One of the largest delegations representing U.S. wood products travels this week to IndiaWood, to be held February 10-14 in Bangalore. Every two years since 2002, this event showcases the nation’s burgeoning woodworking and wood products industry. India’s appetite for wood raw material continues to grow as its furniture industry booms.  About 20 agents on behalf of SFPA and the Softwood Export Council are joining forces to promote lumber products under the American Softwoods banner.

Richard Kleiner, SFPA’s director of international market development, will be joined by Frank Stewart, manager of technical support for the Western Wood Products Association, in making softwood lumber presentations to more than 200 importers and wood users already registered for the seminar. “Product requests from India through SouthernPineGlobal.com have become more frequent in the past year,” said Kleiner.  “The timing is right for promotion and education,” he adds.

SFPA member representatives included in this delegation include Ken Proctor, West Fraser; Deshal Merchant, representing West Fraser; Dave Sundher and Chris Boniface, L.S. Sundher Ltd., representing Weyerhaeuser; Len Barker, Elof Hansson; Edward Cleesas, Klumb Lumber; Cal Larson, FTI America; Norikazu Yoshikawa, Tumac Lumber; Joe Belknap; Pacific Lumber and Shipping; and David Stallcop; Vanport International.

For more information about SFPA’s international programs, contact Richard Kleiner at 504/443-4464, ext. 211, or e-mail rkleiner@sfpa.org.

Welcome New Member

SFPA welcomes Canadian Wood Products (CWP) of Montreal, Canada, as a new Associate Member.  CWP traders connect with forest products importers around the world and its logistics and sales teams have developed a solid expertise in the export market. CWP now delivers across the globe and is looking forward to helping Southern Pine producers expand their reach overseas.  In October 2011, CWP president Philippe Boisclair presented a Canadian market update to the International Softwood Conference in Copenhagen; click here to review his presentation.

Mike Greetham, the company’s Export Manager, will represent Canadian Wood Products with SFPA. Contact him at 514/841-2029, or send e-mail to mike@canadianwood.ca.  To learn more about Canadian Wood Products, visit www.canadianwood.ca.

The recent approval of the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau’s (SPIB) new design values for visually graded Southern Pine lumber by the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) Board of Review has generated more questions among producers and customer groups.  SFPA facilitated a task group of industry leaders representing key customer groups to develop answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding new design values and their implementation. Click here to review this new collection of questions and answers, now available at www.southernpine.com.

SPIB issued Supplement No.9 to the 2002 Standard Grading Rules for Southern Pine Lumber providing new design values effective June 1, 2012. The only design values that will change on June 1 apply to visually graded Southern Pine and Mixed Southern Pine sized 2” to  4” wide and 2” to 4” thick (2x2s through 4x4s) in No.2 and lower grades (No.2, No.3, Stud, Construction, Standard and Utility).

What about Dense and NonDense lumber?  What about Prime lumber grades?  What happens between now and June 1?   These are among the new questions answered in the updated web pages. A helpful table is included listing the new design values for Southern Pine and Mixed Southern Pine, effective June 1, 2012. Answers address transition issues, how to obtain similar load-carrying capabilities and why only some grades and sizes are affected at this time. More than two dozen questions are answered in this updated collection, including a supplemental set of questions with answers providing important background information.

“These answers address the most common questions raised since the ALSC’s decision earlier this month,” says Cathy Kaake, SFPA’s senior director of engineered and framing markets. “The effective date of June 1 allows for an orderly transition to the new design values,” she adds.

Between now and June 1, SFPA will provide more information as it becomes available; check www.southernpine.com frequently for updates.

Welcome New Member

SFPA welcomes Southmark Forest Products, Inc. of Greensboro, North Carolina as a new Associate member. Established in 1996, Southmark Forest Products has a team of traders with decades of experience in the Southern Pine wholesale industry. The company maintains two distribution warehouses and specializes in serving customers in the component, millwork, industrial packaging and laminating industries.  Its strategy for growth includes domestic lumber sales as well as sales to markets in Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Barry Day, the company’s principal officer, will represent Southmark with SFPA. Contact him at 336/374-3400, or send e-mail to barry_day@triad.tcwbc.com.  To learn more about Southmark Forest Products, visit www.southmarkforest.com.

The Southern Pine Inspection Bureau (SPIB) has issued Supplement No.9 to the 2002 Standard Grading Rules for Southern Pine Lumber providing new design values effective June 1, 2012. The only design values that will change on June 1 apply to visually graded Southern Pine and Mixed Southern Pine sized 2” to  4” wide and 2” to 4” thick (2x2s through 4x4s) in No.2 and lower grades (No.2, No.3, Stud, Construction, Standard and Utility). SPIB is in the process of submitting new design values for No.2 Dense and No.2 NonDense to the Board of Review of the American Lumber Standard Committee for approval. The new design values for No.2 Dense and No.2 NonDense will also become effective June 1, 2012. Design values for all other grades and sizes of visually graded Southern Pine remain the same, pending results of testing scheduled for completion later in 2012.

 “The effective date of June 1 allows for an orderly transition to the new design values,” says Cathy Kaake, SFPA’s senior director of engineered and framing markets. “The intent of the six-month transition period is to allow the marketplace to begin to use the new design values or switch to other Southern Pine grades or sizes meeting strength and stiffness requirements,” she adds.

Southern Pine users should establish and begin implementation of a transition plan, but exactly how that is accomplished is up to each individual. One choice could be to complete projects in process with the current design values and to begin using the new design values for new projects. Another approach could be to begin using the new design values between now and June 1, 2012 to allow for a smooth design and inventory transition.

The Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA) continues to facilitate the dialog among key industry segments to help formulate a unified approach to implementation of the new design values. “We are receiving positive reactions from customer groups and will continue to work with them going forward. The ALSC rulings and SPIB’s supplement provide time for a smooth transition,” Cathy says. Between now and June 1, SFPA will provide more information as it becomes available; check www.southernpine.com frequently for updates, including a new set of questions and answers scheduled for release next week.

BACKGROUND: The last major change for visually graded dimension lumber occurred in 1991 when design values for Southern Pine and other North American species were published based on In-Grade testing of full-size samples of commercially produced lumber. Since 1994, SPIB has conducted an annual resource monitoring program developed in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Products Laboratory (FPL). SPIB is the first rules-writing agency to publish new design values. Rules-writing agencies responsible for other species are in different stages for evaluating design values.

SFPA does not test lumber or establish design values. SFPA’s primary function is to market lumber products and to help users understand Southern Pine grading rules and design values.

Complete information about Southern Pine design values is available at www.southernpine.com.

Exports of Southern Pine dipped in November, according to data released by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service.  For the month, Southern Pine exports are reported to be approximately 33 million board feet (MMbf), 12 percent below October’s shipments and 19 percent above November 2010 shipments.  November shipments break out as follows:  15.3 MMbf dressed, 10 MMbf rough and 8 MMbf treated lumber.  Year-to-date, Southern Pine exports are estimated to be 368 MMbf, 28 percent above shipments through November of 2010.

Softwood lumber imports to the U.S. are estimated to be 755 MMbf in November, four percent above October imports.  Year-to-date, imports are down three percent compared to YTD 2010.  Canada shipped approximately 731 MMbf to the U.S. in November, and 8 billion board feet year-to-date.

SFPA members can find detailed reports in the Members Only sections at www.sfpa.org. For questions, contact Russell Richardson, director of treated and industrial markets, at 504/443-4463, ext. 239, or by e-mail at rrichardson@sfpa.org.

Product Spotlight in BPD

A review of Southern Pine product advantages and SFPA’s efforts to help dealers sell more lumber is the focus of a feature article in the latest edition of Building Products Digest magazine. The trade journal is read by some 20,000 building product retailers and distributors in 37 states. Click here to read the article.  Soon, the entire issue can be viewed at www.building-products.com.

Encouraging dealers stocking Southern Pine to sign up for their free listing on SFPA’s Product Locator is touted as a good first step to improving sales. One dealer recorded more than 40,000 visits to its listings during 2011.  The collection of SFPA-sponsored websites is also presented as a valuable resource to dealers, offering a solution to most any customer inquiry regarding the proper specification and use of Southern Pine products.  This article offers SFPA publications that are just a free PDF download away for helping customers. Understanding the new design values for SP 2x4s steers dealers to www.southernpine.com for the latest information.

“This annual feature in BPD is a prime opportunity for SFPA to explain services the association makes available to dealers,” says Richard Wallace, SFPA’s vice president of communications.

Expo 2013 Returns to Atlanta

Dates and the venue for Expo 2013 are set. The 32^nd Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition will be held June 6-7, 2013 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Sponsored and conducted by SFPA since 1950, this event has traditionally included many of the biggest names in the business displaying everything from sawmill machinery to materials handling equipment, attracting key representatives from the nation’s largest wood products manufacturers.

“Expo has always been a great venue to showcase advancements in manufacturing and new technologies, says SFPA’s Eric Gee, exposition director.  “Expo 2013’s theme –  Making the Grade – addresses our industry’s challenges head-on and will build on the successes of last year’s exposition,” he adds. Expo 2011 recorded a 24% boost in attendance over the 2009 show, with displays from 137 companies covering some 33,000 square feet.

Prospective exhibitors will receive a packet with details about reserving space in April. Meanwhile, for more information, contact Eric at 504/443-4464, ext. 214, or send e-mail to egee@sfpa.org.

The Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA) facilitated the Southern Pine Design Value Forum, held November 15-16 in Atlanta. “The forum included representatives from a wide cross section of stakeholders.” says Cathy Kaake, SFPA’s senior director of engineered and framing markets. “SPIB and ALSC were asked to give careful and deliberate consideration to this report to ensure that sound science prevails, disruptions in the marketplace are minimized, and confidence in the process is restored,” Cathy added.

The last major change for visually graded dimension lumber occurred in 1991 when design values for Southern Pine and other North American species were published based on In-Grade testing of full-size samples of commercially produced lumber. SPIB is the first rules-writing agency to submit new values. Rules-writing agencies responsible for other species are in different stages for evaluating design values.

Complete information about SPIB’s proposed design values for visually graded dimension lumber is available at www.southernpine.com.

All information related to SPIB’s proposed design values is pending approval by the ALSC Board of Review. Prior to the Board of Review’s next meeting – set for January 5, 2012 in Washington, DC – ALSC is soliciting written comments from all interested parties, to be received no later than December 22, 2011. Direct comments to Tom Searles, ALSC President by fax to 301/540-8004, or by e-mail to alsc@alsc.org.

SFPA does not test lumber or establish design values. SFPA’s primary function is to market lumber products and to help users understand Southern Pine grading rules and design values.

The results of a working session of Southern Pine lumber producers, component manufacturers, builders, lumber dealers and technical experts regarding proposed design values for visually graded Southern Pine lumber are now available in a 31-page report. Click here to read the report, recently submitted to the Board of Governors of the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau (SPIB), the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) and the ALSC Board of Review.

The Southern Forest Products Association facilitated the Southern Pine Design Value Forum, held November 15-16 in Atlanta. “The forum included representatives from a wide cross section of stakeholders.” says Cathy Kaake, SFPA’s senior director of engineered and framing markets. “SPIB and ALSC were asked to give careful and deliberate consideration to this report to ensure that sound science prevails, disruptions in the marketplace are minimized, and confidence in the process is restored for all stakeholders,” Cathy added.

The last major change for visually graded dimension lumber occurred in 1991 when design values for Southern Pine and other North American species were published based on In-Grade testing of full-size samples of commercially produced lumber. SPIB is the first rules-writing agency to submit new values. Rules-writing agencies responsible for other species are in different stages for evaluating design values.

Complete information about SPIB’s proposed design values for visually graded dimension lumber is available at SouthernPine.com. For questions or comments about this information or the Atlanta forum, contact Cathy at ckaake@sfpa.org.

All information related to SPIB’s proposed design values is pending approval by the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) Board of Review. Prior to the ALSC Board of Review’s next meeting – set for January 5, 2012 in Washington, DC – ALSC is soliciting written comments from all interested parties, to be received no later than December 22, 2011. Direct comments to Tom Searles, ALSC President by fax to 301/540-8004, or by e-mail to alsc@alsc.org.

SP Trade Data Released for October

Another robust month for exports of Southern Pine lumber, according to the latest data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service.  Southern Pine exports are estimated to be approximately 37 million board feet (MMbf), 17 percent above the volume for September.  Of October’s shipments, 10.5 MMbf is rough lumber, 17.3 MMbf is dressed, and 9.8 MMbf is treated lumber.    Year-to-date Southern Pine exports are estimated to be 335 MMbf, a hefty 28 percent ahead of this time last year.

Softwood lumber imports to the U.S. are estimated to be 825 MMbf in October, three percent above September imports.  Year-to-date, imports are down four percent compared to the first ten months of 2010.  Canada shipped approximately 799 MMbf to the U.S. in October, and 7.3 billion board feet year-to-date.

SFPA members can find detailed reports in the Members Only sections at SFPA.org. For questions, contact Russell Richardson, director of treated and industrial markets, at 504/443-4463, ext. 239, or by e-mail at rrichardson@sfpa.org.

Check-off Board Holds First Meeting

The first meeting of the Softwood Lumber Board (SLB) was held recently in Chicago to officially launch the softwood lumber check-off, a unified industry-funded promotion program created last June by a referendum.

“I am gratified and encouraged by the commitment of this new Board to the goal of working progressively together to build a better future for the industry,” said Jack Jordan, Executive Vice President of Jordan Lumber & Supply, Inc., in North Carolina, who was elected to serve as the Board’s First Chairman.

The Board voted to create an executive committee, a programs committee, a finance committee, plus a governance and industry relations committee. Primary agenda items were devoted to discussions of program criteria and guidelines. The Board’s directive to its programs committee: focus as much of the funds as possible on market development initiatives; programs will need to demonstrate a significant return on investment to the softwood lumber industry through activities that:
* Increase demand, generate sales, or improve market conditions;
* Protect and maintain softwood lumber markets (such as code and standards work);
* Develop new uses and applications for softwood lumber.

Beginning January 1, shipments will be subject to assessment, but will not be invoiced for payment until the end of the first quarter 2012.   Next month, the SLB will send detailed procedures to each softwood lumber manufacturer and importer of record, and request documentation of multi-year shipment volumes.  Companies that regularly ship or import less than 15 million board feet annually will be issued a certificate of exemption, and will not be invoiced for assessments.  Certificates of exemption must be renewed annually, and any amounts domestically shipped or imported in excess of 15 million board feet in any calendar year will be subject to assessments.

For more details of this inaugural SLB meeting, click here to read the full news release. The SLB will provide updates on its program efforts, available on the SLB website.  The SLB is scheduled to meet again in February 2012.

House Totally Made in America

A house made entirely of American-made products?  ABC News recently found one in Bozeman, Montana. Economist turned builder Anders Lewendal calculates that if every builder bought only 5% more American-made materials, 220,000 jobs would result. Click here to view the story; click here for the list of products used to build the home.

Wood: a Modern Marvel

Modern Marvels will premiere an episode all about wood on Monday night (12/19), 10pm eastern time (9pm central) on the History 2 channel (H2); check your local listings. This broadcast could be a positive message for wood products, based on the cable channel’s capsule summary:

“Hundreds of years before steel and plastic, wood was the building block of America. But even today, it touches every aspect of our lives. It’s underneath our feet and flying through the sky, propping up skyscrapers and making burgers fry — from the historical, to the modern, to the timeless, we explore the surprising ways we cannot live without WOOD”.

Follow SFPA

Reminder: follow SFPA happenings via Twitter @Southern_Pine

They are (pictured below, left to right) Chairman Fritz Mason of Georgia-Pacific LLC, Atlanta, Georgia, Vice-Chairman Tom Rice of Conner Industries, Inc. of Fort Worth, Texas, and Treasurer Rob Taylor of Weyerhaeuser Company of Federal Way, Washington. Joe Patton of Westervelt Lumber in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, will serve as immediate past chairman.  The board also reelected Adrian Blocker as SFPA president and Tami Kessler as corporate secretary.    The officers assume their new roles immediately.

“I look forward to working with the excellent staff at SFPA,” Mason said.  “Despite the current market conditions, our association is a strong voice in the industry, and I hope to build on that strength as our industry rebounds.”

“We believe this is an excellent leadership team that will represent SFPA well and provide guidance as the industry gains market stability,” said SFPA President Adrian Blocker.

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