The Need
Matson Lumber Company is a timber and lumber business located in Brookville, Pennsylvania. The company sends wood to the pre-drying kiln to remove moisture prior to sending it to the main kiln. Due to the high humidity, the existing roof structure on the pre-dry kiln is becoming less stable. While the roof is currently safe, Matson Lumber believes the roof could become unstable within a few years and is planning to replace it to ensure the safety of its employees.
The PennTAP Connection
PennTAP senior technical advisors and Penn State student interns visited the facility to observe operations and collect data regarding the facility’s current pre-dry kiln roof.
The Project
This project was supported and funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program. PennTAP performed an energy efficiency audit of the existing pre-dry kiln roof. The results of this analysis served as a basis for application for financial assistance under the USDA Rural Energy Assistance Program. PennTAP provided assistance with completing the grant application, requesting $135,000.
The Outcome
The anticipated savings from replacing the existing roof with the new energy-efficient roof is determined by combining both the production economic benefits with the energy saving economic benefits. The energy assessment concluded that by replacing the roof, the energy lost through the roof is expected to be reduced by 86%. The annual cost savings from energy is expected to be approximately $9,600 per year. Matson Lumber is also expected to increase production by $497,000, approximately 5%. Production is expected to increase because the pre-dry kiln will be able to maintain temperature more effectively in the winter.
About the Company
Matson Lumber Company
132 Main Street
Brookville PA 15825
814-849-5334
Wayne Wilson
County: Jefferson
Employees: 160
Industry: Lumber and Plywood Product Manufacturing