Volvo CE An Inspiring Partnership with Warrell Creek Sawmill

In the lush heart of New South Wales lies the Warrell Creek Sawmill, a vibrant testament to Australia’s rich timber heritage. Since 1947, this family-run enterprise has supplied essential timber products and has become a vital thread in the tapestry of the local community. For 77 years, the sawmill has thrived, transforming the landscape and supporting the region’s agricultural backbone.

From pallet work to structural timber, Warrell Creek Sawmill has been a pivotal player in the timber industry, embodying the spirit of Australian resilience and innovation.

The Cockburn Family Legacy

The story of Warrell Creek Sawmill is deeply intertwined with the Cockburn family. Jim and Margaret Cockburn purchased the sawmill from Jim’s brother in the 1960s, bringing a vision of growth and community engagement. Margaret, who met Jim while working in town, believed he needed looking after, and their partnership blossomed personally and professionally. They married in 1960, and the family came along soon after and were raised in the house behind the mill.

Mark Cockburn took over the sawmill’s operations after his father’s passing, continuing the family tradition with dedication and innovation. Margaret remains an active part of the business, ensuring the mill’s operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Community and Environmental Commitment

The Warrell Creek Sawmill is more than just a business; it is a vital part of the Macksville community. Employing 20 dedicated individuals, the mill has consistently contributed to the local economy and community activities. The sawmill also supplies byproducts, such as woodchip and sawdust, to other businesses in the poultry and feedlot industries, creating a circular economy that maximises the use of its resources.

The mill’s commitment to sustainability is evident through its Chain of Custody certification from the Responsible Wood certification body, valid until July 31, 2028. This certification ensures the mill’s products meet stringent environmental standards, reflecting the Cockburn family’s dedication to responsible forestry practices. Warrell Creek Sawmill has created a thriving “Circular Economy” in Macksville by providing byproducts to various industries.

Technological Advancements and Future Prospects

Under Mark’s leadership, the Warrell Creek Sawmill has embraced technological advancements to enhance productivity and efficiency. The mill has invested in new saw benches and larger multi-saws, ensuring it remains competitive in the modern timber industry.

CJD Equipment’s Key Account Manager, Peter Marshall, has been close with the Cockburn family for over 32 years. He has witnessed the mill’s growth and evolution and provided essential equipment that has helped it maintain its high operating standards.

Margaret and Mark Cockburn alongside CJD Equipment Peter Marshall.

A Partnership with Volvo CE and CJD Equipment

Integral to the mill’s operations is a long-standing relationship with Volvo wheel loaders, a partnership built on trust over decades. This collaboration began in December 1989 when Neville Marni, a Regional Sales Manager from Volvo Construction Equipment at the time, offered a used Volvo CE L50 loader from the Wauchope Sawmill. However, Jim and Mark recognised their need for a larger Volvo loader, and the hunt was then on for a good-condition used Volvo log loader spec.

Neville set to work to find one for them and returned a few months later with a very tidy used Volvo BM 4400, the predecessor to the L90. The mill’s fleet expanded in 1994 with the addition of a new L90B sold to them by Peter. They operated the Volvo L90s simultaneously to unload log trucks, load live decks, stack and dispatch sawn timber products, and use the Volvo Hydraulic attachment bracket on both loaders to operate with log grabs, buckets, and pallet forks and frames.

Mark occasionally operates the 1994 Volvo CE L90 B, boasting 35,000 machine hours today. Despite its age and hours, it continues to run on pretty much its original components other than a changed turbo—a testament to Volvo’s durability.

The current workhorse is a Volvo CE L90E, purchased in 2005, which has impressively clocked 23,000 machine hours without any major repairs. The latest acquisition, the L90F, will now work to give the L90B a bit of a rest.

The mill’s interior operations around the benches use an L35B compact Volvo wheel loader, which has accumulated 5,000 hours. Its compact size and mobility make it ideal for cleaning up and moving timber in tight spaces, and it can interchange some attachments with the L90’s.

Mark mentions that the operators appreciate the comfort and vision of the Volvo cabs on all their loaders, especially along with the loader frame parallel lift arm action, which started with the 4400 and was updated to the TP (Torque Parallel) linkage of the L90F for fantastic handling and rollback with load and carry for bucket applications for wood chip and the need for fine handling stacked sawn timber with pallet forks. The operator humorously mentioned that he discovered the heated seat feature after 30 years.

This enduring partnership between Warrell Creek Sawmill, Volvo CE and CJD for wheel loaders highlights the importance of reliable and versatile equipment in the timber industry. It demonstrates how the right machinery can significantly enhance operational efficiency, longevity, and profitability.

The mill’s impact goes beyond mere economics.

It’s been a training ground for generations of local youth, teaching them how to mill timber and the value of hard work and community spirit. The Cockburns have always been the first to lend a hand during tough times, whether donating materials for community projects or organising fundraisers for needy families.

But now, as Mark and his partner survey their beloved mill’s familiar sights and sounds, there’s a bittersweet note in the air. They’re ready to take time after decades of early mornings, calloused hands, and the constant hum of saws.

Mark says, “We’ve given it our all, and now it’s time to pass the torch.” The decision to sell has been tough. The Cockburns aren’t just selling a business but entrusting a legacy.

They’re hoping to find buyers who understand that Warrell Creek Sawmill isn’t just about profit margins – it’s about preserving a way of life. “We want someone who’ll see the value in keeping these jobs local and maintaining the relationships we’ve built with suppliers and customers over decades,” Mark explains. “Someone who’ll appreciate that when you buy this mill, you’re buying into the heart of our community.”

Mark takes a moment to reflect as the sun sets on another day at Warrell Creek Sawmill, casting long shadows across piles of freshly cut timber. “We might be stepping away, but the spirit of this place – the hard work, the mateship, a fair go – will live on. That’s the real legacy we’re leaving behind.”

Margaret, Mark, and Michelle Cockburn 2024

If you want to learn more about Warrell Creek Sawmill, don’t hesitate to contact CJD Equipment. We will send you the details.

FAQ

Can you provide details on the fuel efficiency of the Volvo CE L90F?

The L90F has a Volvo D6E engine that delivers maximum torque between 1000 and 1600 RPM, providing excellent rimpull while lowering fuel consumption.

The engine features Volvo Advanced Combustion Technology (V-ACT) with common-rail fuel injection and switchable internal Exhaust Gas Recirculation (I-EGR), which helps improve fuel efficiency.

The Automatic Power Shift (APS) transmission system optimises gear shifting parameters and selects the right gear for each application, helping to save fuel.

In comparative tests against competitor models, Volvo wheel loaders (though not specifically the L90F) showed significantly better fuel efficiency:

The Volvo L150H demonstrated 35% higher fuel efficiency and 28% lower fuel consumption in short-cycle loading tests.

In various tests, the Volvo L220H showed 30% higher fuel efficiency and 22-30% lower fuel consumption.

While specific numbers for the L90F are not provided, Volvo wheel loaders are generally noted for their high fuel efficiency compared to competitors.

The load-sensing hydraulic system contributes to low fuel consumption by delivering the right power to the right function without pumping more oil than necessary.

Overall, the Volvo CE L90F is designed with multiple features to optimise fuel efficiency, making it a cost-effective choice for various applications. However, exact fuel consumption figures would depend on specific operating conditions and tasks performed.