Tremendous growth Potential

By T. Marshall Hahn, Jr. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Georgia-Pacifi c CorPoration

lI INETEEN eighty-seven was an II outstanding year for the building products industry. Consumption of our products was at an all-time high, and many manufacturers and retailers posted record sales and earnings during the year.

At GeorgiaPacific, we remain bullish about the pros- lrom those in the United States, and if we are not prepared to make Products that meet their needs, we will lose those markets we have gained through favorable exchange rates. ln ihe future. it is clear that those manufacturers who have reduced costs and continue to imProve Production efficiencies will benefit.

In addition, the recent volatility in world stock markets has the Potential to affect our future business plans. No one can predict what this market downturn will mean to our national or world economy, but building products manufacturers and retailers should be prePared for a possible downturn in demand should consumer buying patterns become more conservative.

Consumption of building products is expected to increase, but to maximize our profit potential, manufacturers and retailers must strive to keep their operating costs down.

Story at a Glance

for building products in 1988. We believe, ho=wever, that continued growth will come increasingly from markets other than new housingsuch as home improvement and industrial marketsa trend that has gathered strength in recent Years.