Interfor Declares $63 Million Investment To Modernize Sawmills

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Interfor Corporation-one of the world’s leading lumber producers has announced major investment to modernize its Georgia and Arkansas sawmills. The company press release states that $46 million will be invested in upgrading and modernizing its Monticello, Arkansas sawmill. Additionally, $16.5 million will be invested to upgrade its Meldrim, Georgia sawmill. The proposed investments are expected to significantly boost lumber production from these mills.

The $46 million investment at Monticello sawmill will install new state-of-the-art machine centers. As part of the investment, Interfor will also install a new continuous lumber drying kiln. In addition, the planer mill will be upgraded. The above investment is expected to improve Interfor’s product quality, mix and mill efficiency. It hopes to double the production at the mill by early 2019, when the investment project is scheduled to get completed.

Mayor David Anderson, City of Monticello noted that the proposed investment will help to provide additional quality jobs for citizens, thereby boosting the region’s economic growth. Meantime, Ian Fillinger, Senior Vice President and Head of Operations of Interfor stated that the investment reiterates the company’s commitment to Monticello. Further, he thanked the incredible support extended by the City of Monticello and the state of Arkansas.

Interfor will invest $16.5 million to upgrade its Meldrim sawmill. The investment aims to remove the bottleneck in back-end operations at the facility. A new continuous lumber drying kiln will be introduced. Also, upgrades will be carried out to the planer mill. The project is expected to be completed by end-December next year. In addition to improving product quality and mill efficiency, the investment is intended to increase lumber production at the mill by at least 50%, by operating the mill on two full shifts.

Governor Nathan Deal noted that Interfor’s Meldrim mill expansion will promote growth of entire supply chain, including logging employees, truck drivers and professionals belonging to allied service industry. He appreciated the company for its commitment to invest in Georgia. Ian Fillinger thanked Effingham County, the City of Meldrim and the state of Georgia for its full support. He added that Interfor is looking forward to more investments to ensure continuous growth of business in the Meldrim community.