Innovation and Sustainability in Timber
Red Stag Timber is one of New Zealand’s leading timber producers. The company is known for its focus on innovation and sustainability. Located on the edge of Rotorua’s famous Redwoods, Red Stag operates in one of the country’s most recognised natural landscapes.
Because of this setting, the business works hard to reduce its environmental impact. When Red Stag expanded its treatment shed capacity, it also looked for a way to stop treatment particles from leaving the facility.
The Challenge
Forklifts and light vehicles often moved between the treatment shed and the wider site. Without a cleaning system, these vehicles carried treatment chemicals outside the controlled area. This created both environmental and operational risks.
Red Stag needed a solution that was:
-
Designed for forklifts, not just trucks.
-
Strong enough to handle forklift loads.
-
Automated and efficient to avoid slowing work.
-
Focused on keeping treatment chemicals inside the plant.
The Bespoke Warrior Wheel Wash Solution
Rocktec worked with Red Stag to design a custom Warrior Wheel Wash. The design was adjusted for forklifts and built to support Red Stag’s sustainability goals.
Key Features:
-
A 4m wash length, sized for forklifts.
-
Open sides so forklifts could carry loads at a lower height.
-
74 high-pressure stainless steel jets, arranged for 14T forklifts.
-
Ultrasonic sensor for fully automated drive-through operation.
-
Custom grating design, engineered for forklift weight.
Partnership in Innovation
Red Stag’s Technical Treatment Coordinator, Andrew Lawes, explains the journey:
“We were adding to our treatment shed capacity, where we had decided to futureproof our footprint and completely eliminate the tracking of material particles between the inside and outside. Rocktec helped us on our journey by listening and coming up with the concept of modifying one of their wheel wash designs to create a bespoke solution.”
“We put this in to manage our environmental issues with keeping our treatment chemicals inside the plant. The Rocktec team were brilliant to deal with and I’d highly recommend to any business looking to proactively address the protection of site materials to contact them.”
Proven Environmental Protection
The bespoke Warrior Wheel Wash ensures forklifts and vehicles are cleaned whenever they pass between the treatment shed and the wider site. As a result, Red Stag:
-
Prevents treatment chemicals from leaving the shed.
-
Strengthens its environmental commitment near the Redwoods.
-
Shows innovation by adapting proven technology to unique needs.
A Bespoke Solution for Timber Operations
This project shows how Rocktec adapts its Warrior Wheel Wash technology beyond quarries and fertiliser plants. By working closely with Red Stag, Rocktec delivered a solution that solved an operational challenge while protecting the environment.