EDITORIAL

The turn around begins

I IKE so many others in American industry lthose who deal in hardwood and products made from hardwood have been increasingly battered by tough competition from overseas. The end is not in sight. But the end of complacency is. More and more, those involved in American hardwood have been stiffening their backs and stepping up the fight in the competitive fracas.

An encouraging example is the large exhibit planned for the Tokyo International Furniture Fair by five hardwood associations. The Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Association, The National Lumber Exporters Association, Fine Hardwoods-American Walnut Association. the National Dimension Manufacturers Association and the Hardwood Plywood Manufacturers Association will all be represented at the show, November 20-2.

In a recent paper on "The Changing Marketplace for Hardwood Dimension Products," Steven V. Losser. executive director of the National Dimension Manufacturers Association, noted that

DAVID CUTLER publisher

"the U.S. dimension industry can be characterized as an industry that has been very dependent on a dominant customer base, is often faced with an exaggerated business cycle, has not been quick to initiate and/or implement technological advancements and is now faced with strong foreign competition." Sad but true. And his words can be applied virtually across the entire spectrum of the wood products industry. Like it or not, it is only fair to say that the industry as a whole has been slow indeed to face the harsh realities of the marketplace.

But that attitud€ is definitely changing. We expect to see more American initiative demonstrated to cope effectively with offshore competitors. What is even more encouregng is the fact that, generally speaking, our people aren't asking for subsidies, handouts and protectionism. Rather, they are seeking the fabled level playing field and the opportunity to challenge the competition directly head on and beat them at their own game. Don't forget, that is the American way.

Makiiig Its Mark