Import/Export Wood Purchasing News December 2023/January 2024

IMPORT/EXPORT 

www.woodpurchasingnews.com 

Vol.50 No.3 Serving Forest Products Buyers Worldwide DECEMBER 2023 /JANUARY 2024 

AHEC Addresses Global Issues During 

NHLA Convention 

Photos By Terry Miller and Paul Miller Jr. 

AHEC Pavilion Travels To VietnamWood 

Volker Reinecke, Agentur Reinecke GmbH, Hamburg, Germany; Shannon Forrest, 

Robinson Lumber Company, Anderson, SC; and Mike Mallin, Midwest Hardwood 

Company, Maple Grove, MN 

Additional photos on page 10 

The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) held a board of directors 

meeting in conjunction with the recent 126th edition of the National Hardwood 

Lumber Association Annual Convention & Expo Showcase, held in Louisville, 

KY at the Omni Louisville Hotel. 

Additionally, AHEC Executive Director Michael Snow delivered a General 

Sessions keynote presentation at the NHLA Convention. Entitled "Enhancing 

Global Market Access - EUDR, Certification and the Changing Policy Environment," 

he was joined by guest speakers, including AHEC global directors. 

Headquartered in Sterling, VA, near Washington, DC, The American Hardwood 

Export Council is the leading international trade association for the U.S. hardwood 

industry, representing the committed U.S. hardwood exporters and the major 

U.S. hardwood product trade associations. AHEC runs a worldwide program 

to promote the full range of American hardwoods in over 50 export markets. 

Learn more at www.ahec.org. n 

Brian Gibson, Cole Hardwood Inc., Logansport, IN; and Rob Kukowski, Kamps Hardwoods 

Inc., Caledonia, MI 


The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) Hardwood Pavilion recently 

welcomed guests at the 2023 15th edition of the VietnamWood Woodworking Industry 

Fair at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center in Ho Chi Minh City. 

The four-day event will be held again in 2025 and is organized by the Ministry 

of Industry & Trade. The co-organizer is the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association 

(HAWA). 

VietnamWood featured a series of seminars and conferences with guest keynote 

speakers from instrumental industry associations. This year's event had over 

350 exhibitors registered from 28 countries and regions. The event showcased the 

latest smart factory solutions for the wood industry. 

Attendees saw a diverse range of products, including woodworking machinery, 

raw materials, equipment and consumables, covering primary and secondary 

Continued on page 23 

AHEC Greater China, SE Asia Convention Returns 

To Celebrate 26th Year 

Photos Provided By AHEC 

PRSRT STD 

U.S. POSTAGE PAID 

JEFFERSON CITY, MO 

PERMIT NO. 303 

Change Service Requested 

Import/Export Wood Purchasing News 

P.O. Box 34908 

Memphis, TN 38184-0908 

Levi Soodsma, Baillie Lumber, Hamburg, NY and a customer. 


The JW Marriott Hotel in Chengdu, China was the site of the return of the 

American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) Greater China and Southeast Asia 

Convention. This marked the 26th anniversary of the event after a three-year 

absence. 

AHEC Executive Director Michael Snow welcomed attendees, stating, "While 

it seems that we are always reacting to the next major disruption, it is vital that 

Continued on page 23

Kelly Hostetter 

has joined the leadership 

team at Kamps 

Hardwoods, located in 

Dutton, MI as the Chief 

Business Development 

Officer where he will 

focus on new business 

avenues and sales. 

Kamps Hardwoods is 

a sawmill and concentration 

yard that sells 

Kelly Hostetter 

globally. The company 

offers Walnut, Hard and Soft Maple, Red and White 

Oak, Cherry, Ash, Hickory and Poplar, among others. 

The company also offers S2S, ripping, width sorts, 

color sorts, sap/heart sorts. 

Hostetter has been the Chief Business Development 

Officer since September 2023. He has been in 

the forest products industry for 25 years, where he 

started in lumber sales. He has served in various positions 

throughout his tenure in the industry, including 

operations, general management and purchasing. 

He has been married to Ale for 30 years and has 

one son and one daughter. In his spare time he enjoys 

fishing, golf and traveling with his friends and family. 

Kamps Hardwoods is a member of the National 

Hardwood Lumber Association, American Hardwood 

Export Council, Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s 

Who’s Who in Import/Exports 


CITES Sausage Making Isn’t 

Limited To CoPs 

By: Ashley Amidon CAE 

Executive Director American International 

Wood Products Association 

Alexandria, VA 

(703) 820-7807 (c) 

www.iwpawood.org 

Samantha Keenan 

is the AGL Group’s 

Director of International 

Operations. 

The AGL Group is an 

international logistics 

firm, specializing 

in forest products 

shipping over 31,000 

loads annually. AGL 

is headquartered in 

Samantha Keenan Weymouth, MA with 

offices in Jacksonville, 

FL, Barranquilla, Colombia and a 52,000 

square foot warehouse in Blakeslee, PA. 

Keenan has been an integral member of AGL 

going on five years, almost half of the company’s 

existence. Keenan started in the export documentation 

department as a representative before becoming 

the export documentation manager in 2021. 

Within the last three months Keenan has been 

promoted to the Director of International Operations. 

She is responsible for AGL’s Export, Import 

and Warehousing divisions, leading a team of 52. 

Keenan is currently working on an internal roll out 

of a new software system that will create efficiencies 

within the organization and offer its clients 

new services the forwarding industry is yet to see. 

When Keenan isn’t at the office she can be 

Years ago, compliance with the Convention on International 

Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna 

Ashley Amidon 

and Flora (CITES) was limited to a relatively small number 

of traders who recognized that their particular market 

niche required specialized knowledge about requirements 

and processes that was largely unfamiliar to suppliers of 

other international wood species. Since 2016, however, 

hundreds of additional species, including whole genera 

such as Cedrela and Dalbergia and widely traded species like Khaya and - coming 

in 2024 - Ipe and Cumaru, have been added to the CITES appendices, adding 

significant permitting requirements for a much larger cohort of industry members. 

IWPA staff is working diligently to advocate for our industry at CITES meetings, 

including at the meeting of the CITES Standing Committee that occurred 

in early November. While the species proposals considered every three years at 

Conferences of the Parties (CoPs) garner the most attention, in the years between 

CoPs Parties and stakeholder Observer organizations like IWPA debate policy proposals 

that fundamentally impact the way CITES functions. IWPA staff has been 

particularly active in the consideration of movement towards a new programmatic 

focus on “CITES and Forests.” Some Parties, and the CITES Secretariat itself, argue 

that CITES should move from a species-focused paradigm to instead focus on 

ecosystems such as forests more generally. Certainly, our industry is focused on the 

health of the global forests where the species our members source are found. But 

movement to ecosystem-based trade restrictions is not contemplated in the text of 

the Convention, and many Parties, including the United States, agree. 

Additionally, the Standing Committee is considering a proposal asking CITES 

Secretariat staff to develop draft guidance and best practices related to the peri- 



Tony Pescaglia is the 

sales manager at MO 

PAC Lumber Company, 

located in Fayette, 

MO. MO PAC is a 

furniture grade sawmill 

specializing in American 

Black Walnut. For 

over 40 years, MO PAC 

has consistently offered 

quality kiln-dried 

Tony Pescaglia lumber to customers 

both domestically and 

around the world. 

MO PAC produces four million board feet per 

year and offers American Black Walnut in 4/4- 

16/4 thicknesses and in grades No. 2 Common and 

Better, Silverleaf Soft Maple in thicknesses 4/4-16/4 

and Ash and White Oak in 4/4 thickness. 

MO PAC’s mill is NHLA grade certified and 

offers 10-inch and wider width sorts in thicknesses 

of 4/4-16/4 in Walnut. They also offer straight line 

ripping and surfacing, available upon request, as 

well as mixed containers. MO PAC has an experienced 

staff that handles all of the export documentation 

and logistics. 

Pescaglia is fourth generation lumberman, whose 

grandfather often says that sawdust runs in his family’s 

veins. He has been with MO PAC since 2011 

By: Michael Snow 

Executive Director American Hardwood 

Export Council Sterling, VA 

703-435-2900 

www.ahec.org 


AHEC Strategy In 2024 

In challenging markets, effective promotion and communication 

is more vital than ever. The long-term strate- 

Michael Snow 

gy employed by the American Hardwood Export Council 

encompasses a diversified approach in global target 

markets to create a positive environment for the U.S. 

hardwood industry to promote their businesses and make 

sales. Thanks to our network and FAS funding, AHEC 

is able to provide support in ways that may not be easy or possible for individual 

companies. Activities like influencing world fashion, responding to environmental 

policies and developments, creating promotional tools, developing new technologies, 

and anticipating market developments are some of what AHEC does every 

day to support a healthy hardwood industry in America. 

One of our most important focuses is the outreach to the “specifiers”, who are 

architects, designers, furniture makers, and those who have the freedom to select 

what material to use in a project. While not direct customers of our industry, their 

influence on how materials are chosen and used is vital for sustained growth in 

our industry. The AHEC program strategy for outreach to these groups is achieved 

through a wide range of creative activities and by generating significant levels of 

media publicity, thus keeping the U.S. hardwood industry and American hardwood 

as a material constantly in the public eye. Year on year we have demonstrated that 

this tactic works to deliver new demand. Some of these messages have remained 

constant, such as the variety of species available and the strong environmental 

credentials. What changes annually are the specific details of the messages and the 

methods of delivery. 

AHEC programs are based on a combination of activities to pull demand 

through the “wood chain” with designers and manufacturers, while also working 

to push information into the “wood chain” by working with, and targeting, timber 


Table of Contents 

FEATURES: 

AHEC/NHLA Convention.................... Tecno Mueble ........................... 1 

VietnamWood...................................... 1 

AHEC AWFS SE Fair.................................... Asia Convention................ 1 

HHP...................................................... Classic American Hdwds 4 

Houston Hardwoods.......................... Rainey Millworks ........................ 5 

Lumber Forecasts for 2024............... 6 

CHB Education................................... 7 

DEPARTMENTS: 

BC Wood's GBM................................. 8 

Who's Who in Import/Exports ... 2 

DEPARTMENTS: 

AHEC Column ............................. 2 

Who's IWPA Who Column in Import/Exports........... .............................. 23 

AHEC Column..................................... 2 

Washington Scene ..................... 6 

IWPA Column...................................... 2 

SEC Business Column........................................ Trends USA 37 

Washington Canadian Trends....................... Scene............................. 14 9 

Business Trends USA...................... 15 

Business Trends Abroad ..........16 

Canadian Trends.............................. 19 

Business 

Memoriam...................................25 

Trends Abroad..................21 

Memoriam..........................................35 

Stock Exchange ...................27-28 

Stock Newswires Exchange........................... ..................................29 38-39 

Newswires..........................................41 

Index of Advertisers ................. 34 

Index of Advertisers......................... 46 

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U.S. Correspondents: Chicago, Ill., Grand Rapids, 

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Canadian Correspondents: Toronto 

Foreign Correspondents: Brazil, Philippines, Malaysia, 

Chile, Bangkok, Thailand, Singapore, New Zealand. 

Canadian Correspondents: Toronto 

Foreign Correspondents: Brazil, Philippines, Malaysia, 

Chile, Bangkok, Thailand, Singapore, New Zealand. 

The Import/Export Wood Purchasing News is the 

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product of a company and its affiliates that have been in 

Other publications edited for specialized markets and 

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Forest Products Export Directory • Hardwood Purchasing 

Handbook • National Hardwood Magazine • Green 

distributed worldwide include: 

Forest Products Export Directory • Hardwood Purchasing 

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Book’s Hardwood Marketing Directory • Green Book’s 

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A Busy (Policy) Fall for the Industry 

U.S. Softwood Lumber Exports To Mexico Reach Record High 

If there are two constant refrains IWPA hears from the industry, it’s about increases in delays they 

are experiencing at our ports of entry and GSP. Both issues tie back to Congress - although in 

different ways. 

GSP is perhaps the simplest problem because it already has an easy solution. The Generalized 

System of Preferences (GSP)–established in 1974, it promotes economic development by eliminating 

duties on thousands of products when imported from designated beneficiary countries and 

territories. It also benefits American companies and consumers, as it allows businesses to receive 

a duty-free rate on specific products which then undergo further manufacturing here in the United 

By By Rose Ashley Braden Amidon, States, providing jobs to Americans, and ensuring that consumers have the best choices. Unfortunately 

for many years GSP has been in a cycle of expiring, having to wait a year or more before 

President 

CAE 

Softwood Export 

Executive Director 

Council 

being Suppliers reauthorized and buyers retroactively. from 13 countries This is participated repeated in in a the frustrating 2023 NWPCA cycle Guadalajara that leaves pallet businesses convention. with 

International 

Portland, OR money In 2022, they U.S. hope softwood to receive lumber but can’t exports count to on. Mexico IWPA reached has always an all-time been a high, proponent totaling of $282 GSP, and 

www.softwood.org 

Wood Products 

Association million, now during and the nearly longest double lapse 2020 in the sales program’s figures. Mexico history, is we now continue the number to ask one Congress international to take market this 

Alexandria, VA for important U.S. softwood issue up. lumber, Our hope unseating is that by China the in time 2018 this following article goes a 25 to percent print, Congress U.S. tariff will on have wood settled 

products (703)820-7807 from China. (c) January with to priorities August they 2023 will exports deal ($171 with in million) end-of-year are down packages slightly and from that GSP the same is among period them. in 2022, ($195 

million), www.iwpawood.org 

yet analysts expect The end second of year issue totals is to more be almost complicated. on par with IWPA 2022 staff figures. receives frequent calls from companies who 

Demand for U.S. softwood are frustrated lumber in with Mexico extended is increasing Lacey Act at an holds unprecedented at ports. While rate for the a delays, number which of reasons, extend including for several 

limited domestic supply of weeks quality or lumber, often months positive at impacts a time, are of the frustrating US-Mexico enough Canada on their Agreement own, too (USMCA), often they and result the in costly 

logistical advantages of a demurrage shared border. fees Cartel that eat related into or violence eliminate has any further profit constrained the importer access could to hope Mexico’s to book domestic on a shipment timber. 

of wood products. Importers are bounced between agencies as they seek to learn the nature of the 

Continued 

Continued 

on 

on 

page 

page 

27 

18 

Quality Everything 

We strive every day to be on the forefront of our industry by offering 

first class products and excellent service to our customers. 

Building relationships around the world. 

bankshardwoods.com 

Page 2 Import/Export Wood Purchasing News n December 2023/January 2024 

Import/Export Import/Export Wood Wood Purchasing Purchasing News News n December October/November 2023/January 20232024 Page Page 3

Integrity, Knowledge and Premium Hardwood Selection at Houston Hardwoods 

Bruce Dahn, kiln-dried sales, Natalie Crane, green sales and office manager and Joe Carrier, general manager, at HHP. 

HHP, Inc., located in Henniker, NH, was founded in 1989 when Richard 

Carrier and Ross D’Elia purchased Henniker Hardwood Pallets. They broke 

ground on where the current mill stands, a few years later in 1992. HHP has since 

become a family affair with Richard Carrier and his brother, Marco Carrier, both 

now being HHP’s principals and Marco Carrier’s son, Joe Carrier serving as 

HHP’s general manager. 

HHP has an annual production of 13 million board feet, with 80 percent made 

up of Northern Red Oak. “The Red Oak from this region here in Central New 

Hampshire is sought after for its tight grain, consistent color, and its lack of 

mineral,” said Bruce Dahn, hardwood kiln-dried sales manager. “Our customers 

won’t have to do any color sorting at the end of the day. The product that they 

buy from us is over trimmed and over edged so that they get a better yield and 

a better end result, allowing the customer to take our product and put it straight 

into their production process.” HHP is known for their consistency across all of 

HHP has a vast amount of equipment, which includes: McDonough double cut carriage, two 

PHL resaws, a PHL/Comact optimizing edger (pictured here), that feeds the Trim Expert, on 

to a PHL trimmer and PHL 60 bay bin sorter, with USNR scanning, as well as the VisionTally, 

as well as seven Nyle Dry Kilns. 

HHP: Taking Pride In Quality Products 

By Terry Miller 

“One thing that Marco and Joe have always emphasized 

is the quality of the products that we produce 

here at HHP and the pride that we have when we 

put it into the marketplace.” 

– Bruce Dahn, HHP, Hardwood Kiln-Dried 

Sales Manager 

their Red Oak production, as well as 

their other primary species, which include, 

Hard and Soft Maple, Ash and 

Yellow Birch. 

HHP saws 4/4 and 5/4 boards on a 

regular basis. “While our primary and 

biggest item is still 4/4, we always try 

to keep at least one kiln charge of 5/4 

a month in process so we have it as a 

regular item across all grades from the 

uppers right down into the common 

grades,” Dahn continued. 

HHP offers custom widths and 

lengths, as well as proprietary grades. 

Their bin sorter allows them to hone 

in on their customers’ needs as they 

grade their kiln-dried lumber for a 

second time. “Re-grading our kilndried 

material ensures we catch any 

HHP has a drying capacity of 75,000 board feet 

each dry kiln, with an annual drying capacity for 

the Northern Red Oak of 6 million board feet. 



Houston Hardwoods, 

headquartered in Houston, 

TX, offers among 

the largest selection of 

hardwoods in Texas. 

More than 600,000 

board feet of hardwoods 

are purchased annually 

in Alder, Ash, Cherry, 

Maple, Red and White 

Oak, Walnut, Birch, 

Pecan, Poplar and many 

more species. Additional 

product offerings 

Tim McCoy, President of Houston Hardwoods. 

include mouldings, 

softwood and imported lumber, plywood, MDF and melamine, edgebanding and 

veneer sheeting. 

With what may be the best balance of hardwood species and industry experience, 

Houston Hardwoods 

continues to fit the niche it found 

in providing superior service and 

quality products. “We offer most of 

the common domestic hardwoods 

and also quite a few of the exotic 

woods,” President Tim McCoy 

explained. “I would say 75 percent 

of our lumber is domestic and the 

other 25 percent is imported.” 

A solid business plan and reputation 

for excellence is what McCoy 

said keeps the operation successful 

and competitive. Houston Hardwoods 

was minimally (if at all) impacted 

by the covid pandemic that 

began in 2020. “It was business as 

usual for us,” he explained. “We 

changed our operating hours to adjust 

to the needs of our employees, 

but we’ve since reinstated them 

and we’re back at full capacity.” 

Founded in 1990 by McCoy, 

president, and Guy Pike, vice 

president, Houston Hardwoods 

also specializes in marine products 

which include marine grade 

plywood, Teak plywood, and solid 

Teak lumber as well as Teak and 

Holly boat decking. A combined 

80 years of industry experience, 

McCoy said, “When we opened 

this business, I had worked 

at another hardwood company 

and Guy was in the remodeling 

business prior to this operation. We 

have a lot of experience in the lumber 

industry. We brought different 

approaches, ways of thinking and 

educational backgrounds to the 

table; that helped set the stage for a 

successful business.” 

Today, Houston Hardwoods 

operates from a 50,000-square-foot 

facility with about 18 employees. 

After just the first five years of 

operation, they started adding 

moulders to the equipment lineup. 

Now the company’s two SCMI 

moulders streamline the production 

process and designate specific 

machines to certain tasks. “We are 

By Michelle Keller 

“We’re constantly exploring new ways to have the best product 

and service possible because keeping our customers happy 

has definitely been the key to our success.” 

– Tim McCoy, Houston Hardwoods, President 

continuously seeking new ways to offer the best product and service possible 

because keeping our customers satisfied is the key to our success,” McCoy said. 

Since inception, the company has been growing steadily both in terms of sales 

and line/product expansion. “We’ve grown every year since then,” said McCoy. 

The company itself has also evolved into a full-blown manufacturing facility that 

specializes in planing wood and producing custom moulding. “Our mill capabilities 

were limited in the beginning,” said McCoy. “About five years into it, we 

started adding moulders to our equipment lineup. That’s become a big part of our 

business.” 


Import/Export Wood Purchasing News n December 2023/January 2024 Page 5

Lumber Forecasts For 2024 

Despite The Challenges That 2023 Brought There Is 

Hope Going Into 2024 

By Cadance Hanson 

While looking back at how the hardwood market fared throughout 2023, 

lumber providers came to a general consensus that while this year posed its 

challenges, it was a profitable year nonetheless. One participant stated, “2023 was 

definitely not the year we wanted but we were able to be profitable.” 

Another participant said, “2023 has exceeded our expectations, 2024 has a 

similar uncertainty to last year’s planning due to geopolitical and economic conditions.” 

Participants also shared their concerns over how tariffs and the European 

Union’s new regulations will affect sales in the coming year, with one stating, 

“The EU regulations that are on the table pose a very significant threat to exporters 

and all lumber producers in the U.S.A.” 

Eric Porter 

Abenaki Timber Corporation 

Kingston, NH 

2023 was a challenging year. I would say it was 

successful in footage produced and shipped but the 

invoice values were way down due to the rapid drop 

in kiln-dried prices. Our sales in dollar value will 

be down from 2022 but we were able to keep our 

market share in overall footage produced and sold. 

We serve a variety of manufacturers, distribution 

Eric Porter yards, wholesalers, brokers and the export markets 

worldwide. I would not be able to single out any 

sector that was better than another. 

Abenaki still produces the native American hardwood species found in the 

Northeast and Appalachian regions as well as importing European Beech and 

some European Oak. 

We did do some control updating at both of our facilities and replaced some 

rolling stock but no new major equipment was added in 2023. 

Our key employees have proven 

reliable and consistent throughout 

the year. If we could add one or 

two at each facility, we wouldn’t 

hesitate to do so. 

Shipping was a major improvement 

in 2023 over 2022. 

We are more concerned as a 

company with the implied certification 

regulations that Europe is 

adding than we are with any tariffs 

currently. 

Brandon Clark 

Brandon Clark 

Clark Lumber Company 

Red Boiling Springs, TN 

2023 was definitely not the year 

we wanted but we were able to be 

profitable. The hardest part of 2023 

was the inventory adjustments 

early in the year. It took several 

months of production to overcome 

the pricing adjustments. 

In order to be successful, 2024 

needs to have steady demand for 

all production items and price stability 

and hopefully a small price 

increase would be best. 

Our grade lumber sales to distribution 

yards were strong, as well 

as our sales to moulding manufacturers, 

while our sales to flooring 

manufacturers was average. The 

pallet cant sales to the main line 

railroads was strong, while our 

sales to the small treatment plants 

was average, yet sporadic. All of 


The Canadian Hardwood Bureau 

(CHB) recently held its 2023 

Fall Meeting in Louisville, KY, in 

conjunction with the NHLA Convention. 

Chairman Shaun Rowe, of 

Quality Hardwoods Ltd., welcomed 

delegates and lead the informative 

session. 

The guest speaker was Geoff 

Webb, Dean of NHLA’s Inspector 

Training School, who outlined 

NHLA’s Apprenticeship Program 

and noted that Class 1 graduated 

from Inspector Training School in 

1948. There is today an increased 

emphasis on "Trades." The program 

includes a contract between 

the employer and apprentice and 

featured structured pay increases 

during Apprenticeship. The NHLA 

program is 2,000 hours and 300 

of Relevant Technical Instruction, 

which includes 144 hours of classroom 

instruction. The program is 

currently registered in Tennessee 

and the paperwork is submitted in 

Pennsylvania. They expect to register 

in Michigan and Arkansas and 

other states as requested. 

Allison DeFord, executive director 

of the North American Forest 

Foundation (NAFF), addressed the 

meeting to spread the word about 

the Back to School with NAFF 

fundraiser. NAFF was working to 

raise the remaining amounts with 

their matching sponsor’s contributions 

in an effort to be able to 

educate 75,000 students about sustainable 

forestry. They have a keen 

interest to send education kits to 

schools in Canada. 

Chairman Rowe reported that 

since the Bureau’s very successful 

meeting back in May, it has been 

doing some training and held an English-language 

hardwood grading 

short course in mid-May in Ontario. 

It was sold out with almost 30 people 

enrolled. The practical portion 


Canadian Hardwood Bureau Embraces Educational Programs 

Bill Miller, Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve Ltd., Haliburton, ON; Allison De- 

Ford, North American Forest Foundation, Collierville, TN; Bob Rutledge, Haliburton 

Forest & Wildlife Reserve Ltd.; and Philippe LeBlanc, Lumber Resources Inc., 

Quebec City, QC 

Photos By Terry Miller 

Brian Guilbeault, Quality Hardwoods Ltd., Powassan, ON; Richard Lipman, 

Canadian Hardwood Bureau, Ottawa, ON; Shaun Rowe, Quality Hardwoods Ltd.; 

Mike Penner, Townsend Lumber Inc., Tillsonburg, ON; and Geoff Webb, NHLA, 

Memphis, TN 


GET A KICK. 

Improving your bottom line is our goal line. That’s why we quote fairly and 

deliver hardwood to maximize quality and help minimize waste. We also offer 

mixed species and sizing with J.I.T. shipments to reduce inventory costs. 

And those just two of our plays. 

CALL COLE TODAY. WE’RE ON YOUR TEAM. 

Hardwood Lumber for Furniture • Flooring • Cabinets • Molding/Millwork 

Get a Quote Call 1-800-536-3151 or Visit colehardwood.com 


Wholesale/Wholesale Distributor Special Buying Issue Page 57 


BC Wood's GBM Celebrates 20 Years 

Photos By Zach Miller 

WASHINGTON SCENE 

Biden Administration Invests $653 Million In Ports To Enhance Supply Chains 

climate change, sustainability, and equity. 

The announced projects encompass a wide range of improvements, from enhancing 

dock facilities in Alaska to expanding terminals in Washington and constructing 

new ports in states like Iowa and Arkansas. Each project aims to contribute 

to the overall efficiency and reliability of the nation's maritime transportation 

system. n 

Rav Binning, Sunny Binning, Parm Binning, Jas Binning, Raj Singh, Gulraj Binning 

and John Wu, Jazz Forest Products Ltd., Abbotsford, BC 

David Chiew and Steve Downie, Interfor, Vancouver, BC; and Kulraj Tiwana, Suki 

Sanghera and Paul Deol, San Group Inc., Langley, BC 


BC Wood celebrated its 20th 

Annual Global Buyers Mission 

recently and welcomed almost 700 

delegates from all over the world 

to Whistler, BC Canada. Given 

the economic challenges faced by 

many international markets, BC 

Wood was extremely pleased with 

the efforts made by those buyers 

and suppliers that supported and 

participated in the 2023 Global 

Buyers Mission. 

CEO Brian Hawrysh and new 

Board Chairman John Gillis from 

Centurion Lumber welcomed the 

Opening Ceremony special guest 

speaker, the Honorable Premier 

David Eby. This is the first time 

the Premier of BC has officially 

opened a GBM and his comments 

were well received. 

This year, GBM registered international 

buyers from as far away as 

Austria, China, Germany, Guatemala, 

Hungary, India, Indonesia, 

Japan, South Korea, Netherlands, 

Pakistan, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, 

and the United States. Again, 

many thanks were given to the 

Federal Trade Commissioner Service 

and BC’s Trade & Investment 

Representatives from international 

markets that greatly assisted with 

the buyer recruiting again this year. 

With their continued dedication, 

there were many first-time Buyers 

to the GBM, opening opportunities 

for Canadian manufacturers to 

develop new business. 

BC Wood continued to host 

North American architects, designers, 

contractors, developers, engineers 

and specifiers this year, to 

participate in the popular accredited 

WoodTALKS program, held in 

conjunction with the GBM. This 

included two site tours, successful 

lunch and learn, and sip n’ learn 

presentations by renowned archi- 


The Biden administration has 

allocated more than $653 million 

to fund 41 port improvement 

projects across the United States 

through the Port Infrastructure Development 

Program (PIDP). These 

projects aim to enhance capacity 

and efficiency at coastal seaports, 

Great Lakes ports, and inland river 

ports. 

The port improvement projects 

are expected to strengthen supply 

chain reliability, create workforce 

development opportunities, expedite 

goods movement, and enhance 

the safety, reliability, and resilience 

of ports. The investments, totaling 

nearly $17 billion under the 

President's Bipartisan Infrastructure 

Law, represent the largest 

dedicated funding for ports and 

waterways in U.S. history. 

The U.S. Secretary of Transportation, 

Pete Buttigieg, highlighted 

the critical role of ports in the 

nation's supply chain, emphasizing 

that the investments will contribute 

to cleaner air, more jobs, 

and improved efficiency in goods 

transportation. 

The selection of projects is based 

on their potential to improve 

safety, efficiency, and reliability of 

goods movement, as well as their 

contribution to port resilience. The 

grants include diverse initiatives 

such as dock infrastructure replacement, 

transportation system improvements, 

berth reconstruction, 

wharf repairs, terminal expansions, 

and more, spread across various 

states. 

The Biden administration's focus 

on port infrastructure aligns with 

its commitment to improving U.S. 

ports and making supply chains 

more resilient to future challenges. 

The projects address not only 

immediate infrastructure needs but 

also consider factors like economic 

vitality, workforce development, 

WORKING WITH 

LOG BUYERS 

THROUGH THE CHANGING 

IMPORT/EXPORT MARKET. 

KASEY CHANEY 

NORTH AMERICAN & EXPORT LOG SALES 

PHONE: 1-304-464-4980 

EMAIL: KASEYC@YODERLUMBER.COM 

LEI ZHAO 

ASIAN LUMBER AND LOG SALES 

PHONE: 86-1397158857 

EMAIL: ZHAO@YODERLUMBER.COM 

TRENT YODER 

EXPORT LUMBER SALES 

PHONE: 1-330-893-3121 

FAX: 1-330-893-3031 

EMAIL: TRENTY@YODERLUMBER.COM 

WWW.ROLLINGRIDGEWOODS.COM · WWW.YODERLUMBER.COM 



AHEC/NHLA – Continued from page 1 

Karl Schmertzler, Yoder Lumber Co. Inc., Millersburg, OH; 

Tom Armentano, Sirianni Hardwoods Inc., Painted Post, NY; 

and Bob Cafiero, Meadow River Hardwood Lumber Co. LLC, 

Rainelle, WV 

Doug Newman, Newman Lumber Company, Gulfport, 

MS; Rus Gustin, Ram Forest Products Inc., 

Shinglehouse, PA; and Sam Hull, Hull Forest Products 

Inc., Pomfret, CT 

Alan Robbins, USNR, Jacksonville, FL; Trent Yoder, Yoder 

Lumber Co. Inc., Millersburg, OH; Tom Plaugher, Allegheny 

Wood Products Inc., Riverton, WV; and Rusty 

Logue, Battle Lumber Co. Inc., Wadley, GA 

Andy Nuffer, RAM Forest Products Inc., Shinglehouse, PA; Javan 

Mallery, Wolverine Hardwoods Inc., Allegan, MI; David Messer, 

MacBeath Hardwood Co., Edinburgh, IN; and Brian Gibson, 

Cole Hardwood Inc., Logansport, IN 

Mario Lussier and Marilyn Tremblay, Simon Lussier Ltd., Blainville, 

QC; Scott Rossi, Rossi Group, Cromwell, CT; and Robert 

Goodfellow, J.W. Goodfellow Forest Products Inc., Hemmingford, 

QC 

Jim Howard, AHC Group, Mableton, GA; 

Chris Bingaman, Bingaman & Son Lumber 

Inc., Kreamer, PA; and Jeff Meyer, Baillie 

Lumber Co., Hamburg, NY 

Craig Brouyette, Pike Lumber Company Inc., Akron, IN; Jordan McIlvain 

and Chris Strang, Alan McIlvain Co., Marcus Hook, PA; and Ryan 

Mulligan, Pike Lumber Company Inc. 

Jay Bowling, Blair Logistics Inc., Birmingham, AL; Jason Dishman 

and Lawson Maury, Hermitage Hardwood Lumber Sales Inc., Cookeville, 

TN; and David Murphy, Blair Logistics Inc., Ensley, AL 

Joe Benko, Deer Park Lumber Inc., 

Tunkhannock, PA; Michael Yates, The AGL 

Group, Weymouth, MA; and Joe Zona, Deer 

Park Lumber Inc., Tunkhannock, PA 

Toto Robinson, Robinson Lumber Company, New Orleans, LA; Damon 

Graf, Graf and Thomas Lumber Co., Vanceburg, KY; Erin Cox, GTL 

Lumber Inc., Ironton, OH; Parker Robinson, Robinson Lumber Company; 

and Kelly Hostetter, Kamps Hardwoods Inc., Caledonia, MI 

Jeremy Howard, Nyle Dry Kilns, Brewer, ME; Jeremy and Kim 

Pitts, Nyle Dry Kilns, Lenoir, NC; and Adam Duplisea, Nyle Dry 

Kilns, Brewer, ME 

Amy Coyner, MiCROTEC, Belpre, OH; Loren 

Voyer, Kennebec Lumber Company, 

Solon, ME; and Gus Welter, Granite Valley 

Forest Products Inc., New London, WI 

Hud Caldwell III and Ted Rossi, Rossi Group, Cromwell, CT; Lloyd Lovett, King City Forwarding USA 

Inc., Chesapeake, VA; Bob Hughes, Cardin Forest Products LLC, South Pittsburg, TN; and Reinier 

Taapken and Seamus Bowles, Salamanca Lumber Co. Inc., Salamanca, NY 

Brian Gibson, 

Cole Hardwood 

Inc., Logansport, 

IN; Ray Wheeland, 

Wheeland 

Lumber Company 

Inc., Liberty, 

PA; and Burt 

Craig, Matson 

Lumber Company, 

Brookville, PA 





Alex Gonter-Dray, Goodfellow Inc., Delson, QC; Wesley Boles, 

Hermitage Hardwood Lumber Sales Inc., Cookeville, TN; Melissa 

Berry, Continental Underwriters Inc., Richmond, VA; and 

Marty James, Penn-Sylvan International Inc., Spartansburg, 

PA 

Nathan Jeppson and Dave Brower, NWH, Frisco, 

TX; and Jed Miller, NWH, Tacoma, WA 

Peter Lovett, King City/Northway Forwarding Ltd., Montreal, 

QC; Bucky and Cyndi Pescaglia, and Tony Pescaglia, 

MO PAC Lumber Co., Fayette, MO 

Josh Brennan, Frank Miller Lumber Co. Inc., Union City, IN; Keith 

Price, Corley Mfg. Co., Chattanooga, TN; and Jean-Francois Audet 

and Guillaume Genest, Primewood, Drummondville, QC 

Christine and Cameron McRae, McRae Lumber Co. Ltd., Whitney, 

ON; Shaun Rowe, Quality Hardwoods Ltd. Powassan, ON; 

and Patrick Gagne, Primewood, Drummondville, QC 

Susan Coulombe, J.D. Irving Limited, Clair, 

NB; and Terry Miller and Tammy Daugherty, 

Import/Export Wood Purchasing News, 

Memphis, TN 

Russell Struyk, CJ Struyk and Jessica Tilton, TMX Shipping Co. Inc., Morehead 

City, NC; Maureen Altham, TMX Shipping Co. Inc., Mooresville, NC; Alison 

Edwards, TMX Shipping Co. Inc., Virginia Beach, VA; and Curtis Struyk, 

TMX Shipping CO. Inc., Morehead City, NC 

Ray White II, Harold White Lumber & Millwork Inc., Morehead, 

KY; Geoff Webb, NHLA, Memphis, TN; Ray White Sr., Harold 

White Lumber & Millwork Inc.; and Dana Spessert, NHLA 

Chip Underwood, Thompson Appalachian 

Hardwoods Inc., Huntland, TN; and Mike 

Mallin and Bill Long, Midwest Hardwood 


Gale Miller, Carbotech-Autolog, Tuscaloosa, AL; Stephanie Rodrigue, 

YOUR Marketing Dept., Alexander, NC; Matthew Phillips, Carbotech-Autolog, 

Starkville, MS; and Norm Steffy, Cummings Lumber Company 

Inc., Troy, PA 

Dean Alanko, Allegheny Wood Products International Inc., Petersburg, WV; Will Donoho, Classic 

American Hardwoods Inc., Memphis, TN; David Olah, Allegheny Wood Products International Inc.; 

John Patterson, Middle Tennessee Lumber Co. Inc., Burns, TN; Chris Norris, Hood Industries Inc., 

Hattiesburg, MS; Rich Solano, Pike Lumber Company Inc., Akron, IN; and Greg Hubble, Prime Lumber 

Company, Thomasville, NC 

Ray White Sr., Harold White Lumber & Millwork Inc., Morehead, KY; 

Paul Miller Jr., Import/Export Wood Purchasing News, Memphis, 

TN; David Anderson, Roy Anderson Lumber Co. Inc., Tompkinsville, 

KY; and Matt Begley, BPM Lumber LLC, London, KY 

Scott Bashrum, NWH, Frisco, TX; Scott 

Holley, NWH, Beachwood, OH; and Mike 

Mooney, NWH, Frisco, TX 

Rusty Hawkins, 

Roy Anderson 

Lumber Co., 

Tompkinsville, 

KY; Doug Newman, 

Newman 

Lumber Company, 

Gulfport, 

MS; and Chad 

McPherson and 

Anthony Hammond, 

Roy Anderson 

Lumber 

Co. 


SFPA is an equal opportunity employer and provider. 

Page 12 Import/Export Wood Purchasing News n December 2023/January 2024


Business Trends U.S.A. 

Phil LeBlanc, Lumber Resources Inc., Quebec City, QC; Laura 

Townsend and Mike Penner, Breeze Dried Inc. Tillsonburg, 

ON; and Javan Mallery, Wolverine Hardwoods Inc., Allegan, 

MI 

Andrew Johnson and Michael Yates, The AGL Group, Weymouth, 

MA; and Stephen A. Zambo and Jeffrey Dougherty, The 

AGL Group, Jacksonville, FL 

Ray Wheeland, Wheeland Lumber Company Inc., Liberty, PA; 

Jack Monnoyer, Deer Park Lumber Inc., Tunkhannock, PA; Eric 

Porter, Abenaki Timber Corp., Kingston, NH; and Steve Stoufflet, 

Robinson Lumber Company, New Orleans, LA 

Mark and Tammy Miller, Frank Miller Lumber Co. Inc., Union City, IN; 

Jeffrey Dougherty and Stephen A. Zambo, The AGL Group, Jacksonville, 

FL 

Wally Klubek and Vincent Catarella, Baillie Lumber Co., Hamburg, 

NY; Dave Leonard, Hardwoods Specialty Products, Toronto, 

ON; and Joe Zona, Deer Park Lumber Inc., Tunkhannock, 

PA 

Chris Fehr, Import/Export Wood Purchasing News, 

Memphis, TN; Eric Porter, Abenaki Timber Corp., 

Kingston, NH; Chris Bingaman, Bingaman & Son 

Lumber Inc., Kreamer, PA; and Burt Craig, Matson 

Lumber Company, Brookville, PA 

Troy Jamieson, Merrick Hardwoods Inc., Burnside, KY; Michael 

Snow, AHEC, Sterling, VA; Steve Merrick, Merrick Hardwoods 

Inc.; and Chris Norris, Hood Industries Inc., Hattiesburg, MS 

Daniel Taapken, Seamus Bowles, Mark Stevenhaagen and Reinier 

Taapken, Salamanca Lumber Co. Inc., Salamanca, NY 

Steve and Dani Jones, Ron Jones Hardwood Sales Inc., Union City, 

PA; and Alex Smith and Bill Buchanan, Buchanan Hardwoods Inc., 

Aliceville, AL 

Judd Johnson, HMR, Memphis, TN; John 

Beard, Beard Hardwoods Inc., Greensboro, 

NC; and Jesper Bach, Baillie Lumber Co., Hamburg, 

NY 

Hud Caldwell III and Ted Rossi, Rossi Group, Cromwell, 

CT; Mary Claire and Nordeck Thompson, Thompson Appalachian 

Hardwoods Inc., Huntland, TN 

Paul and Annette Eastman, Collins Kane 

Hardwood, Kane, PA; and Bo Hammond, 

Kop-Coat Inc., Pittsburgh, PA 

Robert Matson, Matson Lumber Company, 

Brookville, PA; Darwin Murray, McClain 

Forest Products LLC/Legacy Wood Products 

LLC, West Plains, MO; and Jeff Wirkkala, 

Hardwood Industries Inc., Sherwood, 

OR 

Mark Vollinger, W.M. Cramer Lumber Co. 

Inc., Hickory, NC; Jon Cox, Frank Miller 

Lumber Co. Inc., Union City, IN; and Andy 

Nuffer, Ram Forest Products Inc., Shinglehouse, 

PA 

Bill Rogers, Newman Lumber Company, Gulfport, MS; Jeff Dougherty, The 

AGL Group, Jacksonville, FL; Steve Leonard, Lawrence Lumber Company 

Inc., Maiden, NC; and Gail and Kevin Gillette, Tioga Hardwoods Inc., 

Berkshire, NY 

Lake States 

Four lumber suppliers from the Lake States region recently agreed that market 

conditions have been “sluggish” overall in the last six months. 

According to one Wisconsin based lumber provider at the time of this writing, 

“Everyone is just buying what they need and not buying anything ahead. 

“It has been that way for the last 4-to-5 months,” he noted. “The buying part is 

the same as six months ago but the supply is not. No one is really caring about it 

as much because they don’t need much. 

“No one knows what to do,” he continued. “So, everyone is sitting on their 

hands because they don’t want to get stuck with the wrong materials.” 

His company, which deals with Poplar (typically 4/4, 5/4 and 6/4), Red Oak 

and Aspen (4/4 and Select Commons) and Soft and Hard Maples (4/4 and Upper 

Commons), primarily provides materials to moulding, cabinet and RV companies. 

He added that recent mill closures have already begun to affect the industry. 

“There are going to be some problems coming down the road up here in 

Wisconsin,” he said. “People have nowhere to take their pulp. They are not going 

to cut up lumber not knowing what they’re going to do with the majority of their 

pulp.” 

A lumber provider in Indiana 

agreed that the “market is not as 

good as we wish.” 

“It has been pretty quiet,” she 

said. “Transportation doesn’t 

seem to be a problem like it was 

in the past. I assume that all of the 

matters overseas have affected 

(sales).” 

Noting that her company handles 

Red and White Oak, Walnut, 

Hard and Soft Maple, Cherry and 

Poplar, she said that it specializes 

in 4/4 – 16/4 and 8/4 – 16/4. 

A “worldwide” dealer in Ohio 

said that the market has been “upand-down” 

recently. 

Noting that domestic lumber sales 

have been stronger than the European 

market, he said that the industry 

is “a little on the downside.” 

He added that transportation 

expenses have gotten “crazy.” 

The provider offers “almost all 

domestic species and around 80 

exotic species” that are primarily 

sold to office furniture manufacturers, 

architectural, woodworking 

and plywood customers. 

One Michigan based provider 

said that the market for Red Oak 

and Maple has been “picking up a 

little bit.” 

“Basswood and Aspen are in the 

tank now,” he added. “Those have 

been really slow on the grade side. 

I think a lot of it is just demand to 

be honest. There just isn’t enough 

out there.” 

Noting that Red Oak is his best 

seller, he said that Maple has 

“picked up, surprisingly.” 

Regarding the overall timber market, 

he said that “customers have 

seen the downtrend as well. 

“They’ve seen a little more competition 

out there,” he noted. 

He agreed that higher fuel costs 

have been challenging for the 


Northeast 

Throughout the Northeast lumber sources have mixed sentiments as to how the 

market is currently faring, with some stating that they are doing worse than they 

were six months ago and another stating that they are doing about the same. 

In Pennsylvania, a sawyer said that his business is not doing well, at the time 

of this writing. “We aren’t doing as well as we were six months ago,” he continued. 

“With everything that is going on globally, I think that people are worried 

and they are going to start spending less than they already were.” 

His sawmill offers Red, White and Black Oak, Cherry, Hard and Soft Maple, 

Beech, Hickory and Ash. “We harvest all hardwoods that are native to Pennsylvania 

and saw mainly 4/4, with the occasional 5/4, 6/4 and 8/4,” he noted. “White 

Oak has been our best seller. It’s hot right now, between the stave mills and it 

being the specie of choice in the high-end homes, it has sold very well.” 

He said that his company sells to kiln-dryers, pallet manufacturers and stave 

mills. When asked if his customers have recently offered any comments as to 

how their business is doing, he said that they seem to be in the same boat that he 

is. 




GBM MEETING – Continued from page 8 

Business Trends U.S.A. 

Brett and Karen Slaughter, Elk Creek Forest Products 

LLC, McMinnville, OR; and Kellye and Terry Miller, Import/Export 

Wood Purchasing News, Memphis, TN 

Brad Kirkbride, Western Red Cedar Lumber Association, Bend, 

OR; Tom Jones, The Teal-Jones Group, Surrey, BC; Yasmine 

Fouad, Export Development Canada, Vancouver, BC; and Steve 

Winstone, BPWood Ltd., Penticton, BC 

Will Barber, International Forest Products LLC, Vancouver, 

BC; Al Fortune, Gurinder Grewal and Taj Grewal, Partap Forest 

Products Ltd., Maple Ridge, BC; and Mario Dionne, Coast 

Fraser Enterprises Ltd., Vancouver, BC 

Adam Hazelwood, Andy Johal, Kamal Sanghera, Ryan Hagen 

and Jim Brindle, San Group Inc., Langley, BC 

Vye Kharbanda, Robin Hayward, Brian Hawrysh and 

Randi Walker, BC Wood Specialties Group, Vancouver, 

BC 

Dean Garofano, Delta Cedar Specialties 

Ltd., Pitt Meadows, BC; Zach Miller, Import/ 

Export Wood Purchasing News, Memphis, 

TN; and Greg Smith, Gilbert Smith Forest 

Products Ltd., Barriere, BC 

Southeast 

Lumber sources throughout the Southeast region are a mixed bag, with comments 

ranging from the market has improved to sales have slowed down. 

In Tennessee a sawmill representative said that his market has improved, at the 

time of this writing. “We are doing better than we were six months ago. I think 

this is due to supply being down and the demand starting to pick up.” 

His company offers Ash, Cherry, Hard and Soft Maple, Hickory, Poplar and 

Red and White Oak in grades FACE, Nos. 1, 2 and 3A Common. “We are able to 

offer our Poplar in 4-6/4 thicknesses and White Oak in 4/4 and 6/4 thicknesses, 

while we offer everything else in 4/4 thickness,” he added. He also mentioned 

that White Oak has been a hot item for his company. 

His company sells to flooring companies, moulding and trim manufacturers, 

distribution centers and furniture manufacturers, as well as American exporters. 

“It seems that the U.S. and domestic business is fairly firm, while exports into 

Asia have been slow. Exports to Europe have been stronger than they have been 

to Asia lately,” he noted. 

He mentioned that the labor shortage continues to affect his company to an 

extent. 

In Alabama a lumber spokesperson said his White Oak sales have been doing 

well and Ash seems to be holding its own, while his Red Oak and Poplar sales are 

not doing as well. 

When asked if his sales were better than they were six months ago he mentioned 

that they might be doing a touch better than they were. 

The four main species that his company offers are Red and White Oak, Poplar 

and Ash in grades FAS Common and No. 2A Common and in thicknesses of 4/4 

and 5/4. 

“We are worldwide, we sell into the international and the domestic markets,” 

he said. “Vietnam and China have both really slowed down and we aren’t hearing 

good things about either country.” He also mentioned that the domestic market 

West Coast 

Hardwood lumber suppliers on the West Coast reported stable to busy activity. 

Niche markets accounted for increased business while other markets stayed the 

same as the previous report. Throughout the region, several contacts mentioned 

challenging transportation concerns and are expecting availability shortages in 

the near term. 

One source in California said hardwood activity is steady. “We’re seeing stable 

activity. I don’t know about our competitors but we haven’t seen much of a 

change. It’s been steady the last three months for us.” 

Carrying high-end and wider width lumber, he said, “We set ourselves apart 

from the commodities. The hospitality markets are looking for specialty products 

and that’s what we carry.” 

Carrying every species from Alder to Zebrawood, the source said the best moving 

item for his operation currently is Walnut and White Oak. “It doesn’t matter 

what cut, the Oak is moving,” he explained. “Rift cut, plain sliced and quarter cut 

are all moving well in White Oak and Walnut. Probably our slowest species is 

Cherry right now.” 

As for transportation, he said availability of trucks has improved but pricing 

continues to rise. “We have seen tremendous increases in fuel prices along with 

surcharges that just seem to continue to rise,” he said. 

Looking ahead, the contact expects his market to remain the same but doesn’t 

think the same is true for commodity markets. “It’s a hard market if you’re not a 

specialty supplier right now. Due to prices of fuel rising and availability tightening, 

not everyone is willing to pay those increases.” 

“Most of our customers are booked for the next few months,” a contact in 

Washington noted. One issue that challenges them, he added, is “freight costs are 

starting to go back up because of fuel cost.” 

The hardwood supplier, who handles mostly White Oak, said he expects 

lumber shortages in the coming months. “We’ll probably see some shortages in 

Continued on page 29 Continued on page 29 

Making Lives Easier 

Dennis Wight and Tyson Palmer, Pacific Western Wood Works Ltd., Delta, BC; 

Peter Raja, Norelco Cabinets, Kelowna, BC; Dave Farley, BC Wood Specialties 

Group, Langley, BC; and Chris Mager, Channel-Ex Corporation, Vancouver, 

BC 

Peter Lovett, King City Northway Forwarding Ltd., Montreal, 

QC; Aidan Coyles, Gilbert Smith Forest Products Ltd., Barriere, 

BC; Addison Ross, San Group Inc., Langley, BC; and 

Lloyd Lovett, King City Containers Ltd., Alliston, ON 

Brett Slaughter, Elk Creek Forest Products 

LLC, McMinnville, OR; Terree Rodakowski 

and Brad Rodakowski, Prime Forest Products 

LLC, Beaverton, OR 

Len van Ryswyk, Andy Wood, Jody Boates, Jeff Honeysett and Scott 

Boates, The Teal-Jones Group, Surrey, BC 

Brent Callaghan and Aaron Bayntun, Dakeryn Interpro Export 

Group, North Vancouver, BC; Tim Stovall, Bright Wood Corporation, 

Madras, OR; and Chris Sainas and Adam Fallis, Dakeryn 

Interpro Export Group 

Anastasia Brown, Maryna Sydorenko and 

Richard Kaufmann, Silva Timber Products 

Ltd., Langley, BC 

We ship all kinds of trees. 

Ryusuke Mishima, Murakami Lumber Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan; Koki Sato, Sankyo Corporation, Zach Miller, Import/Export Wood 

Brent Friesen, Sam Satosono, Andersen Pacific 

Forest Products Ltd., Maple Ridge, BC; and Dave 

Vancouver, BC; Yuji Kato, Murakami Lumber Co. Ltd.; Tetsuya Nishishita, Kyoei Lumber Inc., 

Ehime, Japan; Kenji Sahara, Murakami Lumber Co. Ltd.; and Don McGregor, Western Forest 

Products Inc., Vancouver, BC 

Purchasing News, Memphis, TN; 

and Jeremy Howard, Nyle Dry Kilns, 

Brewer, ME 

Pollock, Bakerview Forest Products Inc., Maple 

Ridge, BC 


781.544.3970 

sales@theAGLgroup.com 

www.theAGLgroup.com 




Canadian Business Trends 

Paul Bouchard and Chris Bouchard, BPWood Ltd., 

Penticton, BC 

Anne and Jack Alley, and Kalayna Crook, Patrick Lumber 

Company, Portland, OR 

David Chu, Nathan Tellis, Don McGregor, Angela DeMarni and Martin Kincade, 

Western Forest Products Inc., Vancouver, BC 

Jarrett Enns, JE Construction, Abbotsford, BC; Rick Harris, 

Delta Pacific, Vancouver, BC; and Tom Zhang, Pacific Hem- 

Fir, Vancouver, BC 

Yajuan Yu, China Wood Protection Industry Association, Shanghai, China; Jeff Honeysett, 

The Teal-Jones Group, Surrey, BC; Nancy Xie, Forestry Innovation Investment 

Ltd., Shanghai, China; Songyan Guan, China Wood Protection Industry Association, 

Beijing, China 

Ontario 

With the American Thanksgiving and hunting season behind us, and as we 

approach the Holiday Season, businesses are winding down for this usual break 

and slowdown in business until the new year. They are taking this time to look 

ahead and plan, while remaining cautiously optimistic that inflation will go 

down, hardwood lumber and products sales will improve both on the domestic 

and international markets, and that the new year will yield a better profit. With 

demand still being down for hardwood products, it is challenging to find lumber 

and logs as production has not increased much, and demand for finished goods 

also remains on the slow side. Businesses are purchasing what they need for the 

short term, only replenishing stocks as required. According to sources, industrial 

products are more in demand at this time, with the railroad tie and wooden pallet 

and container sectors the most significant end users. It was noted that 2023 was 

heading to be a record low year for consumption of hardwoods. 

Ash production has been steady over the summer, and so demand for this 

species has been absorbing developing production, noted contacts. Kiln-dried 

business is reported as decent, even though domestic and international markets 

are not strong, it is however keeping inventories low for many grades and 

thicknesses with prices being noted as steady to firm. 

End users commented that Aspen supplies are ample. However, orders are a 

challenge to find, with pricing being highly competitive. Some sawmills are keeping 

their Aspen logs to a minimum at this time due to sales issues and possible 

staining if this species is not sawn at the appropriate time. Demand for green 

lumber is in line with production output. 

Industries that were using Basswood as an alternative to the higher priced 

species have reverted back to purchasing sheet stock or reverted to buying other 

species. Competition for orders is intense noted contacts, with the Common 

grades cited as problematic, although all grades appear to be under price pressure 

at this time. Green production is low in several regions. With less Basswood 

Quebec 

The fall and early winter is seeing lackluster demand for lumber and finished 

hardwood products. Secondary manufacturers such as residential flooring, cabinets, 

wood components, some millwork and moulding manufacturers noted they 

were keeping busy, compared to other markets. Several sawmills have reduced 

their production as lack of available logs is making it challenging for them at this 

time. Several contacts noted that inventories are low. With the Christmas Holiday 

coming up, they don’t foresee any improvements over the near future. 

Contacts noted green Ash is moving well for most grades and thicknesses, 

with prices being firm. Exports at this time are steady with China being the main 

buyer. On the domestic side, shipments are steady, although at low levels. 

The wood components manufacturers, cabinets, and other finished goods are 

more assertive with their purchases of the regionally important Hard Maple, as 

are many wholesalers. End users have not increased their purchasing. Trends are 

driven by tighter supplies. Some have expressed concerns there will be tighter 

supplies in the coming months as prices continue to climb for this species. 

Wholesalers, end users and distributors of Soft Maple are looking to fill inventories, 

which have been depleted due to limited purchases in the past few months. 

Developing supplies of green lumber are not that readily available, stated 

contacts. As kiln-dryers did not process that much Soft Maple over the summer 

months because of lower interest for this species it has resulted in weaker prices. 

Many contacts noted they are low on specific grades and thicknesses of this 

species. 

Millwork and moulding manufacturers reduced their purchases of Basswood as 

did the shutter and window blinds manufacturers. Wholesalers are also limiting 

their purchases. Sawmill output has been low, and supply and demand has narrowed. 

Green lumber supplies of Cherry have contracted said contacts. Kiln-drying 

operations are looking for more Cherry to supply demand from China, which is 

Import Wood Purchasing News - 2023-V3-100th.pdf 1 3/6/2023 9:41:52 AM 



Yancey Ambrose, Doubletree Forest Products Ltd., Burnaby, 

BC; and Maryna Sydorenko and Richard Kaufmann, Silva Timber 

Products Ltd., Langley, BC 

Fariba Gharaei, Axin Architecture Ltd., Vancouver, BC; Nadi Miri, M+ Architecture 

Inc., North Vancouver, BC; and Jovan Gill, Jameson Craig and 

Ajit Gill, Fraserview Cedar Products Ltd., Surrey, BC 

Sven Gras and Harry Gras, Gras Wood Wide Bv, Zaandam, Netherlands; Steve Winstone, William Liu, Kevin Vandervoort 

and Chris Bouchard, BPWood Ltd., Penticton, BC 

Robert Tam, Triad Forest Products Ltd., Delta, BC; Yancey Ambrose, Doubletree Forest Products Ltd., Burnaby, 

BC; Alexander McCarter, Triad Forest Products Ltd., Delta, BC; Trevor Tyrer, Trans-Pacific Trading Ltd., Richmond, 

BC; and Lucas Rodakowski, Prime Forest Products LLC, Beaverton, OR 

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Pei Husan Wu, Tzu Yuan Lin, Yun Hsuan Lin, Yu Shun Greenery Co. Ltd., Kaohsiung, Taiwan; and 

John Wu, Jazz Forest Products Ltd., Abbotsford, BC 

Pino Pucci, Alex Langley, Dennis Yano, Tolko Industries Ltd., Vernon, BC; Tetsuya 

Nishishita, Kyoei Lumber Inc., Ehime, Japan 




Business Trends Abroad 

Richard Jiang and Dean DeCraene, Delta Cedar Specialties Ltd., Pitt 

Meadows, BC; Gala Hadg Gae, British Columbia China Office, Shanghai, 

China; and Mary McInnes, C2M Professional Services Inc./Restoration 

Forest Products LLC, Mesa, AZ 

Jeremy Pitts, Nyle Dry Kilns, Lenoir, NC; Jeremy Howard, 

Nyle Dry Kilns, Brewer, ME; and Ingo Wallocha, 

Nyle Dry Kilns, Hannover, Germany 

James Sangara, Leslie Forest 

Products Ltd., Delta, BC; 

Rolf Von Lossberg, Jacob Jurgensen 

Wood GmbH & Co. KG, 

Hamburg, Germany 

CHB MEETING – Continued from page 7 

Alex Langley, Tolko Industries Ltd., Vernon, BC; Brad Hamilton, 

Timberwood Innovations, Battleford, SK; Pino Pucci, Dennis Yano, 

Dathan McLean, Tolko Industries Ltd., Vernon, BC 

Alex Langley, Tolko 

Industries Ltd., Vernon, 

BC; Brad Hamilton, Timberwood 

Innovations, 

Battleford, SK; Pino Pucci, 

Dennis Yano, Dathan 

McLean, Tolko Industries 

Ltd., Vernon, BC 

Gabon - Heavy rain continued to impact harvesting and production in Cameroon 

and the Central African Republic at the time of this writing. In Gabon, mill 

output has fallen as the government enforces regulations, particularly labor laws. 

The government in Gabon is taking a tough stance on labor issues given the recent 

industrial action by workers in special zones. There is an increased emphasis 

on hiring Gabonese workers. However, there is a shortage of skilled mechanics, 

drivers, sawmill operators and heavy equipment drivers. 

The government has responded by relaxing the transition period of 2-4 months 

during which time companies are required to reduce their expatriate workforce in 

favor of hiring Gabonese nationals. 

There are reports of unresolved worker overtime pay discrepancies as some 

companies in the special economic zones are yet to adhere to the government regulations. 

Labor unrest has reportedly led several Indian and Chinese peeler mills 

to reduce their workforce sparking concerns about unemployment and potential 

production cuts. 

Some Indian factories have already announced their intentions to close due to 

the current uncertainties and difficult operating conditions in the special economic 

zones where fees to zone management have been rising. The forestry sector 

in Gabon appears to be undergoing a significant transformation toward legal 

compliance with enforcement of anti-corruption measures. 

The new Minister of Forestry in Gabon is actively enforcing forestry laws, 

ensuring proper documentation and seizing abandoned logs over six months old. 

Vietnam - The most recent data indicates that Vietnam’s wood and wood products 

(W&WP) exported to the U.S. in September were recorded at $627 million, 

up 9.3 percent compared to the same time a year ago. 

Over the past few months W&WP exports to the U.S. have been improving. 

The rate decline in W&WP exports to the U.S. in the first nine months of 2023 

has slowed to $5.2 billion, down 24 percent over the same period last year. 

Vietnam’s Ash imports in September 2023 were 80,400 cubic meters, worth 

$19.7 million, and up 36 percent in volume and 35 percent in value from August 

2023. 

Over the first nine months of 2023 Ash imports reached 429,000 cubic meters, 

worth $109.6 million, up 19 percent in volume and 16 percent in value over the 

same period last year. 

In September 2023, Vietnam’s exports of living and dining room furniture was 

valued at $215 million, up two percent compared to 2022. That marked the fifth 

consecutive month in which exports increased. 

In September 2023, Vietnam’s exports of kitchen furniture amounted to $102 

million, up 15 percent compared to September 2022. In the first nine months of 

2023 exports of kitchen furniture were worth $812.5 million, down 21 percent 

over the same period in 2022. 

Vietnam’s Pine imports as recently as September were 92,400 cubic meters, 

worth $20.5 million, 36 percent in volume and 35 percent in value compared to 

August 2023. Compared to September 2022, imports increased by 25 percent in 

volume and 12 percent in value. 

In the first nine months of 2023, Pine wood imports reached 514,100 cubic 

meters, worth $113.2 million, down 36 in volume and 49 percent in value over 

the same period in 2022. 

Tropical hardwoods imported into Vietnam from Africa are targeted entirely at 

the domestic consumers. 

This year, the freezing of the real estate market, added with the economic 

slowdown, has been hampering the consumption of African hardwood. The imports 

of log/sawnwoods from Africa, therefore, have reduced substantially. This 

trend is forecasted to prevail in the next coming quarters. 

With the steady bilateral relations between Vietnam and the U.S. due to the 

Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace Cooperation and Sustainable 

Development, Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. are expected to expand. Vietnamese 

enterprises, including wood product manufacturers are expected to benefit. 

In recent years, according to ITTO/FORDAQ, Vietnam has emerged as the top 

W&WP supplier for the U.S. market and exports to the U.S. often contribute 

50-to-55 percent of the total Vietnam W&WP export earnings. In the first eight 

months of this year, due to the declining demand, Vietnam’s W&WP exports to 

the U.S. dropped significantly. 

In particular, the value of wooden furniture destined for the U.S. stood at $3.9 


Terry Miller, Import/Export Wood Purchasing News, Memphis, TN; Francois Bovet, Bois 

Maron Lumber, St-Eustache, QC; Stephanie Van Dystadt, Hull Forest Products Inc., 

Pomfret, CT; and Sam Glidden, GMC Hardwoods Inc., Medfield, MA 

More than 70 Years 

of Producing Appalachian Hardwoods 

Alain Thibeault, Preverco Inc., Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, QC; Dallin Brooks, 

NHLA, Memphis, TN; Nico Poulos, Weston Premium Woods Inc., Brampton, ON; and 

Michael Brooks, Quality Hardwoods Ltd., Powassan, ON 

Alain Thibeault, Preverco Inc., Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, QC; Claude Cadrin, C.A. 

Spencer Inc., Laval, QC; Michael Brooks, Quality Hardwoods Ltd., Powassan, ON; and 

Max Ross, Ontario Hardwood Products Ltd., Toronto, ON 

Lowery Anderson 

landerson@ralumber.com 

Anthony Hammond 

ahammond@ralumber.com 

Ling Walker 

lwalker@ralumber.com 

Rusty Hawkins 

rhawkins@ralumber.com 

14.4 million 

board feet 

Warehouse & Shed Capactiy 

1.1 million 

board feet 

Kiln Capacity 

50 million 

board feet 

Annual Production 

14 countries 

Lumber Shipped 

Tom Byers, NHLA, Tionesta, PA; Clayton Miller, and Ian Rowe, Aurora Timberland/ 

Alexandria Moulding Inc., Bradford, ON; and Shaun Rowe, Quality Hardwoods Ltd., 

Powassan, ON 

Cameron McRae, McRae Lumber Co. Ltd., Whitney, ON; Simon Larocque, NHLA, Montreal, 

QC; and Greg Stascavage, Missouri Walnut LLC, Neosho, MO; and Benji Richards, 

NHLA, Lenoir, NC 

1.800.577.5576 | INFO@RALUMBER.COM | FACEBOOK.COM/ROYANDERSONLUMBER 



VIETNAMWOOD – Continued from page 1 

Who's Who - Kelly Hostetter - Continued from page 2 

Association, American Walnut Manufacturers Association, Wood Products Manufacturers 

Association, Forest Stewardship Council and Scientific Certification 

Systems Global Services. 

For more information, call 937-554-0838, email kelly@kampshardwoods. 

com or visit www.kampshardwoods.com. n 

American Walnut Manufacturers Association, Hardwood Manufacturers Association, 

Missouri Forest Products Association, American Hardwood Export Council, 

Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen's Association and Real American Hardwood 

Coalition. 

For more information, call Pescaglia at 660-248-3000, email tonyp@mopaclumber.com 

or visit www.mopaclumber.com. n 

VIETNAMWOOD - Continued from page 1 

Adam Moran, Hermitage Hardwood Lumber Sales Inc., 

Cookeville, TN; and Nick Thompson, Thompson Appalachian 

Hardwoods, Huntland, TN 

Max Luo and Shige Tanaka, NWH, Beachwood, OH 

Chris Fouts, Classic American Hardwoods, Memphis, 

TN; and Philip Kuckuck, Cascade Hardwood LLC, 

Chehalis, WA 

Who's Who - Samantha Keenan - Continued from page 2 

found traveling, reading or hiking with her friends or family. 

AGL is a member of the Appalachian Lumbermen’s Club, Indiana Hardwood 

Lumbermen’s Association, Lake States Lumber Association, New England Lumbermen’s 

Association, National Hardwood Lumber Association, North American 

Wholesale Lumber Association, National Wood Flooring Association, National 

Wood Pallet and Container Association, Penn-York Lumbermen’s Club and Western 

Hardwood Association. 

For more information visit www.theAGLgroup.com. n 

processing, surface treatment, furniture fittings, hardware, locks and accessories. 

The exhibition also featured innovative products, technologies, and trends in the 

industry. 

The American Hardwood Export Council is the leading international trade 

association for the U.S. hardwood industry, representing the committed U.S. 

hardwood exporters and the major U.S. hardwood product trade associations. 


AHEC SE ASIA - Continued from page 1 

AHEC SE ASIA – Continued from page 1 

Who's Who - Tony Pescaglia - Continued from page 2 

and has been the sales manager since 2022. Pescaglia has a wide array of experience 

in operating a variety of equipment, including but not limited to, end trim 

saws, edgers and forklifts. He has been trained in operating MO PAC’s eight dry 

kilns, their kiln-dried inventory and fulfilling order requests. He has also managed 

employees and day to day operations as the yard foreman. 

Pescaglia went to Hickman High School in Columbia, MO and earned his bachelor’s 

degree from the University of Missouri. 

Pescaglia has been married to his wife Brittany for 12 years and has one son 

and one daughter. He enjoys woodworking, coaching his son’s many sports teams 

and watching his daughter play the violin and compete in dance. He also enjoys 

spending time with extended family on the weekends. 

MO PAC Lumber is a member of the National Hardwood Lumber Association, 

we don’t lose sight of the major long-term issues that confront us and that the 

global wood industries remain united and focused on the opportunities ahead of 

us. 

"This Convention is designed to help further strengthen these bonds, as our 

aim is not only to introduce U.S. exporters to Asian importers, but to also help 

foster the relationships between Asian end users and specifiers and the local 

wood processing industry and distributors of American hardwoods." 

A warm welcome was also echoed by John Chan, Regional Director for AHEC 

SE Asia & Greater China. He noted: "Comparing with 2022, U.S. hardwood exported 

to China reached $112.5 million in January this year, increased 3 percent 

year on year, with U.S. hardwood lumber up 5 percent year on year to $80 million. 

The most popular U.S. hardwood species in China by value were Red Oak, 

Walnut, Cherry, White Oak, Ash and Yellow Poplar. They accounted for over 

91 percent of the total hardwood lumber exports to China. We hope that through 

this important Convention, we can further strengthen the trade links of different 


Desmond Johnson, NWH, Beachwood, OH; and Philip Fenwick, Baillie Lumber, Hamburg, 

NY 

Vivian Tam, Rupert Oliver, Tripp Pryor, John Chan and Michael Snow, AHEC, headquartered 

in Sterling VA; and Dana Spessert, National Hardwood Lumber Assoc., Memphis, 

TN 

Mike Caruso, Matson Lumber, Brookville, PA, with customers. 

DETAIL MINDED, 

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EXPERTS IN FORESTRY EXPORTS 

info@tmxship.com l (252) 726-1111 l tmxship.com 

Michael Snow, American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), Sterling, VA, with Troy Jamieson 

and Jian Wang, Merrick Hardwoods Inc., Burnside, KY 

Tim Wang, Graf Bros. Lumber & Flooring, South Shore, KY. 



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HHP - Continued from page 4 

“Our most experienced graders oversee production being processed 

through the Trim Expert grading system,” said Bruce Dahn, kiln-dried sales 

manager at HHP, Inc. 

degrading of the lumber and to make sure our customers get the consistency and 

value they continue to invest in,” Dahn said. 

HHP has a wide range of customers, from those looking for lumber to go into 

high-end flooring or a millwork application to those looking for custom to standard 

pallets. “We manufacture what works best for our customer,” Dahn noted. 

“From the custom sorts that go to our high-end end-use customers to the distributors 

and manufacturers that need a custom designed pallet to carry the load that 

they want shipped, we strive to be efficient and cost effective by consuming all of 

the full range of products that are produced in the mill.” 

HHP is known to promote the ease that comes with doing business with them, 

whether it is moving material in and out of their facilities, or the consistency of 

their product, they strive to make their clients lives simpler. “You can receive 

HHP lumber any way you want, as long as it has the HHP logo and blue paint on 

the ends,” remarked Dahn. “Our customers that we sell to on a repeat basis, especially 

the distributors, see this as an added value on an already superior product.” 

Another way that HHP continues to add value to their products, is to end wax 

every pack of green lumber produced, all year-round, with U-C Coatings Anchorseal. 

Whether it is going on sticks for kiln drying in HHP’s kilns or being sold 

green. 

“One thing that Marco and Joe have always emphasized is the quality of the 

products that we produce here at HHP and the pride that we have when we put it 

into the marketplace,” said Dahn. HHP makes a point to pay attention to the little 

things, like putting grooved HT export blocks on every pack produced so that 

they are easier to move around and no loose blocks have to be picked up after 

moving packs. 

The added details that HHP puts into their products goes beyond adding extra 

blocks on packs leaving their sawmills. “Our most experienced graders regularly 

go back through packs of green & KD lumber to ensure the Trim X System’s 

output,” Dahn noted. “We are not trying to force boards up, into a grade. So, 

when a grader disagrees with how the Grade X System viewed the board, we 

go into the system and recalibrate the way it interprets the defects seen so we 

are consistently getting the production graded the way we want. We can do this 

because every board is sprayed with a unique identifying number as it is moved 

to the bin sorter.” 

HHP uses VisionTally with their kiln-dried lumber, ensuring that each piece 

is accounted for, and the footage is accurate. “We are giving our customers the 

Northern Red Oak makes up almost 80 percent of HHP’s 13 million board 

feet of annual production. 

HHP dries all of its production in Nyle Dehumidification dry kilns, which ensures 

bright consistent color. “We also take the time to package our lumber 

so it appears as good as what the customer will find inside,” Dahn said. 

confidence that they are getting what they paid for, and the documentation that 

they get along with these packs helps lower their stress levels,” Dahn added. 

“Once the packs have been strapped and labelled, there is no question as to what 

the contents of each one is, no matter how far it has traveled.” 

HHP continues to utilize the oversized space that the mill was initially built 

on. “When the foundation was laid back in 1992, they made sure they had a good 

layout and allowed room for plenty of expansion,” said Joe Carrier. This forethought 

has allowed for additional equipment, such as, a McDonough double cut 

carriage, two PHL resaws, a PHL/Comact optimizing edger, that feeds the Trim 

Expert, on to a PHL trimmer and PHL 60 bay bin sorter, with USNR scanning, as 

well as the VisionTally. They also have seven Nyle Dry Kilns, with a drying capacity 

of 75,000 board feet each, with an annual drying capacity for the Northern 

Red Oak of 6.3 million board feet. 

The accuracy of the equipment that HHP has invested in is paramount, as 

they ship their lumber around the globe. HHP ships to markets including China, 

Europe, Vietnam and the Middle East. “What works best for HHP is when we are 

able to find a key account, or a group of accounts that we are able to do regular 

business with. Whether it’s a container every three months or five containers every 

month, we look to do business with someone that is looking for a high-quality 

product that needs a consistent supplier,” Dahn said. HHP also finds it crucial to 

not overwhelm themselves with distribution partners. “We try not to water down 

the distributorship within a given market. It is important that we can distribute all 

the wood that we can produce through a limited number of these partnerships,” 

Dahn continued. 

“Since we produce a niche product, our clientele that really needs and values 

the Northern Red Oak is spread out,” said Dahn. Since HHP’s products are 

spread out around the globe, they export their products mainly through the Port 

of Boston, as well as sending containers through the Worcester railyard to the 

New York and New Jersey ports and occasionally sending containers through the 

Montreal port. When moving their products domestically throughout the United 

States and into Canada they use a combination of HHP trucks and independent 

truckers based on where the lumber is headed. 

“One thing is for sure, HHP is well positioned to take care of their customers 

as the market continues to change and evolve,” said Dahn. 

HHP is a member of the National Hardwood Lumber Association, Hardwood 

Manufacturers Association, American Hardwood Export Council, The New England 

Lumbermen’s Association and the National Wood Pallet Association. 

To learn more visit www.hhp-inc.com. n 

HOUSTON HARDWOOD - Continued from page 5 

Recently adding a new 

Powermatic planer to its 

equipment list, McCoy 

said using its two SCMI 

moulders, they’ve been 

able to streamline the 

production process and 

designate specific machines 

to certain tasks. 

“We use one of the 

machines to run patterns 

that we change up several 

times a day,” said 

Guy Pike, Vice-president of Houston Hardwoods. Continued on page 28 

IWPA - Continued from page 2 

od between the adoption of a proposal to transfer a species from one Appendix 

to another and the entry into force of the new listing. IWPA members have been 

negatively impacted by the current lack of a clear and uniform understanding both 

internationally and in each country of when permits are required as new species 

have been added to the CITES appendices. IWPA staff will continue to urge Parties 

to facilitate clear guidance that takes into account the realities of international commerce, 

with shipments often departing exporting countries before a listing goes into 

effect and arriving in the importing country after. 

While these issues will continue to be debated before final consideration at the 

next Conference of the Parties expected in 2025, they will have to be implemented 

by country Management Authorities such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 

Division of CITES Management Authority. 

IWPA has invited key leaders from FWS to join us at IWPA’s 2024 World of 

Wood Convention and educate attendees on both the basics of CITES permitting 

for industry members who are new to the CITES process as well as broader developments 

such as the upcoming implementation of the Ipe and Cumaru Appendix II 

listings. It is also important to remember that you can always call or e-mail IWPA 

staff with any questions you may have about specific CITES issues or general questions 

about how the Convention works. 

IWPA will continue to work closely with our industry allies to speak clearly and 

forcefully that CITES and the implementing Parties must avoid trade restrictions 

unless there is a clear conservation benefit consistent with the text of the Convention. 

n 

AHEC - Continued from page 2 

trade and industry. In order for this strategy to be effective it is important to bridge 

the gap in order to create a stronger link between specifiers and the hardwood sector 

in each market. Working with these global user organizations as well as their 

respective specifier communities is absolutely vital to the effectiveness and reach 

of AHEC’s messaging. 

One of the biggest constraints preventing adoption of American hardwood species 

is a lack of knowledge about the material. Without the knowledge of the material 

and how it can be used, markets cannot make informed decisions and therefore 

bdahn@hhp-inc.com • lumbersales@hhp-inc.com 

14 Buxton Industrial Drive, PO Box 489, 

Henniker NH 03242 

603-428-3298 www.hhp-inc.com 

U.S. Hardwood products will not get a fair representation or chance to compete. The 

major constraints addressed by our programs are: 

• lack of technical knowledge of the variety and potential of U.S. hardwoods 

• competition for market share of non-wood and “look-alike” materials 

• lack of familiarity with full performance potential of U.S. hardwoods 

• the need to achieve a better balance between market demand and species 

availability by focusing on underutilized species like Red Oak, Cherry, Maple, and 

Tulipwood 

• lack of technical knowledge, awareness, and data on structural/exterior 

design opportunities for U.S. hardwoods (CLT, TMT, LVL, etc.) 

• Benefits of U.S. hardwoods in meeting environmental regulations 

Our target audience falls into three main categories: hardwood traders and importers, 

hardwood manufacturers, and decision makers like architects, engineers, 

and designers – the “specifiers”. Although our program is not aimed specifically at 

consumers AHEC is increasingly reaching this target audience through increased 

social media activity and publicity in the consumer press. 

AHEC events in 2024 and beyond will continue to incorporate design projects 

and creative marketing to give American hardwoods a high-profile showcase and 

promote underutilized species and new technologies. An environmental life cycle 

analysis is also conducted on all of our marketing projects to continue to promote 

the sustainability benefits of using American hardwood. Keep an eye out for AHEC 

events next year and stay up to date through our website: www.ahec.org. n 

SEC - Continued from page 3 

Increased onshoring from Chinese firms seeking lower cost labor and a means 

of avoiding the U.S. tariff on Chinese goods is also a huge demand driver. Once 

the world’s center for low cost labor, by 2020 the average hourly wage in China 

for manufacturing workers was $6.50, a 12 percent increase from a year earlier. 

Meanwhile, the average hourly wage in Mexico in 2020 was $4.82, a 3 percent 

increase from 2019. While the labor rate in Mexico is rising, Mexico’s ample 

supply of comparatively low cost labor, and proximity to one of the largest consumer 

markets in the world, will likely continue to fuel continued manufacturing 

growth. 

The Softwood Export Council (SEC) has been active in Mexico for decades. 

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HOUSTON HARDWOOD - Continued from page 26 

Houston Hardwoods continues to fit the niche it found in providing superior 

service and quality products, with what may be the best balance of hardwood 

species and industry experience. 

McCoy, “and then we leave the other machine set up for S4S lumber. That saves 

us a lot of time and makes us much more efficient than if we were just using one 

machine for everything.” 

Houston Hardwoods procures its kiln-dried domestic lumber from sawmills all 

over the country. “We try to get some of our species like Oak and Poplar from 

sources that are closer to home to avoid high freight/transportation costs,” said 

Houston Hardwoods’ mill area. 

According to McCoy, most of the firm’s customers during the week are professionals, 

cabinet shops, contractors, furniture builders and other lumber yards that 

do not deal in hardwoods. The company also caters to a number of DIY hobbyists 

and woodworkers. “We call them weekend warriors; they go crazy when they 

CHB MEETING - Continued from page 7 

was to be held at Ontario Hardwood Products in Bolton. CHB held its first-ever 

French-language short course recently in Drummondville, QC, at Goodfellow Inc. 

Chairman Rowe spoke about the CHB’s successful Promotions Program, which 

aims at the great story of CHB, which resonates with consumers. The goal of the 

program is to tell the story of Canadian hardwood as a beautiful, durable, and sustainable 

interior building material to as many consumers as possible. For a second 

straight year, CHB secured partial funding and directed efforts at export markets, 

specifically the U.S. designers and architects, who will promote the Bureau's story 

to homeowners and commercial end users. CHB is completing two years of 

webinars that have been included in educational events dealing with specifying 

wood products; commercial (retail, offices and mixed use), healthcare; building 

green: products that support sustainable design; hospitality (hotel, restaurant etc.); 

education (school, college, university); interior finishes and commercial solutions; 

and institutional and government etc. Members asked about undertaking domestic 

promotion as well and that will be studied and brought back to the members at the 

next meeting in April. 

Learn more at www.canadianhardwoodbureau.com. n 

GBM MEETING - Continued from page 8 

tects and industry members, as well as a series of Demonstration Workshops on 

the tradeshow stage Friday. These activities were well received by both the architect 

community and participating exhibitors. This year, BC Wood’s WoodTALKS 

at the GBM also featured a Mass & Heavy Timber Symposium with keynote 

speaker Michael Green, which was officially opened by BC’s Minister of State for 

Trade, the Honorable Jagrup Brar. 

Canadian products on display from across the country included timber frame 

structures, engineered wood products, treated lumber, reclaimed wood, cabinetry, 

building products and systems, Western Red Cedar products, and a variety of 

other value-added wood building products. 

BC Wood also organized Extended Mission programs for incoming international 

delegates that included site visits and factory tours in the lower mainland and 

on Vancouver Island. Besides helping buyers immediately source high quality, 

innovative, and competitively priced wood products, the tours helped build future 

business relationships by familiarizing potential customers with Western Canada’s 

wood species. 

Held annually at the Whistler Conference Centre, the GBM continues to be Canada’s 

largest event dedicated to promoting value-added wood producers. 

BC Wood extended many thanks also to its government funding Partners, who 

without their continued support, the organization would not be able to deliver this 

world class event: Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd. (FII), and Global Affairs 

Canada (GAC). Main corporate sponsors this year included San Group Ltd., the 

Waldun Group, Daizen, Glandell Enterprises, Silva Panel, Acera Insurance, Live 

Edge Design and Kuehne + Nagel. 

Learn more at www.bcwood.com. n 


timber-related industries and convey our environmental protection approach 

to a greater audience. We will be promoting the design and application of U.S. 

hardwood for the consumer market while addressing low carbon environmental 

protection, outstanding properties and design advantages of American hardwoods 

to furniture manufacturers, architects, interior designers, engineers and real estate 

developers." 

At this Convention, several keynote presentations were featured, including the 

application, sustainability and lower carbon future of American hardwood for 

interior design and furniture manufacturing, new technology and lumber grading 

rules of American hardwoods. 

The head of the Chengdu Furniture Industrial Chamber of Commerce also 

presented an update on Sichuan province’s solid furniture manufacturing situation 

and the needs of imported timber to meet the increasing demand in the years to 

come. 

Hosted by AHEC and supported by the Chengdu Furniture Association, 


Houston Hardwoods is a full-blown manufacturing facility that specializes in 

planing wood and producing custom moulding. 

Houston Hardwoods purchases more than 600,000 board feet of hardwoods 

annually in Alder, Ash, Cherry, Maple, Red and White Oak, Walnut, Birch, 

Pecan, Poplar and many more species. 

LAKE STATES BUSINESS TRENDS - Continued from page 15 

industry. 

“It seemed like they were ticking down in the summer,” he said. “But now 

they’ve bopped back up there. It doesn’t look like there is any end in sight.” n 

them to have picked up by now,” he said. “My agents in Europe are of course 

having a hard time with the war and the increase in energy costs.” 

He mentioned that he is happy with his Red Oak sales. “Red Oak is a specie 

that I have always thought of as a more domestic item, but I have noticed that it 

has started to sell more abroad with more countries starting to buy it.” n 

McCoy. “Some of the other species like Maple and Walnut we usually try to get 

from sources further north due to the higher quality of those woods in that area of 

the country.” 

The company has maintained its focus on one of its biggest strengths: being 

able to turnaround orders in one to two days. Its customers – most of which are 

located within 100 miles of Houston – appreciate the quick turnaround time and 

the fact that quality is never sacrificed in lieu of speed. While most of its customers 

are in Texas, Houston Hardwoods does ship orders to clients in other parts 

of the country. “We are often surprised by where people call from, but we don’t 

argue. We get the order done and ship it out.” 

Houston Hardwoods procures its kiln-dried domestic lumber from sawmills 

all over the country. 

Houston Hardwoods, located in Houston, TX, operates from a 

50,000-square-foot facility with about 18 employees. 

come in here and see our extensive selection,” said McCoy. “This is a customer 

segment that helps to round out our client base and gives us the opportunity to 

work with smaller, locally-based wood workers.” 

Houston Hardwoods is a member of the Lumbermen’s Association of Texas & 

Greater Louisiana and the Greater Houston Lumber & Building Materials Association. 

McCoy added, “We’re constantly exploring new ways to have the best 

product and service possible because keeping our customers happy has definitely 

been the key to our success.” 

For more information, visit www.houstonhardwoods.com. n 

NORTHEAST BUSINESS TRENDS - Continued from page 15 

He mentioned that he owns a trucking company as well that hauls all of his 

sawmill’s lumber, from the time that the timber is cut to when it is shipped 

out. “The cost of fuel has affected our sales with how high the price of fuel has 

gotten.” 

A lumberman in New York said that his market seems to be fair. “We are able 

to move everything that we saw,” he said. “Pallet cants have been a challenge, but 

as far as the grade lumber we are able to move it, even if the prices aren’t what 

we want them to be.” 

He noted that his sales are about the same as they were six months ago, with it 

being a challenge then and a challenge now. 

His company offers Hard and Soft Maple and Cherry in 4/4 thickness and in 

grades No. 2 Common and Better. “Cherry seems to be easy to sell even though 

the price is off,” he mentioned. 

He said that he sells to a wide range of customers, including wholesalers and 

end users. “They haven’t said anything good about their sales to me lately,” he 

added. 

In Connecticut a lumber representative said that his market is slow. “Our sales 

are worse than they were six months ago,” he added. 

His company handles Red and White Oak, Poplar and Ash, and occasionally 

sells some Cherry and Hard Maple. “We mainly offer the upper grades, FAS and 

No. 1 Common and very little No. 2 Common, we offer these in 4/4 thickness and 

in theory we handle 4, 5, 6 and 8/4 as well,” he said. 

The majority of the customers that he sells to are importers and distributors, he 

noted that he will occasionally sell directly to end users depending on the market. 

“We typically use agents in other countries and my agents in the Middle East are 

telling me that their sales are still slow despite the fact that they were expecting 

SOUTHEAST BUSINESS TRENDS - Continued from page 17 

wasn’t doing well, at the time of this writing. 

“We are just hanging in there and hoping that the market gets better,” he added. 

A lumber representative in Arkansas said that his sales have been sporadic. 

“There is definitely less production and there are less opportunities for orders,” 

he remarked. “It seems that there are less people that want to haul hardwood logs 

and both green and kiln-dried lumber production have slowed down.” 

He mentioned that his sales are doing about the same as they were six months 

ago when asked. 

His company offers primarily all hardwood species, with a focus on Oak and 

mixed hardwoods. “We offer grades FAS Common and No. 2 Common and 4/4 

and 5/4 thicknesses,” he said. 

His company sells to end use manufacturers, distribution yards and exporters. 

“It seems that they are also experiencing sporadic sales,” he said. “They will 

have a couple of good days and then they have a few days where there isn’t a lot 

happening.” n 

WEST COAST BUSINESS TRENDS - Continued from page 17 

the Whitewoods, such as the Maples and Walnut. Walnut may not be as bad but 

with White Oak we have all of the barrel companies that buy up products for their 

whiskey barrels. They are paying more of a premium than what people want to 

pay for a sawlog. They are willing to pay more to get the White Oak for the barrels. 

That’s why there’s a shortage right now and it will probably get tighter.” 

Another contact in California said fuel costs are a major issue and trucking in 

general is challenging in his area. “Trucks aren’t allowed to come into certain 

parts of California,” he explained. “We have restricted freight coming in by truck 




WEST COAST BUSINESS TRENDS - Continued from page 29 

and a lot of it is coming in by train and into the port. It’s still difficult to get it 

from the port.” 

He continued, “The off-gassing of the diesel fuel and the fumes don’t meet 

the criteria set forth by legislation here. Until the trucking companies can get a 

handle on that end of it, our prices will be higher just to move it in.” 

Overall many hardwood suppliers in the area expect market activity to remain 

stable but look for price increases and availability shortages to continue. n 

ONTARIO BUSINESS TRENDS - Continued from page 19 

being produced, it has temporarily eased price volatility. 

With orders for finished goods being low, many secondary manufacturers 

have reduced their operating hours, thus using less lumber and raw materials. 

Purchases, say some contacts, are for replacement needs only. Kiln-dried Birch 

sales are hard to come by, and prices are sliding down. Mills and wholesalers are 

shipping their limited quantities of green stocks, however, they noted competition 

is fierce for orders. Sales are for premium color material with prices stable. 

There was a slight improvement in demand for Hard Maple, although secondary 

manufacturers and lumber wholesalers indicated sales of finished goods were 

not that good. Purchases were made to replenish depleted stocks, as buyers saw 

a tightening of supply availability. Inventories are still noted as low, with prices 

continuing to rise for some grades and thicknesses. Green Hard Maple production 

is low, with some areas struggling to source logs because of inclement weather 

and weak markets. Secondary manufacturers and wholesalers are working to 

increase their receipts. 

Soft Maple sales are now more closely aligned with buyers’ needs. Prices have 

stabilized, and are now edging higher. "We saw demand for kiln-dried inventories 

shift from an excess on markets to hardly available supplies, which resulted in 

firmer pricing for this species," said one source. 

Red Oak demand remains at a fair pace as it is used in finished goods, in repair 

and remodelling projects, for solid wood flooring and for railway ties. Kiln-dried 

demand is outpacing supplies, which raises prices for most grades. End users are 

absorbing green Red Oak at this time, and supply is not sufficient to meet this 

demand. 

On the other hand, White Oak is in great demand at this time both on domestic 

and international markets for high-end finished goods. However, the issue is 

finding logs to supply this need. Prices are rising as a result of this shortage. Most 

kiln-dried inventories for White Oak are thin for most items. 

In early October, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the 

Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), 

the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Member of Parliament for Waterloo, 

participated in the Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario (WMCO)’s Quarterly 

Networking Event. MP Chagger announced almost $2.9 million in support for the 

organization so they can help SMEs (small and midsize enterprises) in southern 

Ontario adopt digital strategies. 

The announcement notes Ontario is home to the largest concentration of 

advanced wood manufacturing in Canada, and the forest industry is a pillar of 

the Canadian economy. It has over 3,000 companies employing 35,000 workers 

who contribute more than $7 billion in revenue each year. The Government of 

Canada supports these workers and the manufacturers that employ them as they 

evolve, scale up, adopt new processes and technologies, increase their production 

capabilities and create good jobs for Canadians. 

WMCO is an industry-led cluster that supports SMEs across southern Ontario 

specialized in cabinetry, commercial fixtures and millwork, furniture, flooring, 

mass timber construction and other niche products. With this investment, WMCO 

will support manufacturers as they adopt technologies, including supply chain 

digitization and increased Internet-of-Things capabilities. 

WMCO will provide seed funding for up to 50 eligible SMEs undergoing 

digital adoption projects, creating 50 new jobs. As part of this investment, 50 

new products, services and processes will be commercialized. WMCO will also 

prioritize SMEs in rural and Indigenous communities through targeted outreach 

activities. 

The Government of Canada is investing in manufacturers so they can reach 

their potential and develop new possibilities for this important industry. 

We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and a happy, healthy and prosperous 

New Year! n 

QUEBEC BUSINESS TRENDS - Continued from page 19 

pressuring green lumber prices. 

Flooring plants are holding back buying Hickory, and some wholesalers are 

also reducing orders of this species. Kiln-dried business is flat mostly everywhere 

at present for Hickory. 

Certain residential wood flooring manufacturers are more cautious in purchasing 

Red Oak and are lowering prices accordingly. Business is reported as not 

being strong for Red Oak; supplies are thin due to its low production this year. 

Kiln-dried prices gained traction over the past few months with figures being 

raised accordingly. Drying operations were purchasing No. 1 Common and Better 

Red Oak, as they do not have much in drying yards or kilns. Certain residential 

wood flooring manufacturers said they were taking a cautious approach to Red 

Oak buying and lowering their prices. 

Contacts noted strong demand for White Oak for green No. 1 Common and 

Better, due to low production. Prices are rising for certain grades and thicknesses, 

and demand on domestic markets are quite good, while exports are fair for certain 

businesses. 

Demand for Poplar is reportedly decent while prices for Common grades have 

tightened in certain areas. 

Markets for Walnut are not that strong, except for the U.S. and to China; production 

has been low for the past several months. 

Furniture producers are experiencing slow business while supplies are ample 

for raw materials and framestock. Wood pallet markets are also slow while others 

note steady sales. 

According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) housing 

supply across Canada’s largest cities saw just a 1 percent growth in the first six 

months of 2023, compared to the first half of 2022. CMHC’s latest Housing 

Supply Report examines new housing construction trends in Canada’s six largest 

Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs). These are Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton, 

Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Tighter borrowing conditions, elevated construction 

and labor costs, and high interest rates created challenging conditions for 

homebuilders across all six major markets. Additionally, construction timelines 

saw a slight increase from the first half of 2022, up 0.9 months. 

Toronto and Vancouver accounted for nearly two-thirds of the housing starts 

across the six markets, with apartment starts making up nearly three-quarters of 

all housing construction. The strong apartment growth observed in Toronto and 

Vancouver was offset by declines in Canada’s other largest centers. 

Montreal tends to build more small and low-rise apartment structures than Toronto 

and Vancouver. Because of their smaller size, these structures take less time 

to plan and build. The decline in housing starts in Montreal was, therefore, more 

reflective of the recent deterioration in financial conditions. 

Elevated rates of apartment construction, highlights the report, are not likely 

to be sustainable due to various challenges facing developers. These challenges 

include higher construction costs and higher interest rates. 

This cutback takes place at a time when more sellers are coming to market. 

New listings have increased in each of the last six months, and in September surpassed 

their pre-pandemic level by 10 percent (this data is the most current data 

available at press time). 

The Royal Bank of Canada’s Monthly Housing Market Update notes that early 

evidence in September confirmed that higher interest rates continue to restrain 

real estate activity across most of the country – with Alberta once again bucking 

the trend with its sustained vigour. Home resales fell 1.9 percent month-overmonth 

(m/m) nationwide, marking the third consecutive monthly decline. 

A sharp easing of supply-demand conditions since summer has brought most 

markets into better balance while tipping Ontario into a buyer’s market. This has 

relieved the upward pricing pressure that built in the spring. Canada’s aggregate 

MLS Home Price Index fell slightly month-over-month in September (-0.3 

percent) for the first time since March. Prices are expected to soften further 

through the remainder of this year and possibly into early next as market conditions 

continue to tilt in favor of buyers. 

Sales declines were widespread in September with few markets reporting advances. 

Among Canada’s larger markets, the pullback was sharpest in Vancouver 

(-5.6 percent m/m). Though the latest backstep in Toronto looked comparatively 

modest at -1.8 percent, the fall since this spring’s peak is substantially more pronounced 

-22.4 percent than in Vancouver (-13.7 percent). 

Higher interest rates, affordability challenges and economic uncertainty are likely 

to keep homebuyer demand muted in the near term. At the same time, higher 

interest costs may also exert increasing pressure on existing homeowners to sell, 

keeping the flow of new listings going. Together these trends would hand buyers 

more pricing power in the months ahead, driving prices further down in Ontario 

while restraining gains elsewhere in the country. 

With housing markets down, it will mean less consumer spending on many 

hardwood finished goods as consumers reign in their spending as interest rates 

are higher and with the economic uncertainty. 

We extend the hardwood industry sincerest best wishes for a happy, healthy 

and prosperous Holiday Season. n 

BUSINESS TRENDS ABROAD - Continued from page 21 

billion, year-on-year down by 29 percent; wood-based panels and flooring $371.8 

million, down 36 percent and wooden doors $16.8 million, down 32 percent. 

Ghana - Ghana is set to become the first African country and second in the 

world to begin issuing licenses for timber exports under the Forest Law Enforcement, 

Governance and Trade (FLEGT) scheme. 

This follows the successful assessment of timber marking and tracking processes 

in the Bobiri Forest Reserve in the Ashanti region by a European Union 

and Ghana Forestry Commission team. 

The FLEGT scheme forms part of measures the Forestry Commission has 

instituted in compliance with tree harvesting regulations, including traceability at 

origin in line with the European Union’s Voluntary Partnership Agreement was 

signed between both countries in November 2019. 

In 2022, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR), Samuel A. 

Jinapor, hosted the European Union Ambassador to Ghana, HE Ichard Razaaly. 

The MLNR Minister discussed key actions undertaken by government in preparation 

for the issuance of FLEGT licenses. He also acknowledged the importance 

of Ghana government collaborating with EU to realize the full benefits of 

the timber industry. 

Italy – According to published reports, it is evident that the decreases in 

demand for furniture has corresponded to a decline in wood production as well. 

Wood revenues have increased significantly in the past two years due to rising 

raw material and energy costs. Therefore, the decrease in revenue can partly be 

attributed to the positive recovery in commodity prices. 

“If the significant decline in wood revenue can be partially attributed to the 

slowing growth of raw materials and energy cost, in contrast to 2022 compared 

to 2021, the data on furniture production is different, primarily indicating a 

slowdown in demand and the export of our products, even overseas,” said Claudio 

Feltrin, president of FederlegnoArredo. “Clearly, these two factors also impact 

the wood sector, which is beginning to feel the effects of reduced production 

in the 2022 demand, a year with above average performance, has been meant.” 

The wood macrosystem is the most significant contributor to the overall decline, 

according to FederlegnoArredo Study Center, contracting by -12.6 percent 

(with national sales down by -14 percent and exports down by -8.3 percent), despite 

widely varying trends among different segments, from panels experiencing 

CLARK LUMBER COMPANY 

• 6 sawmills producing 48,000,000’ of Appalachian Hardwoods 4/4 - 8/4 

• 900,000’ drying capacity 

552 Public Well Road • Red Boiling Springs, TN 37150 

Office: (615) 699-3497 

• 2,500,000’ kiln dried Lumber Inventory 

• Species: Red & White Oak, Hard & Soft Maple, Poplar, Ash, Cherry, Hickory, 

Walnut and Aromatic Red Cedar 

• Export prep & container loading 

• A team of over 130 employees manufacturing Appalachian Hardwoods 

significant contraction to wooden coverings, structures, and buildings showing 

growth. 

Looking ahead to the end of 2023, the assessment predicts a negative year-end 

for the wood sector at -3.3 percent, with exports at -2.6 percent and the domestic 

market at -3.8 percent. 

Regarding the furniture macrosystem, forecasts suggest a slightly positive 

overall trend (+0.2 percent) thanks to stronger domestic market performance 

(+1.3 percent) compared to exports (-0.7). Conversely, the wood macrosystem is 

expected to experience a negative trend (-8.5 percent overall) with little difference 

between the domestic market (-8.6 percent) and exports (-8.3 percent). 

United Kingdom - The import value of tropical wood and wooden furniture 

into the UK in the first eight months of this year was $655 million, or 38 percent 

less than the same period last year. In quantity terms, the UK imported 273,400 

tons of tropical wood and wooden furniture in the January to August period, 

according to most recent data, which is 9 percent less than the same period last 

year. 

This low figure in tonnage terms is the lowest level of UK tropical wood products 

imports for the first eight months of the year since at least the early 1990s. 

It is 4 percent below the previous record low, which came in the first eight 

months of 2013 at the end of one of the longest periods of economic stagnation 

on record in the UK. 

It is also 5 percent less than recorded in the first eight months of 2020 when 

the country was at a complete standstill at the start of the COVID pandemic. 

Coming as it does after two historically good years for the UK trade in 2021 

and 2022 during the immediate post-COVID recovery, this is a case of boom and 

bust. 

The monthly data shows that the total tonnage of UK imports of tropical wood 

and wooden furniture fell to an extreme low of only 22,000 tons in December 

2022 before rising to 35,000 tons in February 2023. 

Since then, imports have barely shifted from this level, which is about 20 

percent below the long-term average for the time of year. n 

Jeff Thomas, Mill Manager, Clark Lumber Company, Lafayette, TN; Jeff 

Shoulders, Procurement Manager, Joseph Draper, Sales, Brandon Clark, 

Vice President, Hugh Clark, President, Tony Presley, Kiln Operator, 

Parrish Wright, Log Procurement/Logistics, Scotty Dyer, Yard Foreman, 

Clark Lumber Company, Red Boiling Springs, TN 

“From our Forest to your Facility” 

Brandon Clark 

bclark@clarklumbercompany.com 

Joseph Draper 

jdraper@clarklumbercompany.com 

www.clarklumbercompany.com 



Lumber Forecasts for 2024 Continued from page 6 

our products moved at normal rates. 

We did not add any services or products in 2023 but spent more effort going 

direct to customers, putting less reliability on brokers. 

We installed a new optimized edger in November at one of our facilities. We also 

began building a new grading and sorting line at that same facility. This project 

will last into the first and, likely, second quarters of 2024. 

Finding enough qualified employees is always a challenge but we do feel fortunate 

to have a good crew right now at each facility. We have spent a lot of time 

and money on automation in the last few years and that has paid off by allowing 

us to retain the vast majority of our employees and keep production at the desired 

level. 

Shipping always has its own challenges, but we have not had any changes that 

have affected our ability to deliver loads to the customers. 

We have not had issues with shipments to Vietnam, but China is always a 

concern with the potential for tariffs and market uncertainties. The European 

Union has been down on shipments for some time but does seem to be increasing 

at a small percentage. 

Brian Gibson 

Cole Hardwood, Inc. 

Logansport, IN 

International and domestic business landscape 

proved to be exceptionally challenging. Following 

the post-COVID boom, the abrupt fluctuations in 

prices, particularly the soaring costs of lumber and 

the rapid decline in overall pricing, placed us in a 

precarious position. The consistent rise in manufacturing 

expenses further compounded our challenges, 

Brian Gibson making profitability elusive throughout the year. 

Export markets witnessed a significant decrease in 

demand during the latter half of 2023, and regrettably, I do not foresee a substantial 

shift in this trend in the initial months of 2024. Adapting to these market 

dynamics requires strategic planning and a resilient approach as we continue to 

face the complexities of the global economic landscape. 

Cole Hardwood operates as a hardwood lumber concentration yard, catering to 

a diverse clientele of manufacturers and distributors. The standout performers in 

our product lineup this year have been the FAS/1F White Oak and various thicknesses 

and grades of Hickory. Notably, our proprietary rustic grades for Hickory 

and White Oak have experienced exceptional success, serving as a distinctive 

avenue to set apart our product offerings in the market. 

Cole Hardwood has recently integrated advanced scanners, implemented in 

collaboration with Aiken Controls, to assess thickness on both the green chains 

and all kiln-dried lumber machines. This technological enhancement has empowered 

Cole Hardwood to identify miscuts effectively, contributing to a significant 

enhancement in the quality of our kiln-dried hardwood lumber. 

Ray White 

Harold White Lumber, Inc. 

Morehead, KY 

I wouldn’t call 2023 a successful year by any 

means, it was a pretty dismal year. This fourth 

quarter, however, has shaped up to be a very strong 

quarter. I am seeing every indication that I will 

be back in the black. I believe that there are many 

reasons for this, but I think that the simplest answer 

Ray White is that there is a lumber shortage that is taking place. 

The lumber market has been at a historical low 

especially with the production of Red Oak and Hard 

and Soft Maple, while simultaneously seeing historical high production costs. 

I sell to domestic end users and distribution yards, and I export. I am probably 

still about 60 percent export and 40 percent domestic. The European Union is primarily 

facing better markets. They have started switching over to Red Oak since 

White Oak is so scarce and it’s jumping in price. The EU has figured out how 

to stain Red Oak to where it is a very close look to White Oak. I have as many 

orders for Red Oak as I do White Oak that are going into Europe right now. 

I have started exporting finger joints. Up until this year I have only shipped 

our finger joint production to the domestic market but now, I am shipping mixed 

containers with hardwoods and finger joints. 

With interest rates being at an all-time high and it being difficult to get existing 

parts, the only upgrades I made were for support equipment. We did install a fully 

optimized scanning system from Corley’s Lewis Controls for our sawmill, which 

was at a substantial cost. 

We are having a very hard time keeping employees. We have started working 

with the community prison to employ non-violent felons to subsidize our 

workforce, and if it was not for them, I would not be in operation. We are paying 

them the same amount of money that I would pay anybody else to work for me 

and while they are on work release their guidelines and their rules are extremely 

stringent. If it wasn’t for this program, I wouldn’t be running at 100 percent, and 

even with it I am still always short, depending on how many people are eligible 

for work release. 

While we own our own fleet of trucks, the burden of regulations as far as trucking 

goes domestically has always been a problem, and with the exports we must 

deal with the longshoreman and the railroad. The logistics of exporting is always 

difficult at best, but I have to say it has gotten better over the last 12 months. 

When it comes to tariffs, I’m not sure what the federal government will do with 

a presidential year coming up. I am also not sure what the Asian countries are going 

to do, but the EU regulations that are on the table pose a very significant threat 

to exporters. So far in our dealings and negotiations as far as the American Hardwood 

Export Council (AHEC) and the USDA with the EU, they are not listening 

or understanding that the problem with the illegal harvesting and deforestation is 

not happening in the U.S. or Canada. 

Overall, I am worried for our industry. Everything is changing quickly, and I am 

not sure what the future holds. 

Kirby Kendrick 

Kendrick Forest Products 

Edgewood, IA 

2023 was an interesting year. The first half of ‘23 

was still pretty good, while the second half of the 

year wasn’t as strong but still looks like it will end 

better than we were expecting. Challenges we must 

overcome to be more successful in 2024 would be 

labor, inflation cost and fuel cost, all while most 

American hardwood prices have not kept up with the 

Kirby Kendrick cost of inflation. 

Our customers are a mix of distributors and factories. 

Our Walnut and White Oak lumber items have been the strongest sellers for 

us in 2023. 

We recently started taking a higher-grade log and producing Walnut graded under 

Oak rules. This has allowed us to tap into other markets while still being able 

to offer our same consistent standard NHLA grade lumber as well. 

This year was a year focused on growing our rolling stock, especially our semis 

& log trucks. This allowed us to have more the control over our product and better 

serve our customers. 

We have been fortunate that we have many long-term employees with a nice 

mix of the younger generation to teach and help grow. Wages are an important 

part but there also needs to be a fun working environment, and a good relationship 

with the employees which we have. Our employees aren’t just employees, they’re 

more like family to us. When you can treat someone like family, I think they’re 

more inclined to work hard and stick around. 

Trucking in general has loosened up, but the cost of fuel is keeping rates elevated. 

David Messer 

MacBeath Hardwood Company 

Edinburgh, IN 

Overall, 2023 was not without its challenges, but 

all in all it was a successful year. Looking ahead to 

2024 I think the main challenge will be the availability 

of lumber. Specifically, the availability of the 

items most desirable. As it becomes more difficult 

for sawmills to produce grade lumber profitably in 

general, naturally there will be less of the few items 

David Messer that everyone wants. It seems as though the majority 

of the demand for hardwood products is focused on 

a minority of the growing stock in the woods, which throws things out of balance 

for sawmills and log producers. This certainly isn't a new challenge for 2024, but 

an ongoing challenge for the industry as a whole. The challenges that steep price 

adjustments in both directions present will be something that we all become more 

acquainted with in the coming year. 

A nice side effect of an economy that is moving very slowly is the availability 

of transportation. The cost of freight domestically and the availability of equipment 

necessary for export, as well as the cost to move that equipment have both 

improved over the course of this year, and outside of seasonal events that have an 

effect on flatbeds, I don't see the ratio of trucks to loads tightening as we enter the 

new year. 

Bucky Pescaglia 

MO PAC Lumber Co. 

Fayette, MO 

2023 turned out better than what we expected at 

the beginning of the year. The year started off very 

slowly, but shipments picked up in the middle of the 

first quarter and remained fairly steady up until the 

time of this writing. 

75 percent of our customers are distributors, while 

the other 25 percent are end users. While Walnut 

Bucky Pescaglia represents 95 percent of our production, all items 

across our product mix moved well in 2023. The 

demand and pricing for Soft Maple suffered throughout most of the year. 

We have had problems over the past year retaining enough employees. In order 

to combat this, we have a unique work week with nine-hour workdays, Monday 

through Thursday, and then just four hours on Friday. This allows our employees 

to get in their 40 hours but have a 2-1/2-day weekend. It has proven popular for 

the applicants we interview. We also try to do as much cross training as possible 

to avoid mental and physical fatigue. 

We have noticed that container availability continues to be a problem for us 

shipping out of the Kansas City area. There are less containers coming into this 

area so the demand for empty containers can be intense. It makes it difficult to 

promise a delivery date when you are not guaranteed a container when you go to 

pick one up from the depot. Schedule changes have also created logistic nightmares. 

Exports represent over 60 percent of our sales in both dollars and footage. The 

whole topic of tariffs is unsettling with the experiences we had during the most 

recent trade war with China, but I am not as concerned with tariffs as I am with 

the new EUDR regulations that have the potential to cripple the U.S. hardwood 

industry. This regulation has passed so we need to be ready to find a way to 

comply with it or risk losing a huge percentage of our market. We all hope that 

common sense will prevail with limiting these requirements, but we have to 

have a plan in case it doesn’t. Although compliance with these new regulations 

seems impossible, we can’t simply ignore it. The European Union has much more 

support for climate change policies than we have in the US. Keep in mind, those 

same regulations will cover wood components that are being brought into Europe 

from other countries, so it won’t just affect European lumber sales. This could be 

much worse than any tariff we have ever experienced. 

Dave Halsey 

Patrick Lumber Company 

Philomath, OR 

2023 has exceeded our expectations, 2024 has 

a similar uncertainty to last year’s planning due to 

geopolitical and economic conditions. Interest rates 

and the election cycle figure to be most relevant in 

forward planning. Patrick Lumber plans to further 

invest in our people, processing and remain focused 

on our core businesses. 

Dave Halsey The upper grades of softwoods, especially Vertical 

Grain clears were the best movers in 2023 for our 

distribution customer base. Contemporary design elements in high-end home 

construction across the USA were in favor. Timber frame construction, which we 

highlighted in our headquarters building in Philomath, also has a strong showing 

in 2023. 

In 2023, we expanded our low grade customer base in several softwood categories 

including Southern Yellow Pine. We continued expanding the hardwood 

lumber business, especially West Coast hardwoods like Oak, Maple and Alder. 

We purchased 10 acres next to our Philomath kiln and re-saw facility late in 

2022 and began production in early 2023 of West Coast hardwoods. We continued 

to add to the mill installing more equipment. In 2024 we plan to complete installation 

of a Salem headrig which should increase production 10x. Our customers 




Lumber Forecasts For 2024 Continued from page 33 

In Memoriam 

are showing high levels of interest in the West Coast hardwoods that have been 

historically slash burned in the forest or sent to the pulp markets. 

We continue to look for quality employees in all of our main business units. 

The strong support for wood products in Benton County home of Oregon State 

University, a land grant school, has helped in recruiting. 

Losing ocean service to Europe from Portland and then Tacoma has increased 

the shipping costs for European customers. Along with the strong USD$ this has 

been the biggest impact. 

Right now, we don’t have any concerns with tariffs, we are dealing with them 

just like everyone else. Therefore, it’s a level playing field and has no impact. 

Jay Reese 

Penn-Sylvan International Inc. 

Spartansburg, PA 

As an exporter, we would have to call 2023 a 

successful year. While the market price for lumber 

is not attractive to our sawmilling division, our international 

sales staff did a great job maintaining our 

core business, and expanding to many new markets 

as necessitated by the slowing volumes going into 

China. 

Jay Reese China is still the big market for Red Oak, and 

early 2024 will be difficult as Oak production, while 

much less than 18 months ago, is still more than necessary due to current market 

conditions. 

We have a very diverse clan of customers, some markets are factory direct and 

others are more dependent on distributors. We continue to find niche markets 

worldwide for our custom grades and thickness of all species of hardwoods. 

As the year comes to a close, we are completing the renovation of a grading 

station, and adding another horizontal resaw to our production capacity. This will 

allow us to better serve our customers with increased in-house production and 

much more sorting capabilities. 

Wesley Robinson 

Robinson Lumber Company 

New Orleans, LA 

The year 2023 brought a mix of challenges and 

achievements for Robinson Lumber Company. 

While our export sales to Asia and Europe faced 

some setbacks, our North American sales remained 

robust, ensuring that the year could still be counted 

as a success. With export sales presenting a hurdle, 

we are placing our hopes on the strength of the 

Wesley Robinson North American market to drive our success in 2024. 

At Robinson Lumber, we primarily serve manufacturers 

who possess a keen eye for yields. Once they witness the value we offer 

in terms of wood quality and precision, they return for more. Notably, our sales to 

flooring customers experienced significant growth this year, especially in our value-added 

sorted to width and ripped to width strips. Among our products, White 

Oak shone the brightest in 2023. 

Our commitment to continuous improvement is exemplified by ongoing investments 

in our flagship yard located in New Albany, IN. Recently, we doubled the 

yard's size and introduced the state-of-the-art Combi CSS Slip Loader. This new 

addition enhances our ability to stage and load containers and flatbeds efficiently 

and safely. We also have plans to expand our kiln capacity in the near future. 

The American hardwoods industry is intricately linked to the global demand 

for wood products. However, we've observed increasingly frequent supply and 

demand imbalances, resulting in sharp price fluctuations. These market dynamics 

can challenge the maintenance of consistently profitable operations. 

For over 130 years, Robinson Lumber Company has not merely survived; we 

have thrived, grown and diversified. As we look ahead to 2024, we embrace the 

unique challenges that lie ahead with confidence and a commitment to innovation 

and adaptation. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnerships. We are 

excited to face the opportunities and challenges of the future. 

Anthony Hammond 

Roy Anderson Lumber Company, Inc. 

Tompkinsville, KY 

2023 sales have been steady. Challenges for profitable 

pricing has existed, but ability to move lumber 

is present. For 2024, export markets need to improve 

to help move products that don’t historically move 

domestically. 

We sell to flooring manufacturers, cabinet manufacturers, 

millwork/moulding manufacturers and 

Anthony Hammond distribution yards. Our strongest sellers have been 

White Oak, Ash and thick Red Oak. 

Job inquiries have been steady, but finding qualified employees needed to support 

growth has proven challenging. 

Transportation has improved substantially over the course of 2023. 

At present, we do not have concerns regarding tariffs. We suspect global economic 

concerns will outweigh desires for tariffs to be renewed. 

Éric Sauvé 

Simon Lussier, Ltd. 

Blainville, QC 

Overall, it was an okay year. Much better than 

what we had anticipated but definitely not as profitable 

as the last couple years. We must overcome 

short term green lumber supply issues, so we have 

enough kiln-dried lumber to start off the new year 

and to continue to push sales. 

Most of our customers are furniture manufacturers 

Éric Sauvé and stair builders. The most popular products have 

been 4/4 through 8/4 Yellow Birch and Hard Maple. 

This year we have introduced European steamed Beech to our domestic customers 

and are still testing the market. 

We have installed a new kiln which added 100,000 board feet measure to our 

capacity. 

Thankfully this year was good to us and we did not have as much turnover as 

previous years. 

We have not had or expect any problems regarding tariffs from Canada. n 

Thomas Richard Beard, 90, of Greensboro, NC died September 21, 2023, at 

Well Spring Retirement Community, Greensboro. 

Tom was born in Greensboro on October 2, 1932, to the late Ernest Neilson 

Beard Jr. and Alma Smith Beard. 

He is survived by the love of his life, Nancy Cridlebaugh Beard, wife of 65 

years; children Anne Beard Krahnert (John), T. Richard Beard Jr. (Susan), and 

John S. Beard (Sarah); grandchildren John Krahnert III (Cara), Lauren Stone 

(Darrell), Thomas Beard III (Rory), Mary Grace Beard, and John Beard Jr.; and 

four great-grandchildren. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Hugh 

Beard, Cyrus Beard, and Neilson Beard III. 

Tom was a proud graduate of Christ School in Arden, NC. He attended Davidson 

College and graduated from Bowling Green Business University (now 

WKU). He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1956. 

After the Army, Tom joined his father in the hardwood lumber business. Upon 

his father’s retirement, Tom created one of the most respected hardwood lumber 

wholesale companies in the world — Beard Hardwoods, Inc. Tom was a pioneer 

in introducing Tulip Poplar to the export market in the late 1970s and built his 

company into a top US exporter to the Asian furniture industry. 

Tom was a devoted servant leader, a passion he shared with his children and 

grandchildren. He faithfully served First Presbyterian Church as a deacon and 

an elder. He took great pleasure singing in the church’s choir for more than 30 

years. He also made a concerted effort to give back to Christ School, which he 

credits for developing his love of music and work ethic, serving many years on 

the school’s Board of Trustees. 

Tom loved Greensboro and giving back to his hometown. He was an active 

member of the Kiwanis Club of Greensboro and Greensboro Country Club. He 

also served on the board of the River Landing retirement community. He was 

committed to making Greensboro a better place for generations to come. 

Tom also served on many industry boards, including the National Hardwood 

Lumber Association, Appalachian Lumbermen’s Club, Appalachian Hardwood 

Manufacturers Inc., North Carolina Forestry Association, North Carolina Export 

Council and North Carolina Ports Advisory. 

Tom’s favorite hobby was meeting people. He never met a stranger. He loved 

golf and was very proud of the hole in one he made when he was 72. He especially 

loved playing golf with his sons, grandsons and son-in-law. The Belvedere Open 

will never be the same! 

Tom was most proud of his family, with whom he loved spending time at their 

beloved home in Oak Island. The family will always cherish the memories made 

there. 

The family would like to express its gratitude for the wonderful staff at Well 

Spring Retirement Community, especially those in the Skilled Care Unit who treated 

Tom and his family as one of their own. 

A celebration of life was held on Sunday October 1, 2023, at First Presbyterian 

Church, Greensboro, NC. 

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the 

organizations that Tom was so passionate about. 



Want us in your email inbox? Scan to 

get it delivered, monthly - FREE. 

IMPORT/EXPORT 

Vol.50 No.3 Serving Forest Products Buyers Worldwide DECEMBER 2023 /JANUARY 2024 

AHEC Addresses Global Issues During 

NHLA Convention 

PRSRT STD 


JEFFERSON CITY, MO 

PERMIT NO. 303 

Photos By Terry Miller and Paul Miller Jr. 

Volker Reinecke, Agentur Reinecke GmbH, Hamburg, Germany; Shannon Forrest, 

Robinson Lumber Company, Anderson, SC; and Mike Mallin, Midwest Hardwood 



The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) held a board of directors 

meeting in conjunction with the recent 126th edition of the National Hardwood 

Lumber Association Annual Convention & Expo Showcase, held in Louisville, 

KY at the Omni Louisville Hotel. 

Additionally, AHEC Executive Director Michael Snow delivered a General 

Sessions keynote presentation at the NHLA Convention. Entitled "Enhancing 

Global Market Access - EUDR, Certification and the Changing Policy Environment," 

he was joined by guest speakers, including AHEC global directors. 

Headquartered in Sterling, VA, near Washington, DC, The American Hardwood 

Export Council is the leading international trade association for the U.S. hardwood 

industry, representing the committed U.S. hardwood exporters and the major 

U.S. hardwood product trade associations. AHEC runs a worldwide program 

to promote the full range of American hardwoods in over 50 export markets. 




P.O. Box 34908 

Memphis, TN 38184-0908 


AHEC Pavilion Travels To VietnamWood 

Brian Gibson, Cole Hardwood Inc., Logansport, IN; and Rob Kukowski, Kamps Hardwoods 

Inc., Caledonia, MI 


The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) Hardwood Pavilion recently 

welcomed guests at the 2023 15th edition of the VietnamWood Woodworking Industry 

Fair at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center in Ho Chi Minh City. 

The four-day event will be held again in 2025 and is organized by the Ministry 

of Industry & Trade. The co-organizer is the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association 

(HAWA). 

VietnamWood featured a series of seminars and conferences with guest keynote 

speakers from instrumental industry associations. This year's event had over 

350 exhibitors registered from 28 countries and regions. The event showcased the 

latest smart factory solutions for the wood industry. 

Attendees saw a diverse range of products, including woodworking machinery, 

raw materials, equipment and consumables, covering primary and secondary 


AHEC Greater China, SE Asia Convention Returns 

To Celebrate 26th Year 

Photos Provided By AHEC 

Levi Soodsma, Baillie Lumber, Hamburg, NY and a customer. 


The JW Marriott Hotel in Chengdu, China was the site of the return of the 

American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) Greater China and Southeast Asia 

Convention. This marked the 26th anniversary of the event after a three-year 

absence. 

AHEC Executive Director Michael Snow welcomed attendees, stating, "While 

it seems that we are always reacting to the next major disruption, it is vital that 



over 300 delegates were registered and at least 20 AHEC hardwood exporting 

members. 

To learn more, visit www.ahec.org. n 

SEC - Continued from page 27 

SEC held seminars about U.S. softwood species and grades during its May 

2023 Mexico mission. 

With its staff in Mexico, SEC holds seminars and webinars for Mexican producers, 

leads inbound buyers’ missions, and exhibits at leading industry trade 

shows. The association and its members also hold regular webinars for architecture 

associations. Topics have included mass timber design and engineering, and 

use of preservative treated wood products. As interest in Mexico has taken off, 

the association and its members introduced new activities, including SEC’s first 

U.S. supplier trade mission to Mexico. 

SEC Mexico Mission Generates Almost $700,000 in Immediate Sales, $4.16 

Million Projected for End of 2023 

In May, a group of 13 U.S. softwood lumber suppliers and trade association 

members participated in a week-long SEC trade mission to Monterrey and Tijuana. 

The group met with wooden pallet and packaging producers and importer-distributors 

and toured their facilities and distribution yards. Over 65 importers and 

end-users also attended seminars where presenters spoke about U.S. softwood 

lumber grades and trends affecting U.S. softwood lumber availability and competitiveness 

in Mexico. Sales reported within one month of the mission totaled 

$670,000 and U.S. participants project $4.16 million in sales by the end of 2023. 

SEC is working on a follow up mission to Mexico in April 2024. 

SEC members and U.S. suppliers also reported great success at the August 

Tecnomueble show, Mexico’s largest furniture supply trade event. SEC organized 

a day of visits with manufacturers and importers prior to the four day show, 

which led to over $300,000 in reported sales by SEC participants. 

National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) Holds Second 

Annual Mexico Pallet Conference 

From webinars to conferences, educational activities consistently attract large 

numbers of industry representatives from across Mexico. In September, the National 

Wooden Pallet and Container Association, an SEC member, held its second 

annual Mexico pallet conference in Guadalajara. The event drew a sell-out crowd 

and nearly doubled attendance from the year prior. Pallet producers and traders 

from 13 countries attended the event, including a delegation from the Softwood 

Export Council who reported making a number of very solid business contacts. 

The conference included speakers on topics including nearshoring and strategic 

planning, Mexico’s economy and political situation, sustainability trends, and design 

software to improve pallet manufacturing. Next year’s seminar will be held 

in Queretaro, Mexico in September (dates TBD). 

Opportunities to increase the use of U.S. softwoods and demand for higher 

grades through continued education and promotion are excellent. SEC has seen 

interest from Mexican producers in sustainability increase dramatically over the 

past several years, and demand for higher grades of lumber for pallet production 

has increased as specifiers have learned that higher grades result in better performance 

and better yields. 

The Softwood Export Council is a trade association whose membership includes 

U.S. softwood lumber grading associations, wood products associations, 

state trade agencies, and universities. Members work together to address international 

codes and standards and to educate international buyers about the benefits 

of using U.S. softwood lumber. More information is available at www.softwood. 

org. n 

Check out these other titles 

you may like as well. 

The 

Hermitage Hardwood 

RED OAK CHERRY SOFT MAPLE BASSWOOD CEDAR HICKORY HARD MAPLE POPLAR ASH WHITE OAK WALNUT 

Fine Appalachian Hardwood Since 1979 

Forest Products 

www.softwoodbuyer.com 

Vol. 38 No. 6 The Softwood Industry’s Only Newspaper...Now Reaching 36,187 firms (20,000 per issue) November/December 2023 

BC Wood's GBM Celebrates 20 Years 

PRSRT STD 


DALLAS,TX 

PERMIT 3886 


Rav Binning, Sunny Binning, Parm Binning, Jas Binning, Raj Singh, Gulraj Binning 

and John Wu, Jazz Forest Products Ltd., Abbotsford, BC 


BC Wood celebrated its 20th Annual Global Buyers Mission recently and 

welcomed almost 700 delegates from all over the world to Whistler, BC Canada. 

Given the economic challenges faced by many international markets, BC Wood 

was extremely pleased with the efforts made by those buyers and suppliers that 

supported and participated in the 2023 Global Buyers Mission. 

CEO Brian Hawrysh and new Board Chairman John Gillis from Centurion 

Lumber welcomed the Opening Ceremony special guest speaker, the Honorable 

Premier David Eby. This is the first time the Premier of BC has officially 

opened a GBM and his comments were well received. 

This year, GBM registered international buyers from as far away as Austria, 

China, Germany, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, 

Netherlands, Pakistan, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. 

Again, many thanks were given to the Federal Trade Commissioner Service 

and BC’s Trade & Investment Representatives from international markets that 

greatly assisted with the buyer recruiting again this year. With their continued 

dedication, there were many first-time Buyers to the GBM, opening opportunities 

for Canadian manufacturers to develop new business. 

BC Wood continued to host North American architects, designers, contrac- 



The Softwood Forest Products Buyer 

P.O. Box 34908 

Memphis, TN 38184-0908 

NELMA Celebrates 90th Anniversary 

Photos By Terry Miller 

Adam and Janie Duplisea, Nyle Dry Kilns, Brewer, ME; Aaron Schulte, Hancock Lumber 

Company, Casco, ME; and Tiffany and Jeremy Howard, Nyle Dry Kilns 

The 90th Anniversary of the Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association 

(NELMA) was celebrated at their annual meeting held recently at the Samoset 

Resort in Rockport, ME. The 2.5 days of events and activities was attended by 

128 members and industry guests of the Association. Hurricane Lee exited the 

region earlier in the week leaving a picture-perfect day for the first event, the 

NELMA Annual Golf Scramble. 

Hosted by the Samoset Resorts’ own golf course that features seven oceanside 

holes and additional 14 holes with spectacular views of the Atlantic, it was aptly 

named as the “Pebble Beach of the East” in a Golf Digest 2023 article. This 

LAT Celebrates 137th Convention And Expo 




Zach Zimmerman, RoyOMartin Lumber Co. Inc., Dallas, TX; Tony Rocha, RoyOMartin 

Lumber Co. Inc., Houston, TX; and Jack Hensley, Cassity Jones Building Materials, 

Terrell, TX 


The Lumbermen's Association of Texas (LAT) recently hosted its 137th 

Annual Convention & Expo. The event was held in Arlington, TX at Live! By 

Loews. 

The annual convention brings together the Texas lumber and building materials 

industries, as well as attendees from other states, for fellowship, networking 


DELIVERING EXPECTATIONS WORLDWIDE 

20 Million Board Feet of KD • 2 Common & Better Appalachian Lumber 

Species: 

• Red and White Oak 4/4-8/4 

• White Oak Rift & Quarter 4/4 and 5/4 

• Poplar 4/4-16/4 

• Ash 4/4-8/4 

• Hickory 4/4-7/4 

Services: 

• 1,500,000 BF Drying Capacity 

• Surfacing 

• Straight Line Ripping 

• Gang Rip 2 Edges 

• Width Sorting 

(828) 428-5601 

Lawrence Lumber Company Inc. 

www.lawrencelumberinc.com 

Joe Gori, Global Sales - E-mail: gmgori86@gmail.com • Steve Leonard, Green Lumber Sales - E-mail: sgleonard7@gmail.com 


Import/Export Timber Products' Stock Exchange 

NORTHERN WHITE BIRCH 

4/4, SEL/BTR, REGULAR, KD, RL/RW – 2 T/L 

4/4, SEL/BTR, SAP/BTR, KD, RL/RW – 1 T/L 

4/4, #1 COM, SAP/BTR, KD, RL/RW – 3 T/L 

4/4, #2&3A COM, UNS, KD, RL/RW – 1 T/L 

NORTHERN CHERRY 

8/4, SEL/BTR, 90/70+, KD, RL/RW – 1 T/L 

NORTHERN WHITE OAK 

4/4, SEL/BTR, RL/RW, KD – 3 T/L 


5/4, #1 COM, RL/RW, KD – 1 T/L 



NORTHERN RED OAK 


4/4, #1 COM, RL/RW, KD – 2 T/L 


NORTHERN HARD MAPLE 

4/4, SEL/BTR, REGULAR, RL/RW, KD – 2 T/L 

4/4, SEL/BTR, SAP/BTR, RL/RW, KD – 3 T/L 

4/4, SEL/BTR, SAP 1 FACE, RL/RW KD – 1 T/L 

4/4, #1 COM, SAP 1 FACE, RL/RW, KD – 2 T/L 

4/4, #2A COM, SAP OR REG, RL/RW, KD – 1 T/L 

5/4, SEL/BTR, SAP/BTR, RL/RW, KD – 1 T/L 

5/4, #1 COM, SAP/BTR, RL/RW, KD – 2 T/L 

EUROPEAN BEECH 

8/4, SEL/BTR UNS, RL/RW, KD – 1 T/L 

NORTHERN YELLOW BIRCH 

4/4, SEL/BTR, UNS, ALSO SAP/B OR REG, KD– 2 T/L 

4/4, #1 COM, UNS, ALSO SAP/B, KD – 1 T/L 

5/4, SEL/BTR, UNS, ALSO SAP/B OR REG, KD – 2 T/L 

5/4, #2A COM, SAP/BTR, RL/RW, KD – 1 T/L 

6/4, SEL/BTR, UNS, RL/RW, KD – 3 T/L 

6/4, #1 COM, UNS, RL/RW, KD – 2 T/L 

6/4, #2A COM, UNS, RL/RW, KD – 1 T/L 


8/4, #1 COM, UNS, ALSO SAP/B, KD – 1 T/L 

NORTHERN SOFT MAPLE 

4/4, SEL/BTR, UNS, ALSO, SAP/B, KD – 1 T/L 

4/4, #1 COM & BTR, WORMY, RL/RW, KD – 1 T/L 

5/4, SEL/BTR, UNS, ALSO SAP/B, KD – 1 T/L 


NORTHERN ASPEN 


800-361-8667 

info@simonlussier.com 

FOR SALE 

Cole Hardwood Inc. 

P. O. Box 568 

Logansport, Indiana 46947 

574-753-3151 Fax: 574-753-2525 

5 8/4 S&B Basswood 

5 6/4 S&B Poplar 

5 4/4 2 Com Beech 


6 6/4 S&B Beech 


5 6/4 1 Com Beech 


5 4/4 S&B Unsel. Hard Maple 

5 7/4 2 Com Red Oak 

5 6/4 1 Com Unsel. Hard Maple 

5 4/4 2 Com Soft Maple 

5 8/4 S&B Unsel. Hard Maple 

5 6/4 S&B Soft Maple 

5 5/4 1 Com Hickory 

5 6/4 1 Com Soft Maple 



5 6/4 S&B Hickory 




5 5/4 2 Com Poplar 

5 4/4 1 Com White Oak 

E-mail at: brian@colehardwood.com 

Home page: www.colehardwood.com 

KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS 

millerwoodtradepub.com 

LOG SALES 

Veneer Logs 3 & 4 sides clear, Rotary Logs, and Saw Logs 

White Oak • Walnut • Hickory • Red Oak • Hard Maple • Cherry • Yellow Poplar 

Loads Built to Customer Specifications 

Contact: Kasey Chaney, Director of Export Sales 

E-Mail: KASEYC@YODERLUMBER.COM 

Address: Rolling Ridge Woods, LTD 

10095 Emerson Ave, Parkersburg, WV 26104 

(304) 464-4980 

FOR SALE 

GENUINE MAHOGANY 

CEREJEIRA 

SPANISH CEDAR 

SANTOS MAHOGANY 

AFRICAN MAHOGANY 

JATOBA 

TORNILLO / MARA MACHO 

GENUINE MAHOGANY FLOORING 

JEQUITIBA 

NEWMAN LUMBER COMPANY 

Gulfport Sales Staff: Bill, 

Doug & Pam 

Phone: 1-800-647-9547 or 

(228) 831-1149 

Website: newmanlumber.com 

Mailing Address: 

PO Box 2580 - Gulport , MS 

39505-2580 

Follow us on 

Hermitage Hardwood Lumber Sales, Inc. 

105 Ridgedale Drive 

Cookeville, TN 38501 U.S.A. 

P.O. Box 698 • Cookeville, TN 38503 U.S.A. 

931-526-6832 • 931-526-4769 Fax 

E-mail: info@hermitagehardwood.com 

lawson@hermitagehardwood.com 

Website: www.hermitagehardwood.com 

Contact: Parker Boles, Adam Moran, 

Steve Gunderson 

Lawson Maury - Export 

ASH 

4/4 FAS W1F 15/16 8m’ 

5/4 FAS 6m’ 

6/4 FAS 15m’ 

8/4 FAS 15m’ 

BASSWOOD 

4/4 FAS 13m’ 

5/4 FAS 15m’ 

CHERRY 

4/4 FAS 8.5” wider 20m’ 

5/4 FAS 18m’ 

HICKORY 

4/4 FAS 5” 20m’ 

4/4 FAS 7.5” wider 18m’ 

WHITE OAK 

4/4 FAS 40m’ 

4/4 FAS R2E 4.5” 6m’ 

4/4 FAS R2E 5” 10m’ 

4/4 FAS R2E 5.5” 8m’ 

4/4 FAS R2E 6” 4m’ 

5/4 FAS 55m’ 

6/4 FAS 60m’ 

6/4 FAS 5-6” 12m’ 

6/4 FAS 6-7” 11m’ 

8/4 FAS 12m’ 

FOR SALE 

Import/Export Timber Products' Stock Exchange 

POPLAR 

4/4 FAS 17m’ 

4/4 FAS 15/16 15m’ 

5/4 FAS 17m’ 

6/4 FAS 20m’ 

7/4 FAS 40m’ 

7/4 FAS 12” wider 22m’ 

8/4 FAS 50m’ 

8/4 FAS 12” wider 23m’ 

9/4 FAS 14m’ 

10/4 FAS 8m’ 

10/4 FAS 12” wider 14m’ 

RED OAK 

4/4 FAS 7.5” wider 15m’ 

4/4 FAS 10” wider 30m’ 

5/4 FAS 10” wider 18m’ 

6/4 FAS 50m’ 

6/4 FAS 10” wider 35m’ 

7/4 FAS 20m’ 

7/4 FAS 10” wider 15m’ 

8/4 FAS 50m’ 

8/4 FAS 10” wider 20m’ 

WALNUT 

4/4 FAS 12m’ 

6/4 FAS 15m’ 

FOR SALE 

PENN-SYLVAN INTERNATIONAL 

Spartansburg, Pennsylvania U.S.A. 

Phone: 814-654-7111 

Fax: 814-654-7155 

Email: pennsylvan@gmail.com 

www.lumber12.com 

Northern Appalachian Lumber 

Kiln Dried 

2 x 40ʼ 3/4 Ash Uns. FAS (prime), 

#1 Com, #2 Com 

2 x 40ʼ 4/4 Ash Unselected FAS 

2 x 40ʼ 4/4 Ash Unselected #1 Com 

2 x 40ʼ 7/4 Ash FAS 

2 x 40ʼ 4/4 Cherry FAS (prime) 

and #1 Com 

2 x 40ʼ 4/4 Hard Maple 

FAS (prime) #1+2 white 

2 x 40ʼ 4/4 Hard Maple 

#1 Com sap & better 

2 x 40ʼ 3/4 Red Oak FAS (prime), 

#1 Com, #2 Com 

2 x 40ʼ 4/4 Red Oak FAS (prime) 

and #1 Com 

Shipping Dry Lumber 

Inquiries Welcome 

Scan this QR Code to Receive a 

Free Digital Copy of Import/Export 

Wood Purchasing News - All 6 Issues! 

4/4 ASH 

FAS, 1COM, 2COM 

6/4 ASH 


4/4 HARD MAPLE 


4/4 HICKORY 


5/4 HICKORY 


FOR SALE 

CLARK LUMBER COMPANY INC. 

Specializing In 

APPALACHIAN HARDWOOD LUMBER 

www.clarklumbercompany.com 

552 PUBLIC WELL ROAD 

RED BOILING SPRINGS, TN 37150 

PHONE: 615-699-3497 

EMAIL: info@clarklumbercompany.com 

Call or Email: Brandon Clark: bclark@clarklumbercompany.com 

Joseph Draper: jdraper@clarklumbercompany.com 

“FROM OUR FOREST TO YOUR FACILITY” 

KD ITEMS AVAILABLE 

4/4 POPLAR 


6/4 POPLAR 

FAS, 1COM 

8/4 POPLAR 

FAS, 1COM 

4/4 RED OAK 


6/4 RED OAK 

FAS, 1COM 

8/4 RED OAK 

FAS, 1COM 

3 SAWMILL LOCATIONS 

5,000,000 BF INVENTORY 

800,000’ KILN CAPACITY 

Read our current and past 

issues online at 

4/4 SOFT MAPLE 


4/4 WALNUT 


4/4 WHITE OAK 


6/4 FAS WHITE OAK 


OTHER ITEMS 

PALLET CANTS 

CROSS TIES 

Miller 

P.O. Box 34908 Memphis, TN 38184-0908 

Phone: (800) 844-1280 or (901) 372-8280 

Fax: (901) 373-6180 

Miller Wood Trade Publications proudly serves the 

Forest Products Industry with the following 

publications and online directories 

National Hardwood Magazine 

www.nationalhardwoodmag.com 

Hardwood Purchasing Handbook 

www.hardwoodpurchasinghdbk.com 

Greenbook’s Hardwood Marketing Directory 

www.millerwoodtradepub.com 

Greenbook’s Softwood Marketing Directory (online 

only) 


Forest Products Export Directory 

www.forestproductsexport.com 

Imported Wood Purchasing Guide 

www.importedwoodpurchasing.com 






Special NAWLA Edition 


Forest Products Stock Exchange (on-line only) 


PLEASE VISIT US ONLINE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR PUBLICATIONS 

PLEASE VISIT US ONLINE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR PUBLICATIONS 




THANK YOU! 

NEWSWIRES 

MARKETING 

Clark Lumber Company Installs 

New Covered Air-Drying Sheds 

Paul Miller, Jr. 

Terry Miller 

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT 

Zach Miller 

MAGAZINE 

Chris Fehr 

NEWSPAPERS 

Clark Lumber Co., headquartered in Red Boiling 

Springs, TN, recently added three more covered 

air-drying sheds, each capable of holding 500,000 

board feet of lumber or 1.5 million board feet of new 

drying capacity. This brings their total covered air-drying 

capacity to 5 million board feet. 

Brandon Clark 

Clark Lumber operates six sawmills, producing 

approximately 50 million board feet of Appalachian Hardwoods in 4/4-8/4 

thicknesses. Species produced are: Red and White Oak, Hard and Soft Maple, 

Poplar, Ash, Cherry, Hickory, Walnut and Aromatic Red Cedar. The company 

has a drying capacity of 900,000 board feet. All lumber is dried to six to eight 

percent moisture content and marketed throughout North America and around 

the globe. 

For more information, visit www.clarklumbercompany.com. 

Grayce Thurman 

Sue Putnam 

DIRECTORIES 

Jennifer Trentman 

Cadance Hanson 

Our sincere thanks for 

your business and letting 

us serve you for 96 years! 

BOOKKEEPER 

Trudy Baxter 

Publications Edited For Specialized Markets 

And Distributed Worldwide Include: 

• National Hardwood Magazine • Hardwood Purchasing Handbook 

• Green Book’s Hardwood Marketing Directory 

• Green Book’s Softwood Marketing Directory Online 

• The Softwood Forest Products Buyer 

• Import/Export Wood Purchasing News 

• Imported Wood Purchasing Guide • Forest Products Export Directory 

• Softwood Forest Products Buyer NAWLA Edition 

WOOD TRADE PUBLICATIONS 

EST 1927 

Tammy Daugherty 

Lisa Carpenter 

DATA ENTRY 

Sarah Hubbard 

CIRCULATION 

Camille Campbell 

Apryll Cosby 

Lexi Hardin 

ART DEPARTMENT 

800-844-1280 

PO Box 34908 

Memphis, TN 38134 


Rachael Stokes 

TELEMARKETING 

Emily Heffernan 

Cole Hardwood Welcomes New 

Sales Representative 

Joel Horling recently joined Cole Hardwood, located 

in Logansport, IN, as their newest sales representative. 

Cole Hardwood offers Red and White Oak, Hickory, 

Poplar, Hard and Soft Maple, Ash, Beech, Walnut and 

Cherry in 4/4 through 8/4 and up to 16/4 in Poplar, to 

their domestic and export customers. 

Joel Horling 

Horling has been in the forest products industry since 

1997 when he started out as a lumber handler. He has since been a sales representative 

for various other hardwood lumber companies. 

Horling graduated from Grand Valley State University, located in Allendale, 

MI, in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. 

He and his wife Crista have four children and two grandchildren. He enjoys 

playing golf. 

For more information, visit www.colehardwood.com. 

Granite Valley Forest Products 

Welcomes Adam Hyer 

Granite Valley Forest Products, located in New 

London, WI, recently brought Adam Hyer on board as 

their supply chain manager. Hyer will oversee kilndried 

lumber buying, inventory turns, product and 

market development, strategic growth, as well as developing 

and recruiting talented employees in all roles. 

Adam Hyer 

Granite Valley produces Red and White Oak, Hard 

and Soft Maple, Walnut, Basswood, Aspen, Hickory, Chestnut, Poplar and 

Eastern White Pine in thicknesses of 4/4 through 8/4, all Forest Stewardship 

Council certified, BMSB certified in Australia and New Zealand, as well as 

European Union and United Kingdom compliant. They offer ripped to width 

lumber. Granite Valley has 40 dry kilns, 60 bay green bin sorter, 100 carts off 

their dry line and two sawmills. Granite Valley purchases 400,000 board feet 

of kiln-dried lumber monthly (5 million board feet annually). 

Before joining the Granite Valley team, Hyer started piling lumber in 2004, 

he then went on to be the chief business development officer, chief inventory 

officer and director of international sales at MacDonald & Owen Lumber. He 

also serves as a volunteer for the American Hardwood Export Council and 

previously served as the chairman of the board. 

Hyer went to the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse and graduated with a 

degree in Chemistry in 2004. 

Hyer has been married to his wife for 21 years and is a father to five children. 

For more information, visit www.granitevalley.com. 

www.bingamanlumber.com 


WHEELAND LUMBER CO., INC. • FORESTRY PARTNERSHIPS • WHEELAND LUMBER CO., INC • FORESTRY PARTNERSHIPS • 

NEWSWIRES 

Could you use help ATTRACTING 

employees to YOUR business? 

The North American Forest 

Foundation has the ANSWER! 

Part of our mission is to help 

promote careers in the lumber industry! 

Visit our website at 

www.northamericanforestfoundation.org 

and contact us about a free video for your company 

to use in promoting lumber industry careers. 

Let us help make recruiting just a little easier. 

Boise Cascade Acquires Brockway-Smith 

Company 

Boise Cascade Company, located in Boise, ID, announced that it has acquired 

Brockway-Smith Company (BROSCO), a leading wholesale distributor 

specializing in doors and millwork. The purchase price for BROSCO, including 

the acquisition of its two full-scale distribution centers, is $172 million, 

subject to certain closing adjustments. Boise Cascade plans to fund the transaction 

and closing-related expenses from its existing cash balances. 

BROSCO is a fifth-generation, family-owned company founded in 1890. 

It operates distribution centers in Hatfield, MA and Portland, ME. In addition 

to interior and exterior doors, BROSCO’s offerings also include mouldings, 

railings, windows, stair parts and composite products. 

Boise Cascade currently operates 10 millwork locations in some of the 

nation’s fastest-growing markets, specializing in exterior and interior doors, 

frames, hardware and pre-finishing options. 

“BROSCO is a long-standing industry leader in the Northeast region known 

for high-capacity manufacturing, quality artisanship, and a loyal customer 

base,” said Jeff Strom, Executive Vice President, Building Materials Distribution. 

“This acquisition furthers our strategy to expand our millwork business. 

We are excited to bring this outstanding team on board.” 

“Boise Cascade provides BROSCO a unique and exciting opportunity to 

join a company that is very similar in culture and commitment to customers 

and associates,” said Charlie Smith, President and CEO of BROSCO. “Boise 

Cascade is a large and successful organization that will allow all our customers 

the ability to continue to enjoy the outstanding BROSCO products and service 

that have been the standard of the Northeast millwork market for over 130 

years.” 

Boise Cascade is one of the largest producers of engineered wood products 

and plywood in North America and a leading U.S. wholesale distributor of 

building products, they also export globally. For more information, please visit 

www.bc.com. 

Delta Cedar Welcomes 

Rick Harris 

Rick Harris is the Director of Strategic Development 

at Delta Cedar Specialties Ltd., a division of the 

Delta Forestry Group, located in Pitt Meadows, BC, 

and is involved in both sales and executive functions. 

Delta Forestry Group has two sawmills that produce 

120 million board feet annually and distributes lumber 

Rick Harris 

worldwide. Delta Cedar Specialties offers Western Red 

Cedar, Alaskan Yellow Cedar, Douglas Fir and Hemlock in low grades through 

clears, dry or green and rough or surfaced. 

Delta Cedar Specialties offers a full line of products milled to their customers 

specification, whether rough sawn, rougher headed or S1S2E or S4S. Their 

sawmills are capable of cutting timbers up to 32-feet in length. 

Harris recently joined Delta Forestry Group in September of 2023. He has 

been in the forest products industry for over 30 years. He started his career in 

the forest products industry at Paynter Timber Ltd., located in New Zealand, 

where he sold framing lumber and imported hardwood trellis in to the New 

Zealand domestic market for six years. He then immigrated to Vancouver in 

1997, where he worked for Interfor as general manager of export sales and 

marketing for 18 years. 

He graduated high school from Christ’s College in Christchurch, New 

Zealand. He then went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in marketing and 

economics, as well as diplomas in farm management and agriculture, from 

Lincoln University in Christchurch, New Zealand. He also received a certificate 

in agriculture from Flock House in Bulls, New Zealand. 

In his spare time, Harris enjoys fishing, hiking, rugby, tennis and learning 

his family’s history. He has been married to his wife Vicky Harris for 28 years 

and has two sons and one daughter. 

Delta Cedar Specialties is a member of BC Wood, North American Wholesale 

Lumber Association and Truck Loggers’ Association. 

For more information call 604-612-0073, email rharris@deltacedar.com 

or visit www.deltaforestrygroup.com. 

Robinson Lumber Company 

Continues To Make Strategic 

Moves 

Robinson Lumber Company, is proud to announce a 

significant expansion of its operations in New Albany, 

IN. The company has acquired an additional five acres 

of land adjacent to its flagship yard, marking a major 

Joe Buckhaults 

step in its ongoing commitment to growth and innovation. 

The centerpiece of this expansion is the installation of the new Combilift 

CSS Slip Loader, a cutting-edge piece of equipment that streamlines container 

loading, reducing the process to an impressive under-six-minute timeframe. 

This advancement underscores Robinson Lumber's dedication to efficiency 

and safety in its operations. 

Further enhancing operational efficiency, Robinson Lumber has also introduced 

the Combilift Side Loading Multi-Directional Forklift. This addition 

enables tighter aisle configurations and more efficient storage solutions. These 

investments are part of a comprehensive plan to reinvest in the flagship yard 

over the next five years, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of 

the global forest products industry. 

Robinson Lumber Company is also proud to celebrate the retirement of 

its esteemed President, Joe Buckhaults. A dedicated and valued employee, 

Buckhaults's journey with Robinson Lumber began over 30 years ago, and he 

worked his way up to the position of President. His leadership and dedication 

have left an indelible mark on the company, and his retirement is a moment of 

well-deserved recognition. 

To carry the torch forward, the company is pleased to introduce its new 

Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Cliff Worley. Worley joined the Robinson 

Lumber team in September 2023 and brings a deep commitment to excellence. 

His expertise and vision will play a crucial role in propelling this fifth-generation 

business into a dynamic and prosperous future, 

according to a company spokesperson. 

"This expansion and change in leadership are 

significant milestones in our company's history," said 

Wesley Robinson, North American Hardwood Manager. 

"We're excited about the opportunities they present 

and remain dedicated to delivering top-quality products 

and services to our valued customers." 

Robinson Lumber is also pleased to announce they 

Cliff Worley have completed a transaction to sell Robinson’s U.S. 

Flooring Business to Tradelink Wood Products including 

Robinson’s U.S. flooring inventory, their flooring brand, associated 

goodwill and the transfer of related supplier, customer and service provider 

relationships. 

Under the terms of the agreement, Robinson will provide Transition 

Services to Tradelink Wood Products. Guiding the transition of Robinson’s 

flooring business is Dan Lennon who will ensure the integration of Robinson’s 

valued customers, suppliers and service providers into Tradelink’s system 

while remaining with Robinson as Vice President. Tradelink is pleased to welcome 

Jacqueline Monteilh, a dedicated nine-year Robinson employee, who has 

joined the Tradelink Sales Team and is now part of the Tradelink family. 

Robinson Lumber Company and Tradelink Wood Products are both family-owned 

businesses with extensive histories in the wood products industry. 

The two companies have shared numerous professional relationships since the 

1980s, serving as customers, suppliers and competitors across various markets. 

Through years of collaboration, mutual admiration has grown within both 

organizations and among the individuals who drive them. 

This strategic transaction stands as a mutually beneficial step forward for 

both companies and their customers and suppliers. 

For more information about Robinson Lumber Company and its expanded 

operations, please visit www.roblumco.com. 

• Forest Managed Timber 

• Veneer Logs and #1 Saw Logs 

• Lumber: 

• Ash 

• Basswood 

• Beech 

• Cherry 

• Maples 

• Red and 

White Oak 

• Poplar 

• Clear Strips 

• Solid Dimensions 

• Band Headrig and Band Resaw Mill 

• 500,000 BF of Dry Kilns - 1,500,000 of Dry Storage 

• Grading to Overseas Standards 

Phone: (570) 324-6042 • Fax (570) 324-2127 

Contact: Derek Wheeland, Sales • derek@wheelandlumber.com 

Bill Baker, Sales • bill@wheelandlumber.com 

Damen Wheeland, Log Sales • damen@wheelandlumber.com 

Sean Karzynski, Lumber Sales • sean@wheelandlumber.com 

Website: www.wheelandlumber.com 

REAL 

AMERICAN 

HARDWOOD 

Ask for our FSC ® certifi ed products. 



Join Us in San Diego 

for 

International Wood Products Association’s 

68th World of Wood Convention 

APRIL 10 - 12, 2024 

REGISTER 

TODAY at 

IWPAwood.org 

The 

Networking Hub 

of Global Wood Trade. 

CHECK IT OUT! 

NEWSWIRES 

BID Group Acquires YGE Inc. 

BID Group, located in Mirabel, Quebec, is delighted to announce the 

successful completion of its acquisition of YGE Inc. This strategic transaction 

further enhances BID’s product offering within the wood processing saw 

and tooling sector, while also extending BID’s industry-leading product and 

service offerings across the entire operational life cycle. 

YGE Inc. stands as an innovative supplier and service provider specializing 

in top-tier saw guides, grinders and critical consumables catering to the 

wood processing industry. Located in St. Raymond, Quebec, YGE is a trusted 

partner, having forged strong bonds with BID’S product lines, projects and 

manufacturing facilities across North America. 

“We are excited to reach this agreement with our longtime partners YGE 

and the Guillemette family. This marks another important step in meeting our 

valued customer demand for modern, high quality and innovative saw and 

tooling technology solutions. This partnership builds on previous investments 

in Smith Sawmill Services, BLADE cutting tools, and the recently announced 

acquisition of Industrial Cutting Solutions in Alabama,” said Simon Potvin, 

BID’s President, Wood Processing. 

“I am pleased to be able to transition our business with the BID Group,” 

said Yvon Guillemette, Owner of YGE. “I would like to thank our team for 

their dedication and hard work to build YGE over the years. I am confident 

this partnership will provide our employees, suppliers and customers with 

enhanced opportunities and benefits.” 

The transaction formally closed on Oct 1, 2023. 

Since 1924, the privately-owned BID Group has been providing industry-leading 

solutions for its highly valued customers, all over the world. As 

one of the largest integrated suppliers to the wood processing industry, and 

the North American leader in the field, BID Group is your one-stop source for 

guaranteed, comprehensive and innovative solutions. The ability to provide 

complete, smart connected, turnkey manufacturing facilities that includes 

engineering, project management, equipment, software, installation, startup 

and after sales parts and services is the BID Group companies’ strategic value 

to its customers. The company has offices in 15 locations situated to serve the 

predominant wood processing regions of North America. 

Learn more about BID at www.bidgroup.ca. 

DMSi Announces Log and Lumber Division 

DMSi has been at the forefront of innovation for inventory and order management 

solutions for the building materials industry. With a recent growth 

initiative, the company is now poised to provide the same level of innovative 

solutions to the hardwood industry. DMSi’s Log and Lumber Division was 

officially created early on in 2023, as a way for the company to specifically focus 

on the inventory, production and order management needs of the hardwood 

industry. 

“Hardwood companies need software that can address their needs that are 

unique to this industry,” says Henry German, DMSi co-owner and President 

of the DMSi Log and Lumber Division. “The Log and Lumber Division’s sole 

focus is on software solutions equipped to handle these needs effectively.” 

While just recently announced, the development of DMSi’s Log and Lumber 

Division was a strategic initiative nearly four years in the making. Beginning 

with the rollout of TallyExpress in 2018, and more recently, the acquisitions of 

eLIMBS and Simply Computing International and partnership with Hardwood 

Timber and Transportation Services; DMSi has been focused on building a 

team to provide a fully-integrated, end-to-end suite of inventory, production 

and order management solutions to the hardwood industry. 

For each product DMSi has acquired, the first step has been to build out 

the foundations of a team that can handle their growth plans, then begin the 

modernization efforts to position DMSi to be the last software provider their 

customers will ever need. 

DMSi’s eLIMBS is currently sold into Canada and they license TallyExpress 

out of their sister company in Europe. 

Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska for nearly five decades, DMSi has 

remained an independent, family-owned business, guided by its original core 

values in a relentless pursuit of excellent customer service. 

For more information, visit www.dmsi.com. 

woodpurchasingnews.com 

www.Penn-Sylvan.com 

Export Grade Appalachian Hardwood Lumber - 

Direct From the Source 

User friendly features. More content. 

Up-to-date information. 

millerwoodtradepub.com 

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram 

Chris Hoover and Marijo Wood 

Neff Lumber Mills, Inc. 

Broadway, VA 

“We “We are a 5th generation family-owned sawmill, shipping lumber 

throughout the the United United States States and and Canada Canada and into and markets into markets abroad. 

What abroad. started What out started a long out time a long ago as time a flour ago mill as a turned flour mill into turned a producer into 

of a walnut producer burls, of then walnut walnut burls, lumber, then and walnut is now lumber, a complete and is hardwood now a 

manufacturing complete hardwood facility and manufacturing kiln drying operation. facility and Our kiln focus drying is on operation. 

quantity, Our focus producing is on quality, and selling not quantity, the finest producing Appalachian and selling hardwood the 

quality, 

not 

finest Appalachian hardwood lumber, both green and KD.” 

lumber, both green and KD.” 

Call or fax us the next time you need Quality Export Grade 

Appalachian Hardwood Lumber. Better yet, come see us. 

Marijo Wood is our sales manager and will be glad to meet with you. 

Neff Lumber Mills, Inc. 

P.O. Box 457, 12110 Turleytown Road 

Broadway, Virginia 22815 (U.S.A.) 

Tel: 540-896-7031 

Fax: 540-896-7034 

E-mail: neflum@aol.com 



A guide to 

U.S./CANADIAN SOFTWOOD FOREST PRODUCT EXPORT SUPPLIERS 

A guide to 

U.S./CANADIAN SOFTWOOD FOREST PRODUCT EXPORT SUPPLIERS 

ADS IN THIS SECTION OF THE IMPORT/EXPORT WOOD 

PURCHASING NEWS ARE FREE WITH A QUALIFYING AD PROGRAM IN 

THE SOFTWOOD FOREST PRODUCTS BUYER 

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Skana Forest Products Ltd. 

specializes in wholesale softwood 

lumber, plywood, fencing and 

the manufacturing of specialty 

Western Red Cedar 

B.C. 1.604.273.5441 

Florida 1.954.202.1001 

Quebec 1.450.281.1971 

503-631-4408 

www.bowersfp.com 

Softwood Drying Solutions 

WWW.GATESMILLING.COM 

End Tally with 

ARTIFICIAL 

INTELLIGENCE 

AW STILES 2X2.indd 1 

1/11/19 3:42 PM 

www.bc.com/ewp 

www.woodwayproducts.com 

Sales: Jeff@bowersfp.com 

HUMBOLDT’S FINEST 

Humboldt Sawmill is your 

source for top-quality 

Redwood and Douglas-fir 

dimensional lumber, 

timbers, and uppers. 

www.nyle.com - kilnsales@nyle.com - (800) 777-6953 

tallyexpress.com 

neiman enterprises.com 

866-466-5254 

Phil Hsieh +1 (778) 999-9587 

Aspen Pacific Industries Inc. phil@aspenpacific.ca 

Manufacturers of 

Lumber, Plywood & 

Engineered Wood Products 

www.bc.com/international-marketing 

SISKIYOU 2X2 2019.indd 1 

info@siskiyouforestproducts.com 

www.siskiyouforestproducts.com 

800.427.8253 • 6175 Hwy 273 

Anderson, CA 96007 

Fir/Larch, SPF, Hem-Fir, Cedar 

2x4; 2x6; 2x8 

Stud Mill-Usk, WA 

Random Mill - Colville, WA 

Random Mill-Midway, B.C. 

Ponderosa Pine 

Rough Green Mill - Eager, AZ 

4x4 - 7x9, 8ʼ-16ʼ 

(509) 604-5071 

www.vaagenbros.com 

Vaagen 

Brothers Lumber 

woodpurchasingnews.com 

Your Source for Quality 

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS 

AGL Group, The......................... 17 

AHEC (Amer. Hard. Export Council)............................................... 

42 

Allegheny Wood Products.......... 15 

Baillie Lumber Co....................... 19 

Banks Hardwoods, Inc................. 3 

Bingaman & Son Lumber, Inc..... 41 

Cardin Forest Products.................. 

1/28/19 3:33 PM 

Clark Lumber.............................. 31 

Cole Hardwood, Inc...................... 7 

Elephant Lumber Company.......... 8 

Fitzpatrick & Weller......................... 

Hermitage Hardwood Lumber 

Sales Inc..................................... 33 

HHP, Inc...................................... 27 

IWPA (Int’l. Wood Products Assoc.) 

................................................... 44 

Kretz Lumber Co., Inc.................... 

Lawrence Lumber Co., Inc......... 37 

McIlvain, Alan Company................. 

NAFF (N. Amer. Forest Foundation)............................................ 

42 

Neff Lumber Mills, Inc................. 45 

Newman Lumber Co.................... 5 

Nyle Dry Kilns............................. 24 

Penn-Sylvan International, Inc....45 

Primewood..................................... 

Ram Forest Products, Inc........... 43 

Rolling Ridge Woods Ltd.............. 9 

Roy Anderson Lumber Co.......... 21 

SFPA (So. Forest Prodts. Assoc.)... 

....................................................13 

San Group.................................... 6 

Simon Lussier Ltee......................... 

TMX Shipping Company, Inc......23 

Thompson Appalachian Harwoods. 

....................................................11 

Transit King City/Northway Forw. 

Ltd.............................................. 48 

Wheeland Lumber Co., Inc......... 43 

White, Harold, Lumber, Inc............. 

WOODBOX.................................... 

Yoder Lumber............................... 9 

www.siidrykilns.com 

800-545-6379 

Continuous wood 

drying greatness 

www.valutec.ca 

Producing 20 MBF Annually 

Manufacturing Eastern White Pine 

in 4/4, 5/4 and 6/4 Kiln Dried 

1-800-330-8467 • 1-603-473-2314 

Fax: 1-603-473-8531 

Rte. 153 & King’s Hwy. 

Middleton, NH 03887 

jmoulton@lavalleys.com 

www.dipriziopine.com 

MANUFACTURER OF 

QUALITY SOFTWOODS 

208.377.3000 

www.idahotimber.com 

EASTERN WHITE PINE. 

THE POSSIBLITIES ARE ENDLESS. 

Robbins Lumber Inc. 

• 2x10 Premium T&G “Loft Flooring” 

• 5/4x6 Standard WP4 • Timbers 

• 2” D& Btr. S4S Glued and Shaped Threads, 

Rails & Balusters • 5/4 D&Btr. Select Trim 

• 1x8 Premium D&Btr. T&G “Nickel Gap” 

• 20” Wide Pine Flooring 

PRODUCING SOME OF THE 

HIGHEST QUALITY WOOD PRODUCTS 

IN NORTH AMERICA SINCE 1927 

J.H. HUSCROFT LTD. 

–Est. 1927 – 

www.jhhuscroft.com 250-428-3713 

Douglas Fir/Larch boards and pattern stock: 1x4–1x12 

ESLP boards and pattern stock:1x4–1x12 

Douglas Fir/Larch lam stock: 2x4–2x12 

RESERVED FOR ADVERTISERS WITH 

IDAHO TIMBER 2X2.indd 1 

1/18/19 10:24 AM 

QUALIFYING AD PROGRAMS IN THE SOFTWOOD 

FOREST PRODUCTS BUYER

Import/Export Wood Purchasing News December 2023/January 2024

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