Furniture Research Unit seeks funds for new building

A fund-raising campaign for a new building at the Furniture Research Unit is now under way at the Forest Products Laboratory.

The unit, part of the Forest and Wildlife Research Center, supports Mississippi's large furniture manufacturing industry through its research of materials, components, packaging, economics, and other areas of concern. It also tests prototype furniture pieces.

An artist's rendering of the proposed Furniture Research Unit building.

"Our space for furniture research is so inadequate that testing machinery must be dismantled at a test completion to make room for other test set-ups," said Dr. Duane Lyon, FPL professor.

"We want to continue to build a strong technological base that will enable the industry to grow and remain profitable," he continued. "That's the reason for the effort to erect this 15,920 square-foot building."

The two-story building will provide space for furniture faculty offices and research areas, testing rooms to examine manufactured items and conduct studies of wrapping shipping cartons.

Lyon said about $250,000 of the $600,000 needed in private contributions has been raised. State funding of some $1.3 million will be requested, as well.

Donations and funding information may be obtained by telephoning Keith Gaskin at the Forest and Wildlife Research Center at 325-3815, or via electronic mail at <kgaskin@cfr.msstate.edu>.