Mar 13, 2013. /Lesprom Network/. Values of lumber, pulp and paper, and panelboard manufactured by Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA) members totaled approximately $2.3 billion for 2012. The value of production was up $184 million or 9% from 2011, as the AFPA said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. "Our industry has seen sustained growth in production and revenues this year," said AFPA President and CEO Brady Whittaker. “The economics have been positive and that has allowed for further investment in our facilities, forest management and communities. We are very happy to be creating jobs and generating positive economic activity.” AFPA-member companies produced 3 billion board feet of lumber in 2012 with a value of $906 million. Part of this production came from the secondary manufacturing sector. Total production volumes increased 194 million board feet (mmfbm) or 7% from 2011, while values increased $204 million or 29%. For the 4Q 2012, production totaled 745 mmfbm with a value of $242 million. Compared to the 4Q 2011, lumber production was up 66 mmfbm or 9.8% and values increased $73 million or 43.2%. Compared to the 3Q 2012, production volume dropped by 18 mmfbm or 2.3% and values declined by $6 million or 2.5%. AFPA-member panelboard operators produced 1.1 billion square feet of 7/16 inch equivalent product in 2012 valued at $341 million. Production was down from 2011 by 8 million square feet (0.7%), but higher prices caused values to increase by $73 million (27.1%) For the 4Q 2012, panelboard production was 269 million square feet with a value of $90 million. Compared to the 4Q 2011, production was up roughly 11 million square feet (4.4%) and values rose by $28 million (44.5%). In comparison to the 3Q 2012, production increased by 4 million square feet or 1.4%, but values declined by $2 million or 1.6%. The AFPA’s pulp and paper sector production for 2012 was 1.5 million air dried metric tonnes (ADMT) valued at $1.1 billion. Production was up 47,100 ADMT (3.2%) from 2011, but softer prices caused values to weaken by $93 million or 7.8%. For the 4Q 2012, pulp and paper production was 377,500 ADMT valued at $270 million. Compared to the 4Q 2011, pulp and paper production was up 34,400 ADMT or 10% and values increased $17 million or 6.8%. In comparison to the 3Q 2012, production decreased by 16,300 ADMT (4.1%) and values declined $5 million or 2%. 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.