University of Arkansas Receives US Forest Service Grant for Wood Products Innovation

The University of Arkansas has received a $300,000 grant from the US Forest Service to advance the state’s forest economy by developing innovative wood construction products and creating new business opportunities, Arkansas Money & Politics reported (1-14-25). 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 will support the creation of the Arkansas Wood Products Innovations Cooperative, dedicated to applied design research, industry collaboration, and economic development. The initiative will be led by Matt Waller, dean emeritus and professor of supply chain management at Walton College, and Peter MacKeith, dean and professor at the Fay Jones School, along with 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.”

“Arkansas is already a leader in the national forest economy and very much now an epicenter for the emerging mass timber movement,” MacKeith added. “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 center on three primary objectives:

1. Developing new wood products
2. Integrating additive and advanced manufacturing technologies, such as robotics and 3D printing
3. Designing and constructing affordable housing prototypes using Arkansas-sourced wood

Research and development activities will be based at the Fay Jones School’s Anthony Timberlands Center for Design and Materials Innovation, scheduled to fully open in August.

The initiative aims to develop a strategic roadmap for market expansion and workforce development over the next five to ten years. Progress will be tracked and shared through publications, reports, and online platforms to ensure transparency and engage stakeholders.