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Hancock Lumber makes Arctic inroads

The company is exploring the possibility of supplying building materials for Greenland's growing population.
11/11/2024

Roughly 80 percent of Greenland is covered in ice. However, where there are people (the country is home to approximately 56,000), there is a need for housing. Maine-based Hancock Lumber is making inroads to help meet the growing demand for building materials. 

Recently, Hancock Lumber’s COO Mark Hopkins travelled to Reykjavik, Iceland, to participate in the 11th Annual Arctic Circle Assembly to continue conversations on how Hancock Lumber might strengthen and solidify its work in Greenland. While at the event, Hopkins presented with four others on Greenland’s Trade Horizons: Exploring New Paths with North America.

Hancock Lumber in Iceland
2024 Arctic Circle Assembly attendees.
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Hancock Lumber says its involvement in the event focused on:

  • Continuing the dialogue between Hancock Lumber and Greenland on supplying and shipping building materials to support their ongoing housing needs.
  • Providing pricing for jobs where it might make sense for Hancock Lumber to be involved.
  • Pursuing ways in which Hancock Lumber can source metric system materials.
  • Discussing ways the Royal Arctic lines and Eimskip (an Icelandic shipping company) can have cost competitive shipping routes.
  • Navigating regulation and formal documentation obstacles with the U.S.—and brainstorming ways to improve the process of doing business with Greenland.
  • Earning business in Greenland to prove the possibility of a successful, prosperous business relationship.

Hopkins shared his view of the forum: “On behalf of Hancock Lumber, it is so exciting to be working on this opportunity with Greenland to supply building materials—to hopefully offer an opportunity for competitive goods to help with housing for the people of Greenland.”

Hancock Lumber reports there was 29 Mainers in attendance at the Iceland event, representing multiple companies across business, research, and educational sectors. All participants were then invited to attend the Maine Night Reception sponsored by Eimskip, University of New England, Hancock Lumber, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Maine Port Authority, Maine International Trade Center, and Allen Insurance and Financial.

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