Weyerhaeuser announced it will make a capital investment over the next several years to upgrade its softwood lumber mill in Millport, Alabama.
This investment, which is consistent with Weyerhaeuser’s existing capital plan, is designed to improve cost competitiveness and long-term mill viability. In addition, it will add jobs and expand product offerings.
“We are extremely excited for this reinvestment opportunity at Millport that will benefit both our community and region,” said Steve Higdon, unit manager at Weyerhaeuser’s Millport lumber mill.
“We also appreciate the public-private partnership we received from our local and state officials,” added Higdon. He noted that a team of representatives including Gov. Robert Bentley’s office, Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance, Alabama Department of Commerce, AIDT, Senator Gerald Allen, Representative Kyle South, and other state and local officials have worked on this reinvestment project.
Since 1973, Weyerhaeuser’s Millport facility has produced 2” x 4” x 8” studs for housing and commercial construction industry. The planned upgrades allow the facility to become a full-dimensional lumber mill capable of producing boards up to 2” x 12” x 20’ lengths. The mill currently employs approximately 86 people from the surrounding communities.
Senator Gerald Allen added, “Weyerhaeuser’s investment at the Millport facility further signals their commitment to Alabama and its residents. This investment demonstrates the opportunities that exist in Northwest Alabama and the excellent resources we have to offer."
In Alabama, Weyerhaeuser also operates an Engineered Lumber facility in Evergreen, a tree nursery in Camden and sustainably manages more than 675,000 acres of timberland across the state.
About Weyerhaeuser
Weyerhaeuser Company, one of the world's largest private owners of timberlands, began operations in 1900. They own or control more than 13 million acres of timberlands, primarily in the U.S., and manage additional timberlands under long-term licenses in Canada. They are also one of the largest manufacturers of wood and cellulose fibers products. In February 2016, Weyerhaeuser merged with Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc.
