Funding will advance bio-based materials and fuels, and advanced forest product manufacturing sectors within the state
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced today that Maine’s Forest Bioproducts Advanced Manufacturing Tech Hub has been awarded $20 million to accelerate commercialization of advanced forest bioproducts and strengthen Maine’s forest economy.
Maine’s Tech Hub is a consortium of public and private partners led by the University of Maine, including core collaborators from the state of Maine and the Maine Technology Institute (MTI).
With this investment from the EDA, the Tech Hub partners will work together to expand commercial-scale production of new forest products, strengthen Maine’s manufacturing infrastructure, and develop the skilled workforce needed to support long-term growth in the state’s forest bioproducts industry.
“Maine’s Tech Hub represents the future of forest innovation, building on two centuries of forest industry leadership and 160 years of University of Maine excellence in research, development, education, and the cultivation of world-class facilities that serve the forest economy,” said Joan Ferrini-Mundy, president of the University of Maine and its regional campus in Machias, as well as vice chancellor for research and innovation for the University of Maine System. “Together with our partners, and powered by the expertise of our talented faculty, staff and students, we will position Maine as a global leader in advanced forest biomaterials, economic growth and innovation.”
Maine’s Tech Hub will build on the EDA-supported work of Forest Opportunity Roadmap/Maine (FOR/Maine) to ensure that Maine continues to adapt to changing markets and maintain its leading role in the global forest economy. The Hub’s focus is on supporting companies that are converting low-value wood into next-generation products in three areas of strategic national significance: advanced construction systems, advanced packaging materials and alternative aviation fuels.
“Low-value wood is an abundant domestic resource with untapped potential to reshore manufacturing and reduce America’s dependence on volatile foreign supply chains,” said Renee Kelly, acting regional innovation officer for Maine’s Tech Hub and UMaine’s associate vice president for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Resources and Engagement (SPIRE). “With 16 million acres of trees, world-leading forest products R&D, well-established infrastructure to harvest and process wood products, and a strong coalition committed to the growth of Maine’s forest economy, Maine is best positioned to turn this opportunity into lasting economic impact.”
The Maine Tech Hub is structured to help companies overcome common challenges in scaling production of new technologies and to assist them in finding a clear path to market. As a global leader in forest bioproducts R&D, UMaine will oversee the Hub project area focused on technology development (helping companies develop, test and pilot new products) and coordinate the Hub’s governance structure.
Maine Technology Institute (MTI) will focus on market development for new products by providing vouchers and grants, supporting entrepreneurship, expanding export assistance and attracting investment.
The Maine Department of Labor will lead workforce development by creating and scaling registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships aligned with advanced manufacturing and construction needs through the Bioproducts Manufacturing Apprenticeship Partnership (BioMAP).
“Market development is often the missing link between a promising technology and a durable business,” said Brian Whitney, MTI president. “MTI is taking on that early risk so our forest bioproducts partners can move faster toward commercialization, strengthen domestic supply chains, and create jobs here in Maine. We’re honored to lead this piece of the Hub’s work.”
These investments will also expand apprenticeship and training opportunities to prepare workers for careers in Maine’s growing forest bioproducts industry.
“The Tech Hub’s strategy represents a coordinated, employer-led approach to workforce development that will strengthen Maine’s competitiveness in the forest bioproducts industry,” said Laura Fortman, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Labor. “Under the State Workforce Development Board’s leadership, this effort will scale registered apprenticeships — in coordination with industry, education, labor, and community partners — to build the skilled workforce needed for adopting smart manufacturing technologies and create clear pathways into good-paying jobs here in Maine.”
For companies, the Maine Tech Hub represents critical and welcome new investment in the growth of Maine’s forest bioproducts sector.
“Biofine is proud to be developing an industrial-scale biorefinery at the former paper mill in Lincoln, Maine, where we’ll turn low-value wood waste into advanced biofuels,” said Mike Cassata, co-founder and chief development officer of Biofine Developments Northeast. “This means new, high-paying jobs and real economic revitalization for a rural community that’s been waiting for this kind of investment. Our first plant alone is designed to anchor $300 million in private capital, with products already in high demand from some of the world’s largest fuel and chemical companies. With a coordinated Tech Hub behind us, we’ll be able to move faster toward production, and establish a model that can scale throughout the region and across the country.”
The investment also drew support from Maine’s congressional delegation and state leaders, who highlighted its importance to Maine’s economy, workforce and future competitiveness. Their statements follow:
Sen. Susan Collins:
“This funding is welcome news for the University of Maine, Maine’s forest products industry, and the many partners working to build a stronger economic future for our state. I was proud to champion this forward-looking project, which will help find new and innovative ways to leverage our state’s bountiful natural resources, create good-paying jobs, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and help ensure that the forest products industry remains a cornerstone of Maine’s economy for generations to come.”
Sen. Angus King:
“Maine’s forests have long been one of our greatest economic strengths, and this investment will help ensure the state’s forest products industry evolves with the times to remain one of our greatest competitive advantages for generations to come. By bringing together the University of Maine, Maine innovators, workers and researchers, the EDA Tech Hub will help turn homegrown materials into new products, new industries, and good-paying jobs across our state.”
U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree:
“This is welcome news for Maine and for the future of our forest products economy, which has enormous potential to create jobs, strengthen rural communities, and position Maine as a national leader in advanced forest bioproducts. I’m thrilled to see this funding is moving forward, and I’ll keep fighting to ensure Maine gets the federal resources it has earned and deserves.”
U.S. Rep. Jared Golden:
“Whether in the woods, the workshop, the lab or the cutting-edge manufacturing plant, Mainers have been leaders in the forest products industry since before statehood. This award is richly deserved. Congratulations to the University of Maine, the Maine Tech Hub and all the professionals and students who will continue to innovate and lead this sector into the future.”
Gov. Janet Mills:
“This significant federal investment reflects Maine’s growing reputation as a global leader in the advanced manufacturing of forest bioproducts. Maine companies are leading the way in manufacturing innovative and environmentally friendly products that are changing how the world builds homes and businesses, packages products, fuels transportation, and more — and in doing so, they’re writing the next great chapter of Maine’s storied forest products industry. My Administration looks forward to supporting the growth of this critical workforce, and I congratulate the University of Maine and all of Maine’s Tech Hub partners on this important award.”
Contact: David Nordman, david.nordman@maine.edu
