Canfor Investing $96 Million to Upgrade Arkansas Operations
Originally Published by: HBS Dealer— October 28, 2026
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Canfor Southern Pine (CSP) is investing approximately $96 million to strengthen its Arkansas operations through a phased modernization and logistics expansion at its Iron Mountain facility in El Dorado.
The mill modernization is being completed in two phases, along with the construction of a shipping transload facility. The first phase, which upgraded the planer, was completed in the second quarter of 2025. The second phase will modernize and expand Iron Mountain’s sawmill and log yard operations and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026.
In addition, a shipping transload facility was constructed at Iron Mountain earlier this year. Serving both Iron Mountain and Canfor's nearby Urbana Sawmill, the facility allows lumber to be transferred between trucks and rail cars, improving efficiency across the company's Arkansas operations.
Together, these projects will more than double Iron Mountain’s annual net production to approximately 220 million board feet and create approximately 75 additional jobs at the facility and in logistics. Canfor says the upgrades will also enhance operational efficiency and strengthen regional integration.
“This investment marks an important step in strengthening our Iron Mountain operation and our broader regional hub in Arkansas,” said Lee Goodloe, President of Canfor Southern Pine. “By modernizing the facility and expanding its capacity, we’re building a more integrated manufacturing network that allows us to operate more efficiently and deliver greater value to our customers. With more than $400 million invested in Union County since 2015, we remain deeply committed to Arkansas and to the people and communities who make our success possible. We are grateful to the Arkansas Department of Commerce for its continued support.”
“Canfor Southern Pine has been a valued part of our state’s timber industry, and we are proud that the company is growing in Union County,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “This expansion would not have been possible without a great business environment and the local leadership in El Dorado and Union County. In the years to come, Canfor’s expansion will deliver new opportunities that will help the company, El Dorado, Union County, and the State of Arkansas thrive.”
Iron Mountain joined Canfor in August 2024 following the acquisition of Arkansas Resolute El Dorado Inc and produces Southern Yellow Pine dimensional lumber. Following completion of the modernization project, Iron Mountain will directly employ approximately 150 full time employees. Together with Canfor’s Urbana Sawmill and El Dorado Laminating Plant, Iron Mountain forms part of a regional manufacturing hub that Canfor says maximizes fiber utilization, product flow and market reach across North America.