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OSB Capqcity Glut Mey Loom

(Continued Jrom previous page)

OSB panels are sawn and used as a substitute for lumber.

Looming on the horizon is another technological innovation: OSB made from agricultural fibers. The first prototype out the door is oriented structural straw board that claims to match OSB's performance with a l07o to 20Vo cost savings. While the product could be a competitor to OSB, the potential of blending straw with wood seems more an opportunity since the same manufacturing process can be used (except for the strand preparation phase). Other fibers under consideration for OSB manufacture include birch, fast-growing hybrid poplars and various tropical hardwoods including bamboo.

Several possible scenarios will likely salvage some of the projected OSB market blowout, but Taylor suggests that the most practical solution is for most-if not all-of the OSB plants proposed after 2001 to be delayed to avoid the potential of very low operating rates and/or low to break-even prices.

Homeownership Hits New High

During third quarter 2000, homeownership rates climbed to 6l .l%o, the highest level in history, according to HUD.

The rate exceeded the 67.5Vo targeted by the Clinton Administration five years ago.

In all, 71.6 million Americans own homes, including a record number of minorities, women and city dwellers. About 53Vo of women own homes and 48.27o of minorities, including 47.3Vo of blacks and 46.17o of Hispanics.

Software Firm Acquires Rival

Lumber management software company Progressive Solutions Inc., Richmond, B.C., has acquired log procurement and lumber sales software firm The Barker Group, Sault St. Marie, Ontario.

In addition to merging both companies' sales and marketing divisions, Barker's former headquarters will remain in operation and continue to be serviced by its veteran industry personnel support staff.

Progressive Solutions plans shortly to introduce Fiber Track and Mill Track, additional log procurement and lumber sales and inventory software packages to complement its Lumber Track wood management software program.

Simpson Building Huge Mill

(Continued from page 27) the paper and packaging business, which had been on the decline for most of the decade. The firm subsequently sold several of its paper and packaging mills.

The company has hired Warburg Dillon Read LLC to explore options for its subsidiary Simpson Tacoma Kraft mill, including its possible sale.

Housewares Near $67 Billion

The U.S. housewares industry rang up nearly $67 billion in sales last year, a 67o increase over 1998, according to the National Housewares Manufac- turers Association.

On average, the nation's 107 million households spent nearly $623 on housewares, more than on education, fruits and vegetables, or dairy products. Consumer spending on housewares has increased an average 3.67o annually over the past five years.