) and wheat starch (0.00005m3). The highest contribution to the ecological footprint impact categories such as carbon dioxide, nuclear, and land occupation was lubricating oil and less contribution of wheat starch and electricity for manufacturing one kg pellets biofuel. It is concluded that physico-mechanical and combustion properties of the biomass pellets biofuel developed in the present study were following the Italian recommended standards. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that the Government of Pakistan should introduce the renewable biomass pellets industry in the country to reduce dependency on fossil fuels for cooking and heating purposes.

Spatial distribution characteristics of the dust emitted at different cutting speeds during MDF milling by image analysis

Wood dust produced in medium-density fiberboard (MDF) processing is a major occupational hazard in wood industry and may damage processing equipment. In many wood processing factories, dust collecting systems need to be optimized for the distributional and morphological characteristics of dust in the workshop so that economical and efficient dust control can be achieved. In this study, weighting, image analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were applied to explore the effects of different cutting speeds on the distribution and morphology of dust generated in MDF milling. The results showed that most dust particles were less than 100 μm and that the aspect ratios (AR) were between 0.6 and 0.7. There was significant difference in particle number size distribution (PNSD) between the dust at different sampling positions. Less amount of dust was located close to cutting center, and fine dust was more likely to appear far away from cutting center. Cutting speed was associated with PNSD, but had little effect on AR. The findings provide spatial distribution characteristics of MDF dust during milling, which can be helpful for optimizing cutting parameters and locating dust collecting hoods to minimize dust exposure.

Value Chain Analysis of Eucalyptus Wood Products in the Blue Nile Highlands of Northwestern Ethiopia

Eucalyptus wood products contribute significantly to the income of smallholder growers in many parts of Ethiopia. This has incentivized smallholders to convert arable lands to Eucalyptus plantation. Given the limited attention and availability of empirical evidence, this study examined the Eucalyptus wood products value chain in terms of the actors engaged, the type and importance of channels, margins analysis and the overall value chain governance in the main Eucalyptus growing areas of the Blue Nile highlands of Northwestern Ethiopia in 2019/2020. Sources of data were randomly selected 388 Eucalyptus grower households and 166 Eucalyptus wood traders, complemented by an interview with key informants, group discussions and direct observations. The results reveal that a total of 2,051,114.75 m3 of Eucalyptus wood was produced in the study area and Eucalyptus plantations are expanding over crop lands at a rate of 102.35 ha a year on average. Many actors involved handle a large volume of wood in eight main channels with a high disparity in the shares of the margins. We found that Eucalyptus is the main source of cash earning, contributing about 45.76% to the total annual income of smallholder growers. Little policy attention, a lack of sectoral integration, missing infrastructure and an absence of modern wood processing factories are among the key challenges impeding the performance of the wood sector value chain. There are however existing opportunities for the development of the wood sector value chain such as favorable growing conditions and the spectacular growing demand for wood products. The study provides valuable insights about the wood sector value chain and actions towards ensuring sustainable value chains and the commercialization of the sector.

Comparison of Compressive Strength and Wood Powder Absorption and Coffee Grade Aggregate With Uniform Grade

In Indonesia, there are many industrial wood processing factories that have a lot of waste or sawdust that has not been utilized. One solution to the utilization of sawdust waste is to use it as a construction material. Wood sawdust is waste obtained from the results of wood craftsmen who use machines or manually. Utilization of wood waste is now used as material for making cabinets and gardening. One solution to the utilization of sawdust waste is to use it as a construction building material. Food industry waste can cause problems in handling because it contains carbohydrates, proteins, fats, mineral salts and also chemical residues used in processing and cleaning. Waste that is increasing and piling up will smell and become a source of microbial development which in the end will also cause various kinds of diseases, so that food industry waste needs good handling. Coffee grounds are also food industry waste produced from processing coffee beans. As with other food industry waste, coffee grounds waste has the potential to be used as a substitute material for cement.

Pathophysiology and Diagnostic Evaluation of Occupational Asthma from Exposure to Wood Dust and Diisocyanates in the Wood Processing Employees: A Preliminary Study

AIM: This study is a preliminary study to analyze the etiology and pathophysiology of exposure to wood dust and diisocyanates in the wood processing industry in Jepara, Central Java, Indonesia. This study also provides a diagnostic evaluation of occupational asthma (OA) for ongoing exposure. METHODS: The research method was carried out with a systematic review of various previous findings and with a preliminary study of workers in the processing industry in Jepara, Indonesia. RESULTS: The results show that from a sample of 32 respondents who have been carried out in a wood processing factory in Jepara, it shows that the suspect OA in sanding workers by hand is 75%, with the distribution of signs and symptoms: Chest tightness and pain (90%); cough (53%); shortness of breath (50%); and wheezing (2%). From the signs and symptoms felt, workers felt a continuous increase (progressivity) of OA by 75%. CONCLUSION: Theoretically, this preliminary study is useful to provide information about exposure to wood dust and diisocyanates as a risk factor for OA, especially among workers in the wood industry.

Pathophysiology and Diagnostic Evaluation of Occupational Asthma from Exposure to Wood Dust and Diisocyanates in the Wood Processing Employees: A Preliminary Study

AIM: This study is a preliminary study to analyze the etiology and pathophysiology of exposure to wood dust and diisocyanates in the wood processing industry in Jepara, Central Java, Indonesia. This study also provides a diagnostic evaluation of occupational asthma (OA) for ongoing exposure. METHODS: The research method was carried out with a systematic review of various previous findings and with a preliminary study of workers in the processing industry in Jepara, Indonesia. RESULTS: The results show that from a sample of 32 respondents who have been carried out in a wood processing factory in Jepara, it shows that the suspect OA in sanding workers by hand is 75%, with the distribution of signs and symptoms: Chest tightness and pain (90%); cough (53%); shortness of breath (50%); and wheezing (2%). From the signs and symptoms felt, workers felt a continuous increase (progressivity) of OA by 75%. CONCLUSION: Theoretically, this preliminary study is useful to provide information about exposure to wood dust and diisocyanates as a risk factor for OA, especially among workers in the wood industry.

Regional Linkages of Agroforestry Production Value Chain (Case Study in Kon and Ba River Basin)

This research aims to set a foundation for the establishment of the Ba and Kon river basins’ regional linkages between the Central Highlands and the South Central region according to the value chain of plantation timber and sugarcane. The research uses data collection and statistical analysis methods to establish a database for linking planting, processing, and consumption of plantation timber and sugarcane. The research adopts the Rural Rapid Assessment (RRA) method to assess the efficiency of wood linkages along the value chain of plantation timber goods and uses SWOT analysis to assess strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges for regional linkages of the plantation timber value chain. The research results show that the Ba and Kon river basins have great potentials for the production of sugarcane and plantation timber. In these basins, there have been many models linking along the value chain of goods, linking the stages of production, purchase, transportation, processing, and consumption in order to increase the value of goods. The study has established areas specializing in sugarcane cultivation and concentrated planted forest areas with wood processing factories, and sugar factories in these two river basins. Regional linkages in the basins of the Ba and Kon rivers for the plantation timber and sugar cane value chain are established according to a number of major traffic routes such as national roads 19, 19C, 25 and 29.

Proposed improvement of production floor layout using urban algorithm in minimizing the cost of material handling (Case study of rubber wood processing factory)

The design of the layout of the production floor facilities in this study aims to solve the problem on the production floor, namely that there is an irregular material flow pattern due to alternating flow and crossing paths with high frequency resulting in total material transfer moment which is directly proportional to high material handling cost. To solve the problem is used Urban Algorithm and WinQSB Software. This method was chosen because it can exchange between departments and move departments so that distant parts can be re-adjacent. In addition, this method uses from to chart which is then inputted to produce alternative layout proposals. The results obtained after repairing the production floor layout using the Urban algorithm and WinQSB software in XYZ Company of wood processing factory shows that the total displacement moment is 546,745 times/month. This has decreased compared to the total moment of displacement of the initial layout of 1,211,335 times/month. The total OMH in the initial layout was IDR 1,321,902 after improvements and adjustments were made using the Urban algorithm, the total OMH was IDR 574,083. The results showed that the layout improvement with the Urban algorithm has an efficiency of 56.57% and the best alternative is layout II.

Design on Conceptual Model for Continuation of Lean Manufacturing Implementation in Wood Processing Factory using Soft System Methodology.

Wood Industry nowadays require productivity improvement to handle gap between customer demand for good quality product with reasonable prices, while factory owners always expect profit making and business continuity. Problem facing wood processing factory is incapability to implement Lean Manufacturing (LM) continuously for performance achievement. This research has objective to set up conceptual model of LM using Soft System Methodology (SSM). Field investigation of 8 (eight) factories in Java found that only 25 percent successfully execute LM Regularly. Using Purposively Activities Model (PAM) as results of constructing rich picture and root definition; this research conclude that key success factor of LM implementation is top and middle management commitment. Those are needed to support LM concept in technical training, LM culture witch is safety, quality and kaizen; as well as encourage employees participation with infrastructure production. Strategic efforts must be done through effective communication with multimedia. Furthermore, appropriate LM Model should be selected according to company condition.

Determination of Particulate Matter and Toxic Gaseous in Ambient Air Adjacent to Industrial Area

Air quality in the residential areas adjacent to the industrial regions is of great concern due to the association with particulate matter and toxic gaseous which has adverse effects on human health. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the air quality in term of PM10 concentrations and toxic gaseous (CO and NO) at University Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) residential college which is adjacent to a wood processing, electronic and fibre board factories. Four Stations defined as Station 1 (KKM), Station 2 (KKP), Station 3 (KKTDI) and Station 4 (KKTU) were selected for this investigation. PM10 concentrations were measured using the E-Sampler Particulate Matter for 24 hours period within the dry season (February –May 2016) which was associated with the heavily haze phenomenon in Malaysia. The distribution of selected toxic gases in UTHM student hostels was determined using the TSI IAQ (CO) and Dragger X-am 7000 (NO). PM10 and toxic gaseous levels were compared to the Ambient Air Quality Standard (AAQS) and to compute the assumption of the sources of PM10 by using Open Air R Package Software. Data were analysed using the R Software and packages (Open-air, BRT, Akima). The highest concentration of PM10 was 114 µg/m3 recorded at KKTDI followed by 58 µg/m3 at KKP. The maximum CO concentrations noted at KKP (1.8 ppm). However, both PM10 and CO concentrations not exceeded the AAQS of 150 µg/m3 and 30 ppm respectively. Moreover, concentrations of NO at KKP (0.61 ppm) and KKM (2.18 ppm) exceeded the AAQS (0.17 ppm) indicating the possibility of presence health risk for students at UTHM due to poor air quality. The air quality is directly associated to level of energy consumption which causes climate changes and accumulation of greenhouse gases.

Environmental performance of biomass refining into high-added value compounds

Residual woody biomass from wood processing factories is commonly used as raw material for energy purposes. However, special attention is being paid to the development of biorefining systems based on lignocellulosic materials to produce high-added value bioproducts such as soluble saccharides of polymeric and oligomeric nature (POHs), cellulose, lignin, antioxidant extracts, levulinic acid or formic acid. In this study, four different potential valorisation scenaria from residual woody chips were assessed and compared from an environmental perspective using the Life Cycle Assessment methodology (cradle-to-gate approach) in order to identify the most sustainable biorefining route. Differences on these scenaria were based on different extraction routes considering always the same raw material and based on protocols performed at semi-pilot scale by the authors: two of them were mainly focused on POHs production and the remaining two, on levulinic acid. According to the results obtained, those scenaria focused on levulinic acid production reported the worst environmental performances due to the acidic treatment performed regardless the functional unit selected. Among the processes considered, purification (concentration + freeze-drying) and saccharide conversion (post-autohydrolysis) related activities were the major responsible of environmental burdens in the POHs and levulinic acid production routes, mainly due to the large energy requirements.In addition, differences on the behaviour of environmental profiles on the scenaria based on levulinic acid production were also identified regarding the functional unit considered. Accordingly, the introduction of an additional purification step for the recovery of an antioxidant extract implied higher environmental impacts when a functional unit is based on the amount of valorised biomass. In contrast, lower environmental burdens should be obtained if the economical based functional unit is considered.Therefore, the outcomes of the LCA study were highly dependent on the production yield of the target compounds and the protocols followed. Further research should be focused on the improvement of the extraction techniques due to the large energy and chemical requirements. LCA results could be considered as a usefulness tool for decision making strategies, specifically in biorefining systems under development.

0262 Prevalence of spontaneous abortion in workers in the wood-processing industry

ObjectivesThe purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of spontaneous abortion in workers exposed to organic solvents in the wood-processing industry.MethodA retrospective combined cross-sectional and case-control study was...

Children living near chipboard and wood industries are at an increased risk of hospitalization for respiratory diseases: A prospective study

Pollutants emitted from wood processing factories may be harmful to the health of the population. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to evaluate whether proximity to wood factories was associated with the risk of hospital admissions in children living in the Viadana district (Italy), where two big chipboard industries and other smaller wood factories (sawmills, multi-strata layer manufacturing) are located. In 2006, children (3-14 years) living in the Viadana district were surveyed through a parental questionnaire (n=3854), their home/school addresses were geocoded and the distances to the wood industries were calculated. Hospital discharge records for the years 2007-2009 were obtained. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate the association between hospitalization rates and distance to the factories, adjusting for sex, age, nationality, parents' education, exposure to passive smoking and reported traffic near home. During the 3-year follow-up, the risk of hospitalization for all diagnoses (Hospitalization Hazard Ratio, HHR=1.55; 95% CI: 1.24-1.95) and for respiratory diseases (HHR=1.80; 95% CI: 1.14-2.86) was greater in the children living close (<2 km) to the chipboard industries, with respect to the children who lived at ≥2 km from any wood factory. The children living close to the smaller wood factories were also at increased risk of hospitalization for respiratory diseases (HHR=1.74; 95% CI: 1.06-2.85). This study highlights a health problem for the children living close to chipboard and wood factories in the Viadana district. Further research should develop accurate exposure models based on objective measurements of air pollution in order to confirm these findings.

Downstream Changes on a Tropical Fish Community Structure by Effluent from Wood Processing Factory

In order to plan a management programme for ensuring maximum production of fish in Cross River, impacted downstream changes in the fish community structure by effluents from wood processing industry, six years after establishment, was examined. Monthly samples were collected between January and December each year from 2000 to 2006 in three reaches (Upriver: I, Mid-river: II and Downriver: III) along the length of Cross River. Representatives of the fish families Osteoglossidae (i.e. Heterotis niloticus), Cichlidae (Tilapia melonopleura) and Characidae (Bryocinus nurse), Clupeidae (Cynothrissa sp), Mormyridae (Mormyrus deliciosus), Clariidae (Clarias gariepinus), Bagridae (Bagrus bayad) and Cyprinidae (Barbus occidentalis) were found to have declined in their importance compared to pre-industry period. On the other hand, Bagridae (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus), Cichlidaae (Orechromis niloticus), Claridae (Clarias anguillaris) and Mochokidae (Synodontis clarias) have currently emerged as most important. Estimated value of growth coefficient (b) of the length-weight relationship changed from isometry (b approx. = 3) to negative allometry (b ≤ 3), condition factor values decreased from range between 0.53 and 1.30 to range between 0.22 and 0.62. Main feeding groups of fish; planktivores, carnivores and insectivores declined in numbers while omnivores and detritivores increased, resulting in dominance of benthic and semi-pelagic omnivores. Values of fecundity distribution varied from 56,012 ± 5234 eggs, mode 12,500 and median 58,345 to mean value 23,122 ± 232 eggs, mode 2500 and median 20,349, egg size from mean value; 1.82 ± 0.07 mm, mode 2.2, and median; 1.8 to values of 0.8 ± 0.04 mm, mode; 1.3 and median 1.1 and Gonadosomatic index from 20.5 ± 3.2, mode 19.1 ± 2.2 and median 21.4 to values of 12.4 ± 2.3, mode 4.5 and median 9.5 respectively. Three species found to have appeared in the river were Tilapia monody, Chrysichthys maurus and Synodontis violaceus. The appearance of these species and disappearance of 36 others indicates the restructuring of the fish community of the Cross River by effluents from the wood processing industry.

A Spatial Equilibrium Analysis of Policy for the Forestry and Wood-Processing Industries in Northern Vietnam

National objectives for forestry and wood-processing industries have not usually been achieved to the extent that the Government of Vietnam planned. A spatial equilibrium model with linear supply and demand functions for the forestry and wood-processing industries was developed to analyse policies for northern Vietnam. Four policy scenarios were established, in each of which optimal levels of prices, supply and demand quantities were estimated, and solutions were subjected to sensitivity analysis with respect to the elasticity estimates. The analysis indicates that government objectives cannot be achieved in the 2010-15 period because plans if implemented would force the main stakeholders to produce unprofitable quantities. For greater financial viability and sustainability, the number of planned new wood-processing factories should be reduced and the design production capacity of each new factory should be increased to achieve economies of size and international market competitiveness. Also, the area of planted production forest in northern Vietnam will increase in all four policy scenarios; however, the growth should be lower than the levels planned for 2015.

Socio-economic assessment of secondary wood processing in Nigerian sawmills

An over view of the current status of secondary wood processing industry in Nigerian sawmill is presented. A purposive random sampling technique was employed based on the information given by the various state forestry services because there is a limited number of secondary wood processing factories. Structured questionnaires were used to elicit information from targeted firms while follow-up field surveys helped to gather information about the state of specific production facilities. The industry`s area of concern: market, wood supply, products, machinery and process are briefly examined. About 10% of the mills surveyed had their conversion efficiency (CE) above average (>60%). Twenty percent of the mills have CEs between 50-59%, while forty percent are between 45-49% and thirty percent below 45%. Over 75% of the mills have down time due to shortage in wood supply as result extraction problem during the raining season. The average capacity utilization in Lagos, Ogun and Ondo state is 77.8% while the other states has an average capacity utilization of 56%. Three tropical hardwoods namely Teak (Tectona grandis), Apa, (Afzelia africana), and Iroko (Milicia excelsa) which are on high demand in the international market are mostly processed for export. Increasing demand for certified products and the need to ensure long-term sustainability of the forest resources place new pressure on product output. Poor log supply information system, non-existent wood resource data bank, poor processing infrastructure as well as poor technical training for labour were identified as some of the factors limiting the desired degree of integration and efficiency. It is recommended that management strategies and policy must be improved for the expected technological and investment changes to occur in the industry.Keywords: secondary wood processing, status, conversion and sustainability.