ARBOR WOOD CO. EXPANDS PARTNERSHIP WITH JARTEK TO ADVANCE HIGH-PERFORMANCE THERMALLY MODIFIED WOOD
Fourth thermal modification kiln combines best-in-class technology, domestic manufacturing, and technical expertise to support the growing North American market
St. Joe, IN, September 14, 2026 — Arbor Wood Co., the leading U.S. manufacturer of thermally modified wood products, has announced an agreement with Finland-based Jartek to add a second Jartek thermal modification kiln at its manufacturing facility in St. Joe, Indiana; bringing the company’s thermal modification kiln fleet to four total.
More than an expansion of manufacturing capacity, the investment reflects Arbor Wood Co.’s long-term confidence in the growing North American market for thermally modified wood and its commitment to helping shape the future of the category. The fourth kiln at the Arbor Wood Co.’s St. Joe manufacturing site advances the company’s multi-kiln growth strategy while strengthening its ability to provide high-performing, domestically produced ThermoWood® products supported by advanced technology, rigorous process control, and industry expertise. As architects, builders, manufacturers, and designers seek materials that combine natural beauty with enhanced durability, dimensional stability, and long-term performance, Arbor Wood Co. is investing in the technology, infrastructure, and technical capability needed to serve the market at a higher level.
“We are investing in the future of this category,” said Jon Heyesen, CEO of Arbor Wood Co. “The addition of a second Jartek kiln reinforces our commitment to lead in domestic thermal modification—not only through greater capacity, but through the quality of our technology, the expertise of our team and partners, and the performance of the material we bring to market. Our customers need products they can specify and build with confidence, and this investment helps us continue raising the standard.”
The additional kiln will expand Arbor Wood Co.’s ability to thermally modify hardwood and softwood species for exterior cladding, decking, dimensional lumber, and other architectural and specialty applications. Thermal modification uses controlled heat and steam to enhance the durability, dimensional stability, and performance of wood without the addition of chemical preservatives.
Jartek’s thermal modification technology, designed around the ThermoWood® process, provides the precision, automation, and repeatability required to consistently produce high-performing material across wood species and production volumes. The new kiln will strengthen Arbor Wood Co.’s production capabilities and process control while supporting its focus on quality, energy efficiency, and product consistency.
“Arbor Wood Co. has been an important partner as we continue to advance thermal modification technology in North America,” said Tuuli Luoranen, Chair of the Board, Jartek. “We are pleased to continue our relationship with Arbor Wood Co. and support their investment in the future of American thermally modified wood production. This expansion demonstrates Arbor Wood Co.’s confidence in the market and in the long-term potential of thermal modification.”
Arbor Wood Co.’s St. Joe facility is central to the company’s domestic manufacturing and market-development strategy. It enables the company to maintain close control over the thermal modification process; develop and validate new species, profiles, and applications; and provide customers with technical guidance from specialists who understand both the material and its end-use requirements.
The company is the first and only U.S.-based member of the International ThermoWood® Association, connecting its domestic operations with globally recognized thermal modification practices and expertise. Through continued investment in technology, manufacturing, product development, and customer education, Arbor Wood Co. is working to make premium ThermoWood® products more accessible throughout North America.
“Demand for thermally modified wood is growing because customers are looking beyond aesthetics alone,” Heyesen added. “They want natural materials that offer strong performance, reliable availability, and the support of a knowledgeable partner. Our continued investment in St. Joe positions Arbor Wood Co. to meet those expectations today while helping define what this category can become in the years ahead.”
The additional kiln represents the next phase of Arbor Wood Co.’s long-term investment in advanced manufacturing and its commitment to providing the North American market with high-performing, responsibly produced thermally modified wood.
About Arbor Wood Co.
Arbor Wood Co. is a leading domestic manufacturer of thermally modified wood products, including cladding, decking, dimensional lumber, and specialty products manufactured from responsibly sourced U.S. hardwood and softwood species. Based in St. Joe, Indiana, Arbor Wood Co. combines advanced thermal modification technology with precision manufacturing to produce high-performance wood products for architectural, commercial, residential, and specialty applications. The company is committed to sustainability, craftsmanship, innovation, and expanding access to domestically manufactured thermally modified wood. Arbor Wood Co. Is the only US based member of the International ThermoWood® Industry (ITWA).
About Jartek
Jartek is a global provider of wood processing and thermal modification technology. Based in Finland, Jartek develops and delivers advanced thermal modification kilns, boiler plants, automation, and related systems designed to improve production efficiency, quality, and energy performance. Jartek has delivered more than 100 thermal wood modification kilns worldwide and provides technology compatible with the ThermoWood® process.
For more information, please contact:
Andrew Ellingson
Arbor Wood Co.
651-399-5761
Andrew@arborwoodco.com