Oregon’s Zip-O-Log Mills Celebrates 80th Anniversary

Zip-O-Log Mills, Inc., a proud member of the Pacific Northwest lumber industry, is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2024. This significant milestone marks four generations of dedication to quality, innovation, and exceptional service.

Founded in 1944 by Al Hallstrom and George Campbell in Coburg, Ore., Zip-O-Log Mills has a rich legacy rooted in hard work and adaptability. Al’s son, Bill Hallstrom, joined the venture in 1946, setting the stage for a family tradition that has spanned eight decades. The company relocated to its current site in Eugene, Ore., in 1951, and despite a devastating fire in early 1962, the mill was rebuilt and operational by mid-1962.

In 1957, Bill’s brother and Al Hallstrom’s son, A.B., joined the venture, with A.B. becoming the company’s accountant.

Over the years, Zip-O-Log Mills has consistently evolved, embracing emerging technologies and expanding its market reach. In the late 1950s, the company entered the export market to Italy, earning the nickname “Numero Uno” from satisfied customers. 

Bill’s son, Karl Hallstrom, officially joined the company in 1978, followed by Jim Hallstrom at a later date. The installation of log scanning equipment in 1980 marked the beginning of a new era of precision and efficiency at the mill.

In 1983, the acquisition of Pennington Crossarms expanded Zip-O-Log Mills’ expertise into the utility sector. This growth continued with the establishment of a second location in South Carolina in 1991, allowing the company to enter the southern yellow pine crossarm market. In 1997, Karl and Jim bought out their fathers, Bill and Al Jr., respectively, marking the third generation of family leadership for the company.

The turn of the century saw further advancements, including the ability to cut 52-feet-long timber with upgraded scanning technology in 2002. The following years were marked by significant milestones: Bill Hallstrom was honored as Lumberman of the Year by the Portland Wholesale Lumber Assn. in 2009, and the Goshen property was acquired to serve as a planer and sorting facility in 2013.  Jim Hallstrom retired in 2010, and Karl became the sole owner until 2021.

One of the most notable developments in recent history was the creation of Zip-O-Laminators in 2016, a sister company specializing in custom glulam beams. This expansion reinforced the company’s commitment to innovation and diversification within the industry. In a strategic move, Pennington Crossarm was sold in 2017, allowing Zip-O-Log Mills to focus its resources on core operations and new ventures.

In 2021, Karl Hallstrom was joined by his daughters, KayCee and KelCee, as co-owners, ensuring the continuity of family leadership and a commitment to the values that have defined the company for 80 years. KayCee and KelCee are the fourth generation of Hallstroms to lead the company, as Al Hallstrom’s great-granddaughters.