SCENARIO
By the fall of 2022, the eastern spruce budworm outbreaks spread from southern Quebec to the forests of northern Maine. Severe defoliation devastates the balsam fir and spruce trees, and forest production drops production by 75%. Wood pulp processors are overloaded with otherwise unusable wood products. 

 

At the same time, rapidly growing demand for wood for cross-laminated timber for the construction industry drives prices higher for wood products, and new companies form to increase tree harvest for CLT production. A new CLT facility opens in Presque Isle to supply the growing demand, but supply chain issues continue to plague the industry as getting materials to and from the facility proves difficult. 

 

As automation of work continues to accelerate due to the convergence of improving technology and worker shortages, robotics companies expand nationwide. In early 2023, Boston Dynamics announced that they are planning a new manufacturing facility at the Loring Commerce Centre, adding 125 positions during the first phase. Due to construction worker and equipment shortages in the area, as well as the growing lack of truck drivers to deliver materials and equipment, the groundbreaking gets pushed to mid-2024 and the company begins sourcing alternative site options. Local business and community leaders work to resolve the delays and offer additional incentives to save the agreement. 

 

In response, the Presque Isle Regional Career and Technical Center applies for and wins a federal grant to create a new robotics manufacturing program. Faculty there hope to train or retrain enough workers to convince the company to move ahead with the new facility.   

Scenario 2: Connectivity & Digital Transformation 

Scenario 4: Energy Evolution 

Scenario 5: Manufacturing & Supply Chain