The New England Wood Pellet manufacturing facility is the largest one of its kind in the northeastern section of the U.S. The fuel manufacturing plant produces 100,000 tons of renewable energy annually to heat 33,000 homes in the Central New York state area. 

The plant hopes to eliminate the shortage of wood pellets in the region by reducing home heating costs and dependence on home heating oil in the harsh northeastern winters. Based on a referral by another client, hot-dip galvanizing was chosen to protect the inner and outer surfaces of the plant and to stand up to physical abuse and corrosive wood sap environments. In all, 110,000 tons of steel were hot-dip galvanized, including silos, the conveyor system, handrails, ladders, and structural supports. The initial cost proved to be less expensive, and had a greater life expectancy rating than using a three paint system as a means for corrosion protection. Citing durability, quality, and turnaround time as important considerations, the HDG process exceeded expectations with excellent results. So much so, the highly visible plant is now considered a show piece plant for its type and represents great potential for future growth in manufacturing sustainable energy. With the hot-dip galvanizing experience, the plant will enjoy years of corrosion protection and lowered maintenance costs that will stand up to the elements and the abuse it will incur.