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Facts About the Industry

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Economic Impact of the Value-Added Portion of the Forest and Wood Products Industry in Vermont
Economic Contributions of the Northern Forest (282k)

Employment

  • From forests to sawmills to finished products, the industry as a whole supports over 1000 companies in Vermont.
  • The industry is the largest manufacturing employer in Vermont both in number of employees and in payroll dollars.
  • Forest products companies employ almost 12,000 Vermonters with staff size ranging from one employee to over 700.
  • In 1996, forest products manufacturing wages totaled over $138 million.

Trends

  • Employment in the industry grew by nearly 4% a year between 1992 and 1995
  • The average wage for forest products jobs in 1995 was over $10/hour. Department of Employment and Training

Sustaining Rural Communities

  • The industry has a direct impact on sustaining the rural character and economies of Vermont communities.
  • Annually, the industry contributes an estimated $75 million in state taxes.

Major Markets

  • New England, primary
  • Mid-Atlantic states, growing
  • Nation-wide, limited due to lack of product identity and Vermont wood brand awareness among national consumers.

Products

Forest products made in Vermont account for over $1 billion in sales annually.

  • Finished furniture (both production and custom)
  • Furniture components
  • Cabinetry & architectural millwork
  • Clapboards and flooring
  • Toys & novelties
  • Lumber, veneer & plywood
  • Pallets, crates, and other packing and shipping materials
  • Cutlery handles & other component parts
  • Bowls, cutting boards & household accessories
  • Birdhouses and feeders

Supporting Working Landscapes

  • Forest land covers 80% of Vermont, with the majority of that being held by private non-industrial landowners. USDA Forest Service, State and Private Forestry
  • Annual timber harvest is about 1/2 of annual growth. VT Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation
  • Primary native species - Maple, birch, spruce and pine. VT Dept. Forests, Parks & Recreation.
  • Other species utilized - Red oak, ash, and cherry.

Sources: VT Department of Economic Development or VWMA, except as noted otherwise

The Vermont Wood Manufacturers Association represents nearly 120 primary and secondary processors and related businesses statewide. Member companies employ approximately 6000 people. VWMA's mission is to support the industry in Vermont and promote its long-term viability by expanding members presence in the marketplace, ensuring a sustainable supply of raw materials, increasing workforce skill and acting as responsible employers and community members.

Supporting the wood products manufacturing industry in Vermont