Carcful treati

and plywood for the Permanent Wood Foundations and general use lumber.

provides an excellent example of a treating company concerned with producing only the highest quality materials. Equipment, procdure and quality controls are all structured to provide the best product possible.

The Plymouth, N.C., plant utilizes the vacuum pressure system which is considered one of the most efficient ways to treat wood. The treatment cylinder is the heart of this process which draws and maintains an ultrahigh vacuum to remove the gases which are normally in wood fiben. When the vacuum is broken, atmospheric pressure forces the chromated copper arsenate pres€rvative liquid (CCA) into the wood. As the amount of solution absorbed is registered on meters in the system it is possible to apply extra pressure for greater chemical impregnation. The final step is another vacuum to draw off excess chemicals and clean the wood before it is removed from the cylinder.

Their cylinder, which is said to be the largest of its type on the east coast, measures 6 ft. by ll2 ft. It is capable of treating landscape timbers, outdoor deck lumber. both lumber

Included in the system are three 25,(m gallon work tanks that can provide all levels of treatment. Stock is treated to one of three levels: .25 lbs. of CCA€ per cubic foot of wood fiber for above ground and interior applications; .40 lbs. of CCA{ per cubic foot of wood fiber for ground contact and exterior applications or .60lbs. of CCA€ per cubic foot of wood fiber for below ground applications, specifically the Permanent Wood Foundation.

Environmental safeguards are important factors in the design of the equipment. The vacuum pressure system functions as a closed system. It is nonpolluting and is claimed to be employee safe. All EPA and OSHA standards are met or exceeded in its design and operation.

Plymouth has facilities for kiln dry-