Clatskanie Scion Plans $30 Million Sawmill in Oregon

Clatskanie Scion LLC is moving forward with plans to construct a new sawmill in Clatskanie, Ore., backed by $30 million in financing through the USDA. The project is expected to create at least 35 jobs and begin operations within approximately 18 months.

The new facility will expand the operations of Myers Woodline Inc., a family-owned lumber business based in Sheridan, Ore. According to Brian Myers, a partner in the business, the sawmill will specialize in industrial lumber products, including shipping separators, crates and custom-cut lumber for commercial applications.

Financing for the project is being provided through two USDA loan programs in partnership with First Interstate Bank. The programs support rural business development and timber processing operations, including facilities that utilize forest fuels. The project comes as Oregon’s timber industry continues to face mill closures and declining manufacturing capacity. According to U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, seven Oregon mills closed in 2024 alone, resulting in approximately 700 lost jobs.

“In recent years, Oregon has seen numerous timber mills closing across the state,” Sen. Merkley says. “As we continue to address hazardous fuels, this investment into our mill infrastructure is a win-win-win, by supporting wildfire risk reduction, supporting good-paying mill jobs, and increasing forest resiliency.”

USDA Rural Development Oregon Director Jim Carmack called the investment a significant boost for the state’s timber industry, noting the importance of developing new manufacturing capacity amid ongoing mill closures.

The project also received support from Business Oregon, Clatskanie People’s Utility District and other state and local partners.