Hordboord Industry Growth Troced of Home lmprovemenl Meeting

in Portlond

"Hardboard, 10 years ago a small industry, has grown into a significant part of the Oregon economy," Arthur VanderSys, president of the Hardboard Association, told the Portland Chamber of Commerce in a special Home Improvement meeting February 28.

From an annual production nationally of about 500 million sq. ft. during World War II, the hardboard industry now produces approximately 1,600,000,0@ square feet, with further plant expansion underway.

VanderSys predicted that by 1960 production of hardboard will climb to 2,70O,NO,000 sq. ft. Oregon, he said, accounts for six of the 12 hardboard mills operating in the United States. "As new products and new uses for hardboard develop; as the population expands, so will the vitality of this industry," VanderSys said.

Recalling bygone days when hundreds of small fires could be seen burning near Oregon sawmills at night in an effort to get rid of "wood waste," the Hardboard Association president pointed out that more than 9O/o of the nation's natural wood resource can be utilized through wood technology where once only 2O/o was useable.

The growth of the hardboard industry is traceable to its essentiality during World War II, VanderSys explained. "Ilardboard literally went to war. Armed services personnel became well acquainted with hardboard and its versatility.

NEW USE of perforotcd hqrdboord developed for Associction's "ldco Proiect Number One." on displcy to builderr ond deolerr in Portlqnd, is pointcd out by Hugh Lineweover (righr), plesident of the Portlcnd Operotiol Horne lmprovemenl

They ate off hardboard table tops; they walked on hardboard floors. Quonset-type huts were constructed of hardboard. It was used to replace aluminum and steel in the airplane and ship-building industry, in the electrical field and for many other uses," he said.

Biggest problem facing the domestic hardboard industry is the development of more uses for hardboard, to keep pace with expanded production. The industry has now greatly stepped up its promotion of hardboard use in the home remodeling industry, it was pointed out.

Garden Grove, Calif.-Supervisors recently approved one tract of 18 lots on five acres south of Orangewood avenue between Lewis and Haster streets on the east side, and another tract ol 22 homes on 1O acres south of Trask avenue and north of Westminster boulevard near Newhope street.