Boise Cascade to Invest Additional $140MM to Support EWP Growth Strategy
Boise Cascade Company (BCC) has announced new investments in Alabama and Louisiana to support its engineered wood products (EWP) growth strategy. The investments include adding I-joist production capabilities and converting a plywood layup line to a parallel laminated veneer line at the Chapman plywood facility in Alabama. The Chapman plywood facility extended employment opportunities to approximately 50 of the 80 associates affected by the recently announced Chapman lumber operations curtailment. In Louisiana, major projects planned include the upgrade and redesign of the log utilization center, a new veneer dryer and press, and modification of an existing veneer dryer. The total estimated capital expenditures for 2024 are $250 million to $270 million, which includes the investments in Alabama and Louisiana, as well as spending on greenfield distribution centers in Texas and South Carolina.
The strategic investment by Boise Cascade in expanding and upgrading its engineered wood products (EWP) capabilities is a significant step in the company's growth trajectory. By focusing on I-joist production and laminated veneer lumber (LVL), the company is capitalizing on the growing demand for EWP, which is favored for its strength, reliability and sustainability compared to traditional lumber. The construction industry's ongoing shift towards EWP, driven by the need for more efficient and environmentally friendly building materials, suggests a positive outlook for Boise Cascade's market share expansion.
The allocation of $250 to $270 million in capital expenditures for 2024, encompassing these upgrades and the establishment of new distribution centers, indicates a robust investment in infrastructure. This aggressive capital deployment could enhance Boise Cascade's competitive edge by improving operational efficiency and product availability. However, investors should monitor the company's debt levels and return on investment to ensure that the capital expenditures translate to profitable growth.
Boise Cascade's announcement of capital expenditures for 2024 provides insight into the company's financial planning and commitment to long-term growth. The earmarked funds for the expansion projects and greenfield distribution centers reflect a strategic approach to asset management and supply chain optimization. While this investment may pressure short-term cash flows, it has the potential to improve margins through increased production efficiency and reduced logistics costs.
Investors should consider the impact of these capital projects on the company's balance sheet and liquidity. The extension of employment opportunities to affected associates also demonstrates a strategic approach to talent retention, which can mitigate operational disruptions during the transition period. However, it is crucial to assess the execution risk associated with such large-scale capital projects and their potential to deliver the expected return on investment.
The investment in the engineered wood products sector by Boise Cascade is a reflection of broader economic trends. The construction industry is a significant indicator of economic health and the demand for EWP is tied to housing starts and commercial construction activity. By investing in EWP production capabilities, Boise Cascade is positioning itself to take advantage of the anticipated growth in construction, particularly in the southeastern U.S.
These investments may also have a favorable impact on local economies in Alabama and Louisiana through job creation and increased industrial activity. The retention of employees amidst the Chapman lumber operations curtailment demonstrates a commitment to workforce stability, which can have positive economic implications for the affected regions. The success of these investments will be influenced by macroeconomic factors such as interest rates, housing market dynamics and raw material costs, which should be monitored by stakeholders for a comprehensive understanding of the potential economic impact.
01/24/2024 - 04:15 PM
BOISE, Idaho --(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Boise Cascade Company (“Boise Cascade” or the “Company”) (NYSE: BCC) today announced new investments in Alabama and Louisiana in support of its engineered wood products (EWP) growth strategy.
In Alabama , the Company is adding I-joist production capabilities to its Thorsby EWP mill and converting a plywood layup line to a parallel laminated veneer line at the Chapman plywood facility. The Chapman investment adds to its important integration into the Company’s EWP growth plans. In addition, the Chapman plywood facility extended employment opportunities to approximately 50 of the 80 associates affected by the recently announced Chapman lumber operations curtailment. At its Oakdale, Louisiana facility, major projects planned include the upgrade and redesign of the log utilization center, a new veneer dryer and press, and modification of an existing veneer dryer. These investments are expected to take place over a two-year period.
“We are looking forward to these major expansions and upgrades to further solidify our market position in EWP,” said Chris Seymour, SVP, Wood Products Manufacturing Operations. “We have great teams in the southeastern U.S. and are pleased to further invest in our meaningful asset bases in Alabama and Louisiana.”
On a total Company basis, our current estimate of capital expenditures for 2024 is $250 million $270 million Hondo, Texas and Walterboro, South Carolina in our Building Materials Distribution segment.
About Boise Cascade
Boise Cascade is one of the largest producers of engineered wood products and plywood in North America and a leading U.S. wholesale distributor of building products. For more information, please visit our website at www.bc.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes statements about our expectations of future operational and financial performance that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the expected capital expenditures and the timing of our capital investments. Statements preceded or followed by, or that otherwise include, the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “project,” “estimates,” “plans,” “forecast,” “is likely to,” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “may,” “would,” “should,” and “could” are generally forward-looking in nature and not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The accuracy of such statements is subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected, including, but not limited to, prices for building products, changes in the competitive position of our products, commodity input costs, the effect of general economic conditions, mortgage rates and availability, housing demand, housing vacancy rates, governmental regulations, unforeseen production disruptions, as well as natural disasters. These and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements are discussed in greater detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to revise them in light of new information. Finally, we undertake no obligation to review or confirm analyst expectations or estimates that might be derived from this release.
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Source: Boise Cascade Company
What is Boise Cascade Company's ticker symbol?
The ticker symbol for Boise Cascade Company is BCC.
What are the new investments announced by Boise Cascade Company?
Boise Cascade Company has announced new investments in Alabama and Louisiana to support its engineered wood products (EWP) growth strategy, including adding I-joist production capabilities and converting a plywood layup line to a parallel laminated veneer line at the Chapman plywood facility in Alabama, and major projects planned in Louisiana.
What is the estimated capital expenditures for 2024 for Boise Cascade Company?
The total estimated capital expenditures for 2024 for Boise Cascade Company are $250 million to $270 million, which includes investments in Alabama and Louisiana, as well as spending on greenfield distribution centers in Texas and South Carolina.
