This partner specializes in producing high quality hardwood lumber, railroad ties, and cants

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service R9-Eastern Region awarded $600,000 to Orion Hardwoods Inc. on December 3, 2025, under the Wood Utilization Assistance program (CFDA 10.674) to optimize hardwood lumber production capacity in Indiana.

Orion Hardwoods produces high-quality hardwood lumber, railroad ties, and cants sourced from private landowners and state forests, including the Hoosier National Forest. The award funds optimization of the recipient's edger system and addition of a Cleerman gang box to increase production capacity by 2,000 board feet per day. Over 250 annual production days, this improvement is projected to yield 500,000 additional board feet annually. The project will also support the purchase of 92 additional semi-loads of logs annually, increasing volume purchases from local loggers.

Performance extends through May 1, 2030, with work performed in Indiana. This is a project grant—an assistance type—obligating the full $600,000. The Wood Innovations Grants Program supports strengthening of the forest products industry and expansion of wood product markets to sustain long-term management of National Forest System and other forest lands, with focus areas including technological development supporting sustainable forest management.

Wood is sourced from private landowners and state forests, including the hoosier national forest. This award will allow the optimization of the edger system and the addition of a cleereman gang box. By improving production capacity, expectations are a 2,000 board feet per day increase in production, which, over 250 production days, will result in 500,000 additional board feet annually. The project will also allow the purchase of 92 additional semi-loads of logs annually, supporting local loggers.