Boise Cascade Investing $140M to Expand I-Joist Capabilities
Originally Published by: HBS Dealer — January 25, 2024
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Boise Cascade Company plans to spend an additional $140 million on investments in Alabama and Louisiana.
In Alabama, Boise Cascade is adding I-Joist production.
The moves are in support of growing Boise Cascade’s engineered wood products (EWP) business.
In total, the Boise, Idaho-based building products manufacturer and distributor plans to spend $250 million to $270 million in 2024. The total includes greenfield distribution centers in Hondo, Texas and Walterboro, South Carolina in the the company’s Buildig Materials Distribution Business.
In Alabama, the company is adding I-joist production capabilities to its Thorsby EWP mill and converting a plywood layup line to a parallel laminated veneer line at its Chapman plywood facility.
The Chapman plywood facility has also extended employment opportunities to approximately 50 of the 80 associates affected by last November’s announcement that the Chapman plant was curtailing lumber operations.
At its Oakdale, Louisiana facility, major projects planned include the upgrade and redesign of the log utilization center, a new veneer dryer and press, and modification of an existing veneer dryer. These investments are expected to take place over a two-year period.
“We are looking forward to these major expansions and upgrades to further solidify our market position in EWP,” said Chris Seymour, senior vice president of wood products manufacturing operations. “We have great teams in the southeastern U.S. and are pleased to further invest in our meaningful asset bases in Alabama and Louisiana.”