"Positive growth has continued for the forest industry," said AFPA President and CEO Paul Whittaker. “We have worked very hard to develop markets for our products, make facilities as efficient as possible, and manage Alberta’s forests in a sustainable manner. These results reinforce the good work that has been done.”
AFPA-member companies produced 746 million board feet of lumber in the 1Q 2014 with a value of $302 million. Part of this production came from the secondary manufacturing sector. Compared to the 1st quarter of 2013, production volume increased by 2.8 million board feet (0.4%) and values climbed by $10 million or 3.4%. From the 4Q 2013, production was down 24 million board feet (3.2%), but values increased $4 million (1.2%) on the strength of more robust prices.
AFPA-member panelboard operators produced 291 million square feet of 7/16 inch equivalent product in the 1Q 2014 valued at $100 million. Production increased from the 1Q 2013 by 13 million square feet or 4.7%, but weaker prices caused values to drop $9 million (8.7%). Compared to the 4Q 2013, production increased 8 million square feet (2.7%) and values were up $7 million or 7.6%.
The AFPA’s pulp and paper sector production for the 1Q 2014 was 388,500 air dried metric tonnes (ADMT) valued at $325 million. Production was up 14,300 ADMT (3.8%) from the same period in 2013, and values increased by $46 million or 16.5%. Compared to the 4Q 2014, production was up 17,100 ADMT (6%), and values increased by $31 million (10.5%)
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.
