Improve the energy efficiency of kiln 1. We estimate IT currently uses roughly twice the energy as our other kilns to achieve the same amount of drying

Vaagen Bros. Lumber, Inc. received a $490,000 Project Grant award on September 10, 2025, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region, under the Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program (CFDA 10.708). The award funds the repair and reconditioning of Kiln 1 at the company's Colville, Washington facility to improve energy efficiency and reduce operational energy consumption by approximately 50 percent. The upgraded kiln will be configured primarily for drying specialty lumber products, including lamstock and lumber destined for cross-laminated timber (CLT) manufacturing, which require precise moisture content reduction to meet manufacturing specifications.

The project aligns with the Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program's objectives by enhancing wood product processing capabilities and supporting sustainable forestry practices in the Pacific Northwest region. The award period extends through October 31, 2027, providing sufficient time for the comprehensive kiln modernization effort. This capital improvement project directly supports the awardee's operational efficiency and expands its capacity to process value-added wood products while reducing energy costs associated with lumber drying operations.

Repair and recondition kiln 1 so that IT can be used primarily for drying our specialty lumber products such as lamstock and lumber used in cross laminated timber manufacturing, both of which need to be dried to lower moisture content.