| Madison, WI- [September 26, 2024] – WholeTrees Structures, the national leader and unrivaled expert in engineering unmilled timber for commercial construction, is proud to announce a $1 million investment from the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities as part of the Endowment’s inaugural mission-related investment (MRI) program. The funding from the Endowment will enable WholeTrees Structures to grow its sales force and expand its nationwide production capabilities, including the re-opening of a forest products facility in Northern Maine, to meet increased market demand for Solid Structural Timber (SST).
The U.S. Endowment’s MRI program, launched in 2024, supports innovative companies that align with the Endowment’s mission to bolster rural forest economies while addressing critical environmental challenges. This decision to utilize MRIs represents a larger investment trend over the last decade for family and independent foundations and endowments.
“These investments strike at the heart of significant challenges faced by rural, forest-rich communities,” said Pete Madden, President and CEO of the Endowment. The funding allocated to WholeTrees Structures will help drive the company’s growth and continue its mission to improve the economic viability amongst forests and woodland communities, while creating a restorative model for the commercial construction industry. A woman-owned B Corp founded in 2007, WholeTrees has pioneered the commercialization of round timber, historically undervalued in construction markets. By developing innovative intellectual property around sourcing, grading, and fabrication, WholeTrees has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable building materials. Over the past 17 years, the company has used grant funding to refine its processes and bring its products to market, consistently demonstrating a commitment to environmental, social, and economic returns.
The $1 million investment from the U.S. Endowment will be a catalyst for WholeTrees Structures’ continued growth. The company has recently expanded its production capabilities, particularly through re-opening a previously dormant forest products facility in partnership with Seven Islands Land Company, the State of Maine, and other stakeholders. The new facility is projected to produce three times the volume of its original Wisconsin facility by 2028, meeting the demand from East Coast architects and owners for regionally sourced timber. This infusion of capital will also build market confidence in SST, which is in strong demand for commercial construction and represents a high-value use of timber sourced from well-managed forests, the impact of which will benefit forest-reliant communities nationwide.
“This mission-related investment is transformative for us,” said Amelia Baxter, CEO of WholeTrees. “It not only provides crucial funding but also validates the importance of sustainable forestry practices in addressing climate challenges. With this support, we can scale our operations and continue to innovate in the timber construction sector, contributing to healthier forests, rural job creation, and a greener future.”
WholeTrees’ journey to secure this investment reflects the untapped potential within the forest products industry. Despite consistent growth, profitability, and numerous industry awards, the company acknowledges that it is challenging to raise equity for sustainable timber products. The investment from the U.S. Endowment marks a turning point for the company, positioning WholeTrees to attract additional investors who share a commitment to triple-bottom-line returns—economic, social, and environmental.
As WholeTrees Structures continues to grow, it will look to raise further equity, expanding its impact and showcasing the potential of timber as a leading material in sustainable construction.
About WholeTrees Structures
Founded in 2007, WholeTrees uses the inherent strength of Structural Round Timber (SRT) and millions of years of organic structural engineering to provide beautiful, affordable, and durable biophilic structural systems that restore forests. Headquartered in Madison, WI, with teams positioned coast to coast, the company serves as the singular hub between well-managed forests, biophilic architectural designs, cutting edge 3D scanning and inventory management tools, and solid structural timber products and services. For more information, visit www.wholetrees.com
About the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities:
The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities is a not-for-profit public charity collaborating with partners in the public and private sectors to advance systemic, transformative, and sustainable change for the health and vitality of the nation’s working forests and forest-reliant communities. To learn more about the Endowment, please visit our website at www.usendowment.org.
Media Contact:
Dalia Stoniene
Blue Medium
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