osB 20ro

Loutsnnn-PActFrc, Nashville, Tn., enjoyed a spike in OSB prices in the spring, as second-quarter 2010 OSB sales jumped 122o/oto $217 million. LP has eight 0SB plants running and two idled.

"The U.S. economy remains in an unsettled state that requires companies to be exhemely agile to respond to wide swings in demand," said c.e.o. Rick Frost. "l believe we'll see an enatic path for the rest of 2010 and into next year."

NOngOno, Toronto, Ont., also saw second-quarter profits rise-to $37 million vs. an $18-million loss a year earlier.

The boom persuaded Norbord to run its nine North American OSB mills ran at 100% of capacity, compared to 85% in the first quarter.

"Economic news continues to be mixed; however, a housing recovery is taking hold and we remain confident that our financial performance will continue to imorove on the prior year," said c.e.o. Banie Shineton.

WryennmusER, Federal Way, Wa., has been opera! ing five OSB mills this year, though this month it will restart its plant in Hudson Bay, Sk., after a two-year break.

"The Hudson Bay 0SB mill is important to our OSB system, and we expect its resumed operation will help us optimize production across our facilities as the market recovers," said Cathy Slater, v.p., iLevel Engineered Wood Products.

Hudson Bay's annual capacity is 550 million sq. ft., though volume will be limited in 2010.