Meet the CNC Guy: CNC Operations at Freres Engineered Wood

We recently caught up with Jason Pilgrim, the CNC Guy at Freres Engineered Wood, to learn more about his role as the CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Supervisor at our Mass Ply facility in Lyons, Oregon. Jason oversees the CNC operations at Freres, ensuring precision and efficiency in turning shop drawings into reality.

What is your role at Freres Engineered Wood?

That is always evolving but the gist of it is to oversee the transition of working models from the customer shop drawings to reality of cuts to fit within their projects.

Where are you from and how long have you worked at Freres?

I’m from Amarillo, Texas. I started at Freres in August 2017. I’ve been in the CNC world for 24 years now, working on all aspects of CNC from start to finish—CNC machine installation to project creation.

What does a typical shift look like for you?

I come from West Salem and get here by 5:30 a.m. to start work in the CNC area with Robert Rumplick and Mike Goodell, who are the CNC operators.

When did the new CNC machine get installed?

The SCM Area XL was installed at the end of February 2024. Since the install, we have processed around 250 billets for various projects on the SM area XL.

What is your favorite part of the new machine?

Having the capacity of 28 tools plus 2 saws on the North and South sides of the panels is a huge plus for throughput and processing of cuts. The chainsaw aggregate is a huge time-saver for completing cut-outs of doors and windows on the panels. Before we would have to rout out the area, turning it to dust to extract the doors and windows. The chainsaw has allowed us to complete 90 degree cuts on the internal corners for the customer. The overall redundancy of having the exact tooling in both tool changers allow for processing of both sides of the panel at the same time, which helps tremendously on CNC time per billet of MPP.

What’s been your favorite project you’ve worked on recently?

The Plant 3 storage warehouse was a wonderful project of work. We were able to see the parts from the MPP Billet form all the way to the finish of install just down the street. Of course we cannot leave out the acreage of panels delivered to the PDX Airport project.  That encompassed many parts of the new entrance look from the entire roof and check-in locations for the Airlines in the terminal.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

Mass Ply is a new product, so honing in on our feeds and speeds for precise cuts is the main focus right now. We are still testing ourselves on how fast and/or slow we can cut the product to maximize time and efficiency.

And what is the most fun?

It’s all fun; I enjoy every aspect of my job. In the CNC world, your imagination is the roof. You can do anything and each project is unique. Plus, the Freres family is really great to work for, so it really is an ideal job.

How would you describe the company culture?

One word: family.

Do you have any advice for people who want to work at Freres?

If you have great work ethic, you will have no issues working at Freres, you’ll be very happy here. They’re a great company to work for—well-structured with the potential for long-term career growth.

What are you looking forward to in the coming months, both at home and with Freres?

Fall will be here soon, so I hope that brings on some more 4th quarter projects that will lead us into the new year on the right foot with many buildings to complete.