TRAVERSE CITY -- Wood pallets are used by many businesses to support products as they’re being transported.  Once that job is finished, a Traverse City man is turning them into furniture.

Nate Richardson started Mission workshop early in the spring of 2009 with the goal of extending the life of wood products which might otherwise go to waste. 

The wood pallets are broken down and milled into useable pieces.  Using various tools and machines, Richardson is able to craft the would-be scrap wood into chairs and tables.  He is currently working on a few benches as well.

Richardson makes sure all of the wood is used.  Any leftover materials from one piece of furniture are used for the next project, if possible.  Whatever Richardson is unable to use is sent to be made into chips for landscaping. 

At present, wood pallets are the main source of material for the chairs and tables, but Richardson always has an eye out for new materials to which he can give new life. 

If you are interested in Richardson's "upcycled" furniture, you can contact him at: N8Richardson@gmail.com