The Flathead Valley is embedded in the rough beauty of the northwest Montana and has a rich and developing history of manufacturing and innovation. From its early days as a wooden center to its current role in progressive production, the region has repeatedly adapted to economic and technological changes.
In recent decades, the Flathead Valley has developed as a player in Montana's progressive production. The valley houses companies such as Weyerhaeuser who contribute to a growing innovation ecosystem, which is supported by the Kalispell School District, the Flathead Valley Community College, the Kalispell Chamber of Trade and an experienced workforce.
Innovation is available in many forms – from creating a new tool or a new process to the search for new applications for an existing product or an existing technology. At Weyerhaeuser, innovation for the success of the company was always of fundamental importance and is assumed as a central cultural value. Regardless of whether it improves the security practices or transforms processes through state -of -the -art technologies such as robotics, automation, mechanical learning, artificial intelligence, drones, further exploration and much more. These innovations deform the wood product industry and define the possibilities that is possible in construction, design, production and environmental compatibility.
When Weyerhaeusers worked three Montana production systems to improve their energy efficiency in 2022, they set an ambitious goal: reduce energy consumption by 2%annually. Thanks to teamwork and innovation, they more than doubled their savings, reduced use of 4% and saved enough electricity to supply 187 houses for a whole year. Her work was rewarded at the beginning of this year when Flathead Electric Weyerhaeuser appointed his first energy area of the year and recognized the outstanding participation of the Kalispell and Columbia teams in the energy management program of the Bonneville energy management program.
Today's manufacturers of wood products are deeply rooted in environmental responsibility and sustainability. As the ultimate green building material, wood can be produced in an endlessly renewable cycle that protects the environment and receives rural communities in Montana. The production of wood products consumes less energy, spent less greenhouse gases, fills less pollutants and generates less water pollution than other building materials such as concrete and steel. Wood products also follow carbon from the atmosphere and then store carbon for an indefinite period. They are safe, durable, beautiful and renewable.
Investments in the wood product industry means investing in a future that appreciates innovation and sustainability. Growth in the Flathead Valley means jobs and healthy rural communities in which wooden traditions and innovation work in hand and in the future.
You can find more information on innovations at Weyerhaeuser in the video on YouTube by searching Weyerhaeuser: Innovative for the core.
Jared Richardson is the Kalispell complex manager for Weyerhaeuser.