Sales of Manufactured Wood Products Gave The Manufacturing Sector a Healthy Boost

Sales of manufactured wood products gave the province’s manufacturing sector a healthy boost in October, continuing a yearlong trend in the process. Year-to-date, Nova Scotia’s manufacturing shipments have climbed 12.4 per cent. That is the fourth-fastest rate in the country, according to the provincial Finance Department, leaving Nova Scotia behind only Alberta, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan. In the shorter term, manufacturing shipments in Nova Scotia were up four per cent in October from a month ago. The big reason for the increase: A 6.2 per cent month-to-month hike in manufacturing sales of wood products. (Also up were plastic and rubber products, non-metallic mineral products and food products. ) That was partially offset by a 16.2 per cent drop in sales of manufactured transportation equipment. Lewis Mouldings & Wood Specialties Ltd. Is hoping a recovering United States economy will provide new opportunities for the Weymouth manufacturer of finger-jointed pine mouldings and other value-added products. At the moment, the company ships 75 per cent of its products elsewhere in Canada. Only five to 10 per cent of sales go to the huge U. S. Market. Recently, though, some Lewis executives were in the Boston area hoping to make that number grow, even if not tomorrow. “We’re a family-owned business, which means we can afford to take the long view, ” said general manager Jamie Lewis. “We want to be ready when and if the U. S. Market recovers. ” Source: thechronicleherald.ca