The University of Arkansas has received a $300,000 federal grant from the U.S. Forest Service to advance the state’s forest economy by developing innovative wood construction products and creating new business opportunities. Faculty from the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design and the Sam M. Walton College of Business will lead the initiative, with the grant matched by the university.
The funding supports the establishment of the Arkansas Wood Products Innovations Cooperative, which will focus on applied design research, industry collaboration and economic development. Matt Waller, dean emeritus and professor of supply chain management in the Walton College, and Peter MacKeith, dean and professor in the Fay Jones School, will oversee the cooperative alongside a team of project collaborators.
“Forestry is a $6 billion industry in this state,” Waller said. “If we can encourage businesses to create, expand and utilize specialized wood products, it will improve the economy, environment and affordable housing opportunities in the state.”
MacKeith emphasized Arkansas’ leadership in the forest economy and the potential for innovation.
“Arkansas is already a leader in the national forest economy and very much now an epicenter for the emerging mass timber movement,” he said. “There is parallel opportunity in the development of innovative wood products for the construction of buildings of all types and the promotion of Arkansas as the place for new manufacturing enterprises.”
The cooperative will focus on three core objectives:
- Development of new wood products
- Integration of additive and advanced manufacturing (robotics, 3D printing, etc.)
- Design and construction of affordable housing prototypes using Arkansas-sourced wood
Research and development efforts will take place at the Fay Jones School’s Anthony Timberlands Center for Design and Materials Innovation, set to fully open in August 2025.
The initiative also plans to create a strategic roadmap for market expansion and workforce development over the next five to ten years. Progress will be documented through publications, reports and online platforms to ensure transparency and stakeholder engagement.
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