The Medite 2016 Forum has concluded the worst of the recession is over, but that timber businesses will have to be innovative to succeed as the market slowly recovers.
The Forum was set up by Coillte Panel Products’ MDF brand Medite for representatives of the timber industry, its key markets, academics and government representatives to share opinion.
Its latest publication is Forecast 2010 and Beyond, comprising market projections from some of its 70 members. “The big issue facing the industry is when recovery will set in and which sectors offer best prospects,” said Coillte Panel Products marketing and business development director Geoff Rhodes. “We thought it would be valuable to ask the views of the collective Forum membership.”
The consensus is that the downturn has bottomed out, but that recovery may not be tangible until well into 2010.
Post-recession business is forecast to be highly competive and market differentiation vital to success.
“Now is the time for new products,” said one Forum member.
Another stressed that the timber industry would have to be more persuasive on its green credentials. “It won’t have such a clear run in the environmental arena,” he said. “Other materials are getting their act together and picking holes in timber’s arguments.”
Forecast 2010 and Beyond can be downloaded at www.medite2016.com
