Oct 29, 2015. /Lesprom Network/. Coillte and GMIT Letterfrack have formally launched a collaborative agreement aiming to build on the expertise of staff in both organisations, and provide opportunities for students (and staff) to work closely together to advance learning, research and commercial opportunities for both parties.

The agreement provides for:
- Undergraduate and postgraduate research projects in areas such as new process and/or product development using innovative Medite MDF and SmartPly OSB panel products.
- Product design using a range of Coillte products including panel products, forest products such as forest thinnings, short rotation hardwood species, softwood species.
- Sustainability and the implications and opportunities for Coillte wood based products.
- Contributing to strategic discussions that influence the furniture and wood products industry both in Ireland and further afield.

David Murray, Innovation Manager, Coillte Panel Products, said: “Coillte are delighted to be working with GMIT. Our strategy is focused on adding value to our wood panel products portfolio. We see our collaboration with GMIT providing the ideal framework for product innovation and development. Our ambition is to harness this diverse knowledge and skills base and turn into real commercial value for sustainable innovative Irish wood based products.”

Coillte is a commercial company operating in forestry, land based businesses, renewable energy and panel products.