Fontaine Inc. Wins Team Title at NELMA’s 2008 Dimension Graders Competition
(More news)The 6th annual NELMA Dimension Lumber Graders Competition took place Saturday, September 13 at Pleasant River Lumber Co. in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine. Hosted by last year’s team champion, the 2008 competition drew 24 graders from 5 of NELMA’s dimension lumber producing members. And for the third time in four years, Fontaine Inc. graders took first place in the team championship round. Pleasant River Lumber and Stratton Lumber tied for 2nd place overall.
Individually, the top 8 finishers of the competition were rewarded with cash prizes totaling $700. The goal is to correctly grade as many of the 50 sample pieces of lumber within a 5 minute time limit as possible. While the task sounds easy, most will attest that the “stationary” element of the samples and the time limit add a difficult twist from their typical grading routine at the mill.
Taking first place in this year’s individual competition was Denis Roy of Fontaine Inc., with 35 correct in a time of 4 minutes 15 seconds. Denis improved from his 6th place finish in 2007. Second place individually went to Donnie Beedy of Stratton Lumber Co. with 34 correct in 4:45 (11th place in 2007). And finishing in 3rd place with 32 correct in 2:51 was Jean-Pierre Blais of Fontaine Inc., last year’s 5th place finisher. Here’s the complete list of Top 8 individual winners:
1. Denis Roy, Fontaine Inc.
2. Donnie Beedy, Stratton Lumber
3. Jean-Pierre Blais, Fontaine, Inc.
4. Tim Gravelle, Pleasant River Lumber
5. Chris Lowery, Pleasant River Lumber
6. Bernard Isabel, Fontaine Inc.
7. Jonathan Brualt, Fontaine Inc.
8. Craig MacAlister, Pleasant River Lumber
“The competition continues to provide an informal and relaxed atmosphere for dimension lumber graders from throughout the region to demonstrate their skills and take pride in their contribution at their respective mill and to the industry as a whole”, reported Marc Moore, NELMA’s Director of Inspection Services.
NELMA would like to congratulate the 2008 winners and thank Pleasant River Lumber and their entire staff for providing a great setting and wonderful lunch to all that competed in this year’s event! The next competition will be conducted early next year for graders of Eastern White Pine lumber at a site and date to be determined. Look for details soon!
From Left: Jean-Pierre Blais (Fontaine), Denis Roy (Fontaine) and Donnie Beedy (Stratton)
2008 First Place Team with Bronze Hammer Trophy - Fontaine Inc of Woburn, Quebec
