by Web Editor | Jan 27, 2016 | News
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
by Web Editor | Feb 5, 2015 | Editor's Blog
Written By: Dan Shell
I was working on a story for the March issue of PW about level of investment activity and capital projects in the panel industry when the announcement that Swanson was going to rebuild its Springfield plywood plant came in. That’s great news—and definitely adds to the level of capital investment in the panel industry. I had visited the plant in February 09 two years after Swanson had acquired it and also made several big investments in the facility before it burned last summer. During a visit to the West Coast last August several panel industry players I spoke with said they were keenly interested in what Swanson would do with the facility. Now that it’s been officially announced, many in industry know a key veneer customer and supplier will still be there. The Swanson Group is the kind of family-owned, independent forest products company that represents the heart and soul best of what this industry can be, and I wish Steve Swanson and his companies all the best in bringing the new facility on line.

by Web Editor | Feb 4, 2015 | News
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.
The monthly Panel World Industry Newsletter reaches over 3,000 who represent primary panel production operations.
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.
Complete the online form so we can direct you to the appropriate Sales Representative. Contact us today!