Wood manufacturing facilities are essential to the forest industry supply chain – providing critical markets for logs, low-value stems, and residues.  Sawmills, pellet mills, biomass processors, and other wood-using facilities provide essential markets that allow for active forest management and support rural economies across the country.

In order to remain successful and grow, these facilities must continuously improve operations, invest in new equipment and processes, and enhance worker safety. The U.S. Endowment for Forests & Communities and the USDA Forest Service – Wood Innovations have partnered to support these wood manufacturing facilities across the United States by providing technical assistance through the Wood Manufacturing Assistance Team (WMAT), which provides company-specific expert technical assistance free of charge.  

Through the WMAT, industry experts work directly with manufacturers to address challenges, develop solutions, and support implementation. Technical assistance is provided at no cost to the participating facility, and no grant application process is required. The program is open to wood manufacturing facilities across the U.S., including sawmills, pellet mills, biomass processors, and other wood-using operations—especially those engaged in primary processing and utilizing wood sourced from active forest management.

According to the U.S. Endowment, facilities will be selected based on:

• Type and urgency of the need;
• Fit with the scope of available services;
• Timeline and capacity for implementation; and
• Available program resources.

Priority will be given to:  

• Primary processing facilities which utilize feedstock sourced from active forest management, including timber sales, hazardous fuels reduction projects, and other ecosystem restoration efforts;  
• Projects for which the WMAT has the expertise and capacity to support; and
• Facilities with a high likelihood of implementing improvements and sustaining outcomes.

The WMAT can support a wide range of services, including (but not limited to):

• Operational efficiency audits;
• Identification of equipment or process improvements;
• Development of long-term strategic investment plans;
• Maintenance and safety program reviews;
• Capital investment feasibility studies; and
• Identification of new markets or expansion opportunities.

For facilities considering a wood energy project, a Wood Energy Technical Assistance Team is already available to help public and private sector facility owners evaluate and develop community-scale projects that utilize woody biomass for heat energy or for both heat and power.

If you are aware of facilities that would like to explore this option, the U.S. Endowment has a simple intake form on its website, which asks about the company, the project, timeline, and desired support.  From there, a team member will contact you to learn more and determine if the project is a good fit for the Wood Manufacturing Assistance Team.

Resources: 
Additional Information & Intake Form
Forest Business School Podcast Episode on the Program
Information on the Wood Energy Assistance Team