A Glimpse into the Automation Future of the Timber Industry

In December 2025, as part of a company-wide arrangement, a delegation from Ruilit traveled to New Zealand for a study tour combining business exchange and industry exploration. The core mission was to visit local partner companies, conduct in-depth investigations of large-scale radiata pine source factories, and seek advanced experiences in industry development.

Stepping into the radiata pine source factory, the orderly layout was impressive. The various production areas were clearly defined and easy to understand. Surprisingly, the number of employees was relatively small, yet production efficiency was extremely high. After speaking with the factory owner, we learned that most of the production equipment had been in use for decades. Even more impressive was that most of these timber companies adopted a family-run model, with generations passing down the business and accumulating profound industry experience over time.

The relentless pursuit of product quality is reflected in every aspect of production.  From raw material selection to processing, every step of the process adheres to strict quality control standards, leaving no detail overlooked. This meticulousness ensures consistently reliable product quality.

During our visit, a peculiar phenomenon caught our attention: many frontline workers in the factory were elderly, aged 60 to 70. Such a workforce structure is extremely rare in China's timber industry. This reflects a labor shortage in New Zealand's timber industry—a shortage of young labor, leading to soaring wages and directly increasing overall production costs.

This firsthand experience reinforced our belief that the widespread adoption of automation is an irreversible trend in the timber industry. Only by relying on intelligent and automated production equipment can we effectively reduce reliance on manual labor, lower production costs, and steadily improve both capacity and quality, injecting lasting momentum into the industry's development.

Besides our visit, New Zealand's natural scenery also left a deep impression. Clear skies, lush forests, and crystal-clear lakes—everywhere we looked was a breathtaking natural landscape, a truly awe-inspiring sight.

 This trip to New Zealand not only deepened our partnership with our clients but also provided us with a clearer understanding of industry development trends through on-site visits. Moving forward, Ruilit will continue to focus on the field of automated equipment, contributing to the transformation and upgrading of the timber industry.