Investing in Precision: Our New Tapered Post Plant

At West Branch Wood Treating Sales, we are always looking for ways to improve quality, efficiency, and a wider selection for our customers. That commitment recently led to an exciting upgrade at our facility: the installation of a new tapered post peeler.

What is a Tapered Post Peeler and Why Use One?

A tapered post peeler is a machine that peels bark off a log, making it into a tapered post, meaning they will have a 1 inch difference in diameter from end to end of a post. Tapered posts are widely used in agricultural and fencing applications, however, producing them to a consistent, high-quality standard requires specialized equipment. Our new tapered post peeler is designed specifically to handle this task with precision.

This system allows us to:

• Peel tapered posts more uniformly
• Improve surface consistency for better treatment penetration
• Reduce handling time
• Increase overall production efficiency
• Reuse red pine bark that is peeled

A Long-Term Investment in Our Customers

Adding this tapered post peeler isn’t just about new equipment, it’s about strengthening our operation for the long haul. By investing in modern technology, we are reinforcing our ability to meet growing demand while maintaining the highest standards West Branch Wood Treating Sales is known for. We will continue to manufacture posts ranging from 3.5” – 8” in diameter and lengths ranging from 7’ – 22’. All tapered posts will continue to be dried efficiently and treated to .40 CCA or .60 CCA for maximum longevity and protection.

FAQ About Our Treated Wood Posts:

1. Will West Branch Wood Treating Sales continue to make non-tapered posts?

Yes! We will continue to manufacture both non-tapered, also known as “perfect” posts, in addition to tapered posts.

2. Are tapered treated posts better compared to non-tapered posts?

The short answer: No! It’s your preference on what you want to use.

At the end of the day, both tapered and non-tapered treated posts are excellent options for agricultural and fencing applications. There isn’t a right or wrong choice. It simply comes down to what works best for your project and personal preference.

Some customers prefer tapered posts because they think they are easier to install and naturally guide into the ground. Others appreciate the traditional feel and uniform shape of a non-tapered post.

Visual aesthetics can also play a role. Some individuals like the look of a perfectly uniform post line, while others prefer the more natural appearance that tapered posts provide.

3. Do tapered and non-tapered posts last the same amount of time?

Yes. When properly dried and pressure treated with CCA, both tapered and non-tapered posts are designed for long-term durability. Longevity depends more on treatment penetration depth and environmental conditions than on post shape.

Looking Ahead

This extension is one more step in our ongoing effort to modernize our plant and deliver dependable, quality treated wood posts. We are thrilled about what this means for our customers and look forward to putting this new capability to work.

If you have questions about tapered posts or would like to learn more about our production or treating services, feel free to contact our team at 989-343-0066 or [email protected].