In a significant stride towards sustainable forestry and energy-efficient operations, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on June 12th, 2023, that Lashway Lumber, a renowned wood business in Williamsburg, Massachusetts, will receive a $300,000 grant. The grant aims to support Lashway Lumber’s ambitious project, “A better approach to drying wood in Massachusetts,” and foster improved energy efficiency and sustainability within their wood drying process.
At the heart of Lashway Lumber is a family with a deep-rooted passion for the wood industry. Founded in 1954, the company is now managed by its fourth generation of family entrepreneurs. What began as a classic sawmill has since grown into a diverse wood business, encompassing a wide range of logging services and custom kiln drying.
The company wasted no time in putting the grant to use. Already, renovations are underway to optimize and upgrade their wood drying facility. Larry Lashway, the owner, and president, envisions creating “the most state-of-the-art small drying kiln facility on the east coast,” with full operations expected to commence by this fall. To achieve this vision, Lashway Lumber has invested in four cutting-edge vacuum kilns from iDry. These innovative kilns are designed to dry wood faster and at lower temperatures, making the process not only more energy-efficient but also environmentally friendly. Additionally, these vacuum kilns possess the capability to dry multiple species of wood simultaneously, significantly reducing customers’ wait times from months to mere days. Furthermore, they will expand the company’s capabilities, allowing them to dry a broader range of wood and transform timber that might have otherwise gone unused into high-quality products.
Larry Lashway expressed his enthusiasm for the new venture, stating, “We will be able to take trees that people don’t want in their yard or on the street, and we can turn them into high-quality products. It’s very special what we’re going to be doing here.”
The implications of the upgraded facility extend beyond improved services for their customers. Lashway Lumber is set to become a trailblazer in the lumber industry’s shift toward sustainable practices and eco-conscious operations. By embracing the grant’s opportunities and pushing the boundaries with its kiln facility, the company is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and envisioning a brighter future for its community and the wood industry as a whole.
Located in Williamsburg, Massachusetts, Lashway Lumber is a custom sawmill that specializes in kiln drying and lumber services. With ultra-precision and strict quality control, they are fully equipped to complete any order from start to finish on their property. Moreover, their sister company, Ponders Hollow Custom Wood Flooring & Millwork, and the new expansion of Mill River Slabworks have allowed them to provide diverse wood services throughout the greater Northeast.
As Lashway Lumber forges ahead with its commitment to sustainable forestry, energy efficiency, and customer-centric practices, the wood industry can look forward to a positive transformation led by this exemplary family-owned business. Their dedication to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement stands as a beacon of hope for the future of the wood industry, inspiring others to follow suit in building a greener and more sustainable world.Â
Image provided by Lashway Lumber
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