Arbor Wood Co. Partners with Jartek to Increase Production

Industry News,

Originally Published by: LBM Journal — December 13, 2024
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Arbor Wood Co., a U.S. manufacturer of high-quality thermally modified wood products, has announced it has entered into an agreement to purchase a new thermokiln from Finland-based Jartek, a global manufacturer of wood thermal modification technology. Arbor Wood Co.’s annual production will increase by three million board-feet as a result. Jartek’s thermokiln utilizes state-of-the-art, open-system technology to modify wood and underscores Arbor Wood Co.’s commitment to environmental responsibility.  

(Arbor Wood Co.)

Jon Heyesen, CEO of Arbor Wood Co., said, “This purchase kicks off a phased expansion in response to our ever-increasing product demand and enables us to deliver high-quality, environmentally responsible products for our customers. We selected Jartek’s proprietary, open-system technology as the premier choice for manufacturing thermally modified wood products.” Heyesen continued, “2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for the company as we expand our operations in St. Joe to accommodate the Jartek thermokiln and a second milling operation.”

This Jartek thermokiln will be the first of its kind in the United States and its purchase launches Phase One of Arbor Wood Co.’s multi-kiln expansion at its Indiana manufacturing operations. The thermokiln utilizes advanced heat treatment methods to thermally modify wood products efficiently while preserving their quality and durability. With its highly automated process and energy-saving features, the thermokiln will operate at lower levels of energy consumption than standard kilns, improving their environmental footprint as a result. 

Juho Luoranen, CEO of Jartek, commented, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Arbor Wood Co. on this groundbreaking project. Delivering the first thermokiln of its kind to the United States marks a significant milestone for Jartek. Arbor Wood Co.’s dedication to sustainability aligns perfectly with our mission to provide cutting-edge solutions that enhance both productivity and environmental responsibility. We look forward to building on this partnership in the years to come.”