C2R boosts efficiency with Vecoplan’s powerful horizontal crusher

French wood processing company C2R has overcome the challenge of processing inconsistent materials by investing in a powerful horizontal crusher from Vecoplan. This cutting-edge solution allows the company to process diverse materials efficiently in a single operation, optimising production and reducing costs.

Aerial view of C2R's premises with the two production lines  

Adapting to market challenges

Managed by brothers Christophe and Richard Lagarde, C2R operates in Saint-Junien, Haute-Vienne, processing 130,000 metric tons of wood annually. The company supplies paper industry products and biomass fuels to regional firms, relying on wood provided by its partner, Comptoirs des Bois de Brive (CBB), a subsidiary of the Sylvamo Corporation.

However, the economic environment for French wood processors remains difficult, with declining residual wood supplies, rising demand for wood-based energy, and a skilled labour shortage. “The market is tough, but adapting is essential,” says Christophe Lagarde. 

With its new VVB primary crusher, C2R can process a wide range of materials in large quantities

Long-standing partnership with Vecoplan

Since its founding in 2008, C2R has trusted Vecoplan to provide reliable wood processing solutions. Vecoplan, headquartered in Germany with a French subsidiary, specialises in designing systems for shredding, conveying, and processing wood, biomass, and other materials.

Over the years, Vecoplan has delivered two processing lines to C2R: one for wood chips for the paper industry and another for biomass fuel. In response to changing market demands, C2R recently upgraded its capabilities with Vecoplan’s VVB series primary crusher. 

 Material is fed to the external system via conveyor belt. The shredding itself takes place inside for noise reduction

A tailored solution for diverse materials

C2R processes various wood residues, including sawmill offcuts, bark, pallets, and forestry chips. The VVB crusher is central to this operation, meeting rigorous requirements for particle size and moisture content in biomass fuel production.

The production process is divided into four phases:

                1.            Dosing Raw Materials: Ensuring consistent moisture and quality.

                2.            Disc Screening: Separating oversized pieces (>100mm).

                3.            Primary Crushing: Using the VVB crusher to handle large throughput volumes.

                4.            Vibrating Separation: Sorting into precise particle sizes with Vecoplan’s VSS Vibrating Separator.

The VVB primary crusher features a robust design. The panel has an integrated service platform, which opens at an ideal height for maintenance personnel

Powerful & easy to maintain 

The VVB primary crusher is designed for high efficiency and versatility, processing materials such as fresh bark with 60% moisture, logs up to 400mm in diameter, and demolition wood. Its robust steel rotor ensures consistent performance, while features like the counter-knife unit and sieve basket automatically adapt to remove impurities, minimising downtime.

The crusher’s VSC control panel allows operators to adjust parameters, monitor performance, and access remote support. Most faults can be resolved via Vecoplan’s hotline, saving time and maintenance costs.

An optimal maintenance plan is an essential part of new machine design. The aim is to make repeated operations such as knife replacement faster and easier

Localised support for optimised operations

Vecoplan’s French subsidiary, established in 2023, provides localised service and expertise, streamlining communication and enhancing system performance. “Direct support from French-speaking experts has been invaluable,” says Christophe Lagarde.

Operating five days a week, the VVB has exceeded expectations. “We can now process all the raw materials offered by suppliers, giving us greater flexibility and competitive advantage,” Lagarde adds.

A future-ready investment

C2R’s partnership with Vecoplan highlights the power of innovation in addressing industry challenges. The advanced horizontal crusher not only ensures production efficiency but also strengthens C2R’s position in the competitive wood processing market.

For further information on Vecoplan AG, see www.vecoplan.com.