Crossties have not been getting the same looks lately. In a COVID world, sawmills are feasting their eyes on other products that are attracting more money. "Products that compete for the same log, pallet cants and lumber, flooring, and specialty container products have all seen high demand and unprecedented pricing levels," Railway Tie Association President Rick Gibson told RT&S. "Sawmills can't justify cutting ties when these other products bring such a premium." Workers have been marked at a premium as well, as the global pandemic has induced a severe labor shortage, which in turn has cut into production. RTA said the market needed to experience a mild upcoming winter for wood tie production to normalize by the end of 2022. "Business will be good for tie producers for quite some time, but only if machinery and parts issues and labor shortages don't truncate their ability to operate," remarked Gibson. Labor issues also have been felt at the manufacturer and supplier level. According to Willamette Valley Company Business Manager Rob Loomis, "between field crews being quarantined due to COVID-19 and a reduced work force in our manufacturing plants due to [the pandemic], these issues add up to delays in scheduling and increased pressure on other employees."
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