From logs to lumber. A rare peek inside Gorman Brothers Mill in West Kelowna

From logs to lumber. A rare peek inside Gorman Brothers Mill in West Kelowna
Quizzed ESL Activities

Gorman Bros Lumber: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

Gorman Bros Lumber, a local gem in West Colona, transforms raw logs into beautiful boards through a process that involves craftsmanship and care.

History of Gorman Bros Lumber

The company was founded by the Gorman brothers, John and Ross, who started by making apple boxes from scrap lumber in the 1950s.

The Milling Process

The mill is broken down into five main areas: log yard, sawmill, dry kilns, planer, and packaging and shipping.

  • Logs are scanned to determine the best way to cut them for maximum lumber recovery.
  • The logs are then cut into rectangular pieces called “cats” and further processed into boards.
  • The boards are then dried in kilns to remove excess moisture.
  • After drying, the boards are planed to their final thickness and graded according to their quality.

Technology and Innovation

The company uses advanced technology, including computerized scanners and AI, to optimize the milling process and improve product quality.

Sustainability

Gorman Bros Lumber prioritizes sustainability, selling all byproducts, including sawdust, wood chips, and bark, and minimizing waste.

Attention to Detail

The company takes pride in its attention to detail, including the “Gorman edge” and waxing the ends of boards to prevent end splits.



Term Definition Example Usage
Craftsmanship The skill and care used in the creation of something, often requiring manual skill and attention to detail. Gorman Bros Lumber transforms raw logs into beautiful boards through a process that involves craftsmanship and care.
Scanning The process of using a device to examine or analyze something, often to gather information or determine the best course of action. Logs are scanned to determine the best way to cut them for maximum lumber recovery.
Kilns Containers or structures used for drying, burning, or firing materials, often at high temperatures. The boards are then dried in kilns to remove excess moisture.
Planer A machine used to smooth and flatten wood to a uniform thickness. After drying, the boards are planed to their final thickness using a planer and graded according to their quality.
Sustainability The ability to maintain or support a process or system without depleting natural resources or causing harm to the environment. Gorman Bros Lumber prioritizes sustainability, selling all byproducts and minimizing waste.
Optimize To make something as effective or efficient as possible, often by using technology or innovative methods. The company uses advanced technology to optimize the milling process and improve product quality.
Byproducts Secondary or additional products that result from a manufacturing process or activity. Gorman Bros Lumber sells all byproducts, including sawdust, wood chips, and bark.
Grading The process of evaluating or categorizing something based on its quality, size, or other characteristics. After planing, the boards are graded according to their quality.
Innovation The introduction of new or original ideas, methods, or products, often to improve or solve a problem. The company uses advanced technology, including computerized scanners and AI, to drive innovation and improve product quality.
Attention to Detail The act of giving close attention to small or minor aspects of something, often to ensure high quality or accuracy. The company takes pride in its attention to detail, including the “Gorman edge” and waxing the ends of boards to prevent end splits.




Vocabulary Quiz: Gorman Bros Lumber

Test your understanding of the vocabulary used in the article about Gorman Bros Lumber.

1. What does the word “craftsmanship” mean in the context of Gorman Bros Lumber?





2. What is the term for the rectangular pieces of wood cut from logs?





3. What is the purpose of the “dry kilns” in the milling process?





4. What does the term “sustainability” mean in the context of Gorman Bros Lumber?





5. What is the term for the process of smoothing the boards to their final thickness?





Answer Key:

  1. b. The skill and care used in the process of transforming raw logs into beautiful boards
  2. b. Cats
  3. b. To remove excess moisture from the boards
  4. b. The process of minimizing waste and selling byproducts
  5. a. Planing

The Use of Passive Voice in Describing Processes


The passive voice is used to describe a process or action without emphasizing who performs the action. In the context of the provided text, the passive voice is used to explain the milling process at Gorman Bros Lumber. For example, “The logs are scanned to determine the best way to cut them for maximum lumber recovery” and “The boards are then dried in kilns to remove excess moisture.” The use of the passive voice allows the focus to be on the process itself, rather than the people performing the actions.
Now, let’s test your understanding of the passive voice with the following quiz: 1. The company’s products _______ by skilled craftsmen to ensure high quality. A) are made B) makes C) have made D) making 2. The logs _______ into rectangular pieces called “cats” before being further processed. A) are cut B) cut C) have cut D) cutting 3. The boards _______ to their final thickness after drying. A) are planed B) planed C) have planed D) planing 4. The company’s byproducts, including sawdust and wood chips, _______ to minimize waste. A) are sold B) sells C) have sold D) selling 5. The ends of the boards _______ with wax to prevent end splits. A) are waxed B) waxed C) have waxed D) waxing Answer Key: 1. A) are made 2. A) are cut 3. A) are planed 4. A) are sold 5. A) are waxed

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