EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS—

Governor J. Baldacci     The Governor talks candidly about the Trade Mission to Asia and how important trade missions are for business in the global economy.

Victoria Rowell        author/actress/activist talks about growing up on a Maine farm, her best selling book and how she wishes it to be ‘made in Maine.’

Congressman Michaud  The U.S. Representative talks in detail about how his Northern Commission will infuse the region with funds for economic growth

Speaker Cummings Maine’s House Speaker talks about the importance of consolidation, education and the challenges of the 123’rd legislative session

MAINE VOICES—

The State of the State Highlights of Governor Baldacci’s 2008 address

Working together           to help the state grow by Ramona du Houx

Economic fallout           because of Bush policies by Eric Mehnert

Mainers preserve ME They take our cultural heritage to heart by Ramona du Houx

MAINE INITIATIVES—

Quality Place Council Recommendations for action to preserve historic downtowns and natural places of beauty

Budget kept in balance Gov. takes action to protect state from possible recession with curtailment & suplemental budget proposal

Economic Council Bringing together business leaders for economic growth

MAINE AS 'ONE COMMUNITY' NEWS—

Alfond’s $500 gift         For every baby born in Maine to go to college

Protecting Mainers      From high oil and gas prices —UPDATE:    8.8 million emergency LIHEAP funds released for ME – Jan 16

LURC                        Maine’s Land Use and Regulatory Commission

BUSINESS NEWS—

Pine Tree Zones           Working for Maine’s workforce

Wind power                 Stetson MT. wind project approved with special TIF benifits

Alternative Manufacturing              High-tech global economy business in Winthrop

Kennebec Lumber Quality wood products co. sells products around the world

Trade Mission to Asia

BOOKS —

Above the Gravel Bar- Native Canoe Routes of Maine The author writes an essay about the wonders of the canoe

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Commissioner Richardson presents the PTZ certification to Kennebec Lumber's Dennis Carrier

Article & photos by Ramona du Houx

Nestled away in the heart of Solon is one of the best-kept secrets of Somerset County. Kennebec Lumber, which started operations from the ground up in 2000, specializes in hardwood, green, and kiln-dried lumber. Seven years later their hardwood flooring and other lumber products are in demand around the world. Their Maine Traditions Flooring line exhibits what their special treatments to logs can achieve.

"We’re proud to be able to announce that we are expanding," said company co-owner Denis Carrier. "This expansion will allow us to continue to compete in the global marketplace and meet today’s challenges."

A new building will be built, state-of–the-art machinery purchased and 10-15 new jobs that average $17 per hour will be created.

Last November Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development John Richardson certified Kennebec Lumber for Pine Tree Zone (PTZ) benefits, which gives the company tax incentives and has helped make the expansion possible.

"The DECD is pleased that PTZ is able to offer continued support to the manufacturing industry. Kennebec Lumber’s expansion will provide excellent new jobs to Somerset County," said Commissioner Richardson. "With more companies conducting business in the global economy, the PTZ program is an invaluable tool to help Maine companies grow their businesses at home and around the world."

Kennebec Lumber prides themselves on their quality products. "Quality comes first. If the wood doesn’t dry right, we can’t use it," said Carrier. "Our kilns are the newest, most advanced products from Europe, providing a superior kiln-dried product with total processing control. Employee dedication and constant operational improvements allow us to deliver quality lumber to our world-class customers and ensure we’ll be here for generations to come."

The excellent workforce is aided by state-of-the-art equipment. With computerized controls that analyze the wood by scanning, every section of a log is utilized. After the computer takes all the specifications of the log, bin sorters separate the logs for precise color, length, and width. "This ensures our customers get consistent quality and yields," said Carrier. "We don’t waste any good material, which helps maximize our profits."

When lumber dries it shrinks and sometimes cracks. Kennebec Lumber takes preventive measures, so their green logs dry in climate-controlled warehouses that are continually monitored.

The company’s kiln drying has been enhanced by a revolutionary European production process called "thermo treating."

"We begin with regular kiln-dried lumber and place it into a specially built "torrification" kiln. The process gives the lumber a deep, rich, brown color, suitable as a replacement for walnut, mahogany, and other exotics at a much more competitive price. And more importantly, it alters the wood to make it extremely stable, moisture resistant, and decay resistant. These attributes are very appealing to window, exterior door and cabinet manufacturers, boat builders, and makers of hardwood floors designed to be installed over radiant heat and concrete subfloors. Our Maine Traditions Flooring line has successfully delivered this product throughout the industry," said Carrier.

The process takes what some consider average trees and, by bringing out their best qualities, turns them into works of art. Over 50 percent of their products are Maine hard maple.

"Thermo treating has enhanced our products by giving us the ability to take a native Maine species and allow it to compete with more expensive and less sustainable South American products," said Carrier.

While many lumber companies are shipping logs overseas without treating them, Kennebec Lumber is adding value to a Maine resource. By taking fresh-cut trees and turning them into logs ready for woodworkers, they have created a niche in the world’s marketplace for their quality products.