Jean-Marc Dubois, the Director of Business Development at Nordic Structures, a leading mass timber manufacturer with the first commercial cross laminated timber (CLT) plant in North America, shares his expert opinion on industry challenges, sustainability practices, and the future of building with engineered wood

Jean-Marc argues that while consistent design and production have benefits, complete commoditization of cross-laminated timber (CLT) is inappropriate due to variations in wood species, geographical factors, and the need to optimize resource usage based on specific wood characteristics. Nordic sets itself apart by offering a comprehensive package beyond just CLT and glulam, including design-assist services, transparent pricing, and a focus on large-scale projects.

Dubois notes that North America's CLT production capacity is strong, but industry absorption is inconsistent due to project delays impacting manufacturers' schedules and cash flow, necessitating a more stable project pipeline. He advocates focusing on workforce housing and mid-rise structures rather than solely on tall buildings and highlights the role of carbon pricing in mass timber’s growth.

Dubois stresses the importance of project stability to ensure industry growth and long-term viability.

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