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Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development CARD Project Report 027/06/VIE IMPROVEMENT OF OPERATOR SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY IN SMALL RURAL SAWMILLS IN VIETNAM Sawmillers Survey Report Date October 2008 TableofContents Executive Summary and Commentary 6 1. Introduction 15 2. Method 15 3. Survey Results: 16 3.1. BUSINESS INFORMATION 16 3.2. TYPE OF BUSINESS 16 3.3. BUSINESS FINANCING 17 3.3.1. Northern Region 17 3.3.2. Central Region 17 3.3.3. Southern Region 17 3.4. VALUE OF BUSINESS 18 3.4.1. Northern Region 18 3.4.2. Central Region 19 3.4.3. Southern Region 19 3.5. BUSINESS OPERATION 19 3.5.1. Northern Region 19 3.5.2. Central Region 20 3.5.3. Southern Region 20 3.6. BUSINESS EXPANSION PLANS 21 3.6.1. Northern Region 21 3.6.2. Central Region 22 3.6.3. Southern Region 23 3.7. EQUIPMENT/MACHINERY 24 3.7.1. Vertical bandsaws. 24 3.7.2. Horizontal Bandsaws 25 3.7.3. Circular Saws 26 3.7.4. Saw sharpening equipment 27 3.7.5. Drying Kiln 28 3.8. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY MODIFICATION 28 3.9. UPGRADING OF MACHINERY 28 3.10. IS ANY FURTHER PROCESSING OF SAWN TIMBER CARRIED OUT BY THE BUSINESS? 29 3.10.1. Air Drying 29 3.10.2. Kiln Drying 29 3.10.3. Preservation of timber 30 3.10.4. Production of products. 30 3.11. DO YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH KILN DRYING? 31 3.12. LOG SUPPLY 31 3.12.1. How long are logs kept for before sawing? 31 3.12.2. How many different suppliers of logs do you have? 32 3.12.3. Do you have any problems with supply? 33 3.12.4. Do you have problems with log quality? 33 3.12.5. Do you have problems with decay in logs? 34 3.12.6. Do you have problems with log staining? 35 3.12.7. Do you have problems with the diameter of the logs? 35 3.12.8. What is the distance from your supplier? 36 3.12.9. What is the length of the logs supplied? 36 3.13. LOGS DIAMETERS, VOLUMES SAWN AND PRICE 36 3.13.1. Acacia species 36 3.13.2. Eucalypts 37 CARD Project Report 027/06/VIE IMPROVEMENT OF OPERATOR SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY IN SMALL RURAL SAWMILLS IN VIETNAM Sawmillers Survey Report 2 3.13.3. Other plantation species 37 3.13.4. Imported logs 41 3.13.5. Species not specified 41 3.14. SAWN TIMBER 42 3.15. THE VALUE OF THE SAWN TIMBER IN VIETNAM D/MONTH 43 3.16. END USE OF SAWN TIMBER. 43 3.17. QUALITY REQUIREMENTS FOR SAWN TIMBER. 46 3.17.1. Do your customers have quality requirements? 46 3.17.2. Do they have sawing tolerances? 46 3.17.3. Is there a limit to the amount of defects? 46 3.17.4. Is there a limit to the amount of stains? 47 3.17.5. Are there any other quality requirements? 47 3.18. WASTE 47 3.18.1. Slabs 48 3.18.2. Rejected Timber 48 3.19. WORKERS 48 3.19.1. Total number of workers. 48 3.19.2. Fulltime workers. 48 3.19.3. Workers aged less than 15 years old. 48 3.19.4. Workers aged between 15 and 24. 49 3.19.5. Workers aged between 25 and 40. 49 3.19.6. Workers aged over 40 years old. 49 3.19.7. Part-time workers. 49 3.19.8. Workers less than 15 years old. 49 3.19.9. Workers between 15 and 24. 49 3.19.10. Workers aged between 25 and 40. 49 3.19.11. Workers older than 40 years. 49 3.20. SAFETY 49 3.20.1. Have any workers had injuries in the last 5 years? 50 3.20.2. Type of injuries 50 3.20.3. Cut 50 3.20.4. Break 50 3.20.5. Strain 50 3.20.6. Crush 50 3.20.7. Other. 50 3.20.8. Position of these injuries. 50 3.20.9. Head 50 3.20.10. Body 50 3.20.11. Arm/hand 50 3.20.12. Leg/foot 51 3.20.13. Eyes 51 3.20.14. Other 51 3.20.15. Did the injury cause loss of working time? 51 3.20.16. How long was the loss of time? 51 3.20.17. Was the injury permanent? 51 3.20.18. Could the person return to work? 51 3.21. TRAINING. 51 3.21.1. Has anyone from your business attended any formal training other than on the job training? 51 3.21.2. Number of people who have attended training. 51 3.21.3. Are you interested in having anyone from your business attending training? 51 3.21.4. Are there any problems with the current training 52 3.21.5. What training would you be interested in having? 52 3.22. DO YOU HAVE CONCERNS FOR THE FUTURE OF YOUR BUSINESS- 52 3.22.1. Skills 52 CARD Project Report 027/06/VIE IMPROVEMENT OF OPERATOR SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY IN SMALL RURAL SAWMILLS IN VIETNAM Sawmillers Survey Report 3 3.22.2. Knowledge 53 3.22.3. Attitudes 53 3.23. HOW GOOD IS THE OPERATION OF YOUR SAWMILL IN TERMS OF: 53 3.23.1. Efficiency (productivity) 53 3.23.2. Effectiveness (meeting the customers’ requirements) 53 3.24. IN TERMS OF YOUR BUSINESS 54 3.24.1. What do you think are the constraints for your business succeeding now? 54 3.24.2. What do you think will be the constraints for your business succeeding in the future?55 3.24.3. What are the major issues that affect your business now? 56 3.24.4. What are the major issues that will affect your business in the future? 57 3.25. WHAT ARE THE DRIVERS IN YOUR BUSINESS? 58 3.25.1. What are your businesses strengths? 58 3.25.2. What is your businesses weakness? 59 3.25.3. What are the opportunities for your business? 60 3.25.4. What are the threats to your business? 61 ListoftablesandFigures Table 1. Percentage number of sawmills operating full time. 6 Table 2. End uses of acacia sawn timber in Vietnam by region. 8 Table 3. Past training experience by sawmills 9 Table 4. Ranking of training topics 10 Table 5. No. of years that sawmills had been in operation by region (North, Central and South Vietnam) by ownership type 17 Table 6. Sources of funding for rural sector sawmills (millions VDN.). 18 Table 7 Estimated Value of each sawmilling business (millions VDN.). 19 Table 8. Maximum minimum and average storage times for logs 32 Table 9. The difference methods by which sawmill obtain logs 32 Table 10. The problems sawmillers have with log supplies 33 Table 11. Range of Acacia log diameters sawn by volume and prices paid / m3 38 Table 12. Range of eucalyptus log diameters sawn by volume and prices paid / m3 38 Table 13. Range of “other species” log diameters sawn by volume and prices paid / m3 39 Table 14. Range of native species log diameters sawn by volume and prices paid / m3 40 Table 15. Range of Non specified species log diameters sawn by volume and prices paid / m3 41 Table 16. Range of Acacia log diameters sawn by volume and prices paid / m3 42 Table 17. Value of sawn timber (,000,000VDN) 43 Table 18. End use of sawn Timber as percentage of production 45 CARD Project Report 027/06/VIE IMPROVEMENT OF OPERATOR SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY IN SMALL RURAL SAWMILLS IN VIETNAM Sawmillers Survey Report 4 Figure 1: Meeting with officials in Bin Dinh to discuss the survey 14 Figure 2: Map of Vietnam showing regions where the survey was undertaken 15 Figure 3:(a) Mr Chien undertaking survey with sawmiller (b) Survey being lead by Mr Ngoc in the work area of the sawmill. 16 Figure 4: Some sawmillers have diversified and also made furniture. An occupational hazard for this sawmill was wondering cattle. 22 Figure 5: Typical Vertical sawmill with carnage that moves the logs past the saw 25 Figure 6 (a) & (b): Typical horizontal sawmill with operators pushing the saw over the log which is fixed to timber base blocks 25 Figure 7: Horizontal bandsaw mill being manufactured near HCMC 26 Figure 8: Typical circular saw benches with no guarding, riving knife or fences. 26 Figure 9: Sharpening a bandsaw freehand on grinding wheel. 27 Figure 10: Typical grind used to sharpen bandsaw blades 27 Figure 11: A metal and cardboard sun shade has been fitted this was not considered to be a modification by the owner 28 Figure 12: Two methods of air drying typical for sawmills in Vietnam 29 Figure 13: Kiln being hand unloaded onto a wheelbarrow 30 Figure 14: Pressure treatment vessel in large sawmill, exporting to china. 30 Figure 15: Furniture produced at sawmills 31 Figure 16: Inside a kiln the (a) empty kiln viewing fans and heat exchangers (b) looking in the door into a kiln loaded with timber. 31 Figure 17: A log supply typical of sawmiils using garden trees 32 Figure 18: The log is showing the release of growth stresses 33 Figure 19: The log is not straight – therefore recovery is low if straight timber is to be produced 34 Figure 20: Problems with water in the log yard increases the likelihood of staining and / or decay. 34 Figure 21: Log with sap stain 35 Figure 22: Sawmill using very short acacia logs (900mm) 35 Figure 23: large diameter and long length acacia logs obtained from 20 year-old plantation. The sawmiller paid a premium price for these logs 36 Figure 24: (a) Acacia trees planted at My Son (b) Accassia logs cut for use in construction 37 Figure 25: Pine plantation being thinned and logs ready to be delivered to a sawmill 38 Figure 26: Typical plantation of eucalyptus. 40 Figure 27: Imported logs at very large sawmill near MCMC 41 Figure 28: Acacia being used for furniture 42 Figure 29: Coffin manufacture in Northern region using local species. 43 Figure 30: A chair manufactured at a sawmill, domestic furniture produced when sawmill activity was slow 44 Figure 31: (a): Flooring using local species. (b) Flooring drying in sawmill 45 Figure 32: Timber being used in a new building, built in traditional style in Hoi An 46 Figure 33: Knots have been filled to use timber with defects 46 Figure 34: splitting and shrinkage are a problem. This board has been filled but is continuing to open up 47 Figure 35: Timber off cuts to be used as fuel wood being loaded onto a trailer pulled by a motorbike 47 Figure 36: Pallets can be produced from waste or in many cases as the main production for sawmills using low grade logs 48 CARD Project Report 027/06/VIE IMPROVEMENT OF OPERATOR SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY IN SMALL RURAL SAWMILLS IN VIETNAM Sawmillers Survey Report 5 Figure 37: This sawmill had houses on both sides. This picture shows the neighbours house. The owner is unaware of environmental and noise regulations that may apply to his sawmill 57 Executive Summary and Commentary In July-December 2007 an intensive survey was undertaken of the rural saw-milling industry engaged in the processing of acacia and eucalyptus species in North, Central and South Vietnam. The total number of sawmills interviewed was 74, 24 in the North, 25 in Central Vietnam and 25 in the South. This represented approximately 5% of the total population of rural sawmills in Vietnam engaged in processing (MARD 2007) 1 . In addition 15 furniture manufacturers were interviewed, 5 in the North Vietnam, 5 in Central Vietnam and 5 in South Vietnam. A total of 17 log suppliers were also interviewed, 7 in the North, 5 in Central and 5 in South Vietnam. Approximately 90 % of the rural sawmills operating in Vietnam are family businesses. Ten percent are private companies. The growth in rural sawmills has been relatively recent. Of all the sawmills interviewed none had been in operation longer than 18 years. The average time that sawmills had been in operation was 5.3 years thus indicating that the expansion of the rural saw-milling industry has been very recent. This probably reflects the maturing of acacia plantations that forms the raw material base for this industry and the freeing up of the economy to promote entrepreneurial activity. Sources of business finance were primarily from existing family businesses with funds supplied ranging from VDN 25-700 million (average VDN 165 million), Private finance loans ranged from VDN 2-2500 (average VDN 144.7) and relatives VDN 10-100 (average VDN 43.6). None of the sawmills interviewed had received government grants for establishing enterprises. Sources of funds between regions ranged enormously. Banks loans were more prevalent in the Central Vietnam (on average VDN 259 million), whereas the average loan in the North was VDN 50 million and VDN 48 million in South Vietnam. The total estimated investment in rural sawmill equipment was VND 335,300 million. The average investment in each saw milling enterprise was VND 161million in the North, VDN 150 million in Central Vietnam and VDN 249 million in the South of Vietnam. The survey identified that a large number of the rural mills only operated part time. Table 1. Percentage number of sawmills operating full time. Region Full time operation North 25 Central 52 South 47 However, of those mills that indicated that they were operating full time a large number identified reasons as to why there were substantial periods of down time. Key issues comprised: • Lack of a continuity in the supply of logs and • Inconsistent markets. Other reasons identified included: • That they only supplied local needs that were seasonal or • That they supplied specialised end uses such as coffins, joinery etc. • Bad weather and • Inconsistent power supply. 1 Personal Communications Tran Huu Thanh, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Department of Agro-Forestry Products Processing and Salt Production CARD Project Report 027/06/VIE IMPROVEMENT OF OPERATOR SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY IN SMALL RURAL SAWMILLS IN VIETNAM Sawmillers Survey Report 7 Despite a potential over capacity for sawing the available raw material and inadequate markets, 44% of sawmills indicated either plans to expand or a wish to expand their activities. Target expansion areas were primarily furniture manufacturing (78% of respondents) of whom 21% indicated that they would like to focus on high value export markets. Other markets included handicrafts, and kiln drying of timber. Reasons forwarded for identifying these potential opportunities related to a perception that there were substantial market opportunities in these particular sectors. The main obstacles hindering expansion related primarily to a lack of funding followed by the lack of available skills. Other issues included the availability of quality raw material, lack of good managerial skills, a lack of knowledge and unstable market conditions. In most instances, there was a perception that there was an expanding market for furniture and that expansion into such areas would stabilise demand for sawn timber. Saw-milling equipment (horizontal and vertical bandsaws) have been manufactured almost exclusively in Vietnam. A few mills were imported from China. Most of the mills surveyed owned only 1 mill. Mill expansion usually involved purchasing addition mills. Most sawmills also owned circular saws. These have been introduced more recently for recutting flitches into sawn timber for furniture and other end uses. Virtually all mills had rudimentary saw doctoring capability. The equipment was purchased new. However, skills in saw doctoring varied enormously between mills. None of the mills surveyed indicated any modifications to purchased equipment indicating that in general the saw-milling equipment was suitable for the sawing of acacias. Only 12% of mills surveyed have plans to upgrade equipment. Emphasis on replacement focused on: • Purchasing vertical bandsaws because these were more suitable for sawing small logs, • Establishing furniture manufacturing equipment, • Replacing old circular saws. Further processing undertaken by sawmills to add value include: • Air-drying. Only a third of all sawmills engage in drying. • Kiln drying is undertaken by relatively few mills, although a number of mills send their timber to enterprises that specialise in kiln drying, • Preservative treatment was being conducted by 13 enterprises • Integration of sawmills into manufacturing was reported and focused mainly on furniture (16 companies) pallet making (9 companies) and construction (9 companies). Those companies involved in kiln drying were experiencing very serious problems particularly in relation to drying to a consistent moisture content and identifying suitable drying schedules for eucalypts and some native species. The Australian team observed some larger enterprises who were not covered by the terms of this survey have invested heavily in kiln drying equipment. These kiln were not operated correctly and results for the more difficult to dry species were unsatisfactory, the main cause was lack of training of the operators and limited understanding of the principles of timber drying. Discussions with the kiln operators revealed a genuine interest in learning and getting an understanding of how they could improve the quality of the finished products. Log storage times at the sawmill were on average 1 month in the South 1.1months in Central Vietnam and 0.6 months in the North. The total elapsed time from tree felling and transport to the log storage yards was not identified. However, storage in extreme cases at the log yard was reported to be as long as 6 months. Strategies need to be implemented to streamline the logistics of supply to reduce log storage time particularly given the incidence of decay CARD Project Report 027/06/VIE IMPROVEMENT OF OPERATOR SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY IN SMALL RURAL SAWMILLS IN VIETNAM Sawmillers Survey Report 8 that was reported by 29% of respondents. Log supply was identified as a problem for 57% of respondents, mainly because of “availability”. The wet season also compounded the problem often resulting in a discontinuity in supply. Research needs to address the whole question of log supply. Techniques need to be developed to reduce sap-stain including proper housekeeping techniques at the sawmill to lift logs off the ground and provide timely rotation of the stockpile. This is needed to avoid the development of a decay environment in the yard. The biggest problem (25% of respondents) in relation to log quality was the presence of sweep (i.e. bent logs). Inevitably sweep resulted in the crosscutting of logs into short lengths. The most common log length was 2.4 metres. Just over 60% of the sawmills interviewed in the survey processed acacia species (Acacia mangium and Acacia auricliformis). The minimum log diameters specified comprised 10cm (24%), 12cm (59%) and 15cm (17%). These sawmills reported volumes of between 2 and 300m3 of logs milled per month with prices paid between 0.6 and 2.5 million VDN per m3. Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Eucalyptus urophylla were sawn in 38 % of sawmills, about 25% of the volume of acacia species. Ten sawmills indicated the use of other plantation species. Six were sawing Pine; one was sawing Khaya tonkinensis; three were sawing rubberwood with one of these mills also milling Sau, Rieng and Dieu. Only two sawmills in the north indicated the use of imported logs with a combined consumption between 3-6m3 per month. The conversion efficiency of sawlogs into sawn timber was very consistent between regions 53%, 50% and 53% respectively for the North, Central and Southern regions. These recovery rates are high given the small diameter of logs and indicate that the sawmill technology is relatively efficient in maximising value from the logs. The recovery results calculated would be considered to be very high, this may be due to the method of using the volume of sawn timber as a percentage of the volume of logs. All sawmills used a flat sawing method which gives the greatest recovery and width were usually the maximum possible and may contain wane (The presence of bark or lack of wood from any cause on the edge or corner of a piece of wood. ) on one or both edges. An end use analysis of timber highlights the dominance of furniture manufacturing and construction. Table 2. End uses of Acacia sawn timber in Vietnam by region. End use Total Vietnam North Central South Furniture 42% 57% 48% 27% Construction 26% 34% 28% 21% Flooring 2% 2% 5% 0 Pallets / Crates 24% 2% 19% 42% Unknown 1% 1% 1% 0 Other 5% 5% 0 10% TOTAL 100% 100% 100% 100% These statistics highlight a very high proportion of timber being used in furniture manufacture, particularly in North and Central Vietnam. In the South, pallets and crates dominated the market. The percentage end-use contrasts with other markets, for example Australia, Europe and North America, where timber in construction would tend to dominate the market (probably greater than 70% whereas furniture and packaging might comprise and 15 and 5% each). The current analysis indicates that there is potential for substantial market expansion in the construction and building industries. In construction, timber is used mostly for formwork (shuttering for concrete). This is a relatively low value (but important) end use and the life cycle for the product is relatively CARD Project Report 027/06/VIE IMPROVEMENT OF OPERATOR SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY IN SMALL RURAL SAWMILLS IN VIETNAM Sawmillers Survey Report 9 short. Pallets and crates representing 51% of the market in South Vietnam comprise low value markets. Timber is usually rough sawn with no value adding in terms of drying or machining. Quality requirements for this market are also relatively low. Once again the life cycle is relatively short. Furniture and flooring represent high value markets. Expansion in these markets is hampered by an apparent shortage of suitable logs. Limitations in the availability of longer logs, which is also frustrated by the logistics of transport and man handling will also limit market development in construction. There is an expectation that the domestic furniture market will continue to develop as marketing and distribution become more sophisticated and better quality logs become available. Approaches to providing longer lengths of timber have been addressed to some extent by State enterprises in Hanoi by introducing finger jointing. The technology (imported from China) is relatively cheap and appears to be successful. Short random lengths of sawn timber are purchased from a myriad of sawmills located in the Hanoi area for drying and reprocessing into longer lengths. Customers specify quality requirement. Forty-eight percent of saw millers who answered this question indicated that there are quality requirements that they have to meet. Forty-two percent of respondents indicated that they work by agreement. Only a relatively small number of mills (11%) indicated that they have sawing tolerances. Nine percent work to agreements. The presence of stain in timber, whilst a very prevalent defect, was either not considered as being important, or was tolerated as being inevitable. Only 8% of respondents indicate that there is limits placed on the amount of stain and only 3% have stain limits specified in agreements or contracts The survey analysis of past training experience poses a serious problem, firstly because of the low incidence of staff receiving any training, secondly because of the number of sawmills indicating that the quality of training was a problem and thirdly because of the number of enterprises that felt that the training available wasn’t relevant to their needs. On the positive side, 73% of enterprises indicated interest in receiving training. Data has been amalgamated for all regions (i.e., North, Central and South). Table 3. Past training experience by sawmills Staff receiving training in the past 13% Enterprises interested in receiving training 73% Enterprises indicating that the quality of existing training courses was a problem 53% Enterprises indicating that the training in the past wasn’t relevant to their needs 63% Table 3 illustrates very clearly that employees of rural sawmills have received very little training in the past. What training was potentially available was mostly irrelevant to their perceived needs and the quality of training that was available in the past was potentially poor. However, it should be noted that given the low number of staff receiving training, the perception of “poor quality” was probably based on here-say rather than experience. The same questionnaire attempted to prioritise the topics that enterprises felt were important. The topics have been ranked in order out of 10 based on the priority accorded by those enterprises interested in receiving training (table 4.). [...]... AND TECHNOLOGY IN SMALL RURAL SAWMILLS IN VIETNAM Sawmillers Survey Report wide or cluster approach to providing collective information and quality standards and finally, mechanisms to promote the development of value adding industries such as kiln drying and furniture manufacturing Figure 1: Meeting with officials in Bin Dinh to discuss the survey 14 CARD Project Report 027/06/VIE IMPROVEMENT OF OPERATOR. .. take into account the findings from the survey Clearly apart from the basic elements of training in wood processing, this survey identifies a clear demand for training in business, bookkeeping, marketing and management The survey provides some quantification of the basic needs of rural saw milling in Vietnam The exercise provides invaluable information from which strategies can be developed for improving... Technology and equipment is old • Lack of knowledge in marketing, business and management skills • Lack of finance • Unstable market demand • Space for expansion is limited Opportunities • Expanding into furniture manufacture • Government policy that allows a sawmill to run its own business • Increasing plantations 10 CARD Project Report 027/06/VIE IMPROVEMENT OF OPERATOR SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY IN SMALL RURAL. .. Project Report 027/06/VIE IMPROVEMENT OF OPERATOR SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY IN SMALL RURAL SAWMILLS IN VIETNAM Sawmillers Survey Report 1 Introduction Seventy-four sawmills were interviewed, 24 in the North, 25 in Central Vietnam and 25 in the South This represented approximately 5% of the total population of enterprises involved in wood product processing in Vietnam (MARD 2007) 2 The areas or providences... Project Report 027/06/VIE IMPROVEMENT OF OPERATOR SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY IN SMALL RURAL SAWMILLS IN VIETNAM Sawmillers Survey Report successful furniture manufacturing Many small rural sawmills have their sight set on furniture manufacturing as a logical extension of their sawmill activities Sap stain, decay and insect attack are important issues in Vietnam primarily because of climate As soon as a tree is...CARD Project Report 027/06/VIE IMPROVEMENT OF OPERATOR SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY IN SMALL RURAL SAWMILLS IN VIETNAM Sawmillers Survey Report Table 4 Ranking of training topics Topic Ranking Further manufacturing 13.4 Saw Sharpening 12.2 Sawmill Practices 11.8 Marketing 11.5 Business management 9.1 Air Drying 9.1 Preservation 8.7 Equipment 8.7 Kiln drying 7.5 Wood properties 4.7 Sawmill safety... not being able to work full time include: • The sawmill is mainly producing timber for coffins 19 CARD Project Report 027/06/VIE IMPROVEMENT OF OPERATOR SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY IN SMALL RURAL SAWMILLS IN VIETNAM Sawmillers Survey Report • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Sometimes stop because of lack of resources Serves both itself and local people To fulfil local needs only Lack of markets Mostly sawing for... being four years old The condition of the saws is reported to be between one and four The average condition is 2.2 26 CARD Project Report 027/06/VIE IMPROVEMENT OF OPERATOR SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY IN SMALL RURAL SAWMILLS IN VIETNAM Sawmillers Survey Report 3.7.4 Saw sharpening equipment Figure 9: Sharpening a bandsaw freehand on grinding wheel All but one of the surveyed enterprises owned saw sharpening... Report 027/06/VIE IMPROVEMENT OF OPERATOR SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY IN SMALL RURAL SAWMILLS IN VIETNAM Sawmillers Survey Report Table 5 No of years that sawmills had been in operation by region (North, Central and South Vietnam) by ownership type Type of Business All Regions Private company sawmill Family Business Northern Region Family Business Central Region Private company sawmill Family Business Southern... are located adjacent to dwellings Visits to a number of integrated forest industry complexes in Central and South Vietnam, that were established in the last 2-3 years to produce very high quality furniture, solely for export identified some very interesting features 11 CARD Project Report 027/06/VIE IMPROVEMENT OF OPERATOR SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY IN SMALL RURAL SAWMILLS IN VIETNAM Sawmillers Survey Report . Report 027/06/VIE IMPROVEMENT OF OPERATOR SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY IN SMALL RURAL SAWMILLS IN VIETNAM Sawmillers Survey Report 4 Figure 1: Meeting with officials in Bin Dinh to discuss the. operators and limited understanding of the principles of timber drying. Discussions with the kiln operators revealed a genuine interest in learning and getting an understanding of how they. receiving training in the past 13% Enterprises interested in receiving training 73% Enterprises indicating that the quality of existing training courses was a problem 53% Enterprises indicating