Tune into the latest episode of the FPBS podcast to explore the Wood Manufacturing Assistance Team (WMAT) program, a unique partnership between the USDA Forest Service and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, designed to offer no-cost technical support to small wood product manufacturers. Discover how this initiative helps businesses like sawmills, biomass processors, and wood pellet producers enhance operational performance, improve efficiency, strengthen safety, and expand into new markets through services such as operational audits, equipment recommendations, and investment planning. We'll detail the simple application process, which involves completing a short Interest Form and providing company and operational details, current challenges, and your specific needs, all with no participation fees or matching funds required. Plus, we’ll dive into hypothetical case studies, illustrating how businesses can receive tailored assistance to overcome challenges ranging from byproduct utilization and energy transition to workflow optimization and capital planning.
