MI - Holland wood pellet company booming

"Every single pellet we can make is sold.," says Plant Manager Robert Oswald. "We are producing at 100% of our capability right now."

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By Jon Mills

HOLLAND, Mich. (WZZM) - A Holland business that turns wood chips into fuel pellets for heating is experiencing a growth spurt. Michigan Wood Pellet Fuel is increasing production and tripling its workforce to keep up.

Trista Moore is pulling 12-hour shifts on the line at Michigan Wood Pellet Fuel. Moore spent time recently in another line - the unemployment line. Her metal polishing job shut down and no one else was hiring.

"I like it because I am constantly moving around," said Moore. "I got very lucky."

Lucky because in January, production at this renewable energy manufacturer cranked up and it hired her to help out. This year, the company will fill two million bags of wood pellets for heating homes. Plant Manager Robert Oswald says in the last year, the company more than tripled its size to 20 employees and demand for their product is sky high.

"Every single pellet we can make is sold.," said Oswald. "We are producing at 100% of our capability right now."

Rising home heating costs in recent years helped fuel interest and the demand for wood pellets. Now the company is considering a third pellet mill to increase production even more. Michigan Wood Pellet Fuel sells its product at a variety of big and small retailers around the state.

Homeowners can qualify for up to $1500 in federal stimulus money for purchasing a high-efficiency wood or pellet stove this year or next.

Additional Information

Web Site: http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_story.aspx?storyid=115215&catid=14

Category: Forestry>Wood Pellets

Region: Michigan

Ad Running: 10/30/2009-11/29/2011

Ad Posted: 10/30/2009 6:31:39 AM

Ad Viewed: 368 times

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