Update from the General Manager

As we head into the final straight for calendar 2024, there is a touch more optimism in some markets after one of the weakest trading periods our industry has seen. Interest rate relief may be a bit closer for financially stretched consumers and meanwhile the gap between new housing supply and housing demand seems to be as wide as it ever has been. Some supply-side solutions to the housing problem in 2025 would be nice and so too, some resolution to global conflict and political uncertainty that both cast a long shadow over confidence while they continue.

 

At Staxa the team remains focused on what we can control which means working to improve service levels and availability in all key products. We have seen some great improvements in product mix through 2024 with Wespine getting access to much better availability of long length (6.0m) logs. As always, we continue to import products that complement Wespine’s production mix working with strategic partners. Stay tuned for several additions to our product range in coming months.

 

It has been a very difficult trading period for our business and the industry. We have recently had the opportunity to meet with some of our overseas suppliers as well as regular meeting with our customers around the country and it appears that trading conditions are just beginning to diverge in different regions after consecutive years of very synchronised timber demand in global and national markets. The industry continues to face cost pressures causing capacity to be withdrawn but we are confident that Wespine and our other partners are ready to supply your requirements as demand returns.

 

We continue to be very grateful for your ongoing support and I hope to see many of you over the festive season. Hopefully we are all returning to better trading conditions in the new year!

 

Toby James, General Manager