C&D Lumber Announces Closure

Officials with C&D Lumber in Riddle, Ore. recently announced the closure of the mill as of May 2, becoming the fourth sawmill in western Oregon to announce a closure since the start of the year. A reduced crew will work to run the last of the log inventory through the kilns and planer mill after the May closure. The move affects 93 employees who will lose their jobs. Founded in 1890 in nearby Coos County and in its current location since the 1950s, the company had been in business 134 years. Nick Johnson, whose family has operated C&D through six generations and with many longtime employees who worked for his father and grandfather, expressed gratitude to the many employees and their contributions “who have been the backbone of C&D Lumber.”

Johnson cited rising operating costs, fluctuating lumber markets and timber supply issues as all contributing to the hard decision to close the mill, he said. The family has long been a strong supporter of community initiatives and responsible stewardship of public and private forests. The mill’s sister company, SilverButte Timber Co., will continue operating.