May 2020

Connections encourages EWTA and APA Members to submit news of interest to ladauna.wilson@apawood.org

EWTA NEWS

EWTA’s and APA’s Operations Continue During Coronavirus Outbreak

As the coronavirus outbreak continues to change how we all work, what hasn’t changed is EWTA’s and APA’s dedication to serving the industry. The health and well-being of our communities while maintaining member services remains our top priority. We appreciate your support and patience as we work through this difficult time together. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact LaDauna Wilson at ladauna.wilson@apawood.org.

Business Outlook Update

In January and February, many EWTA members participated in the annual Business Outlook Survey and provided input on forecasts for company growth, employment levels and other business-related matters. A summary of the responses will be published in the upcoming Spring Engineered Wood Journal.

The forecasts received at the beginning of 2020 did not foresee the arrival of COVID-19 and the impacts on the engineered wood industry. How has the current state of affairs affected your forecast? Following is a link to a second 2020 Business Outlook Survey with a request to provide your company forecast through the remainder of 2020.

The survey is short (10 questions), and the anonymous responses will be summarized and featured in the Fall Engineered Wood Journal. Thank you again for your input!

EWTA 2020 Business Outlook, June-December Forecast - TAKE SURVEY > (Due June 15)

First Quarter Production Up

Production across all engineered wood products was up in the first quarter from the fourth quarter of 2019. This is consistent with historical seasonality and the strength of housing starts at 2019 year’s end and continuing in the first quarter. Compared to the first quarter of 2019, glulam and I-joist output was up 14% in both cases, while LVL production rose 7%. In contrast, OSB production was down 1% and plywood essentially flat. U.S. imports of softwood plywood from South America are estimated at 260 million square feet in the first quarter, down from 346 million square feet in the fourth quarter of 2019.

One of the benefits of EWTA membership is the access to APA market and housing reports compiled by Joe Elling, APA Market Research Director.

Watch your inbox as the April 2020 Monthly Housing Report is scheduled to be distributed later this week. If you have not received a link to the reports, please contact LaDauna Wilson.

Engineered Wood Journal

The spring issue of the Engineered Wood Journal will be available by mid-June. In addition to a summary of the 2020 Business Outlook, included is a 2020 Member Directory listing current members (as of June 1) with detailed company and contact information.

2020 Info Fair

Due to the current pandemic, the status of the 2020 Info Fair is pending. EWTA and APA continue to monitor industry safety and health recommendations. We will send updates and post information on the EWTA website at www.engineeredwood.org when available.

2019 APA Safety and Health Awards

APA has announced the winners of its 2019 Safety and Health Awards. The program celebrates safety and operational excellence in the structural panel and engineered wood industry.

Since 1982, the APA awards program honors the management and employees of companies and mills with the lowest Weighted Incident Rate (WIR), which is calculated using the number and severity of recordable incidents reported on the mill’s annual OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) report. Go to the APA website for the Safety and Health Award program details and list of the 2019 winners.

EWTA MEMBER NEWS

EWTA’s Connections newsletter, published electronically every other month, welcomes news from its members. News suitable for publication in upcoming issues includes press releases about new hires, new products, company news, or awards won. Please send your information or direct questions to LaDauna Wilson.