Sawmill finds new life, ramping up production in Wilkes County

Wilkes Lumber has been producing finished untreated lumber since April 1.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): An old business has gained new life in Washington.

The former International Paper on Harris Road is now open as Wilkes Lumber, producing various materials.

The new chip and sawmill on 80 acres began operations recently and is ramping up production quickly.

Lifelong resident and owner Wilkes Barnett and Director of Operations Mack Winfrey had dreamed of bringing jobs and industry back to Washington.

They wanted local logging companies and residents to have a place to deliver logs and to perform work that did not require travel out of town.

Wilkes Lumber has been producing finished untreated lumber since April 1.

Hoping to maintain the family mentality, Barnett hopes to one day pass the business over to his son, Max Barnett.