Industry News – April 2026

Industry News – April 2026

Robinson Lumber Commissions Biochar Production System In New Albany, IN

Robinson Lumber Company has commissioned its first biochar production system at its New Albany, Indiana facility, advancing the company’s focus on innovation and higher-value use of residuals. The PRD1000 is a modular, containerized unit integrated within the footprint of Robinson’s flagship concentration yard. The system processes approximately 1,000 pounds of wood residuals per hour and is expected to produce about 700 metric tons of biochar annually.

“The decline in residuals markets threatens all of us,” said CEO Garner Robinson. “Our industry cannot afford to ignore that reality. We must build durable markets for residuals if we expect American hardwood manufacturing and forest communities to be competitive.”

The operation runs under Robinson Carbon, a recently formed venture focused on biochar production and carbon removal. In addition to manufacturing biochar products, the facility will generate verified carbon removal credits designed to meet growing corporate demand for durable, high-quality carbon credits.

Biochar is produced through pyrolysis, a high-temperature process that heats biomass in an oxygen-limited environment. The process converts wood residuals into a stable, carbon-rich material with a porous structure. In horticultural and agricultural applications, biochar improves moisture retention, nutrient efficiency, and soil health. Because the carbon in biochar is highly stable, the process enables long-term carbon storage. The Indiana facility will generate carbon removal credits representing more than 1,400 metric tons of permanent carbon storage each year.

“Robinson Lumber Company has been sequestering carbon for over 130 years, we just never got credit for it,” joked Brooklyn Legg, who joined Robinson Lumber Company in 2024 as its first sustainable products specialist dedicated full-time to developing the biochar initiative. Brooklyn was recently promoted to strategy lead.

With the recent additions of Fatima Haque as Carbon Science Lead and Larry Dodson as Principal Systems Engineer, the Robinson Carbon team now totals three members supporting operations, technical integration, and credit development. Robinson has expanded hiring in the greater Louisville, KY area and is seeking operators for the biochar reactor as well as a General Manager for the lumber yard.

Founded in 1893, Robinson Lumber Company is a fifth-generation family-owned lumber manufacturer and wholesaler.

For more details, visit roblumco.com.

Patrick Lumber Company Now Offering 16-Foot Alder

Patrick Hardwood, located in Philomath, OR, sits adjacent to Patrick Lumber Company’s manufacturing facility where any resawing and kiln-drying occurs. The company’s property totals 38 acres, and current capacity is 200 to 300 thousand board feet per month, but they are aiming for 500 thousand board feet per month.

They are adding 16-foot Alder in both knotty and clear grades to their product roster, which includes species native to Oregon such as Bigleaf Maple, White and Tan Oak, Myrtle, Golden Chinquapin and more. The new Alder line can be used by distributors and manufacturers in the flooring, door, window, furniture and interior application business.

Patrick Lumber CEO Dave Halsey stated, “We’ve been focused on supplying our core customer base with the product since we began cutting hardwoods in the R&D phase a couple years ago.”

Kalayna Crook, a lumber trader at Patrick Lumber, shared that based on feedback from trusted customers, the products have been “well-received in the marketplace. Our niche is targeting longer lengths, particularly in Alder, and we’ve been able to have a high production rate in the 12 through 16’ range. It’s come as a pleasant surprise for many of our customers as this volume currently doesn’t exist in the Alder market.”

In addition to the new Alder product, Patrick Lumber recently installed a log splitter and outfeed system to accommodate larger logs and increase their capacity for larger timbers. These new installations join a headrig, gang rip, edger, trim saw and green chain pull in the sawmill.

To learn more, visit patlbr.com

McDonough Manufacturing Company’s Newest Installation At Devereaux Sawmill

Devereaux Sawmill Inc., located in Pewamo, MI, recently installed a new seven-foot slant band mill along with a 62-inch horizontal resaw supplied by Eau Claire, WI-based, McDonough Manufacturing Company. The horizontal resaw features a 24-inch-wide by 18-inch-high capacity and is equipped with electric VFD drives and integrated controls to ensure smooth operation and precise performance. The feedworks system includes knurled and chromed hold down rolls, designed to deliver consistent material handling and improved control through the cut.

The installation builds on a long-standing relationship between the two companies. Devereaux Sawmill, which produces around 17 million board feet annually, has operated multiple McDonough band mills and resaws over the years, reflecting their confidence in the equipment. With the new systems now fully commissioned and running, the sawmill is positioned to enhance both production and cutting accuracy while maximizing uptime in the mill.

“Family-owned operations are the backbone of the forest products industry, and that commitment to long term growth is evident at Devereaux Sawmill. With deep roots in their regional forestry community, the Devereaux team continues to invest in modern, efficient equipment to support both production capacity and product quality,” commented Matt Tietz, owner of McDonough.

Tietz added, “Devereaux Sawmill’s continued expansion demonstrates the mindset that defines successful family run mills: reinvest in the operation, adopt proven technology and focus on long term sustainability. Projects like this highlight how thoughtful equipment upgrades can strengthen production while supporting the next generation of growth.”

Visit mcdonough-mfg.com or devereauxsawmill.com to learn more.

The Hardwood Federation: Board Meetings And Biomass

Recently, the Hardwood Federation (HF) and board of directors and the Hardwood Federation PAC board of directors met in Indianapolis, IN. Board members, elected by the Association members of the Federation were confirmed, the board was updated on progress towards establishing and funding an economic relief program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and reviewed policy priorities for 2026. Although landowners and other wood products related sectors are also working on relief packages, the Federation remains committed to developing hardwood specific programs rather than a more general wood products solution, noted Dana Lee Cole, executive director of the HF.

The Board heard updates on other key policy priorities including increased truck weights through the reauthorization of the Transportation Bill, increased use of hardwoods in the built environment and potential for passing a 2026 Farm Bill. The boards also discussed fundraising and budget needs for both the Federation and the
HFPAC in 2026, including how current industry challenges impact efforts.

In other news, The Hardwood Federation and a number of other hardwood associations and companies signed a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin advocating for modernizing the treatment of woody biomass under the national Renewable Fuels Standard so that liquid fuels derived from forest biomass could qualify under the mandate. The definition at the time of this report disqualifies virtually all fuel from woody biomass from eligibility. Under the existing statute enacted in 2007, only trees sourced from plantations growing on land cleared prior to December 19, 2007 (date of enactment) would qualify. Fiber from federal land is also not eligible, nor is any slash from private land that may include whole trees. Sawmill residuals also face eligibility challenges if the sawmill owner cannot trace all the fiber back to qualifying tree plantations.

 The letter was led by the National Alliance of Forest Owners. Forest landowner advocates are looking to move biomass definitional language as part of a broader effort underway by ethanol advocates to extend E-15 blended gasoline sales year-round.

The above was provided by the Hardwood Federation. Visit hardwoodfederation.com to learn more.

NWFA Completes 83rd Home With Gary Sinise Foundation

The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) recently provided flooring for its 83rd home in support of the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment). The R.I.S.E. program builds mortgage-free, custom, specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. The home dedication for retired U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Brad Ivanchan took place in Scottsdale, AZ. Flooring for the project was donated by NWFA member Lambright Flooring. Installation services were donated by NWFA member Blackhawk Floors.

Corporal Ivanchan was deployed to Iraq in 2009, serving as a turret gunner and providing escort security for an explosive ordinance disposal team. He went on to become a machine gun team leader and then a squad leader with 12 Marines under his command, carrying out combat foot patrols in Helmand Province. In 2012, his team was conducting a night patrol when several IEDs were detonated. The explosions resulted in the partial loss of both legs and severe injuries to his left arm and hand.

In addition to the 83 homes already completed, NWFA currently is working with its members to source wood flooring for 14 additional R.I.S.E. homes in various stages of planning and construction. Currently, 162 NWFA member companies have donated product, logistics and installation services in locations throughout the United States, with a total value of more than $7 million. A list of all NWFA R.I.S.E. participating companies can be found at nwfa.org/giving-back.aspx.

The National Wood Flooring Association is a not-for-profit trade organization, with more than 3,000 member companies world-wide, dedicated to educating consumers, architects, designers, specifiers, and builders in the uses and benefits of wood flooring.

The NWFA is located in St. Charles, MO, and can be contacted at 800-422-4556 (U.S. and Canada), 636-519-9663 (local and international), e-mail them at anita.howard@nwfa.org or visit nwfa.org.

Hardwood Lumber Handler Acquires Bender Lumber

R.P. Lumber Co. Inc., a family-owned, full-service building materials retailer and home center, recently announced the acquisition of Bender Lumber, a long-standing name in Indiana’s building supply industry.

The acquisition of Bender Lumber marks a major milestone for R.P. Lumber, bringing its total store count to 99 across seven states.

Bender Lumber was founded in 1931 and later purchased by Harold Bender and his son John Bender in 1963. The company has eight locations in Bedford, Bloomington, Columbus, Linton, Madison, Martinsville, Paoli and Washington.

With over 100 employees companywide, Bender Lumber has maintained a focus on serving professional builders and remodelers, while also supporting a growing base of DIY customers. Each Bender location is a full-service lumberyard offering building materials, hardware, and contractor support. Bender Lumber handles Poplar, Cedar, Mahogany, pine and more according to the company’s website.

The companies are working to ensure a seamless transition, with no disruption to customer service or product availability. Existing employees remained in place, the companies already share many of the same vendors and technology, and R.P. Lumber will invest in additional technology, equipment and inventory to enhance the customer experience.

R.P. Lumber delivers its industry-leading “Best Service. Best Value” promise by offering full-service delivery, complete hardware stores, lumber (offering species such as Poplar, Oak and white pine according to the company website), drywall, roofing, deck design, cabinet design, and much more for professional contractors and homeowners alike. R.P. Lumber will soon have a physical presence in 99 locations throughout Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming. The company also operates a design center, two component manufacturing facilities and an e-commerce platform offering nearly 100,000 items for sale. R.P. Lumber was founded by Robert and Donna Plummer in 1977 in Staunton, IL, and is now based in Edwardsville, IL.

To learn more,  visit rplumber.com.