Oregon’s Swanson Group Plywood Mill Rises From Ashes, Will Employ 200

A plywood and veneer mill being built in Springfield will provide 200 full-time jobs once fully operational.

Glendale, Oregon-based Swanson Group is building the new mill on the site of its former facility, which burned in a 2014 fire. According to information from the company, total costs, including permitting, construction and equipment, could exceed $55 million.

While the plant is expected to be up and running in April, it likely won’t reach full capacity until August. The new mill will be roughly 345,000 square feet, located at 1651 S F St., according to company spokesperson Cameron Stewart.

Several factors pushed the company to rebuild rather than lease a different facility, including Springfield’s “proven and dedicated workforce” and its nearby timber sources, according to Stewart.

When at full capacity, the plant will produce about 20 million square feet of veneer each month, which will be turned into 10 to 12 million square feet of plywood products. Annually, it will produce some 120 million square feet of finished plywood products.

From the Portland Business Journal: https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2016/01/springfield-plywood-mill-rises-from-ashes-will.html

Swanson Group Will Rebuild Oregon Plywood Mill

Swanson Group Will Rebuild Oregon Plywood Mill

Officials with Swanson Group Mfg. LLC announced plans to rebuild the company’s Springfield, Ore. plywood plant after it was destroyed by fire in mid-July 2014. According to Swanson Group President and CEO Steve Swanson, “We are excited about this opportunity. Springfield is well positioned in terms of log supply and workforce, which make our site an attractive place to recapitalize.”

Plans are to have the new mill finished and ready to start up by mid 2016. The new plant will employ 190 and operate similar to the old facility in terms of capacity and product lines, with a few twists.

According to Swanson, approval for the new building was in mid February. Most of the equipment purchases will take place between now and May, and the new building is expected to be complete and ready by fall 2015.

While Swanson personnel are still looking at equipment types and suppliers and combinations of new and used equipment, Swanson says the mill will utilize a state-of-the-art triple-spindle peeling system with sheet and random stacking; two dryers, one handling wides and the other randoms, feeding to respective stacking systems; and a layup line and related systems that enable more overlay production.

 

Latest News

Spearhead Announces New Glulam Plant

Spearhead Announces New Glulam PlantSpearhead, a Nelson, BC-based family-owned timber fabricator, is investing $60 million in a new production...

Ashlee Cribb To Lead Gorman Group

Ashlee Cribb To Lead Gorman GroupFollowing the announcement from current CEO Nick Arkle of his intent to retire more than a year ago, the Board and...

Find Us On Social

Newsletter

The monthly Panel World Industry Newsletter reaches over 3,000 who represent primary panel production operations.

Subscribe/Renew

Panel World is delivered six times per year to North American and international professionals, who represent primary panel production operations. Subscriptions are FREE to qualified individuals.

Advertise

Complete the online form so we can direct you to the appropriate Sales Representative. Contact us today!