"Although the torrid pace of growth has begun to slow somewhat, 2014 has still been an exceptional year for Alberta’s forest industry," said AFPA President and CEO Paul Whittaker. “4Q growth for our industry means more investment into communities, stable jobs for Albertans, and an important source of economic diversity for Alberta.”
In 2012 and 2013, Alberta’s forest industry averaged growth rates of 9% and 14% respectively. Growth in the first three quarters of 2014 averaged 7%. This growth was fueled by strength in Asian markets and a turnaround in the home building sectors in both Canada and the United States. Strong results led to significant capital investments, with approximately $1.5 billion in capital upgrades made by the industry between 2011 and 2015.
AFPA-member companies produced 884 million board feet of lumber in the 3Q 2014 with a value of $342 million. Part of this production came from the secondary manufacturing sector. Compared to the 3Q 2013, production volume increased by 29 million board feet (3.4%) and values climbed by $52 million, or 18%. From the 2nd quarter of 2014, production was up 12 million board feet (1.4%), and values increased $24 million (7%).
AFPA-member panelboard operators produced 264 million square feet of 7/16 inch equivalent product in the 3Q 2014 valued at $85 million. Production decreased from the 3Q 2013 by 14 million square feet, or 4.9%, but stronger prices caused values to increase by $2 million (2%).
The AFPA’s pulp and paper sector production for the 3Q 2014 was 339,900 air dried metric tonnes (ADMT) valued at $268 million. Production was up 49,000 ADMT (12.6%) from the same period in 2013, but values declined by $28 million, or 9.4%.
The Alberta Forest Products Association is a private, non-profit industry organization, representing lumber, panelboard, pulp and paper, and secondary manufacturing wood products companies operating in Alberta.
