Northland producers optimistic

Wood processors in New Zealand’s Northland are bullish about their future prospects, according to a new survey.

The Northland Wood Processing Cluster’s latest annual report, carried out by Enterprise Northland, says 10 of its 12 members which participated in the survey expect to grow their output and turnover in the next year, while eight members are looking to record higher exports.

The cluster said the positive response was against a background of difficult trading conditions.

One member, TDC Sawmills, will commission a new mill by the end of 2005, increasing its green sawn timber capacity from 100,000m³ a year to 400,000m³.

The 12 survey respondents have a combined annual processing capacity of 430,000m³, a turnover of NZ$155m and exports valued at NZ$66m.

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