Sierra Pacific Industries Announces New Sawmills

Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) plans to build a new sawmill complex, including two new sawmills located adjacent each other on the east side of its existing site in Eugene, Ore., eventually operating under one roof and ultimately replacing the existing sawmilling facilities.

The two sawmills will include a stud mill, patterned after SPI’s mill in Shelton, Wash. and consuming logs 5-16 in. diameter, and a cutting mill (large log mill) that will process logs 16 in. and larger.

The log mix will be similar to the current mix; however, the cutting mill is designed to extract greater value from each log, including dimension lumber, rough and surfaced timbers, shop, VG, clears, etc.—designed similarly to SPI’s four cutting mills in California.

The location allows SPI to complete the construction off-line while continuing to run its three existing facilities and maintain full employment of more than 300, before moving into the new facilities as they are completed.

The new sawmill complex will become one of the largest single site lumber producers in the U.S with an annual production capacity of 650MMBF, compared with the existing capacity at Eugene of more than 350MMBF.

The new sawmill project timeline anticipates completion between 2025 and 2026, contingent on securing appropriate permits and approvals.

“Sierra Pacific is energized about this opportunity to continue to provide quality, renewable wood products to meet the anticipated increased demand for housing and other societal needs,” comments Todd Payne, SPI President of Lumber. “This project will make our Eugene mill site one of the largest and most modern sawmills in the United States, continuing to build our momentum in growing our position in a critical market while maintaining our commitment to sustainably grown and manufactured wood products, and our talented, hard-working crew members.”

SPI acquired the Eugene site (formerly Seneca) as part of a larger 2021 acquisition and began plans for growth and expansion almost immediately. Construction of a new trucking facility and new engineering, technology and fabrication facility are underway, with completion expected this fall. These new facilities will expand efficiencies for the site and support the design, fabrication and construction of the new sawmills.

“These investment decisions by SPI are a reflection of our confidence in the need for sustainable building products, as well as that of our Oregon crew members and communities,” says SPI CEO Mark Emmerson. “We pride ourselves in our partnerships with our communities and the positive community impacts of our operations.”