Building Products

Business plan, feasibility study, business development, and marketing consulting for $4 million strawboard plant for Durra Building Systems, LLC, Whitewright, Texas, 2000-2004. Assisted in negotiating the contract with Ortech Industries, Melbourne, Australia to purchase the equipment, technology, and the manufacturing rights for the Western Hemisphere. Assisted in the layout building and equipment, hiring management, and worked as the marketing director from 2000-2003 to assist in developing national and international sales, public relations, new product research and development, and plant expansion. Grant awarded for the USDA Value Added Producer Grant Program, 2002 ($137,000), 2004 ($150,000), and 2005 ($100,000).

Business plan, business development, and management consulting for $3 million cooperative strawboard manufacturing plant for Stramit USA, Perryton, Texas, 1994-1996. Services included serving as CEO for the project from 1995-1996. Obtained a $500,000 grant from the Alternative Agricultural Research and Commercialization Corporation, USDA, 1995.

Conducted a national survey of the wood products industry to analyze the potential for importation of hardwoods from the Fiji Islands, 1993.

"Ms. Thyfault was extremely helpful in the initial planning and start-up of the company because of her previous experience with value-added agricultural projects. She was also very resourceful in her suggestions, as the initial business plan had to be revised to meet financial requirements and budget requirements."

Jack Norman, President
 Durra Building Systems LLC