Dectra Corporation is a consulting engineering firm that specializes in the design of residential, commercial and small industrial facilities with particular emphasis on conservation, energy efficiency, and the use of renewable energy.

In 1976 Dectra Corporation's founder, Martin Lunde,PE, began the research and development of what would become the GARNŽ line of Wood-Fired Hydronic Heaters. The first prototype units were field tested in 1981 -most are still in operation today.

For over 30 years, Dectra's commitment to quality engineering and design has earned it a reputation as a leader in alternative, renewable, and sustainable building and energy solutions.

Today, Dectra produces and manufactures the GARNŽ line of heating equipment and continues to provide quality products, design services, and solutions.

Development History of GARN

In 1976, as a result of client demand and interest in alternative heating systems, primarily wood and solar, Dectra Corporation founder, Martin Lunde, PE, began personally funding internal research on wood combustion. By 1978, he and his associates had developed a crude prototype of what was to become the GARNŽ WHS unit. Initial testing showed the concept was viable.

In 1979 the Department of Energy awarded Lunde a grant to continue research and development on the unit. One of the first prototypes was installed in an energy efficient residence in 1980. While the design won awards, the system was too complex and expensive.

Between 1981 and 1983, twenty to thirty prototypes were developed and field tested as the GARNŽ design continued to evolve, and the first of several patents were granted. By the end of 1983 Popular Science published an article about the development of the unit and generated enough interest that Lunde started the process of building company to manufacture and distribute the GARNŽ units.

In 1984, Apache Oil joined as a major investor. Lunde founded GARN, Inc. and registered GARNŽ as a trademark. From 1984 to 1990, the GARNŽ design was further refined, gained UL and CSA listings and several additional patents.

At the end of 1989, oil prices in the world market dropped by over 60%. Apache Oil consolidated it's holdings and resold it's stock to Lunde. Lunde merged the GARNŽ product into his consulting firm, Dectra Corporation, and continued to develop and improve the product. Between 1990 and 2004, Lunde continued to manufacture and produce GARNŽ equipment at reduced levels, and continued to personally fund additional research, development, and improvements.

By 2003, rising oil prices had caused a significant resurgence in interest in alternative energy. Sales of GARNŽ units began to rise to pre-1989 levels. By 2005, Lunde began bringing on additional partners and consultants. In the first quarter of 2008, manufacturing space was doubled to meet the significant increase in demand for the clean-burning and efficient wood units.

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