Columbia’s capital investment will go toward the purchase of an automatic wood-patching line. The company says the equipment will significantly improve hardwood plywood production, allowing it to be more competitive in the market and more flexible with regard to product mix.
“We’re making these improvements to our Hearst mill because the company is committed to the plant’s success during these difficult economic times,” Columbia’s Canadian general manager, Tim Schallich, said. “This facility is essential to our company-wide mission to produce the greenest, most sustainable products in the industry — FSC-certified, formaldehyde-free, prefinished or any combination of such.”
The patching line investment is being made possible by a grant from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Prosperity Fund. According to the company, another contributing factor was wage reductions taken by all Columbia employees associated with the Hearst site in January of 2007, which exemplified the plant workers’ commitment to the long-term success of the operation.
Founded in 1957, Columbia Forest Products is North America’s largest manufacturer of hardwood plywood and hardwood veneer. Columbia’s decorative interior veneers and panels are used in high-end cabinetry, fine furniture, architectural millwork and commercial fixtures. Employee-owned and based in Portland, Ore., Columbia employs more than 4,000 and operates facilities in locations throughout the United States and Canada.