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West Fraser’s OSB business outshines MDF and particleboard in Q2


the current environment and capitalize on the long-term growth opportunities ahead.” West Fraser’s global sales (including lumber) were US$1.705bn, in Q2 with adjusted EBITDA of US$272m. The European engineered


Above: West Fraser’s Inverness mill in Scotland


West Fraser’s OSB business in Europe continues to experience better demand in 2024, but MDF and particleboard are registering softer demand, the company says in its most recent Q2 update. “While inflation appears


to have stabilized, near-term risks, including relatively


high interest rates, ongoing geopolitical developments and the lagged impact of prior inflationary pressures may adversely impact future demand for our panel products in the UK and Europe,” West Fraser said. “Despite these risks, we


are confident that we will be able to navigate through


wood products segment recorded adjusted EBITDA of US$6m, while the North American engineered wood products division posted EBITDA of US$308m. In the Europe EWP segment,


West Fraser continues to expect soft near-term demand for its panel products, with 2024 shipments of MDF, particleboard and OSB expected to be similar or slightly better than 2023 levels. Input costs for the Europe EWP business, including energy and resin


More than 80 panels sector representatives attend first Dieffenbacher Technology Symposium in Heidelberg


More than 80 participants from wood-based panel manufacturers around the world attended the first Dieffenbacher Technology Symposium in early July. The event was held from July 2 to 4 at the NH Collection Hotel in Heidelberg, Germany. “We were overwhelmed


by the great response to our


first Technology Symposium,” said Stefan Zipf, Head of the Wood Business Unit at Dieffenbacher.


“The fact that so many decision-makers, technologists and wood-based panel experts attended from far and wide confirms the need for this event.” Day one of the Technology Symposium began with an


evening get-together, allowing participants to network in a relaxed atmosphere and exchange ideas with fellow plant owners, managing directors and technologists. Day two featured a series of presentations, beginning with Prof Dr Andreas Michanickl from the Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences discussing the challenges of raw material supply. Various Dieffenbacher experts then spoke on topics ranging from glue-saving potential to wood recycling—especially MDF recycling.


Other features of the


Above: Participants in the first Dieffenbacher Technology Symposium in front of the assembly hall at Dieffenbacher’s headquarters in Eppingen, Germany


event included a visit to Dieffenbacher’s headquarters in Eppingen; a look into sustainability, process optimization and AI ; and a panel discussion on the challenges and benefits of digitalization.


costs, are expected to stabilize in 2024 but remain elevated. In the NA EWP segment, the


company continues to expect 2024 OSB shipments to be consistent with 2023 levels. Start-up of the Allendale


OSB mill in South Carolina continues to progress and the ramp-up period for the mill will be up to three years to meet targeted production levels.


“Based on our current outlook, assuming no deterioration from current market demand conditions during the year and no additional lengthening of lead times for projects underway or planned, we continue to anticipate that we will invest approximately US$450m to US$550m in 2024,” it said.


Medite Smartply introduces OSB panels for sound reduction in flooring systems


Medite Smartply has successfully completed extensive testing with a UKAS-accredited laboratory on flooring solutions featuring SMARTPLY MAX DB and SMARTPLY SURE STEP DB. The OSB panels used in timber flooring systems for internal residential floors have achieved the airborne sound insulation performance of 40dB as required by the Building Regulations in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Medite Smartply says SMARTPLY MAX DB enables a thinner, stronger and 30% lighter alternative. It says the SMARTPLY SURE STEP DB is designed to provide an airtight, durable, and slip-resistant solution.


www.wbpionline.com | August/September 2024 | WBPI


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