UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Visitors from Pennsylvania and surrounding states interested in the forest-products industry and the sustainable management of forest resources will gather at the 2023 Forest Products Equipment and Technology Exposition, June 9-10 at Penn State's Ag Progress Days site at Rock Springs.
Known as Timber 2023, the biennial trade exposition is aimed primarily at loggers, foresters, sawmill operators, value-added processors and forest landowners. The event is hosted by the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences and the Pennsylvania Forest Products Association. Parking and admission are free.
“Timber 2023 is a great opportunity for people involved in the forest-products industry to learn about emerging technologies, network with other professionals, develop their workforce and see the latest equipment in action,” said Jesse Darlington, Ag Progress Days manager, who also oversees the timber expo.
He noted that nearly 100 indoor and outdoor exhibitors will participate in the event, complemented by a variety of live machinery demonstrations — in the woods and on the grounds — featuring logging skidders, chippers, horizontal grinders and wheeled loaders. Other demonstrations or displays will include sawmill equipment, mulching, chainsaw safety, firewood processing and lumberjacking.
The leading hardwood-producing state in the nation, Pennsylvania is home to more than 2,100 forest-products companies that support more than 60,000 jobs, accounting for about one of every nine manufacturing jobs in the state. The industry generates nearly $12 billion in annual sales and has an approximately $39 billion a year impact on the state's economy.
This economic impact would not be possible without a strong workforce, according to Matt Gabler, Pennsylvania Forest Products Association executive director, who said Timber 2023 offers opportunities for job seekers and industry employers to find a match.
“At Timber 2023, we’re proud to bring back the Timber Strong Career and Employment Expo, where companies can recruit prospective employees, and attendees can discuss jobs and career opportunities with exhibitors,” he said.
“There is a wide range of family-sustaining career opportunities across the forest products supply chain — from forestry to manufacturing and everything in between,” Gabler added. “Companies are located anywhere from center city Philadelphia to the rural towns of Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Employers range from large, publicly traded corporations to small, cutting-edge firms.”
Gabler pointed out that attendees also can meet with a representative from the Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council, which spearheads the interactive PA Forest Careers website that connects employers with employees.