Feb 01, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. Norbord Inc. announced a 2009 loss of $58 million or $1.35 per share compared to a loss of $115 million or $7.62 per share in 2008. The company recorded a loss of $11 million or $0.25 per share in the 4Q compared to a loss of $30 million or $1.88 per share in the 4Q 2009. For the full year, Norbord generated breakeven EBITDA compared to negative EBITDA of $60 million in the prior year. Approximately $43 million of the year-over-year improvement was generated by the North American operations. Overhead cost reductions and lower input prices, especially resin and wax, had a significant positive impact on EBITDA results. In the 4Q, Norbord recorded positive EBITDA of $6 million versus negative EBITDA of $28 million in the 4Q last year. The quarterly EBITDA improvement was largely due to lower key input prices, higher European shipment volumes and the production curtailments taken at OSB mills in Huguley, Alabama and Jefferson, Texas. "I am pleased with the progress made in 2009 to improve Norbord's earning potential," said Barrie Shineton, President and CEO. "As expected, markets for our building material products were weak again this year as the historic collapse in both US and UK housing activity and the fallout from the global financial market breakdown continued through most of 2009. Against this backdrop, Norbord conserved cash by curtailing considerable production capacity and reducing overhead costs. These actions, together with lower key input prices, led to our breakeven EBITDA result. We also completed significant recapitalization initiatives during the year.” Norbord Inc. produces wood-based panels, oriented strand board (OSB). In addition to OSB, Norbord manufactures particleboard, medium density fibreboard (MDF) and related value-added products