Hancock Acquires Madison Lumber

Two of New England’s top performing eastern white pine manufacturing facilities will be stronger together as Hancock Lumber announced plans to acquire Madison Lumber Mill of Madison, NH. Hancock Lumber’s eastern white pine operations will expand to four mills with its first sawmill acquisition in more than 20 years.

While Hancock Lumber will be purchasing Madison Lumber Mill following the expected September 30 closing date, the Madison, NH based location will continue to operate under the Madison Lumber Mill name. The plan is to keep Madison Lumber’s employees, manufacturing systems, customer relations, and products produced unchanged.

“The addition of Madison Lumber is filled with synergy for both companies. The current owners, Kim Moore and Jim Smith, have built an exceptional company. When you find caring owners that are looking for an exit strategy that can preserve and perpetuate their love for their business, employees, industry, and customers – well, it’s a win-win,” comments Hancock CEO Kevin Hancock. “This is a rare opportunity, and we are excited to maximize its full potential for the benefit of everyone associated with both companies. Our commitment to eastern white pine takes a long view and this partnership enhances that view.”

Located an hour west of Hancock Lumber’s headquarters in Casco, Me., Madison Lumber Mill is estimated to be the sixth largest manufacturer of eastern white pine. In addition to producing pine boards and products, the company operates a significant wholesale division. The current co-owners purchased the former International Paper mill in 2001. Hancock Lumber last acquired an eastern white pine operation when the company purchased the Chadbourne Sawmill in Bethel, Me. in 2000.

Adding this fourth mill to its portfolio will make Hancock Lumber the largest eastern white pine producer in the U.S., expanding not only their manufacturing capacity, but also their talent with the addition of Madison Lumber Mill’s sales, operations, and log procurement teams. General Manager John Fuller, along with all of Madison Lumber Mill’s employees, will remain part of the team while current owners Moore and Smith will remain during a transitional period.