Forestry is often described as an old industry, and it is true that many mills and the communities around them have been operating for generations. What is sometimes overlooked is how much those operations have evolved, and how much the companies supporting them have evolved as well.
Walk through a modern sawmill and you will see scanning systems that evaluate each log in seconds, optimization software that determines the most efficient cutting solution in real time, automated material handling that improves both safety and throughput, and data driven systems that monitor performance across the entire operation. The level of technology inside today’s mills would surprise anyone who still associates forestry with hand tools and manual processes.
At the same time, there is another side to the story.
Some of the machines built decades ago are still running. They have been maintained, upgraded, rebuilt, and supported over the years, continuing to produce day after day. That longevity is not accidental. It reflects engineering designed for durability and teams committed to standing behind what they build.
McDonough has been part of that balance for 137 years. Since 1888, the company has supplied equipment to mills that are now in their second, third, and even fourth generation of ownership. Over that time, technology has advanced dramatically, yet many earlier machines remain in operation, supported by a service team that understands both legacy systems and modern upgrades. In fact, if you purchased a machine from McDonough decades ago and reached out today, there is a strong likelihood that someone on our team would still be here who worked on that machine when it was originally built. That kind of continuity is rare in any industry, and it speaks to both the people and the culture behind the equipment.
This is what makes forestry unique. It is an industry that embraces innovation while respecting long term investment. Mills modernize with scanning, automation, and optimization, and upgrades, yet they also rely on equipment that was built to last and on suppliers who remain present long after installation.
The forest industry is not a relic of the past. It is a sector that combines generational experience with modern engineering, proving that progress does not require abandoning what has worked. It requires building on it with confidence.