One company suggested that they could use some relaxed allowances for width requirements on the roads because Minnesota is stricter than surrounding states and they cannot manufacture a product to compete with other companies because of those restrictions. Railroad infrastructure and management did not receive good marks in the region. Many companies are unable to use rail because the track is not there or no longer serviced. Others that do have the infrastructure available commented that service is not very reliable and must be planned far in advance if it is to be utilized at all. Use of Telecommunications Communications infrastructure seems to be adequate for the time being.
Several companies have web sites and use e-mail to communicate within organizations.
Most companies commented that they have good or excellent relationships with the government on a local and state level. The wood products industry in Northwest Minnesota does not seem to fit the traditional definition of an industry cluster. Many of the tasks are very factory specific and do not necessarily carry-over to other manufacturing operations. There are some skilled positions that are applicable to many companies in the industry. The regional demand for a majority of the products produced by the wood products industry is not stronger than in other regions.