KDS Windsor, a leading manufacturer of lumber drying systems, has officially launched its Industrial Mechanical Group, expanding its capabilities to meet the growing demand for expert field service, maintenance, and mechanical installation work across the wood products industry.

With over 100 Continuous Dry Kilns (CDKs) in operation globally, KDS originally built its service team to support its systems in the field. But over time, customer needs evolved, and so did KDS. What began as a support crew for CDK customers has evolved into a full-service mechanical division, now available to serve mills of all types, regardless of whether they own KDS equipment.

Today, KDS Windsor operates five dedicated mechanical crews and has over 100 skilled professionals in the field, providing a range of services that include kiln rebuilds, equipment installation, fabrication and welding services, as well as air control and material conveying systems. That’s a major differentiator in an industry where most manufacturers outsource services, or, in some cases, don’t offer any support services at all. At KDS, the people who build the equipment are also the ones who maintain it.

We kept hearing the same thing from customers: “We trust you more than anyone else to touch this equipment,” said a KDS field supervisor.

The Industrial Mechanical Group offers:

• Preventive maintenance & service contracts
• Emergency repairs & on-site troubleshooting
• Kiln rebuilds, burner retrofits & ductwork fabrication
• Steam/thermal piping, refractory systems & structural steel installation

Backed by in-house fabrication, fully equipped service trucks, and a team of seasoned kiln experts, the Mechanical Group combines boots-on-the-ground speed with deep product knowledge, something most third-party contractors can’t match.

Whether it’s a sawmill in Virginia, a panel plant in Florida, or a hardwood kiln in Texas, the KDS Industrial Mechanical Group is built to keep operations running at full steam.

Need support for your mill? Contact us at www.kdswindsor.com or call (828) 891-8115 to schedule a service consultation.

Please join me in congratulating Henco Viljoen on his well-deserved promotion to Field Service Engineering Manager at KDS Windsor, effective immediately!

With over 20 years of experience in lumber drying and exceptional technical expertise, Henco has been instrumental in delivering innovative solutions and outstanding results.

As our in-house wood drying specialist, Henco is more than just an expert—he’s part detective with a unique ability to uncover hidden inefficiencies and devise creative, tailor-made solutions to optimize kiln performance. His proven track record and deep industry knowledge make him the perfect fit to lead our field engineering efforts.

Henco’s responsibilities will include overseeing field service operations, ensuring exceptional client satisfaction, commissioning projects, and driving continuous improvement in our products and services.

Need a wood drying consultation? Henco remains available to help optimize efficiency for both hardwood and softwood kilns. Don’t miss the opportunity to leverage his expertise—reach out to him for tailored solutions to your drying challenges.

Congratulations, Henco! We are excited to see the impact of your leadership and the continued growth of KDS Windsor under your guidance.