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Canfor Invests $96 Million to More Than Double Arkansas Sawmill Output
Canfor Southern Pine is investing approximately $96 million in its Iron Mountain facility in El Dorado, Arkansas. The modernization and logistics projects are expected to raise annual net lumber production to around 220 million board feet and create approximately 75 additional jobs.
By Paul Ploumis
Published: October 30, 2026
Key Points
- Investment: Approximately $96 million for sawmill modernization and logistics improvements in Arkansas.
- Production: Iron Mountain's annual net output is expected to more than double to approximately 220 million board feet.
- Employment: Around 75 additional jobs at the facility and in logistics.
- Timeline: The second modernization phase is expected to be completed in Q4 2026.
- Logistics: A new transload facility connects truck and rail shipping for Iron Mountain and the nearby Urbana Sawmill.
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): Canfor Southern Pine (CSP) is investing approximately $96 million to modernize its Iron Mountain sawmill in El Dorado, Arkansas, and expand shipping capabilities across its regional operations.
The investment combines a two-phase mill modernization with a new shipping transload facility. Together, the projects are expected to more than double Iron Mountain's annual net production and improve the movement of lumber to customers across North America.
Sawmill and Log Yard Modernization Advances
The first phase, which upgraded the facility's planer, was completed in the second quarter of 2025.
The second phase focuses on modernizing and expanding the sawmill and log yard operations. Completion is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.
These improvements are intended to increase manufacturing capacity and improve operational efficiency at the Iron Mountain facility.
New Truck-to-Rail Facility Expands Shipping Capacity
A shipping transload facility was also constructed at Iron Mountain earlier in 2026. It serves both the Iron Mountain operation and Canfor's nearby Urbana Sawmill.
The facility enables lumber to be transferred between trucks and rail cars, improving logistics coordination across Canfor's Arkansas operations and expanding access to customers throughout North America.
Production to Exceed Twice Current Capacity, 75 Jobs Expected
Once the modernization and logistics projects are completed, Iron Mountain's annual net lumber production is expected to more than double to approximately 220 million board feet.
The investment is also projected to create approximately 75 additional jobs at the mill and in logistics.
Canfor expects the combined improvements to strengthen coordination among its Arkansas facilities, support more efficient operations and improve the region's long-term manufacturing competitiveness.
Courtesy: www.redbooklumberdata.com