Apply upper-level topics and business metrics to guide manufacturing decisions. Key topics will include incorporating technology and automation to optimize production, yield and value. In addition, this case study-based class will focus on lean manufacturing, understanding cost structure, data analysis and statistical process control.

Explores the hierarchy of the forest products industry structure as it relates to sawmill production facilities.  Learners will examine best practices and key performance indicators and apply these concepts in a live mill environment.  Topics that learners will focus on include lumber yield, grade proficiency, optimization of production flow, and downtime mitigation. 

Examines the use of sustainable biomaterials to meet society's needs and to reduce environmental impact. Specific topics include sourcing mill residuals, biomass for bioenergy, biomass processing systems, renewable and non-renewable material and energy sources, and carbon impacts of wood products.

In today's competitive business environment sales and marketing techniques are critical business functions that utilize a variety of activities to identify customer needs and wants. Students enrolled in this course will learn the 4P's of marketing and how to apply these concepts to an ever-changing wood products industry. Identifying target markets, understanding customer buying behaviors, calculating profitable transactions, utilizing current or developing new distribution channels and effectively building customer relationships are all vital skills that will be covered in this course.