This project implements innovative upgrades to the recipient's existing firewood production and packaging operations, to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness in the wood products…

Federal Grant Award Summary

The USDA Forest Service Wood Innovations Assistance program (CFDA 10.674) awarded Metzler Forest Products LLC a $716,453 Project Grant on October 30, 2025, to implement capital equipment upgrades enhancing firewood production and packaging operations. The award funds installation of a top-of-the-line Italian-manufactured firewood processing system capable of handling 4-8 inch diameter wood—material typically discarded in standard wood processing lines. The system incorporates auto-centering and laser-guided technology to maximize yield and minimize waste, directly supporting sustainable utilization of low-value forest residues and supporting the program's emphasis on active forest management and hazardous fuel reduction.

The project also modernizes Metzler's packaging operations through transition from manual to semi-automated wrapping and labeling systems, increasing production capacity from 8-9 bundles per minute to 15 bundles per minute. This infrastructure enhancement improves operational efficiency and competitiveness in the wood products market. The project is scheduled for completion by March 1, 2027, and will be performed in Pennsylvania. This award aligns with the Wood Innovations program's focus on strengthening the forest products industry and expanding wood energy markets through technology development and capital-intensive manufacturing infrastructure projects.

This project implements innovative upgrades to the recipient's existing firewood production and packaging operations, to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness in the wood products market. The project involves installing a top-of-the-line italian-made firewood processing system capable of handling 4-8 inch diameter wood, which often becomes waste in wood processing production lines. This firewood production and accompanying packaging system include auto-centering and laser-guided technology to maximize yield and minimize waste. The project will modernize the recipient's firewood packaging operations by transitioning from a manual process to a semi-automated wrapping and labeling system, increasing capacity from 8-9 bundles per minute to 15 bundles per minute.