Plywood production
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April 15, 2019
Columbia Forest Products ceases plywood production at its Trumann mill
Columbia Forest Products (CFP) announced plans to cease all hardwood plywood production activities and permanently close its Trumann, Arkansas facility in the US. CFP anticipates that the permanent closure of the mill will take place sometime this fall. According to the announcement, remaining orders for panel products manufactured at this facility are moving to other production sites within Columbia’s existing North American network. “The decision to close Trumann is especially difficult given the skills and commitment of the employees in Trumann. As employee-owners, we consider them family. We have fought a long and challenging battle against unfair and imbalanced Chinese trade practices. First, with hardwood plywood. More recently, imported Chinese cabinets. The combined and sustained impact of these and other factors have eroded our market opportunities to the point where... Continue reading
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January 9, 2023
Africa: Sawmills and plywood producers diversifying markets to maintain production
The slowdown in demand in China is becoming a serious problem for operators in the region with saw and ply mills seeing rising stocks and few significant orders. Almost all companies are looking for new markets and for species not commonly demanded for the Chinese market. Some success is reported with increased sales of azobe and bilinga for the Netherlands and Belgium markets. Efforts are underway to encourage more sales of padouk and doussie to Europe. Demand in China is at a standstill for most species with only ovangkol and okan of interest. Shipments of other major species such as okoume and belli have almost come to a halt. It is reported that mills in Gabon and Congo, which concentrated on okoume, have cut production and started to lay-off workers. It is only sawnwood markets in the Middle East that are stable at present. Lay-offs have been reported by mills operating... Continue reading
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July 3, 2023
Russian plywood producers at risk to cease production due to resin shortage
Some Russian plywood producers may cease operations or significantly raise prices for their products. The situation was caused by the shortage of a key component for the production of plywood: phenol formaldehyde resin.... Continue reading
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January 9, 2023
Africa: Sawmills and plywood producers diversifying markets to maintain production
The slowdown in demand in China is becoming a serious problem for operators in the region with saw and ply mills seeing rising stocks and few significant orders. Almost all companies are looking for new markets and for species not commonly demanded for the Chinese market. Some success is reported with increased sales of azobe and bilinga for the Netherlands and Belgium markets. Efforts are underway to encourage more sales of padouk and doussie to Europe. Demand in China is at a standstill for most species with only ovangkol and okan of interest. Shipments of other major species such as okoume and belli have almost come to a halt. It is reported that mills in Gabon and Congo, which concentrated on okoume, have cut production and started to lay-off workers. It is only sawnwood markets in the Middle East that are stable at present. Lay-offs have been reported by mills operating... Continue reading
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May 11, 2016
Brazilian Guararapes triples MDF production capacity with a new line
Brazilian plywood and MDF manufacturer, Guararapes SA has announced the start of production at its new MDF line in Caçador, Brazil. The total investment in the MDF line reached BRR 320 million (approximately US$ 92,6 million) and will triple the current production capacity from 200,000 m3 per year to 600,000 m3. Guararapes will thus... Continue reading
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January 9, 2023
Africa: Sawmills and plywood producers diversifying markets to maintain production
The slowdown in demand in China is becoming a serious problem for operators in the region with saw and ply mills seeing rising stocks and few significant orders. Almost all companies are looking for new markets and for species not commonly demanded for the Chinese market. Some success is reported with increased sales of azobe and bilinga for the Netherlands and Belgium markets. Efforts are underway to encourage more sales of padouk and doussie to Europe. Demand in China is at a standstill for most species with only ovangkol and okan of interest. Shipments of other major species such as okoume and belli have almost come to a halt. It is reported that mills in Gabon and Congo, which concentrated on okoume, have cut production and started to lay-off workers. It is only sawnwood markets in the Middle East that are stable at present. Lay-offs have been reported by mills operating... Continue reading