LOC Holz GmbH is headquartered in Arbing an der Donau and was founded in 2022 by partners Rudolf Ortner, Josef Lauß and Jan Walter Cappelen. As the first production site of cross-laminated timber in Upper Austria, LOC Holz produces CLT-elements in a range of surface quality, such as non-visible, industrial visible and domestic visible. The premium design “Supreme” guarantees even, completely flawless surfaces. These elements make the basis for walls and ceilings in modern solid timber constructions. They are inherently stable, carry the weight of multi-storey buildings and provide optimal heat and noise insulation. The LOC Holz mission: “Aesthetic timber construction systems – flawless and climate-neutral“.

Every year, LOC produces approximately 50,000 m³ of CLT-elements made from Austrian coniferous timber, the equivalent of 800-900 family homes. The plant’s residual wood volume, that accumulates in the form of cap pieces, wood shavings and mill chippings, is equally impressive. The minimum throughput requirement was 1,400 kg/h per shredder, and the machines would have to withstand multi-shift operation. Other criteria included the mechanical and electrical integration in the complex overall system and the reliable, safe functioning with a combination of manual and automated loading.

At the LOC site in Arbing, two UNTHA LR1400 shredders with a power rating of 60 kW each are in operation. The above-ground shredder is positioned at the cutting unit and is loaded via an inclined belt conveyor, which is part of the parent control system for the whole facility. The shredder starts in a fully automated manner by command of the production machines. The second LR1400 is installed in a pit. It is loaded with large cuts of residual wood and milling chips from the joinery machine by an under-floor conveyor belt as well as manually from the production level situated above. The shredder starts working automatically when a light barrier is activated and was designed in such a way that an additional conveyor belt may be integrated at a later point. Both shredders were fitted with a fully automated central lubrication system, thus minimising maintenance despite multi-shift operation. The wood chips are removed by means of high-performance extraction systems and partially used for thermal purposes in house, for instance in the wood drying process.

Efficiency, throughput, and the optimal integrability of the shredders in the overall system were the key criteria for LOC Holz. In addition, UNTHA offered the best value for money on the market as well as highly competent advice during the concept planning stage. The professional technical handling and the smooth commissioning of the two LR1400 shredders confirm the UNTHA quality claim. The overall package was completed by an operation and maintenance training session for the on-site personnel, helping to ensure the seamless operation of the plant.