Browsing by Author "Iddi, Said"

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    Cost, Productivity and Recovery Studies Tabora, Tabora Misitu, Products Saumills Limited, Tabora
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 1980) Iddi, Said
    A study to assess the performance of Tabora Misitu Products Saumills Limited was carried out. The objective were: -(a) to make a production cost analysis, (b) to carry out time studies at the head saw to qualify downtime (c) to investigate the effect of log dimensions technical and value recovery (d) to attempt to establish the relationship between taper, eccentricity, sweep, heart rot end knots end technical and value recovery. cost for the years 1975 through 1970 were compiled and analyzed. The headsaw was studied for 17 days at the start or rains in November—December 1978. During March—April 1979, the peak rain period, the studies were repeated for a total of 37 days. A total of 146 Jogs, 46 Mninga, Pterocarpusanqolensis and 100 mtundu, Brachystegiaspiciformis were measured for technical and value recocery calculation after breakdown. Defects on each logs recorded. The main results were: (1). In all years, logging contributed most to the total production costs per m3 of sawn wood. (2). Effective saving time in the Study period averaged 42, of the total work place time. Downtime due to power cuts alone was 29 of the total work place time. (3) The studied logs ranged from 30 to 55 cm o. b.in mid—diameter while length varied between 2.0 and 6.1 meters. Within those limits there was no strong relationship between log dimensions and lumber recovery percent. (4) There was a small, significant difference between mean actual and theoretical recovery in mtundu logs in the mid—diameter and length classes. (5) Mtundu logs showed a small, significant negative correlation between length and value recovery. (6) Value recovery differences in the mid—diameter classes were significant only in mtundu logs. The quality of the logs was generally good. Due to limitations on log sizes and non—matching of the study logs, it was difficult to conclude Whether or not there was room for improving lumber and value recovery. It was suggested that rates used to buy logs from private loggers be reviewed critically in order to keep logs cost down. Well planned logging could rid the mill of buying logs from privates loggers. Introduction of cost accounting may improve the performance of the mill. There is underutilization of mill capacity due to mainly to power cuts. To offsets this the mill could buy its own generator but carefully economic calculations would have to be made.