Woodcats Invests $30 Million to Enhance Production Efficiency and Explore New Markets

Qaribo Virgin Islands · · 1
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Top things to know
  • Woodcats International Limited is investing $30 million in new equipment to boost efficiency and automation.
  • The investment is a response to a manufacturing slowdown and weaker demand for pallets.
  • The first phase of the investment has already improved production efficiency with a new four-head band saw.
  • The new band saw doubles output and halves labor requirements compared to older machines.
  • The company is also looking to develop new revenue streams.

Woodcats International Limited is strategically investing over US$200,000, approximately $30 million, in new equipment to bolster its operational efficiency and automate processes. This significant capital injection comes as the company navigates a challenging economic landscape characterized by a slowdown in manufacturing and reduced demand for its core product, pallets. The investment is being rolled out in two phases, with the initial stage already yielding positive results.

According to General Manager Peter Douglas, the first phase has successfully improved production efficiency, largely due to the integration of a new four-head band saw. This advanced machinery is reportedly capable of more than doubling the output of previous cutting equipment while simultaneously halving the labor requirements. The acquisition of this band saw, ordered prior to Woodcats' recent listing on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, arrived in April and is part of a comprehensive upgrade aimed at modernizing operations and developing new revenue streams to counter prevailing economic pressures.

This article draws on reporting by Jamaica Observer - Business.