May 6, 2005
CONTACT: Richard Kleiner
Southern Forest Products Association
504/443-4464 ext. 211

New Survey to Provide Fresh Look at Changing Wood Preserving Industry

A new analysis of the U.S. pressure-treated wood industry is the aim of a survey being conducted by the Forest Products Development Center of Louisiana State University Agricultural Center (LSU AgCenter) on behalf of allied wood preservation associations.

LSU is polling the nation’s 600 wood preserving operations to obtain the latest statistics on 2004 production and sales. All survey respondents will receive a complimentary copy of the final report. A similar census has not been attempted in seven years; the last report was published in 1998.

With significant changes occurring in preservative use, and emergence of competing alternatives to treated wood, the report promises a fresh look at the manufacturing profile of an industry in transition. Areas of analysis include product mix, preservative usage, wood species consumption, gross sales, and employment. New data on production and market segmentation could provide industry decision-makers with a valuable benchmarking and modeling tool. The survey should also provide government leaders with a revealing look at the overall viability and economic importance of the industry.

The effort is being supported by leading industry trade groups including the American Wood-Preservers’ Association, Western Wood Preservers Institute, Railway Tie Association, Southern Pressure Treaters’ Association, and Timber Piling Council, with funding provided by the Southern Pine Council, Treated Wood Council, and APA - The Engineered Wood Association.