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December 4, 2009

Forest Service Publishes 2009 Sawmill Capacity Report

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service recently released a report it periodically compiles on North American softwood sawmill capacity. “Profile 2009: Softwood Sawmills in the United States and Canada” offers an overview of the current state of the industry, how it got to this point and what the future may hold. The report also looks at sawmill capacity and timber inventory by state and province with a breakdown of capacity and production at individual mills from 2004 through June 2009.

The bottom line is that production capacity of the softwood lumber sector covered by the report in the United States and Canada will have shrunk almost 13% between 2006 and the end of 2009 with the number of mills going from 1,025 to 875. By the end of 2012, the report’s authors project capacity will have shrunk a total of 22% since its peak in 2006.

“The industry is shrinking after growing and growing, and it is shrinking very quickly,” said Henry Spelter, an economist with the Forest Service’s Forest Products Laboratory and one of the report’s authors. Coauthors are David McKeever, research forester, and Daniel Toth, economics assistant, both with the Forest Product Laboratory.

Click here for a PDF copy of the report, which also outlines potential areas for market growth.

New Contractor Selected for 2011 Expo

After reviewing several proposals, SFPA’s Expo Advisory Committee selected GES Exposition Services to provide general services for Expo 2011 in Atlanta, a decision that’s expected to provide cost savings for exhibitors and the association.

“In a challenging economy, Expo is seeking opportunities to reduce costs and encourage participation in our event,” said Expo Director Eric Gee. In addition, Eric says the firm’s attractive pricing and service plan provide incentives for exhibitors to display heavy machinery and equipment on the exposition show floor.

 
“Expo has been an important part of the SFPA tradition for six decades, and we’re focused on making the type of changes that will keep the show an integral part of our industry in the years to come,” said Fritz Mason of Georgia-Pacific LLC, SFPA’s treasurer and chairman of the Expo committee.

SFPA Announces Holiday Office Schedule

SFPA’s office will be closed for Christmas on Friday, Dec. 25, and for New Year’s Day on January 1, 2010. 

“In response to our industry’s economic condition, the SFPA staff will also observe an unpaid leave of absence on December 28, 29, 30 and 31,” said SFPA President Digges Morgan.  “You may call the office at any time during the holidays and leave a message on our main line at 504/443-4464 for information or assistance. Our office will reopen on Monday, January 4, 2010, and all staff will be on duty to handle requests at that time.”

Meanwhile, SFPA’s entire staff wishes all of SFPA’s members and industry partners a merry Christmas and much success in the coming year.

Campaign Highlights Decks, Treated Wood

A “Backyard Oasis” contest and Southern Living “Idea House” in Georgia are helping the Real Outdoor Living campaign showcase decks and treated wood. For the latest on these and other campaign activities, click here to see the October/November issue of News and Successes from Real Outdoor Living. The Real Outdoor Living campaign is coordinated by the Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association’s Southern Pine Awareness Network (SPAN) in cooperation with the Southern Pine Council.

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