Overall, the construction industry added 34,000 jobs in August. Employment increased in 27 states and the District of Columbia.
Wood Markets News
TDUK Reports Modest Increase in UK Wood Product Imports in July
Wood product imports in July were higher than in July 2023—the second consecutive month with year-over-year growth—TDUK reported.
NFIB Small Business Optimism Index Inches Higher in September
The NIFB Small Business Optimism Index increased 0.3 point to a reading of 91.5 in September, the 33rd consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98.
Rosboro Plans $120 Million Investment in Its Springfield, OR, Campus
Rosboro plans to spend about $120 million to build two new mills and expand its timber-drying operations at its Springfield, Oregon, campus, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported.
Lower Mortgage Rates Send Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index Higher in September
The Fannie Mae HPSI increased 1.8 points in September to a reading of 73.9, its highest level in more than two years.
Manufactured Home Shipments Slipped 21% in 2023
89,169 manufactured homes were shipped last year, a 21% decrease from the 112,882 homes shipped in 2022, the Census Bureau and NAHB reported.
Drax Launches Virtual Tour of Its Gloster, MS, Pellet Plant
The virtual tour offers a comprehensive look at the entire pellet production process, from raw fiber to the final product.
US National Interagency Fire Center Wildfire Update as of October 7th
As of October 7th, 27 large active wildfires are being managed with full suppression strategies nationwide. Current fires have burned 1,212,359 acres.
Besse Forest Products Group Closes Six Sawmills and Veneer Mills in Michigan and Wisconsin
Besse Forest Products Group has closed six of its green lumber sawmills and veneer mills in Wisconsin and Michigan. The facilities are now up for sale.
Canadian Lumber Production and Shipments Fall in July
Lumber production decreased 7.7% to 3,681.5 thousand cubic meters in July. Year-over-year, production was up 2.8%.