National Hickman

As softwood supply shortages are forecast to hit the market as a result of global pressures, National Hickman is able to reassure its customers that its supply chain is managing the situation well.

The market has seen significant price increases during 2010 as a result of reduced productivity in mills following the pattern of recession, together with the weakening of the pound combined with other World markets such as China, Japan and North America able to pay higher prices than the UK for the limited volumes available.

This position is made worse by the rising demand for wood based raw material as a result of Government policies and incentives to combat climate change which encourages the use of wood and wood fibres as a source of renewable energy for use in biomass plants.

A recent study by the Confederation of Forest Industries has established that there have been an increasing number of announcements from companies indicating their interest in building new biomass plants that range in size from small to 400mw.

National Hickman will continue to closely monitor developments at industry and government levels so that it continues to be competitive and  develop products that the market needs.