Mass Timber Study Garners National Attention

In the previous edition of the Pinnacle, APEX shared information about the Mass Timber initiative with investor-members. The mass timber study kicked off in May and is funded by the Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation, along with APEX investor-members Blandin Foundation, Minnesota Power and Great River Energy. Investor-member, University of Minnesota Duluth, is also playing a significant role with the project – the Bureau of Business and Economic Research and the Center for Economic Development are assisting in the research and survey aspects of the study.
 
The study, intended to provide the foundational research needed to attract a mass timber softwood lumber manufacturing facility, was covered recently by APEX investor-member, Duluth News Tribune.

“Mass timber, while a new industry to the U.S., has been thriving in Europe for more than 15 years. This research is the key and will arm us as we strategically move forward in this new and growing industry,” says Tamara Lowney, APEX Senior Business Developer and lead on mass timber.
 
The study was also picked up by the National Association of State Forests’ weekly update, the Grand Forks Herald, Brainerd Dispatch and the West Central Tribune.
 
Production capacity results are projected to be available this fall and a final report will be published in early 2019. Additional insight will be shared with investor-members as it becomes available. Please contact Tamara Lowney with any questions on the study.