The baled cork, as received, is our first consideration, for its bulk,
being out of all proportion to its value, attracts the attention at
once.
As in all business where the raw stock is conveyed from a distance and
there is a possibility of delay in shipments, a large stock must
necessarily be kept on hand, and this feature is very pronounced in and
about a “cork factory.” Great piles appear in the open or within large
sheds, covering much space, and sometimes in the factory itself.
This stock is carefully watched and care taken to keep it large enough
to supply all needs for a long time as a shortage in raw material would
not only mean no work, but the loss of business, due to the inability to
supply first-grade material, for this is the prime factor, the various
other grades being compelled to await a favorable market. Appended is a
diagram that will give some idea of the utilization of corkwood.
The corkwood bale as received, measures as a general rule 2′ × 2′7″ × 4′
and is securely strapped with iron bands about one inch in width and a
thickness of 1/16″ to 1/32″, and the weight depending upon the quality
of corkwood ranging from 150 pounds to 200 pounds per bale.