Developing dynamic maintenance to achieve sustainable, robust and resilient production a case study from a sawmill

Paper in proceeding, 2026

The wood manufacturing industry is essential to the net-zero transition, offering renewable materials and biofuels that reduce reliance on fossil-based products. Within this value chain, the sawmill industry plays a key role but remains technologically inconsistent. While many operations are automated to Industry 3.0 standards, Industry 4.0 adoption is limited, and the prevailing mindset still reflects mass production rather than customer-driven approaches. This study aims to enhance sustainability and material efficiency by developing dynamic maintenance strategies that support robust, resilient, and waste-minimized production. Maintenance and reliability in sawmills are underexplored, and this research bridges a gap between industry and academia by leveraging Industry 4.0/5.0 capabilities.A qualitative case study was conducted at a Swedish sawmill, involving 21 interviews and three workshops with maintenance and operations personnel, supported by a literature review. Findings highlight the importance of communication, collaboration, and clear roles for effective planning and sustainable maintenance. Leadership visibility and continuous competence development are key enablers of change. The study introduces the concept of dynamic maintenance, built on four pillars: shared goals, collaborative organization, value chain coordination, and appropriate technological support. These are enabled by a holistic perspective, organizational readiness for change, and data-driven decision-making. Achieving this requires strong leadership, participation, and a deep understanding of production processes. Competence development must address both organizational and technical aspects, including World- Class Maintenance and smart digitalization aligned with Industry 4.0/5.0.