Figures from the EWA, as reported in trade weekly Random Lengths, reveal US and Canadian OSB production will total 26.7 billion square feet in 2006, up 1.6% on last year.
But, with the construction of new mills and the expansion of existing operations, the EWA expects bigger growth in 2007. And, with a host of projects in the pipeline, figures could rise even more in 2008 and 2009.
Last year, OSB comprised more than 60% of the 43.1 billion feet of structural panels produced in the US and Canada.
Ainsworth, Grant, Louisiana-Pacific, Martco and Tolko all have new OSB plants now under construction, while Norbord is in the process of adding 550 million square feet of production to its mill in Cordele.
The new mills and expansion will add 4.3 billion feet of production, while projects that have yet to start could add roughly the same again.
However, it’s unknown whether any or all will be built. Rising costs of logs, labour, energy and resin have cooled housing demand and profits for manufacturers.
