Anthony Timberlands Acquires Arkansas Hardwood Sawmill, Chip Mill

Anthony Timberlands Inc. announced that it will purchase the hardwood sawmill and chip mill facility in Mt. Holly (Union County) that is owned and operated by Watson Sawmill Co. Inc.

“The Watson mill is a modern, state-of-the-art facility in all respects,” Anthony Timberlands President Steven Anthony said in a news release. “Its location and product mix fit almost perfectly with our existing hardwood facilities and recent acquisitions we have made in southwest Arkansas, and will complement those operations.”

He also said, “We are hoping for a near seamless transition within 30-45 days. We anticipate operations to continue unabated, with some minor changes. Current employees will be given an opportunity to continue their employment with ATI.”

Watson has about 75 employees, Anthony told Arkansas Business, and he declined to disclose the purchase price. Watson Sawmill President Donald Watson said in the release, “After 35 years in the hardwood sawmill business, we are proud to pass on our family operation to the Anthony family, and wish them much continued success.”

Anthony Timberlands owns pine sawmills in Bearden (Ouachita County) and Malvern (Hot Spring County) and hardwood sawmills in Beirne (Clark County) and Magnolia (Columbia County). It manages a lumber treating plant in Hope (Anthony Wood Treating Inc.), a hardwood laminating and timber mat manufacturing facility in Sheridan (Anthony Hardwood Composites Inc.) and an oak flooring mill in Magnolia (Anthony Oak Flooring Inc.) The company owns 150,000 acres of timberland scattered throughout south central Arkansas. Anthony Timberlands also has more than 700 employees and annual sales that top $165 million.

From Arkansas Business: arkansasbusiness.com.