A Better Approach To Wood Drying In Massachusetts
Lashway Lumber awarded $300,000 USDA grant
Funds to be utilized to develop wood drying innovation and sustainability
WILLIAMSBURG, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on June 12 that Lashway Lumber will receive a $300,000 grant to support their project, “A better approach to drying wood in Massachusetts.” The grant will be used to improve energy efficiency and sustainability of their wood drying process.
“It’s very special what we’re going to be doing here.” - Lashway Lumber
At the heart of Lashway Lumber is Gerald Lashway and his two sons, Larry and Gerry, who share a passion for the wood industry. Founded in 1954, Lashway Lumber is now managed by its fourth generation of family entrepreneurs. What once started out as a classic sawmill has now expanded into a diverse wood business that includes a wide range of logging services and custom kiln drying.
The company wasted no time implementing the grant. Renovations are already underway to optimize and upgrade their wood drying facility. Owner and President Larry Lashway envisions creating “the most state-of-the-art small drying kiln facility on the east coast,” with full operations expected by this fall. Lashway Lumber invested in four cutting-edge vacuum kilns from iDry. These innovative kilns dry wood faster and at lower temperatures, making the process more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
The arrival of these advanced kilns will signify a new chapter for Lashway Lumber. They will be capable of drying multiple species of wood simultaneously meaning that customers’ wait times will shrink from months to days. These vacuum kilns will also expand Lashway Lumber's capabilities to dry a broader range of wood.
““We will be able to take trees that people don’t want in their yard or on the street and we can turn them into high-quality products,” Lashway said. “It’s very special what we’re going to be doing here.””
This development will support the company's sustainability goals and allow them to transform timber that might otherwise go unused. They plan to work with local companies and give this wood back to the community in different ways.
Not only will this new facility improve services for their customers, but it will also revolutionize the lumber industry with a focus on sustainable forestry and energy-efficient operations. They will become a leader in environmentally conscious lumber services and contribute to a greener future for the industry.
Lashway Lumber also recently established Mill River Slabworks, building upon the legacy started by their great-grandfather. The Lashway family continues to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of the industry. As they embrace the grant's opportunities and push boundaries with their kiln facility, Lashway Lumber remains dedicated to sustainable practices and the bright future it holds for their community and the wood industry as a whole.
About Lashway Lumber
Located in Williamsburg, Massachusetts, Lashway Lumber is a custom sawmill that specializes in kiln drying and lumber services. Any order can be completed from start to finish on the property with ultra-precision and strict quality control. With a sister company, Ponders Hollow Custom Wood Flooring & Millwork, and the new expansion of Mill River Slabworks, Lashway Lumber provides diverse wood services throughout the greater Northeast. For more information about Lashway Lumber’s mission and services, visit lashwayusa.com.
Source https://www.businesswire.com/news/home
July 24, 2023 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time