Making-the-Cut-for-the-Firewood-Industry
Ask anyone you know and they’ll tell you this past winter was one of the longest and coldest in recent
memory. As climate changes continue to impact the way we consider seasonal heating demands, the
economy has also had a major effect on how families budget—and often only squeak by—to keep a warm
household during the winter months.
For many Americans, renewed interest in firewood for primary heating and hot water generation has
surged a marketplace of firewood producers into action. At the core of that service business is the
intersection of raw material availability, production, and delivery of quality end product. This resurgence
has created opportunities for many businesses across forestry, logging, lumber, tree services and
landscaping to make a real impact on the heating needs of their communities- and their bottom line.
Enter CRD Metalworks LLC, a family business nestled in the hills of Williamsburg, Massachusetts, who
since 2006 has been manufacturing “firewood processors” under the trade name Woodbine. Chris Duval,
owner and developer of the product line says he saw a real and growing need to address a shortage of
firewood production for companies trying to keep pace with the demand for product.
“When the economy hit rock bottom, the forestry industry was brought to its knees in many parts of the
country. This created a surplus of tree-length wood that wasn’t being sawn into grade lumber or made
into paper pulp. In many cases, loggers and foresters were faced with raw material they couldn’t easily
repurpose. That’s a major problem—not only because it strains their livelihoods, but because waste of
any kind when it comes to forest products is unacceptable.”
Duval said from this excess, a new and sustainable forestry operation was born: commercial firewood
producers. “Traditionally,” said Duval, a former logger and sawmiller in his own right “…firewood was
something guys did to keep men busy, or for extra income. Now, there are complete companies doing
millions of dollars per year of cut and split firewood alone. The demand is that huge, and the market
continues to grow at exponential rates”.
Although there are other manufacturers of similar technologies domestically, CRD Metalworks has
become America’s second largest manufacturer in just five years, producing and selling nearly 100 units
annually across North America and in other foreign markets. Integrating simplicity, durability, and safety
across the entire product line, CRD’s value proposition allows a user to jump feet-first into the firewood
business with a turn-key operation.
The Woodbine line-up of firewood processors is designed to process log-lengths of wood into cut-andsplit
firewood—as much as 5-6 cords per hour, depending on the unit specified. As part of the solution to
the often beguiled logging and forestry industry, CRD’s processors turn excess or waste wood product into
a consumable, renewable resource providing income for customers and heat for our communities.
“The perception is that there is a massive amount of waste generated by traditional logging and forestry
business.” said Patrick Davis, Director of Operations at CRD Metalworks. “In fact, the converse is very
true. Those that work the land are it’s stewards- rather than leave a woodchip behind, the newer
generation of logger understands the need, both environmentally and economically, to use every
available piece of raw material for a viable purpose. Owning one of our processors allows them to take
lesser quality wood material and create renewable energy, while meeting a real and growing demand for
alternative fuel sources.”
“In times of uncertainty, I think people revert to simpler, more reliable and controllable methods of living.
Wood heat is definitely one of those methods”, says Davis. He explained a traditional cord of seasoned
hardwood at an average price of 250.00/cord contains approximately 22 million BTU’s of heat, while 250
gallons of home heating oil contains approximately 34 million.*
“Look at the cost differential”, said Davis. “Oil runs about $31.00 per BTU, where wood runs about $16.00
per BTU, reduces forestry waste, and is a renewable resource. The more people come to understand the
benefits of wood fuel consumption, the more they are drawn to it.”*
Doing their part as well, CRD Metalworks’ firewood processors are designed with efficiency in mind,
integrating super-efficient hydraulic systems, low-fuel consumption power plant options, and cutting
systems that are lubricant free. In many applications three-phase electric motors are utilized in lieu of
diesel power.
“Our circular saw cutting system requires to bar and chain lubrication to operate, is 30% faster than
chainsaw systems, and is 30% more efficient to operate. Because of the use of carbide cutting tips, the
need to replace costly consumables is cut by more than 50% under normal conditions, which is greener
and meaner, all the way around”, said Duval.
Davis said the New England market has been its strongest in the last 18 months, accounting for nearly
50% of total company revenue. And that number continues to rise.
“In the last 4 weeks, we’ve deployed 10 machines in New England. New installations. If that doesn’t say
something about the surge of popularity in firewood, and the need that popularity is creating, I’m not sure
what does.”
*http://nepacrossroads.com/fuel-comparison-calculator.php
About CRD METALWORKS LLC
CRD Metalworks LLC
CRD Metalworks LLC is a family-owned and operated company, nestled in the foothills of the Berkshire
Mountains in Western Massachusetts. Started in 2006 by Chris Duval, creator and designer of the
Woodbine firewood processor, CRD Metalworks LLC has emerged as a leader in the firewood processor,
firewood tumbler, and log splitter markets doing business across the United States and in other
international countries.
Our understanding of the key ingredients for success in the firewood business is unparalleled. That's the
kind of knowledge you learn with your hands, not from books-- the kind that has helped shape the future
of our products since day one. With a focus on performance, power, and profit potential, each Woodbine
firewood processor is designed and manufactured to combine efficiency, ease of maintenance, and
exceptional durability.
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