Vaagen Timbers Gets Into CLT

Sawmillers have formed Vaagen Timbers, which will construct a mass timber facility in Colville, Wash. The new business will produce cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue laminated beams (glulam).

Vaagen Timbers is partnering with Vaagen Bros. Lumber, Inc. for the supply of lumber to the new facility, which will be adjacent the Vaagen Bros. Lumber sawmill in Colville.

“Although the entities will be operated separately, this connection will add value to both businesses,” comments Russ Vaagen. “This will allow Vaagen Bros. and Vaagen Timbers to tell the small log story from the forest to better buildings.”

The state-of-the-art facility will be designed to produce multiple sizes of straight glulam beams up to 60 ft. long. CLT production will be up to 12 in. thick, 4 ft. wide, and 60 ft. long. Operations are scheduled to begin in 2018.

Production capacity numbers are still being tested, but forecasted capacity on two shifts for two press lines will consume approximately 50MMBF per year. Once Vaagen Timbers develops market demand, plans for a second 8 ft. press will provide a more diversified product offering.

“This is exciting for all involved including the forest, the community, and the future of eco-friendly buildings in North America,” Vaagen adds.

Bert and Bud Vaagen founded Vaagen Brothers Lumber in the early 1950s and the business has not only been a sawmilling mainstay in the Northwest since then, but is recognized as one of the leaders of the industry. Current President Duane Vaagen was Timber Processing’s Man of the Year in 1989.