SEELEY LAKE, Montana (Missoulian) — A strong demand for lumber, caused by a surge in housing starts nationally and home remodel projects during the pandemic, has been welcome news for the Montana forest products industry.
“There’s high demand, higher than normal demand,” explained Todd Johnson, the plant manager at Pyramid Mountain Lumber in Seeley Lake. “People are building or buying and remodeling. We’ve enjoyed pretty good production and a very good market. Through half the third quarter last year and the fourth quarter, along the first quarter this year, we’re higher (in revenue) than normal.”
The company produces various dimensions of lumber and sells it wholesale. According to the National Association of Homebuilders, lumber prices skyrocketed 130% between April and September of 2020, which that organization said raised the cost of constructing a new single-family home by $16,000.