Grading excellence Stratton Lumber’s grading team (left to right) Ruben Campbell, Josh Farnsworth, planer mill supervisor and quality controller Donnie Beady, Jamie Hobbs, production manager Pete Silver and Greg Silver. (Submitted photo) STRATTON — By the closest of margins, the team from Stratton Lumber Inc. took top honors in the 2009 Dimension Lumber Graders Competition. It was held Saturday, Oct. 10 at Moose River Lumber Company in Jackman under the authority of Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association.

A crisp, sunny New England-style autumn day prevailed for the 25 graders that participated in this 7th annual NELMA event. Each contestant was judged on their ability to correctly grade 50 sample boards within a 5 minute time limit. Experience with Eastern Spruce and Balsam Fir, coupled with a good understanding of the National Grading Rules for No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 and Economy grades, were the keys to finishing high in the final scores.

Jamie Hobbs of Stratton Lumber Inc. won the individual grading title, a dramatic improvement over his 19th place finish in 2008.

This year’s Stratton win is the second one after a win in 2004. Stratton Lumber graders, together with graders from its sister mill Fontaine Inc. in Quebec won five titles in the past six years.

According to Marc Moore, NELMA’s Director of Inspection Services, these competitions are a great way for the association to provide additional lumber grader training away from the hectic pace of the day-to-day mill operation.

Petr Smetanka, Stratton Lumber’s President, explained that grading accuracy is very important for the company’s customers. “Contractors and lumber dealers rely on our consistent grading and quality of lumber for their business, and this award just adds to the credibility we have in the marketplace. I’m very proud of our grading team for this achievement.”