Birch Products from a Cottage Industry in Minnesota

Abstract

The study objective was to analyze prospects for manufacturing wood products in Minnesota using birch in small scale and cottage industries. The current status of Minnesota's birch-based industry is described indicating that low valued firewood is 60 percent of consumption and the majority of the remaining consumption is in sawbolts. In secondary manufacturing most birch is used in low value-added products. Cottage industry is defined in several ways, but by any definition Minnesota has been effective in developing this segment. Some of Minnesota's cottage industry is using wood as a raw material. Three successful companies are profiled; a classic cottage industry, a small home-based cooking utensil manufacturer and a small wood products manufacturer. Each of these uses wood to a greater or lesser degree. There are good prospects for increasing the use of wood, including birch, in companies of this type. A discussion of challenges is presented and specific recommendations made. The profiled cottage industry would serve as a model for further expansion. Creation of a Minnesota wood turning industry should be explored. Establishment of a prototype manufacturing shop would help existing and new operations.