Growing Oregon EWP ComPanY

(Continuedfrom P. 34) marine to the product mix. South Coast then brought its fingerjointing expertise to its plywood products' By December, it had completed its biggest improvement to the plywood plant in years: a new rough sawn siding machine.

South Coast and Pacific Wood Laminates are now concentrating on focusing and finishing their recent changes from front to back, while planning for the future. This year, it will complete a new sorting yard and de-barker project. Next year, South Coast plans on reconfiguring its dryers for a higher, more ecologically sound output.

"Passion for the wood products business drives this team of employees," says Caylor. "Focusing and finishing is the present on which our future will continue to be built."

Lumber Prices ln EarlY 1997

Price swings for framing lumber items have been relatively small compared to the same period in most other years of the past decade, according to Random Lengths Publications. Inc.

Framing lumber traded in a $39 range through the first 22 weeks of 1997, the smallest spread since 1989. Their composite price is a weighted average of 15 key framing lumber prices, chosen from major producing areas and species. Through the end of May, the average weekly variation in the composite price was $5.24. By comparison, the largest average weekly variation came in 1993' at $17.00.

The composite price posted double-digit changes four times in the first 22 weeks of 1997, compared to 16 times during the same period of 1994. On a percentage basis, the change in the price range was the second-lowest recorded over the past decade. While not volatile so far in 1997' Random Lengths warns that the composite is high by historical standards through winter and spring' The composite averaged $443 through the first 22 weeks, matching 1994's high. Last year the composite price was $363'

ALook Back In Time

CIRCA WORLD WAR l, lhe crew at Mead Clark Lumber Co', Santa il;;. b;:, t;i6 a urear'tor the photographer' Then as now, the relailer .iiiifiiltiiiiil'S vJais ot iongevitj to ta!t, ieliable service. For more infor' "ilti.r o.itriiinouliVs dolofiul past, please see the Special 75th Anniversary Section thai begins on page 51.