These funds provide financial assistance to upgrade edger and trimmer machine centers with new scanning technology, improving yield, reducing waste, and enhancing material flow

Federal Grant Award Summary

Frank Miller Lumber Company received a $625,720 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Eastern Region (Region 9), under the Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program (CFDA 10.708), awarded on September 2, 2025. The grant funds the upgrade of edger and trimmer machine centers with advanced scanning technology to improve lumber recovery and reduce waste in the company's Illinois-based operations. The selected systems feature leading-edge scanning technology with two-sided appearance grading capabilities, enabling optimized material processing and enhanced operational efficiency.

The project supports multiple objectives aligned with the program's goals, including maximizing yield from harvested logs, increasing daily production output, and contributing to a zero-waste operational model. By improving resource utilization and production efficiency, the grant supports forest health and responsible forestry practices while bolstering Union City's local economy through job retention and potential new employment opportunities. The project is scheduled for completion by June 1, 2030, and demonstrates the program's commitment to advancing innovative wood product manufacturing capabilities in locations with limited market opportunities for low-value wood resources.

Objectives include increasing lumber recovery, supporting forest health, and boosting local economic resilience by maintaining jobs and fostering sustainability. This project supports forest health by maximizing the yield from each harvested log and increasing daily output. The project bolsters union city's local economy through job retention and the potential for new positions in response to increased production efficiency. The project will contribute to a zero-waste operational model, which collectively support conservation efforts, responsible forestry, and efficient resource use. The new edger and trimmer optimizers were selected after evaluating alternative systems due to their leading-edge scanning technology. These systems provide two-sided appearance grading.