Thermal Modification: Advancing Sustainability, Durability, and Advocacy in the Hardwood Industry

In recent years, thermal modification has become a transformative force in the hardwood industry—enhancing durability, promoting sustainability, and encouraging smarter, more responsible wood use. At the forefront of this movement is BigonDry, a global leader in thermal modification kiln technology, working in partnership with its North American distributor, Carolina Machinery Sales (CMS).

CMS and BigonDry are proud to be new members of the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) and are excited to attend the 2025 NHLA Annual Convention in San Antonio. This partnership reflects the shared values that define the hardwood community—innovation, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

A Proven Industry Partnership
Carolina Machinery Sales, a trusted machinery dealer in the sawmill and wood products industries, has been serving customers for 18 years. Known for specializing in used equipment across sectors like sawmill, pallet, woodworking, panel processing, and biomass, CMS brings deep experience and market insight to every transaction. In 2020 CMS was introduced to BigonDry, and the connection was immediate. By 2025, the partnership has grown into a robust collaboration, with over a dozen BigonDry kilns installed in operations across the U.S. and Canada. Current kiln owners span states including North Carolina, Louisiana, Georgia, Maryland, Idaho, New York, and Ontario, Canada.

BigonDry’s kilns are self-contained, turn-key systems that are pre-tested in Italy before shipping. CMS works closely with clients to ensure seamless delivery, installation, training, and support. “Head to head, we believe we provide our customers with the best bang for the buck in the thermal modification class,” said Ralph Viegelmann, President of CMS. “We’re proud to offer advanced European technology backed by responsive U.S.-based service.”

What Is Thermal Modification?
Thermal modification is a chemical-free process that uses high heat—typically between 160°C and 250°C—in a controlled environment to alter wood’s physical and chemical structure. This process reduces moisture content and increases resistance to decay, insects, and environmental exposure. Unlike traditional chemical treatments, thermal modification enhances wood performance naturally, aligning with growing ecological standards and consumer expectations.

Popular species treated in BigonDry kilns include Pine, Poplar, Ash, and Red Oak. The flexibility to treat hardwood or softwood lumber, veneer, or beams makes these kilns a valuable asset across the spectrum of wood processing applications.
Why It Matters—Especially Now

The advantages of thermal modification are wide-ranging and timely:

• Improved Durability: The process neutralizes hemicelluloses—components in wood that attract moisture, resulting in a product that can endure harsh climates and resist rot and insects.
• Dimensional Stability: Wood’s natural tendency to warp or crack under humidity is significantly reduced, making thermally modified wood ideal for high-performance applications.
• Aesthetic Enhancement: The process deepens wood’s color and grain character, giving it a premium, exotic look without additional finishing.
• Sustainability: Free of added chemicals and built to last, thermally modified wood supports environmentally friendly construction and design practices.

These benefits are more than product features—they represent an opportunity for the hardwood industry to advocate for itself in a time when sustainability, durability, and performance are more than market trends—they’re necessities.

NHLA Membership: A Platform for Progress
For CMS and BigonDry, joining NHLA isn’t just a business decision—it’s a way to align with the hardwood industry’s values and contribute to its evolution. “Being part of NHLA gives us a platform to advocate for technology and sustainability, and to connect with partners shaping the industry’s future,” said Viegelmann.

CMS and BigonDry are particularly excited to showcase their work at the 2025 NHLA Annual Convention, where attendees can learn more about the impact of thermal modification and its role in enhancing the hardwood sector’s environmental credibility.

As advocacy becomes a growing priority within the NHLA and the wood products industry, companies like CMS and BigonDry play a key role. Their work helps demonstrate that innovation doesn’t have to come at the expense of tradition—it can support it. From better-performing products to sustainable practices, thermal modification is helping the hardwood industry tell a stronger, smarter story.

Looking Ahead
As the demand for high-performance, environmentally conscious building materials continues to rise, the thermal modification market is poised for growth. With their expanding footprint across North America and their investment in NHLA membership and industry advocacy, CMS and BigonDry are committed to helping the hardwood sector lead that movement.

To learn more about BigonDry kilns or CMS’s complete services, visit www.carolinamachinerysales.com.