Cutting Edge Innovation in a Legacy Industry

Wood products have played a key role in Lane County’s economy for generations, and with innovative technologies continues to be an important economic sector today. All aspects of wood products production are part of the Lane County economy including planting, harvesting, and manufacturing. Wood products manufacturing is by far the most prominent sector within overall manufacturing in Lane County and is more strongly concentrated in our area than almost any other in the country.

In 2021, Lane County wood products manufacturing had about eight times more employment concentration than the U.S. and two times more than Oregon statewide. The Oregon Employment Department forecasts that the sector will increase by 2 percent between 2020 and 2030, gaining 102 jobs over the period. However, replacement needs, largely due to retirements are expected to create 5,883 replacement openings for 5,985 total openings over 10 years. Wages are generally high in the wood products sector. The 2021 annual average wage for the sector in Lane County was $66,067 compared to the overall average of $52,596 for all industries.

Oregon, as the largest producer of wood products in the United States, plays a critical role in the wood products supply chain. Research in sustainability and next-generation building techniques, such as mass timber manufacturing signifies a unique opportunity for the region. Tallwood Design Institute: A collaboration between Oregon State University and University of Oregon, one of the nation’s first interdisciplinary research collaboratives focused exclusively on the advancement of mass timber and other wood products building solutions.