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Southern pine invades West
COUTHERN pine lumber shiptJments to the West Coast for a wide variety of end uses are steadily growing. Two factors, preservationist constraints on timber supply in the West and expansive marketing overtures from the South, have shortened the distance between southern pine producers and West Coast lumber supplien
Retailers in California, who formerly knew nothing about southern pine lumber, are turning to it as local supplies tighten. They are learning about its merits and characteristics at seminars, trade shows and educational forums sponsored by Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA).
"The original opening in the West for southern pine lumber was in the treating plants," explains Jeff Fasterling, treated markets manager at SFPA, New Odeans, La. "But now the word has gotten around, and we're seeing better than a five-fold increase in the shipments of southern pine, not only to be treated, but for pattern and millwork uses, and even framing."
Westward bound shipments of southern pine are not just token or curious turns of the marketplace. They reflect a growing awareness of southern pine lumber by West Coast retnilers who are interested in finding out more about the species and using ir.
Joe Briggs, SFPA field person based in Texas, is making appearances at well attended meetings of West Coast lumbermen, talking up the characteristics, products and performance of southern pine.
Wholesalers and retailers such as those represented at a recent Los Angeles Hoo-Hoo Club meeting in City of Industry, Ca., are asking a lot of questions about southern pine which, since it will probably remain in good supply, can become a reliable and abundant substitute for restricted West Coast species. West Coast lumber manufacturers are also expressing interest in southern pine. Hampton Resources, Inc., Portland, Or., has acquired a Pollok, Tx., sawmill and planing mill due to open this month with an expected annual production of 50 million feet of kiln dried southern pine as a first step in diversifying into southern pine.
Information about southern pine lumber and marketing promotions is available from Ieff Easterling at (504) 4434464 or 8ox64170O, Kenner, Ia 7M4 - Hitor
