By Andi Anderson
A recent Turkish hardwoods trade mission to Indiana proved to be a mutually beneficial endeavor, as Turkish buyers and Indiana suppliers came together to explore new opportunities. The timing was particularly auspicious, coinciding with Forest Products Week both nationwide and in Indiana.
The goals for the Turkish delegation visiting the Hoosier state were to:
- Introduce Turkish buyers to Indiana suppliers.
- Generate sales and establish long-term customer relationships.
- Expand market access and foreign business for Indiana forest products: logs, lumber and veneer.
Turkish businesses are using Indiana hardwoods in regional construction projects in the Middle East where Turkey is a hub for manufacturing and products that are produced and sent to Europe.
The trade group visited hardwood manufacturing facilities from across the state, from loggers in Paoli, to timber buyers in Spencer, to hardwood manufacturing in Logansport, Akron and Columbia City. Their trip began in Louisville, Kentucky and ended in Chicago.
Participating Indiana business stops that welcomed the Turkish group were:
- Andis Logging- Paoli
- Land of Indiana – Bedford
- Tri-State Timber – Spencer
- Cole Hardwoods- Logansport
- Pike Lumber – Akron
- Holmes & Co. Inc. – Columbia City
The Turkish business men and women were interested in seeing and purchasing a variety of Indiana hardwood materials like logs, lumber and veneer in multiple species like white oak, hickory, ash, tulip and more.
The visit was a success for both the Turkish buyers and the Indiana suppliers. The Turkish delegation was impressed with the quality and variety of Indiana hardwoods, and the Indiana suppliers were excited to establish new relationships with potential customers. The visit is expected to generate millions of dollars in sales for Indiana businesses and create new jobs in the state's hardwood industry.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-grafvision
Categories: Indiana, Business