Lumber Mill

The Lumber Mill is a production building that converts logs into planks and is a core component of early and mid-game industry. It appears as a specialized workshop where worker beavers operate saws to process raw timber into usable construction material. The Lumber Mill links basic resource chains (forestry and construction) to many other production chains and must be supplied with a steady stream of logs to operate efficiently.

A Lumber Mill requires a worker assigned to operate it and an input of logs placed into its inventory or delivered by nearby logistics. When supplied and staffed, it continuously produces planks at a fixed rate until its output storage fills or inputs are exhausted. The building occupies a footprint appropriate for industrial areas and integrates with adjacent roads and conveyors; positioning near tree farms, water sources for transport, or other processing buildings reduces travel time and improves throughput.

• Staffing and basic needs: Operators follow faction-specific basic needs that affect the mill’s productivity. If a worker’s Basic Need is not met, that worker’s movement speed is reduced and they may refuse to work, which directly slows Lumber Mill output. Manage workers’ Basic Needs through appropriate services and buildings to avoid slowdowns.
• Supply and logistics: Consistent log supply is critical. Place the mill close to tree plantations and use storage or transport routes to avoid idle time. Excess output should be routed to storage or downstream factories to prevent the mill from stopping when its output inventory is full.
• Placement and adjacency: The Lumber Mill benefits from being placed within efficient worker travel distance of residences, food/energy services, and other production buildings. Locate mills where roads or conveyor networks minimize hauling distance for both inputs and outputs.
• Interaction with boosts and faction systems: Production speed is influenced by worker boosts and faction-specific mechanics. Keep operators within range of boost-providing buildings and ensure any required faction-specific consumption or proximity needs (such as catalyst or control tower mechanics) are satisfied for maximal performance.
• Practical tips: Maintain buffer stockpiles of logs to handle temporary supply interruptions; avoid single mill bottlenecks by building multiple mills and distributing workload; monitor worker status indicators to quickly address unmet Basic Needs that reduce work speed or cause refusal to work.
• Failure modes: The Lumber Mill will idle if it lacks logs, if its output inventory is full, or if assigned workers refuse to work due to unmet needs. Address these causes by adjusting supply lines, increasing storage capacity, or resolving worker needs.

The Lumber Mill is indispensable for converting harvested wood into planks used across construction and advanced production, making it an early priority for any growing settlement.