AFPA-member companies produced 3.3 billion board feet of lumber in 2014 with a value of $1.3 billion. Part of this production came from the secondary manufacturing sector. Compared to 2013, production volume increased by 101 million board feet (3.2%) and values climbed by $135 million or 11.5%.
AFPA-member panelboard operators produced 1.1 billion square feet of 7/16 inch equivalent product in 2014 valued at $361 million. Compared to 2013, production increased by 4 million square feet (0.4%), but weaker prices caused values to decline $800,000 or 0.2%.
The AFPA’s pulp and paper sector production for 2014 was 1.5 million air dried metric tonnes (ADMT) valued at $1.2 billion. Production was down 8,100 ADMT (0.5%) from the same period in 2013, but stronger prices caused values to rise by $74 million, or 6.5%.
"2014 was a very solid year for our industry," said AFPA President and CEO Paul Whittaker. “Strong sales for our members meant significant investment into employees, communities, and capital projects.” Whittaker noted that while prices have begun to soften during the first part of 2015, future prospects are strong. “Housing starts in the US are projected to rise in late 2015 and early 2016. We’re also hoping that Asian markets will continue to increase the use of wood, pulp, and newsprint. These factors should mean continued growth for our sector.”
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.
