EUGENE, Oregon
,
February 17, 2023
(press release)
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Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) plans to make significant investments at their existing Eugene manufacturing site, building a new cutting mill and a state-of-the art-stud mill to replace the existing sawmilling facilities. When complete, it’s expected the Eugene complex will be one of the largest in the U.S with an annual production capacity of 650 million board feet, compared with the existing capacity of over 350 million board feet. The new facility is expected to continue to employ the over 300 people who work at the Eugene site, in addition to supporting many other indirect jobs. “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,” said Todd Payne, SPI’s 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 crewmembers.” SPI acquired the Eugene site 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 estimated in Fall of 2023. These new facilities will expand efficiencies for the site and support the design, fabrication, and construction of the new sawmills. The new mills are planned for construction offline, alongside existing mill facilities. This will allow SPI to maintain full employment and operations during construction, moving into the new facilities as they are completed. “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 crewmembers and communities,” said SPI CEO Mark Emmerson. “We pride ourselves in our partnerships with our communities and the positive community impacts of our operations.” Since acquiring the Oregon operations in September 2021, SPI and the Sierra Pacific Foundation have contributed over $200,000 in scholarships and grants to Oregon students and local non-profit organizations. The new sawmill project timeline, which estimates completion between 2025 and 2026, is contingent on the securing of appropriate permits and approvals. ### Sierra Pacific Industries is a third-generation, family-owned forest products company based in Anderson, California. SPI owns and manages more than 2.4 million acres of timberland in California, Oregon and Washington and is one of the largest U.S. lumber manufacturers. The company also produces millwork, windows and renewable energy. In Oregon, Sierra Pacific Industries employs 500 crewmembers. It owns 177,000 acres of forestlands, primarily in Douglas and Lane counties, as well as operates four sawmills, a veneer plant, and a biomass energy facility.
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