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On May 16, Boise Cascade Co., Boise, Id., issued a 60-day notice that it will curtail indefinitely its lumber operation in Elgin, Or. The notice includes the sawmill, planer and shipping department; the powerhouse and log utilization center will remain operational.
“Boise Cascade has operated the Elgin lumber mill since 1960. This portion of the Elgin complex is not cost competitive in the marketplace given its age, size and technology,” stated John White, regional manager, wood products. “Even with significant new capital investments, it is not clear the lumber mill can be positioned to be cost competitive. We have announced an indefinite curtailment as we assess the future of the Elgin lumber operation.”
The company anticipates ceasing operations at the lumber mill by mid-July. A phased shutdown approach will be deployed, starting first with the sawmill, followed by the planer, concluding with the shipping department once existing inventory has been exhausted.
Boise Cascade continues to employ more than 500 people at the Elgin plywood mill and its facilities in nearby La Grande, Island City, and Pilot Rock.
