SCMEP Receives Grant To Promote Growth In South Carolina's Wood Industry

Columbia, SC — The Wood Education & Resource Center (WERC) has awarded the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP) a $56,300 grant to help improve the competitive position of South Carolina wood products manufacturers. SCMEP will match grant funds with an additional $57,034, resulting in a combined total of $113,334. SCMEP plans to help wood manufacturers - from sawmills and plywood mills to furniture makers - with manufacturing, technology, and business issues while maintaining and enhancing timberland.

"In South Carolina, small manufacturers account for 97 percent of the wood industry. They are critical to the economy; however, smaller manufacturers are less likely to know about and implement technology, modern manufacturing processes, and current business practices," says John Irion, SCMEP president. "In addition to manufacturing issues, sustainability issues are crucial for both members of the forestry industry and its resource base. The single greatest threat to South Carolina's forest resources is the conversion from forest to other land uses. Our goal is to improve the profitability and growth of the industry while simultaneously ensuring the forestry resource base remains strong and abundant."

In the project to be conducted over a year-and-a-half, SCMEP will improve the economic competitiveness of South Carolina's wood products manufacturers by:

• Providing hands-on manufacturing business evaluation and assistance;
• Implementing new technology, worker education and productivity solutions;
• Providing marketing and exporting advice; and
• Communicating key information impacting the sustainability of timber, such as information on invasive insects.

SCMEP has formed partnerships with WERC, Clemson University, South Carolina Forestry Service, and other MEP centers to implement the program.

SOURCE: South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership