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Full presentations and related resources are now available from Enhancing Economic Competitiveness through Going Green
Resources Available from Previous Workshops:
In 2010 and 2011, the Regional Wood Products Consortium conducted an initial series of specialized one day innovation workshops, repeated in multiple locations and geared to leaders of small and medium sized wood products manufacturing companies. Each workshop featured presentations from a slate of leading industry experts on various topics to provide company decision makers with critical, objective, and new information with the primary goal of assisting company management in deciding whether to pursue particular innovations to enhance their economic competitiveness.
Workshops were attended by 120 companies involved in the region's various sectors of hardwood and softwood manufacturing including furniture and related components, architectural millwork, specialty products and sawmills. 60 companies participated in multiple workshops.
All workshops were co-sponsored by the Wood Products Manufacturers Association, Maine Wood Products Association, New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association, Vermont Wood Manufacturers Association, and Empire State Forest Products Association.
Developing New Marketing Strategies
May 2010 - Workshop focused on creative thinking relating to finding new markets, market segmentation, new product development, and positioning; as well as current topics such as maximizing effective use of the internet, penetrating international markets, and green marketing. Full Details & Addtional Resources
June 2010 - Workshop examined various technological advances that have the potential to enhance economic competitiveness, focusing on CNC technology, finishing, joinery and adhesives, and dust collection. Full Details & Additional Resources
October/November 2010 - Workshop examined Lean Manufacturing and its potential to substantially increase labor productivity, quality control and dramatic reductions in inventory and manufacturing lead time; also focused on the commitments companies need to make to ensure successful lean implementation. Full Details & Additional Resources
April/May 2011 - Workshop examined Mass Customization, a powerful business model that takes advantage of advances in manufacturing and information technology to produce made-to-order products that from the customer's perspective are customized to their needs and desires, but from the manufacturer's perspective are manufactured with low cost and short lead times. Full Details & Additional Resources
September/October 2011 - Focused on the unique opportunities that wood products companies have to capitalize on the green consciousness at work in the marketplace while reducing costs and increasing market access. Marketing, minimizing production wastes, energy efficiency and opportunities and challenges of chain of custody certification were discussed. Full Details & Additional Resources
SFF is engaged in providing follow-up financial assistance to wood products companies wishing to implement innovations spurred out of this initial series of workshops and other future events. SFF can work with wood products companies in the four-state region to provide a 50% reimbursement for the cost of activities stemming from the workshops, up to an aggregate total of $7,500 available per company. Some examples of follow-up activities include, but are not limited to, hiring a marketing consultant, securing outside help for Lean manufacturing implemention, pursuing staff training initiatives, etc.
For more information about the Consortium’s initial series of Specialized Innovation Workshops or follow-up assistance, contact Collin Miller, Director of Wood Products Initiatives for Sustainable Forest Futures, by email or by phone: 603-229-0679, ext. 110.