As part of a division-wide modernization plan, Columbia Forest Products will begin a multimillion-dollar expansion at its Rutherglen veener plant.
Construction of an 18,000,000-square-foot addition to the plant, along with a $5-million investment in new drying technology, is expected to be completed by summer 2005.
“This is an exciting project, which will improve the overall quality of our veneer,” says Mark Kelly, Columbia’s operations manager. “The new dryer is effectively three times as long as the present dryer and produces a smoother, more flexible veneer.”
The expansion is part of a larger plan to modernize Columbia Forest Products’ operations, says vice-president of veneer operations, Ted Jewett.
“It’s important to our future success in the global marketplace, and this investment reflects the appreciation we have for our employees’ efforts and our confidence in their continued support,” Jewett says.
Columbia Forest Products is North America’s largest manufacturer of hardwood plywood and hardwood veneer.
