Emerald Mills Inc. (EMI), a division of Hicksville, Ohio's Crook Miller Company, opened its mill in 2004 in response to the emerald ash borer outbreak in Southeast Michigan. Located in Flat Rock, Michigan, EMI focuses its entire operation on processing urban ash logs into tool handles. Much of the wood processed at EMI is obtained from the state's Emerald Ash Borer Disposal Sites.

The log yard at EMI.

Running logs through a metal detector.

Debarking the ash logs.

Saw making first cut in log.

EMI worker

Sawmill Manager Darren Bradbury watches as workers produce new dowels.

Pallet of dowels at EMI.