Tolko Plans High Prairie Rebuild

Tolko Industries Ltd. has commissioned Dieffenbacher to supply the core components of a new OSB line at High Prairie, Alberta, Can. On May 20, 2022, a fire in the press building damaged beyond repair a Dieffenbacher 12-opening press, which Tolko had commissioned in 1995, and much of the surrounding equipment. A Dieffenbacher CPS+ continuous press will replace the previous press.

Dieffenbacher’s scope of supply for the rebuild of also includes the forming station and forming line, and the raw board handling system. In line with Dieffenbacher’s CEBRO smart plant concept, the Press Emission Control System and the Intelligent Air Management System will improve the plant’s sustainability by creating cleaner air inside and outside the production hall. Dieffenbacher’s new digitalization solution, EVORIS, and the digital service platform, MyDIEFFENBACHER, will help make Tolko’s new plant a truly “smart one.”

“It’s great that Dieffenbacher stepped up so quickly to help us after the fire,” says Fred Chinn, Vice President Strand-Based Business at Tolko. “Once we rebuild, High Prairie will be better than ever, and our new CEBRO smart plant will be a big part of that.”

High Prairie OSB mill readies for upgrade.

Chinn believes the plant will produce its first new board by year’s end. Once operational, the plant’s annual production capacity will reach up to 734,000 m³.