Meet Peter – The Strategist Behind an Efficient Drying Process

Peter is the process operator who juggles many tasks at once. His strategic mindset, honed through chess and bridge, serves him well in his daily work as the operator responsible for the drying process at JGA.

When the storm Gudrun struck, the demand for workers in the sawmill industry rose. That’s when Peter Lundstedt decided to change careers after 20 years in the food industry. In the summer of 2005, he drove to the mill in Linneryd for the first time—a decision he hasn’t regretted.

From the Planer to the Kilns

Peter began his sawmill career working at the planer and in 2011 transitioned to kiln operator. Back then, much of his time was spent unloading kilns and responding to alarms. Today, his role is broader; he ensures the drying process runs smoothly, the boiler and kilns function correctly, and that the output maintains consistent, high quality.

“The job is really enjoyable, and the range of tasks is wide. It’s demanding, but that also makes the work varied,” says Peter.

Planning and Problem-Solving Are Key

To keep the drying process running as efficiently as possible, a large part of Peter’s work involves planning. Organizing, structuring, and establishing efficient routines are things Peter excels at – both at work and at home.

When he’s not managing the kilns, Peter enjoys cooking, an interest that remains from his time in the food industry. He’s also rekindled an old passion for aquariums. Perhaps some classical music plays in the background during a board game? Peter enjoys both chess and bridge.

Anticipating the next move is a skill Peter finds useful on the job as well. By predicting what might happen next, he can prevent potential issues in the drying process.

A Key Role in Quality Assurance

All wood products that leave the mill pass through the kilns, making the drying process crucial to the final quality of the timber. Peter and his colleagues carefully monitor moisture content to ensure the wood stays within the specified tolerances.

They oversee four continuous kilns, eleven batch kilns, and one TC kiln. Much of the work is computerized, and the new technology brings more efficient processes, richer data, and greater accuracy. A significant part of the job involves system monitoring, but Peter also appreciates being involved in the hands-on maintenance of the equipment.

A Workplace with a Positive Outlook

Peter sees JGA as a great place to work, where both he and others enjoy their roles. He feels the company has a strong sense of optimism and is investing to meet market demands.

He’s also positive towards the growing number of women entering the sawmill industry and hopes the sector will continue to attract a more diverse workforce in the future. Finding the right balance, he believes, is key.

A lot has changed since Peter started at the mill in 2005. And with such variety in his role, there’s always something to do.

“I never have trouble filling my days,” he concludes.

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Process operator is one of the many roles within the JGA Group. There are numerous opportunities, and everyone plays an important part.

Want to know more about working at JGA? Below you’ll find more stories from our co-workers.

Meet Filip – The timber buyer who enjoys challenges ➝

Meet Johan – The forklift driver who enjoys problem-solving ➝

Meet Nathalie – The economist where nothing is impossible ➝

Meet Fabian – The specialist in wood packaging ➝

Meet Elin – The forest planner who combines a passion for technology with forestry studies ➝