Data in for February and 2006 by State Shipments

Preliminary Southern Pine lumber shipments totaled 1.176 billion board feet, which is 13% below January’s revised shipments of 1,354 BBF, reports Wade Camp, SFPA’s director of economic services. February’s seasonally adjusted annual rate is 15.3 BBF, while the full year forecast is 17.6 BBF. The U.S. West is on track to post 16.1 BBF, and Canadian imports are expected to reach 18.2 BBF. Offshore imports and the U.S. North combined should total 3.2 BBF. Also recently released are 2006 SP production numbers by state. All states dropped except North Carolina. The top producers in 2006 were 1) Georgia, 2) Arkansas, 3) Alabama and 4) Mississippi. Both reports are available in the members-only section of SFPA’s Web site at www.sfpa.org or by contacting Wade at extension 217 or wcamp@sfpa.org. 

EXPO 2007 Offers Hot Topics, New Equipment

Increasing production, reducing accidents and generating your own electricity are just a few of the topics attendees can learn more about during the EXPO 2007 Conference Program June 21-22 in Atlanta. Panel discussions scheduled both days should prove equally valuable for forest products manufacturers. Changes in the pressure-treated wood industry will drive the panel discussion on June 21. The next day’s panel will examine the crucial role forest product certification plays in today’s marketplace. And of course, the EXPO itself offers plenty to see. For example, Taylor Machine Works Inc. will introduce a new line of its “Big Red” machines, the TX Series.

The EXPO runs from June 21-23. If you didn’t sign up yet, make plans to attend today. Visit www.sfpaexpo.com for more information about EXPO and how to register. You’ll also find details about hotel rates as well as a list of things to see and do while in Atlanta.

Model Home to Feature SP Porch

Treated Southern Pine porch flooring will be showcased at Country Living magazine’s next “House of the Year.” Now under construction near Beaufort, South Carolina, the 3,200 square-foot residence is a classic raised plantation-style, typical of the coastal region.  The home features front and rear wrap-around porches totaling more than 800 square feet, providing dramatic vistas of the surrounding shores. Builder David Steele of Carolina Cays Development LLC chose pressure-treated Southern Pine tongue-and-groove porch flooring for its durability and natural appearance. Southern Pine Council member East Coast Lumber of Climax, North Carolina, provided the premium 1x4 KDAT material, primed and ready for painting. Upon completion, the home will be featured in the February 2008 issue of Country Living magazine, reaching an audience of more than 11 million Americans. Locally, the home will be the site of public open houses and other promotional events.

Building to Code Pays

 Ever wonder how much more it costs to build a home in compliance with new International Residential Code requirements? The builder of a 5,065 square-foot home designed and constructed to meet code for 120 mph winds estimates his additional cost was $10,000 or less than 2% per square foot. That amount could vary according to wind requirements and building costs in each geographic area, but consumers will hopefully see this modest increase as a worthwhile tradeoff for improved protection against storms. The Baton Rouge area home was used to demonstrate how to comply with the code during a recent Parade of Homes.

FPS to Hold 61st Convention

 The Forest Products Society will hold its 61^st International Convention June 10-13 in Knoxville. “Opportunities and Challenges for the Forest Products Industry in the New Millennium” is the theme of the convention’s Industry Focus Day Session on June 12. Curt Stevens, chief financial officer for Louisiana-Pacific Corp., will deliver the keynote address. Visit www.forestprod.org for details and registration information. Those interested can also call 608-231-1361, ext. 208, or e-mail conferences@forestprod.org. 

Are You Signed Up?

You may already have your room booked and your bags packed, but did you register for SFPA’s Midyear Meeting yet? Getting the latest industry info and networking with colleagues are prime reasons to be there. Members involved with the Southern Pine Council will also want to provide input on SPC’s 2008 marketing strategy. Contact Dianne Breaux at extension 225 for information.