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AFPA production up in 2013

Mar. 28, 2014, Edmonton – Values of lumber, pulp and paper, and panelboard manufactured by Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA) members totaled approximately $2.7 billion for 2013. The value of production was up $335 million or 14% from 2012. Part of the increase can be attributed to new members who joined the AFPA in 2013.

"A recovering global economy and stronger prices for our products have led to an excellent year for AFPA members," said AFPA Chairman Craig Armstrong. "We have invested these revenues back into our communities in the form of wages, facility improvements, and locally sourced purchases." Armstrong also noted that between 2011 and 2015, the forest industry will have invested well over $1.5 billion in capital into facilities throughout Alberta.

Alberta's forest industry has operated on the landscape for several generations. Strategic investments in reforestation and forest management have ensured the industry's sustainability. Predictable access to the forest resource stimulates economic activity in 50 communities and allows Alberta's forest sector to compete internationally.

LUMBER
AFPA-member companies produced 3.2 billion board feet of lumber in 2013 with a value of $1.2 billion. Part of this production came from the secondary manufacturing sector. Total production volumes increased 227 million board feet or 7.6% from 2012, while values increased $264 million or 29%.

For the 4th quarter of 2013, production totaled 771 million board feet with a value of $298 million. Compared to the 4th quarter of 2012, lumber production was up 25 million board feet or 3.4% and values increased $56 million or 23.3%. Compared to the 3rd quarter of 2013, production volume dropped by 84 million board feet, but stronger prices caused values to increase by $8 million or 2.7%.

PANELBOARD
AFPA-member panelboard operators produced 1.1 billion square feet of 7/16 inch equivalent product in 2013 valued at $362 million. Production increased from 2012 by 18 million square feet (1.6%), and values were up $21 million or 6.3%.

For the 4th quarter of 2013, panelboard production was 283 million square feet with a value of $85 million. Compared to the 4th quarter of 2012, production was up 5.6 million square feet (5.6%), but values declined by $5 million (5.9%). In comparison to the 3rd quarter of 2013, production increased by 6 million square feet or 2% and values were up by $2 million or 1.8%.

More information can be found at albertaforestproducts.ca.

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. AFPA member companies are active participants in sustainability advancements that contribute economic, environmental, and social benefits for Albertans.

March 28, 2014  By  Amie Silverwood



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