The U.S. wood products industry has hundreds of years of history, but as mill workers, engineers, machinists, and foresters, our approach to forest management and production has changed over the years.
Today we play a central role in protecting forests and ecosystems, manufacturing renewable resources, storing carbon, and constructing safe and low-embodied carbon buildings. We produce structural wood products — including everything from 2x4s and I-joists to oriented strand board and plywood, and even mass timber products such as glue laminated timber and cross laminated timber. See more of the products we manufacture that build the places you live, work and play.
Economic Impact of the U.S. Wood Products Industry
The wood products industry doesn’t just support direct jobs in communities, it is a key driver of rural economies by providing indirect (industry suppliers, equipment manufacturers) and induced (where employees spend their salaries in the wider economy, creating jobs) benefits. The industry’s impact creates an economic engine in the communities in which we operate, including not only payroll, but also local taxes that ensure rural, manufacturing communities thrive. See our economic impact in each state.
Industry Impact: Beyond the Numbers
Our impact isn’t just economic; we directly affect American families around the country. Our industry is an important partner in addressing some of our nation’s most important issues, notably the housing crisis and domestic manufacturing.
Housing Materials & Development
- Our nation needs 7 million more affordable homes for low-income families.
- U.S. structural wood products are a key solution to building and refurbishing homes.
- Policies & proposals like the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act are critical for encouraging housing starts and incentivizing new construction.
Domestic Manufacturing
- Healthy markets for wood products are essential to keeping forests as forests and addressing issues like catastrophic wildfires.
- Reasonable regulations must balance environmental protection with preserving competitiveness in a global marketplace.
- Family-wage jobs & local tax revenue are vital to ensuring rural communities have access to resources & stable economies.