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Boise Cascade to drop plywood, engineered wood production over coming weeks

North American engineered wood products and plywood producer Boise Cascade has announced its response to rapidly evolving market conditions and economic uncertainties surrounding the impact of COVID-19.

“Consistent with our core values, our focus and commitment remain with the health and safety of our associates, followed by business continuity,” CEO Nate Jorgensen said. “We have implemented many measures in response to COVID-19, which are described in how we’re responding to COVID-19. Our company is an essential link in the construction industry’s supply chain. However, we are seeing changes in a number of markets, which is impacting our customers and the markets they serve thus prompting adjustments in our business.

“We are operating from a strong financial position, but we are taking necessary actions to reduce our production levels and costs in other parts of the company in response to what we expect to be a significant decline in market demand over the next several months,” Jorgensen said. “We are firmly committed to serving our customers, while taking steps to protect the well-being of our associates. We believe this will help ensure our business continues to generate value for our stakeholders well beyond this crisis.”

Given the current outlook and with sufficient inventory on hand, Boise Cascade’s Wood Products division has implemented changes to reduce the volume of plywood and engineered wood products (EWP) it will produce in the coming weeks.

The company is planning reductions in plywood production of 25-35 per cent and in EWP volumes of 20-40 per cent depending on location, in comparison to first quarter levels. The reductions in production are expected to be implemented through a combination of periodic curtailments and reductions in operating schedules at specific facilities.

Boise Cascade’s Building Materials Distribution division will likely experience reduced sales and earnings as a result of COVID-19, which will vary by geography and branch location.