National Hardwood Magazine - March 2012

AHEC UPDATE - Continued
allow sunlight into the conservatory area in the summer
months. The cladding in American Ash is contrasted by the
darker foldable seats in American Gum. The judges were
impressed by simplicity and workability of this very original
design.
AHEC’s affiliation with design and architectural schools
across Europe is stronger than ever. Students are the key decision
makers in future design and architecture and AHEC is
working to ensure the Hardwood message is included in school
curriculums. AHEC is currently investing in an extensive LCA
(Life Cycle Analysis) Study for the U.S. Hardwood industry,
which puts science at the heart of the green building debate.
With a growing trend towards ‘green’ design, it is essential that
architects and designers are provided with peer reviewed data
to allow them to make fair comparisons when specifying materials.
AHEC will continue to invest in educative projects and
competitions with students across Europe in 2012.
SOUTHEAST TRENDS - Continued from page 6
in their lower grade applications.”
As for what the spring will bring, the supplier indicated he
doesn’t expect much change until the summer months. “We
may see some slight movement in activity, but I really don’t
look for anything to happen before the summer.”
In Arkansas a sawmill source said his international markets
have picked up especially for kiln dried White Oak. “Our sales
to China have picked up considerably since the inventory
issues they had at the end of last year,” he explained.
“European exports have stabilized to a degree, but are still
down from a year ago.
“Our European markets generally consume large volumes of
mostly upper grade White Oak,” he continued. “The slowing
demand has pushed order competition and lower pricing, especially
in the 5/4 FAS.” He also mentioned lower production of
White Oak has prevented further deterioration in prices.
According to the Hardwood supplier, current activity for
green No. 2 A and Better grades is supply-driven. “Markets
haven’t improved substantially but production has been limited,”
he said. As for what he expects in the months ahead, the
contact believes 2012 will be much similar to 2011 in terms of
sales. “I don’t look for much difference in 2012; we are seeing
a pattern that will probably continue until 2015.”
Also in Mississippi an industrial Hardwood supplier said
demand has been steady throughout the first quarter.
“Railroad ties continue to move consistently,” he mentioned.
“Cross ties are moving well and production is improving.”
However, the contact did note supplies are edging slightly
above demand.
End user contacts in the region accounted for improvements
in new orders and order files. Expectations for improved manufacturing
activity in 2012 is gaining according to a recent survey.
In the transportation sector, sources overall report positive
activity. As reported by the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book,
trucking firms continued to account for increased demand for
their services but are struggling to meet customer needs due
to a significant shortage of long-haul drivers. Port authorities
accounted for volume increases with notable strength in
exports.
For 85 years, Beard Hardwoods
has relied on the “4Pʼs” for success:
Product - People - Progress - Pride. If youʼre already a customer
of ours, youʼre probably already aware of this. If youʼre not, weʼd like
to show you what a positive difference this combination can mean to
your business.
WE BUY AND SELL
Hardwoods
IMPORTS: Mahogany, etc. EXPORTS: Oak, Poplar, Ash, etc.
Dry Kilns (400,000 ft. capacity) Greensboro, N.C.
P.O. Box 16767 Greensboro, NC 27416-6767
(336) 378-1265 FAX: (336) 379-0863
web site: www.enbeard.com e-mail: jbeard@enbeard.com
SALES:
John Beard, Aaron Fouts,
Pete Green, Derick Shular & David Leonard
MARCH/2012 49