Turned architectural ornaments, accent accessories and gift items, and designer and boutique furniture are hardwood products which could be produced commercially in Prince Edward Island. They are profiled in a new study released today by Agriculture and Forestry Minister Eric Hammill as part of an initiative to develop value added hardwood strategies for the province. The study was prepared for the department by the Wood Products Group of Fredericton, New Brunswick for the benefit of individuals or businesses who might be interested in establishing hardwood resource-based enterprises on Prince Edward Island.
"Value added in the secondary manufacture of hardwood resources was the focus of this initiative, and the prospects look quite attractive for a number of new ventures," said Mr. Hammill. "The sawmill industry is well established throughout the province and there are firms which have recently undertaken primary milling and/or kiln drying projects to respond to on and off-Island markets for hardwood." Mr. Hammill said the study did not look at enterprises which were already operational in the province, but at what secondary product manufacturing might be built upon those resources and industries which are already here.
A number of other products, including sliced veneer and related marquetry, gift boxes and thin-sawn packaging stock, and machined furniture components were on the original list of opportunities considered but in the final analysis these were deemed not to be appropriate for Island conditions.
"The profiles developed through this study are not intended as formal business plans but the components of each profile are excellent starting points for entrepreneurs who see the opportunities which these profiles highlight," said Sid Watts, Specialty Products Coordinator with the department. He said the study covers the manufacturing characteristics of the commonly available hardwood species found on Prince Edward Island and provides an overview of the North American hardwood products industry. There is a section of general information pertaining to all of the profiles, followed by detailed analysis of each opportunity including product and industry descriptions, business environment, marketing strategies, manufacturing and material requirements, investment and human resource requirements, and key management issues.
"The underlying point here is that Island hardwood product manufacturers will have to aim as high as possible up the value-added chain; they will have to make their profit from product design and marketing skill rather than from wood fibre itself; and they will have to stay as far as possible from commodity-type products and competition from large commodity producers," conclude the authors of the study.
Copies of the study are available at the Upton Road offices of the department's Natural Resources Division.