Australian Technology Using Straw Building Panels Could Bring 80 to 100 Jobs to Springfield
SPRINGFIELD — December 20, 2025 — Durra Panel USA is exploring Springfield as the location for a new manufacturing facility that could generate between 80 and 100 jobs, bringing innovative building technology to the region. The company plans to convert discarded wheat straw into sustainable building panels that may serve as an alternative to traditional gypsum products.
Durra Panel USA’s technology, originally developed in Sweden and licensed from its Australian parent company, presses wasted wheat straw into durable construction panels. The process activates the natural lignin within the straw, enabling the material to bind together naturally without glues or adhesives. The resulting panels are mold-resistant, offer sound dampening qualities, and boast a fire rating of one to two hours.
Todd Giatrelis, CEO of Durra Panel USA, expressed enthusiasm about Springfield as a possible site. “We really like Springfield,” Giatrelis said during a phone interview from his office in Somerville. He cited constructive meetings with Springfield officials and a potential local investor as positive factors in the company’s site selection process.
Currently, Durra Panel USA is searching for vacant industrial space between 40,000 and 60,000 square feet to establish its factory. If all proceeds as planned, the facility could be operational by the first quarter of 2027. Representatives from the city, including Mayor Domenic Sarno and Chief Development Officer Timothy T. Sheehan, confirmed that no specific location has been finalized and that discussions remain in the early stages.
Mayor Sarno has shown receptiveness to the project, which aligns with the city’s economic development goals. The prospect of employing local workers while supporting an environmentally friendly manufacturing process has been welcomed by municipal officials.
Durra Panel’s innovative use of wheat straw—a typically discarded agricultural byproduct—provides a sustainable solution by reducing waste and offering a green alternative in the construction industry. The company’s approach could boost interest in eco-friendly building materials across the U.S.
As the discussions continue, Durra Panel USA’s potential move to Springfield represents a promising example of how cutting-edge international technology can foster job creation and promote sustainability at the local level.
For more information, contact Jim Kinney at jkinney@repub.com.
