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MASS HISTORY
MASS (Micro Automation Systems Solutions) came into being in 1987 to fill a need in the primary breakdown segment of the forest industry. That need was affordable and long-lasting setworks systems. Born to create, design, and innovate, MASS founder Ken King followed a stint in the US Navy during Vietnam with a solid technical education by earning degrees in computer science from RCA Technical Institute and the University of Alabama, as well as a business management program from Mercer University. Putting those skills to work for Kockums Industries as the manager of their East Coast Automation Division and later for Rust Engineering's pulp and paper automation projects created a solid base of real-world experience.
In addition to gaining valuable experience in a wide variety of automation applications, this period confirmed Ken's vision that a new approach to primary breakdown was needed. That new approach would bring forth a complete line of revolutionary automation, controls, and setworks, including LP (Linear Positioning) Setworks, available with or without Light Curtain Scanning, the now-famous Saver Setworks for set shaft carriages, Chip-N-Saw, PC based log breakdown simulation, Linebar, and horizontal resaw setworks featuring both linear and directional valves. Notable customers included Union Camp, International Paper, Georgia-Pacific, Great Northern, and Louisiana-Pacific. Standing as a testament to the durability of their designs, many of these systems are still in use today.
Ken tried his hand at semi-retirement but found the lack of a challenge, customer demand, and the continuing need for superior sawmill automation systems brought him back full-time in 2010. Joining forces with a son-in-law, together they completely redesigned the entire product line utilizing modern software and hardware to create products that are even more reliable and, when coupled with online access, even easier to maintain. The MASS Team is proud that their new 3D Scanning System sells for a fraction of the price of other manufacturers and serves as an ongoing tribute to the MASS philosophy of delivering more than expected.
In addition to gaining valuable experience in a wide variety of automation applications, this period confirmed Ken's vision that a new approach to primary breakdown was needed. That new approach would bring forth a complete line of revolutionary automation, controls, and setworks, including LP (Linear Positioning) Setworks, available with or without Light Curtain Scanning, the now-famous Saver Setworks for set shaft carriages, Chip-N-Saw, PC based log breakdown simulation, Linebar, and horizontal resaw setworks featuring both linear and directional valves. Notable customers included Union Camp, International Paper, Georgia-Pacific, Great Northern, and Louisiana-Pacific. Standing as a testament to the durability of their designs, many of these systems are still in use today.
Ken tried his hand at semi-retirement but found the lack of a challenge, customer demand, and the continuing need for superior sawmill automation systems brought him back full-time in 2010. Joining forces with a son-in-law, together they completely redesigned the entire product line utilizing modern software and hardware to create products that are even more reliable and, when coupled with online access, even easier to maintain. The MASS Team is proud that their new 3D Scanning System sells for a fraction of the price of other manufacturers and serves as an ongoing tribute to the MASS philosophy of delivering more than expected.