AT A GLANCE

  • In-depth Reliability+ engineering audit
  • Uncovered operational bottlenecks and consistency issues
  • Enabled data-driven decisions and process alignment
  • Built a foundation for better training and sustainable change
  • Delivered actionable recommendations without major capital expense
Need

PINPOINTING BOTTLENECKS AND BUILDING CONSISTENCY

At Weyerhaeuser’s I-joist manufacturing facility in Natchitoches, Louisiana, performance challenges were emerging across an aging system. While the equipment had been well maintained, turnover on the floor and inconsistent practices between crews made it difficult to pinpoint why output wasn’t meeting expectations.

With a long history using Con-Vey equipment, the Weyerhaeuser team turned to Con-Vey’s Reliability+ audit for a deeper look at their full system.

We weren’t hitting the levels we needed to. Some of it was people, some of it was equipment—but we didn’t have the data to back that up. We needed a clearer picture of what was really going on, and Con-Vey stepped in to help us find it.

Peyton Weeks

Plant Manager / weyerhaeuser

solution

A HOLISTIC AUDIT ROOTED IN PROCESS AND DATA

Con-Vey’s Reliability+ team began with a detailed time study and flow evaluation, spending multiple days onsite to observe equipment performance, collect timing data, and compare practices between shifts. The audit revealed that while some bottlenecks matched expectations, others originated farther upstream.

Rather than pushing a one-size-fits-all equipment replacement, Con-Vey provided a tiered set of recommendations: full-line upgrades, targeted mechanical improvements, and low-cost process adjustments. One of the clearest opportunities came down to training—specifically, the need for standardized machine center setup procedures and training for greater consistency between crews.

A follow-up Kaizen-style workshop with supervisors and floor leads helped align the team around shared challenges and gave them data-backed tools to move forward.

It wasn’t just a time study — it changed how our team thinks. It helped us shift from assumptions to facts and gave us a new way to approach continuous improvement.

REsult

CLARITY, CONSISTENCY, AND A PATH TO IMPROVEMENT

Following the audit, Weyerhaeuser began implementing documentation and training updates to reduce variability and improve throughput. While large-scale upgrades aren’t yet in scope, incremental improvements are already underway—and more importantly, they’re focused on the right problems.

The audit also gave plant leadership a clearer understanding of system constraints and a stronger case for future investment—grounded in data, not just observation.

Con-Vey’s approach wasn’t about selling us more equipment. It was about improving reliability with what we already had—and that made all the difference.