PotlatchDeltic Announces Project At Waldo Sawmill

PotlatchDeltic Corp. is investing $131 million to expand and modernize its sawmill located in Waldo, Ark. The project will increase the mill’s annual production capacity from 190MMBF of southern yellow pine dimension lumber to 275MMBF. The company states that the investment will reduce the mill’s operating costs significantly.

“The Waldo investment is an exciting strategic growth opportunity and it will position the mill among the lowest cost producers in the U.S. South,” comments Eric Cremers, President and CEO. “The project reflects our belief that housing fundamentals will remain strong.”

The Waldo investment includes upgrades to the log yard and planer, a new saw line and a new continuous dry kiln.

PotlatchDeltic has contracted with BID Group to design, build and equip the expansion and modernization, including BID’s equipment, software, automation systems, Artificial intelligence-enabled optimization, and OPER8, a purpose-built IIoT solution for the wood processing industry. BID’s Integrated Solutions Team will provide the design, engineering, planning, fabrication and installation services for the turnkey project.

“We are excited to partner with the BID team to execute on our growth and operational excellence plan to deliver increased value for our customers, shareholders, and communities,” says Ashlee Cribb, PotlatchDeltic Vice President, Wood Products. “Working with an industry leader like BID provides the confidence that this major project will be done right and delivered on time.”

The existing mill will continue to operate during the project. Work on site will begin in the third quarter of 2023 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

PotlatchDeltic owns three sawmills and nearly 950,000 acres of timberland in Arkansas.

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