Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development Grants $100,000 to Local Company for Increased Manufacturing Capacity and Job Creation

Precision Hardwoods in Onaway received a $100,000 Food and Agriculture Investment Program grant

The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development voted at its regular meeting today to approve a grant for a local Michigan business, Precision Hardwoods, totaling $100,000. Precision Hardwoods will use the grant funding to increase their manufacturing capacity, for an expansion on their business space, for new advanced machinery, and to create 15 new jobs.

The funding for this project comes through the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development s (MDARD) Food and Agriculture Investment Program which provides financial support for projects that help expand food and agriculture processing to enable growth in the industry and Michigan’s economy. Projects are selected based on their impact on the overall agriculture industry and food and agriculture growth and investment in the state.

“These funds invest in the future of not just Precision Hardwoods, but the future of the Onaway community through additional employment opportunities and greater demand for sustainable forest products, said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “This investment in Precision Hardwoods highlights our commitment to supporting economic advancement throughout the agricultural sector across Michigan.”

Precision Hardwoods has been a key player in the hardwood production business for more than 10 years. Their products include green industrial lumber and grade lumber. With this funding, they aim to enhance their manufacturing capabilities almost 10-fold, from 25,000 board feet per day to 220,000 board feet per day. They will do this through obtaining advanced machinery and workforce development to ensure a consistent and reliable supply of premium, locally sourced, wood products.

“We are honored to have the MDARD team work with Precision Hardwoods to help with putting together this grant for our expansion project,”  said Mike Sturgill, owner of Precision Hardwoods. “The grant funding provided by MDARD will allow us to provide our community with 15 additional jobs and the ability to better supply Michigan and beyond with quality locally sourced lumber products!”

Precision Hardwoods have secured Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody Certification. FSC-certified material comes from forestlands that are certified to sustainability standards that ensure the wood harvested is from forests that are responsibly managed, socially beneficial, environmentally conscious, and economically viable. Their additional production will support further sustainable management of Michigan forestlands.

For more information about MDARD grants, visit www.Michigan.gov/MDARDGrants.

Contact:

Donna LaCourt – Program Contact – LaCourtD2@michigan.gov – (517) 614-5518

Source: The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development