Wood Products Industry-A Key Component of Oregon’s Economy

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The most recent data published by the Oregon Employment Department (OED) indicates that wood products manufacturing jobs continue to be a major contributor to the state’s economy, though the number of jobs has recorded substantial decline over the past three decades.

The production of wood products is still a significant business in Oregon, despite a long-term downturn, according to Brian Rooney, economist at OED. In the previous year, the industry produced $1.5 billion in total wages and supported about 22,400 jobs. In 2024, 11.7% and 8.4% of the payrolls in Curry and Douglas, respectively, came from the manufacturing of wood goods.

According to the report, the industry has undergone significant structural changes as a result of new technologies, which have reduced the labor intensity of timber mills. Nonetheless, the pattern of mill closures persisted.

Over the next ten years, OED anticipates that employment for those who make plywood and bulk timber will rise by over 3%. Additionally, a large number of the industry's current workforce is getting older, which is expected to increase demand. It projects that the industry will add roughly 700 jobs between 2023 and 2033. This is in spite of predictions that increased productivity brought about by new technology may further strain existing limited manufacturing jobs.

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