Customer Story: Ernie Neufeld Contracting

When it comes to logging and equipment choice Ernie Neufeld comes from a family with a long history in the forest industry. Ernie the younger brother of four is the owner, foreman, mechanic and sometimes even a processor operator at Ernie Neufeld Contracting based in Vanderhoof, in west central British Columbia. Ernie is a subcontractor and oversees all of the processing operations for Walter Neufeld Contracting (Ernie’s older brother).

Ernie started out as an owner operator back in 1998 running a Cat 320B with a Waratah HTH 20.  Currently the log harvesting fleet has grown to five Waratah processors, all HTH 622B models all mounted on Hitachi 210 carriers. Commonality for parts and service is important to Ernie and that is only one reason Ernie is a believer in the Waratah Product “It simply works” he states.  Ernie also suggests that the strong service and parts support that he receives from Waratah is also a major asset to his company “The staff at Waratah are always very helpful” said Ernie.  

Ernie Neufeld Contracting is a long log operation cutting primarily highway lengths ranging from 12.4 feet up to 61.4 foot lengths for Isle Pierre Saw Mill (Canfor) located just outside Prince George BC. The wood is primarily pine in the Vanderhoof region which has been plagued by the mountain pine beetle. The wood profile averages around 0.2 cubic meters per stem which favors the Waratah HTH 622B model.  Scott Isaac, a long time employee operates one of the newest machines for Ernie. Watching Scott operate makes the task look effortless, the HTH 622B extracts each log with the same fluid ease, lops off any rot or defects and delimbs even the largest pine with ease. The Timberrite automation system measures each piece providing accurate stem management in real time for the operator.

Waratah Canada would like to thank Ernie Neufeld for his continued support and longtime dedication to the Waratah product. Waratah “Built to work”, a product built for you!