According to a study, Minnesota is "perfect" for solid wood manufacturers

Solid wood, a type of building material that is widespread in Europe and is gaining popularity for commercial projects in the United States, could create 50 well-paying jobs, more trade and stability for sawmills and access to materials Greener construction projects for the region, according to the University of Minnesota's Office of Economic and Commercial Research in Duluth, which publishes its study on Monday, March 11.

"In our region and in Minnesota, we need to be more creative and innovative," said Tamara Lowney, president of the Itasca Economic Development Corporation, who helped fund the study alongside APEX, Minnesota Power, Great River Energy, Blandin Foundation and Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board. "A project like solid wood allows us to take a big look at something and really go after it."

Lowney had already contacted the industry before, but had been asked to come back with answers to some key questions: does the state want it and can it help a lumber manufacturer in large quantities? The study says yes and yes. An information leaflet written by supporters describes Minnesota as "an ideal solution" for the sector "because we have the resources of wood, the workforce and the workmanship. transport infrastructure needed.

In examining the demand for mbad wood, particularly cross-laminated timber or CLT, the report found that even though building codes and lack of experience with the material could slow down understanding, the benefits include "the speed and ease of construction of modular systems, durability and strength, reduced costs and possibility of finding an ecological alternative to traditional building materials. "

Cross-laminated timber generally comprises a number of laminated panels bonded together which can be used as structural and load-bearing structural materials suitable for multi-storey construction. The seven-story T3 office building located in downtown Minneapolis is a recent regional example of what the material is capable of.

Globally, the CLT sector is expected to quadruple and reach $ 2 billion annually by 2025, with North America as the second largest market.

With respect to supply: "Sawmills and wholesalers in the Great Lakes region produce and distribute sufficient timber in the appropriate grades and sizes for the production of CLT and are able to increase volumes. production and distribution if there is a demand for the product "According to the study.

Lowney stated that even if sawmills were operating at full capacity and providing primarily residential construction, having an industry like solid wood to supply commercial projects could help mitigate potential declines in the lumber market. l & # 39; home.

"If 2009 starts again, you are so dependent on residential markets," she said. "With solid wood, the slowdowns are not as dramatic because you now have an alternative market."

If residential construction continues in fast-growing markets such as twin cities, bulk wood could also be considered for apartment complexes.

With respect to the wider economic effects of the industry, the study estimated that for every 10 jobs created by a manufacturer of CLT in the state, another nine jobs would be created to support the company. 39; industry. This is partly due to the likely need to bring lumber from all over the region, and even Canada, to support the growth of transportation and logistics.

Lowney and a team of regional representatives will attend the Mbad Timber conference in Portland, Oregon, later in the week. They will present their findings in the hope that the state will see at least a closer look.

If a company chose to come to Minnesota, it would be the largest producer of lumber in the region.

"These are projects for which other states are fighting over," Lowney said. "But we are the first state in the Midwest to do a study and put ourselves in the spotlight saying," Come here. "