Solutions
Automatic Stick-Placing Stackers — and the Systems Around Them
GBI's core expertise is the automatic stick-placing stacker — the machine that builds kiln-ready lumber packages with stickers placed automatically between every course. We also build manual stick-placing stackers, solid-pack stackers, and hybrid lumber/plywood stackers for the full range of sawmill, planer mill, and treatment plant applications.
By Application
Find Your Mill Type
Not sure which stacker you need? Start here — each application page explains what the stacking job requires and which GBI products fit.
Green-End Sawmills
Wet, rough-sawn lumber headed to the kiln needs stickers between every course. GBI builds automatic stick-placing stackers for high-throughput softwood and stud mills, and manual stick-placing stackers for hardwood and specialty softwood operations.
Green-End Sawmill Stackers →Dry-End Planer Mills
Post-kiln lumber is dried and ready for market. No stickers needed — the job is building tight dimensional or random-length solid packages at the throughput rate of your planer line.
Dry-End Planer Mill Stackers →Lumber and Plywood Treatment Plants
Treating plants need automatic stick placing before the cylinder and solid-pack output after. A single GBI stacker is often configured to handle both stages. GBI also builds hybrid stackers for plants treating both lumber and plywood.
Treatment Plant Stackers →By Stacker Type
Choose by Machine
Automatic Stick Placing GBI's Signature
The VPG Automatic Stick-Placing Stacker — patented Variable Pan Geometry technology, Fastack frame, hydraulic drive. Single-man operation, no scheduled PM, typical 25-year service life. GBI's flagship product for high-throughput softwood mills, stud mills, and treatment plants.
Automatic Stick-Placing Stacker →Manual Stick Placing
Automated stacking cycle with operator-placed stickers. The right fit for hardwood mills and specialty softwood operations where the operational profile favors manual sticking. Same GBI hydraulic ruggedness and build quality.
Manual Stick-Placing Stacker →Dimensional and Random Width Solid Pack
No stick placing — tight solid packages for shipment. Handles both dimensional softwood lumber and random-length or random-width hardwood. For dry-end planer mills and post-treatment stacking at treating plants.
Solid-Pack Stacker →Hybrid Lumber and Plywood
One stacker handling both lumber and plywood product types on the same line. Designed for treatment plants processing both products — eliminating the need for separate stacking lines for each.
Hybrid Lumber and Plywood Stacker →Supporting Systems
Complete the Line
Stick Feed & Collection
Sticker unscramblers, distribution chains, and collection loops — sized to your stacker throughput and mill layout. Keeps the stacker magazine fed for continuous, hands-off production.
Stick Feed & Collection →Infeed & Outfeed Transfer
Transfer chains, roll cases, and incline conveyors connecting the stacker to upstream sort decks and downstream kiln transfer or strapper lines. Engineered to match stacker throughput.
Infeed & Outfeed Transfer →Breakdown Hoists
Tilt hoists that break down stickered packages at the stacker infeed — destacking kiln or treating packages so boards can feed the stacker as individual courses.
Breakdown Hoists →Upgrades & Retrofits
For GBI Stackers Already in the Field
Controls, Sensors & Monitoring Upgrade
Retrofit an existing GBI stacker onto the Third Generation controls platform. High-resolution encoders, overhead rake-off crash detection, pulled-back stick scanner, stick-in-pan verification, and stacker auto cycle — installed by a GBI technician team in approximately three days on-site.
Learn More →Ready to Configure Your System?
Species, throughput, board dimensions, and layout — GBI engineers the right stacker and support system for your operation.
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