Composite Wood Panel Capacity Shrinks 4.4% in North America
Composite Panel Assn. Adds 3 New Members

LEESBURG, VA - The North American capacity of particleboard, medium density fiberboard (MDF), hardboard and engineered wood siding and trim decreased 4.4% between January 2013 and January 2014, according to the Composite Panel Association (CPA).

Composite Wood Panel Capacity Shrinks 4.4% in North AmericaCPA's newly published 2014 North American Capacity Report indicates that the production capacity of particleboard declined 6.6% to 5,210 MMSF (9,237 MCM) on a 3/4" basis. MDF capacity dipped 0.7% to 2,702 MMSF (4,782 MCM) on a 3/4" basis, while North American hardboard production capacity held even at 3,668 MMSF (1.082 MCM) on a 1/8" basis.

CPA, whose members account for nearly 93% of industrial wood composite panel production in the United States, Canada and Mexico, defines capacity "as the maximum output of panels a plant could produce in a given year, as opposed to the amount of customer purchased panels a plant could ship if operated under optimal conditions."

The report is available in electronic format only on the CPA website at no charge to CPA members. The non-member price is $250 per copy. Contact Jeannie Ervin of CPA or more information.

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