EXTON, PA, November 1, 2001 /-The 1.3 billion lb market for natural and wood fiber-based composites and plastic lumber in North America consists of a diverse range of producers from traditional plastics processors to building products and automotive component suppliers, from start-up companies to Fortune 500 industry leaders. Many have come and gone over the years, while new participants enter every year.

A new report titled WOOD COMPOSITES AND PLASTIC LUMBER DIRECTORY, FIRST EDITION is the foremost resource for identifying and understanding the activities of the over 150 producers of natural and wood fiber-based composites and plastic lumber in the United States and Canada. The report is packed with over 200 pages of company-specific profiles, as well as industry information, including the following special features: current industry demand and long term growth; trends in consolidation, advances in processing/equipment and product technology; and industry structure, end uses, and major producers

Each profile covers an important processor and contains information on corporate structure, processing facilities, and sales contacts among other features to help suppliers stay abreast of important changes affecting existing and potential accounts. Key plant personnel are identified by responsibility type to target and contact the right people in the organization. Each company profile provides information on resins, fibers, and additives purchasing activity, equipment inventory, and plans for capital expansion based on information reported directly by processors. This information highlights potential business opportunities and identifies critical changes at the processor.

Raw materials, including resin types, grades, technical specifications, additives, annual consumption, process, types of profiles and manufactured items, and end markets served are specified. Suppliers are identified where available. Expected changes in purchasing trends are also covered. Raw materials tracked in each company profile include: polymers (i.e. HDPE, LDPE, PP, PVC, PS, commingled reclaim), fibers (i.e. wood fiber/flour, crop fiber), and additives (e.g., concentrates, coupling agents, heat stabilizers, lubricants, etc.).

Each company profile tracks all equipment used to process raw material including injection molding presses, extrusion lines, and compounding equipment. Auxiliary and secondary equipment used in conjunction with these processes are also tracked. The total number of machines, sizes, ages, and brand names are detailed.

"The fragmented and constantly changing nature of this dynamic business necessitates having a handy resource to help commercial personnel at all companies currently involved or seeking to participate in this industry with identifying new business opportunities, getting insight quickly on key producers in the industry, and targeting specific customers for immediate sales opportunities", according to Lou Rossi, Principia's project manager responsible for the report. "Further, the report provides insight for business management in terms of diversifying into new markets and identifying acquisition candidates."

The directory is designed to specifically support the business activities for the following groups of companies: resin producers, plastics additives suppliers, wood and natural fiber producers, equipment manufacturers, independent compounders & concentrate producers, and natural fiber-based and wood composite producers.

The guide is the latest study related to the polymer-wood composites industry conducted by Principia Partners, the Exton, PA-based market research and business consulting firm. The directory is prepared by consultants from Principia's professional staff who have monitored the business development activities in the dynamic and growing synthetic lumber market since the business was first established over ten years ago. Study results will be available in first quarter 2002.

Principia Partners is an international business consulting firm serving the building products, plastics, packaging, metals, and specialty chemicals industries. For more information about the upcoming directory on natural/wood fiber-based composites and plastic lumber, visit the company's web site at www.PrincipiaConsulting.com.

SOURCE: Principia Partners

Media contact:
Principia Partners
Lou Rossi
610/458-2283
LRossi@PrincipiaConsulting.com