Emerald Forest Products plans to restart sawmill in Emmett, Idaho, May 15

Wendy Lisney

LOS ANGELES , April 5, 2012 (Industry Intelligence) –

Emerald Forest Products Inc. expects to restart operations at its sawmill in Emmett, Idaho, on May 15, the Messenger Index reported April 4.

Work is under way at the site, fire suppression plans are under review with officials, and an operating report was filed last month, according to  owner Dick Vinson, who said 19 people were working to prepare the sawmill for startup. That includes completing a new stack system, installing other new equipment and making changes to the drying kilns, the Messenger Index reported.

The mill opened in May 2010 and closed for four months beginning April 2011 to resolve problems such as a lack of equipment, reported Industry Intelligence Feb. 6.

Lack of fire suppression has been an issue since Emerald opened. Vinson at that time obtained a temporary occupancy permit from Gem County Fire District 1 and has been working with Fire Chief Rick Welch on the permit process to reopen. Vinson is scheduled to meet this week with Welch and the Idaho State Fire Marshal's office over fire suppression requirements. Welch said he would send fire plans to the state for approval.

Last December, foreclosure on the business was filed by Western Capital Bank for a US$1.9 million debt, the Messenger Index reported. And on Jan. 9,  Vinson filed a voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy, saying he hoped reorganization could help manage Emerald Forests' financing and help get it running again. He hopes to provide up to 40 direct jobs when the mills is running.


The primary source of this article is the Messenger Index, Emmett, Idaho, April 4, 2012.

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