Sierra Pacific Industries Announces New Sawmills
Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) plans to build a new sawmill complex, including two new sawmills located adjacent each other on the east side of its existing site in Eugene, Ore., eventually operating under one roof and ultimately replacing the existing sawmilling facilities.
The two sawmills will include a stud mill, patterned after SPI’s mill in Shelton, Wash. and consuming logs 5-16 in. diameter, and a cutting mill (large log mill) that will process logs 16 in. and larger.
The log mix will be similar to the current mix; however, the cutting mill is designed to extract greater value from each log, including dimension lumber, rough and surfaced timbers, shop, VG, clears, etc.—designed similarly to SPI’s four cutting mills in California.
The location allows SPI to complete the construction off-line while continuing to run its three existing facilities and maintain full employment of more than 300, before moving into the new facilities as they are completed.
The new sawmill complex will become one of the largest single site lumber producers in the U.S with an annual production capacity of 650MMBF, compared with the existing capacity at Eugene of more than 350MMBF.
The new sawmill project timeline anticipates completion between 2025 and 2026, contingent on securing appropriate permits and approvals.
“Sierra Pacific is energized about this opportunity to continue to provide quality, renewable wood products to meet the anticipated increased demand for housing and other societal needs,” comments Todd Payne, SPI President of Lumber. “This project will make our Eugene mill site one of the largest and most modern sawmills in the United States, continuing to build our momentum in growing our position in a critical market while maintaining our commitment to sustainably grown and manufactured wood products, and our talented, hard-working crew members.”
SPI acquired the Eugene site (formerly Seneca) as part of a larger 2021 acquisition and began plans for growth and expansion almost immediately. Construction of a new trucking facility and new engineering, technology and fabrication facility are underway, with completion expected this fall. These new facilities will expand efficiencies for the site and support the design, fabrication and construction of the new sawmills.
“These investment decisions by SPI are a reflection of our confidence in the need for sustainable building products, as well as that of our Oregon crew members and communities,” says SPI CEO Mark Emmerson. “We pride ourselves in our partnerships with our communities and the positive community impacts of our operations.”
Latest News
Carbotech Group, Finnos Announces Partnership
Carbotech Group, Finnos Announces Partnership Carbotech Group is pleased to announce a collaboration agreement with Finnish company Finnos. As a result of the agreement, Carbotech Group will become the exclusive distributor of Finnos’ innovative products. ...
Remembrances Every Five Years
Always one to have fun with numbers, let’s have some fun now. You’ll notice that this issue marks the 46th time Timber Processing has published the Annual Lumbermen’s Buying Guide. That means the first one was published in 1979. So, beginning with 1979, and in five-year intervals, here are some tidbits that were also published in the Buying Guide in those respective years.
Weyerhaeuser Curtails New Bern Sawmill
Operations at Weyerhaeuser’s sawmill in New Bern, NC have reportedly been curtailed.
Tolko Announces Pino Pucci New President/CEO
After 14 years as president and CEO (CEO) of Tolko, and more than 40 years with the company founded by his grandfather Harold, Brad Thorlakson has transitioned to the role of executive chair of the board. Further to this transition, Pino Pucci has assumed the role of president and CEO.
New Combi-CLL Container
Following the launch of five new models in its 25th anniversary year in 2023, Irish material handling specialist Combilift has announced the launch of the new Combi-CLL (Container Log-Loader), a customer-led solution for the timber industry.
Oregon’s Zip-O-Log Mills Celebrates 80th Anniversary
Oregon’s Zip-O-Log Mills Celebrates 80th Anniversary Zip-O-Log Mills, Inc., a proud member of the Pacific Northwest lumber industry, is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2024. This significant milestone marks four generations of dedication to quality, innovation,...
Find Us On Social
Newsletter
The monthly Timber Processing Industry Newsletter reaches over 4,000 mill owners and supervisors.
Subscribe/Renew
Timber Processing is delivered 10 times per year to subscribers who represent sawmill ownership, management and supervisory personnel and corporate executives. Subscriptions are FREE to qualified individuals.
Advertise
Complete the online form so we can direct you to the appropriate Sales Representative.