SaultMICity Commissioners have given the green light for a new manufacturing company to start up in Sault, Michigan. ECO Marine Tech will set up shop on East Portage Avenue, with credit going to a three year Incubator Annex Lease Agreement and a personal property tax exemption. The company specializes in radio frequency/vacuum technology to dry various types of hardwood, that could become different wood products. But company co-owner Tom Farnquist says it’s all about reclaiming a lost resource…

A wide variety of applications would result from the drying process used by ECO Marine Tech. They range from large dimensional lumber to high-value components and veneer. ECO Marine Tech will specialize in drying wood from the inside out using radio frequency/vacuum technology. Farnquist says the drying process is instrumental in getting rid of invasive species affecting that hardwood…

The kiln used by ECO Marine Tech would be only the second of its kind in North America — the only other such kiln is located in Midland, Ontario. The new company is expected to result in a 250 thousand to 350 thosuand dollar investment in the community. Farnquist says the City Commission’s decision to permit the lease agreement and personal property tax exemption is positive for his business…

Farnquist adds that a similar operation is in the works for Sault, Ontario. Midland-based AquaTimber is working with the Ministry of Natural Resources to curb invasive species in the area. That company will be assisting in test runs at ECO Marine Tech when it starts up in July.