The draft report of the Southern Forest Resource Assessment (SFRA) indicates that in the next 40 years overall forestland loss due to urban sprawl in certain areas will be offset by shifts from agriculture to forestland in other areas, resulting in a 2% net loss of Southern forestland. The region will experience a westward shift in its forest area, while the Piedmont area suffers most from urbanization.

In 1998, New South Lumber Co. began an ambitious growth program for its lumber business. The plan called for expansion by acquisition as well as modernization of existing facilities. New South added to its sawmill properties with the purchase of J.L. Sizemore Sons Lumber in Graham, NC.

These are tough times in the wood products industry—for the mills and for the firms that supply machinery and tools. Any company that can maintain its production levels and meet sales targets in today’s economy can consider itself among the fortunate few. It is remarkable then to find a company that reports an average 50% annual growth—an increase of over five times in the past six years.

Many things have changed during the 50 years I’ve been in the lumber business, but through it all we have been blessed with an abundance of success. Of course managing cash flow is important, but the key has been relationships. Work on building good relationships with everyone involved in your business, and you’ll find that success will come your way.

LM Equipment automated package saw streamlins operations and reduces material handling. The LM package cutoff system is available with an in-line double-end bumper which reduces package handling with a forklift. Once bundle is loaded onto system, it does not have to be touched with forklift again until it has been cut and is ready to be removed.

Since Peter Connor, a fifth generation descendant of founder Robert Connor, officially joined the family business in 1995, Nicolet Hardwoods Corp. has been in a modernization and remodeling mode. Machine upgrades and optimization packages have doubled production capacity in the sawmill and expanded kiln capacity by 60MBF.

Wood-Mizer Products Inc. has opened its sixth North American sales and service center, this one in Chesterville, Me. The company plans to open at least a dozen centers in North America. The Chesterville operation is managed by Ross Clair. Chesterville was selected because of the importance of portable bandmills in the Northeast. Wood-Mizer reports it has sold more than 28,000 portable bandmills in the past 20 years.