Process Development Center, Bilodeau featured in Mainebiz article on R&D

The University of Maine’s Process Development Center and its recent partnership with Twin Rivers Paper Co. was the focus of a Mainebiz cover story. The specialty paper company, which announced in June it will invest $12 million to upgrade its Madawaska paper mill, is moving its research and development operations from Montreal to Orono, according to the article. The move will give Twin Rivers greater opportunities to tap into the UMaine’s network of innovators at its Process Development Center and comes at a time when the paper company is expanding its offerings of “customized solutions” for its customers, the article states. The vice president of strategy and marketing for Twin Rivers said UMaine’s expertise in the forest products industry played a role in the company’s decision to move its R&D operations to Orono. “We work with 30 to 50 companies a year,” said Mike Bilodeau, who has been director of the center for 13 years. “We’ve had a very long-standing relationship with the paper companies in Maine.” The center’s mantra is “fail fast, fail cheap,” according to Jake Ward, UMaine’s vice president for innovation and economic development.