West Jefferson, NC-based Carolina Timberworks received the 2024 Sustainability Leadership Award.

Mass timber is a type of engineered wood product that is gaining popularity in the construction industry due to its sustainability, strength, and versatility. Unlike traditional lumber, which is typically cut from large trees, mass timber is made by laminating smaller wood pieces together to create large panels or beams. These panels can then be used as structural elements in buildings, offering a renewable alternative to concrete and steel.

Based in West Jefferson, North Carolina, Carolina Timberworks, a pioneer in the timber frame industry, stands out as a sustainability leader for its unique approach. As a designer and manufacturer of custom timber frame structures, they have crafted homes, barns, outbuildings, ‘party barns,’ and commercial structures like offices, churches, and outdoor market spaces. They have a rich 21-year history and over 350 projects completed nationwide and beyond.

On this episode of Clocking In, NCMEP director Phil Mintz talks to Carolina Timberworks founder Eric Morley. Morley graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned his MBA (Honors) from Appalachian State University in 1992. Eric is a lifetime Timber Framer’s Guild member, served on the Timber Framers Guild Board of Directors as Vice President, has served on the Timber Frame Business Council Board of Directors, is a licensed General Contractor, and teaches an AIA Continuing Education course on timber framing.

Mintz and Morley discuss the founding of Carolina Timberworks, Mass Timber, the sustainability initiatives that won Carolina Timberworks the 2024 Sustainability Leadership Award and more.

LINKS

NCMEP

Carolina Timberworks

Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.

Eric Morley is the founder of Carolina Timberworks. Eric graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned his MBA (Honors) from Appalachian State University in 1992. Eric is a lifetime Timber Framer’s Guild member, served on the Timber Framers Guild Board of Directors as Vice President, has served on the Timber Frame Business Council Board of Directors, is a licensed General Contractor, and teaches an AIA Continuing Education course on timber framing.