From Lumber to Food: A Legacy of Drying Innovation

Nyle Dehydrators took a unique path towards becoming a manufacturer of energy-efficient food dehydration systems.

Nyle Systems was established in Brewer, Maine, over 40 years ago, initially specializing in energy-efficient technologies for lumber drying.
Nyle Systems was established in Brewer, Maine, over 40 years ago, initially specializing in energy-efficient technologies for lumber drying.
Source: Nyle

The fact that Nyle Dehydrators started its manufacturing focus on energy-efficient lumber drying technologies makes perfect sense once you know its headquarters in Brewer, Maine, is just a stone’s throw across the Penobscot River from Bangor, the former “Lumber Capital of the World.”

Initially established in 1977 as Nyle Systems, the company eventually grew from its lumber beginnings and diversified into water heating and HVAC solutions. In response to growing demand for sustainable, low-temperature food drying systems, Nyle Dehydrators was launched, offering heat pump and indirect gas-based solutions tailored for commercial and industrial processors.

Since then, this 67-person company has built a reputation for engineering excellence, customer partnership, and sustainable technology, serving clients across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

But Nyle’s evolution from a niche heat pump manufacturer to a trusted player in commercial and industrial food processing wasn’t accidental. It’s the result of decades of listening to customers, refining technologies, and staying ahead of shifting market needs.

“We’re known for combining energy efficiency with product integrity,” says Jeremy Howard, president. “Our heat pump technology allows us to deliver closed-loop drying systems that not only save energy but also protect the quality of what our customers are producing.”

Partnership over products

What sets Nyle apart isn’t just its technology — it’s its approach to business.

“We don’t just sell equipment,” says Niki St. Denis, sales and marketing manager. “We partner with customers to understand their goals, production challenges, and growth plans. Our engineering and service teams work side by side with them to build solutions that fit.”

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