Meet Bruno – The Sawmill Operator with a Feel for Planed Timber
From a summer job at the timber yard in the late ’70s to today’s work in the planing mill. What Bruno doesn’t know about sawn timber isn’t worth knowing. Much has changed in operations over the years, but camaraderie and variety in the work have remained.
Bruno Blom has spent almost his entire working life at JGA. He first started as a summer worker in 1978 in the timber yard, where he picked boards in the so-called “long draw.” Three years later, in 1981, he got his first permanent position — and since then he’s done a lot.
“I have worked in the cutting yard, manually sawing long lengths, worked in the trimming mill, and driven forklifts. Since the early ’90s I’ve worked in the planing mill,” Bruno explains. “So when the company celebrates its 100-year anniversary 2028, I’ve been here for 50 years!”
A Changed Way of Working
When Bruno looks back on his years at JGA, much of how work is done has changed. “In the past we had to do a lot manually; today the work is much more automated. Back then we could saw long lengths by hand — they could be up to 7 meters!” Bruno says. In the planing mill today, it’s more about monitoring and rotating between different tasks. The wrapper that plastic-wraps the timber packages has also made the job significantly easier. Through the planing process both boards and planks pass, and coworkers rotate between stations, making the work varied. Something Bruno appreciates, even though in the beginning there was much new to learn and adapt to.
The work has changed a lot since Bruno started at the sawmill in 1978.
Enjoys the Variety and Camaraderie
The best part of the job is exactly that — the variety, Bruno says.
“We work with different types of planks and boards. It never gets monotonous even though I run many of the same processes,” he says.
Another important part is job satisfaction. Bruno highlights both the proximity to work and the colleagues as decisive factors. He has enjoyed his time over the years, and some colleagues have become friends. Since the early ’90s he has worked in the planing operations.
A Problem Solver Also Outside Work
When he’s not at work, Bruno likes to tinker with the house or car. He gladly helps others when needed and is a true problem solver.
“I like to figure things out myself and prefer not to hire craftsmen,” he says.
With more than four decades at JGA, Bruno has witnessed both operations and technology evolve. From manual workflows to today’s automated machines. “The work has changed tremendously, but I’ve always enjoyed it,” Bruno concludes.
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Sawmill operator is one of the many roles within the JGA Group. Read more about our co-workers and what it’s like to work at JGA:
Meet Filip – The timber buyer who enjoys challenges ➝
Meet Elin – The forest planner who combines a passion for technology with forestry studies ➝
Meet Johan – The forklift driver who enjoys problem-solving ➝
