Staff Writer
Though the current economic state has left many markets hurting, members of the Maine Wood Products Association (MWPA) concur that the business of making wood products in Maine is not going away any time soon.
Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie Bazinet
John Violette asks Tom Cote questions about wood carving, and Cote explains in detail.
“Natural wood products have a long history here in Maine, and we continue to believe they have a bright and prosperous future as well,” said MWPA Executive Director Bob MacGregor. “Some of our members’ businesses are struggling, yet many are strengthening and succeeding more than might have been expected.”
“The major sales slump is in bigger manufacturing companies such as saw mills, some of which have been laying off employees and shutting down.
“In the case of quality woodcrafts, I think it’s a relatively stable situation,” said artist, educator, and wood carver Tom Cote of Limestone. “Some of the things that are hurting the woodcrafts market are overseas imports, where they can turn out pieces of art from wood that cost them two or three dollars to make. They can sell the items very cheaply, but it’s all done by machine,” Cote added. “Here in Maine, we tend to do things by hand and the old traditional ways; whether you go to a sawmill that’s run by a gentleman locally and it’s all done with rotary saw or if you see somebody making snowshoes, they’re all done by hand.
MacGregor cites three factors that define and distinguish Maine wood products in ways that insure their longevity and prosperity.
“First is the innate quality of wood products made by individuals with exceptional skills and creativity,” says MacGregor. “The craft involved in making wood products has proved its value for many years and is a mainstay of our business looking ahead. Second, many people have fine wood furniture and other objects that have been around for generations. For people being careful with their spending these days, they know that durable wood products are a wise investment.”
The third factor, according to MacGregor, is the association of wood products with the state of Maine, a connection that has become intuitive to everyone within reach.
“Whether here in Maine or beyond, people will assume that wood products and producers are a natural fit in our neck of the woods. Our being in Maine adds credibility to businesses and woodworkers who are based here in the Pine Tree State,” MacGregor said.
“In Maine, we have a background and people know us to have a work ethic, and it comes through in our wood products,” said Cote. “If you buy a piece of furniture made in Maine, it’s going to be quality. The woodcrafts market does have its ups and downs, but it’s pretty stable to work in for the most part.”
“Part of the resilience of woodcrafts and products is due to the tenacity of the people working in these fields,” said MacGregor. “Also, businesses have adapted through the years from one product line to another either by choice or necessity.”
MacGregor gave an example of one potato barrel manufacturer in Bridgewater that shifted its focus from selling to farmers to marketing its barrels for displays.
“Companies evolve over time,” MacGregor said.
