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Hunt Forest Products announces $115 million mill
Hunt Forest Products, Ruston, La., and Tolko Industries, Vernon, B.C., are teaming to build a $115-million, state-of-the-art sawmill in Urania, La.
The sawmill project will create 110 new direct jobs with an average annual salary of more than $46,000, plus benefits. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project also will result in another
The mill, operating under the name LaSalle Lumber Co., will be 50% owned by Tolko, but managed and operated on a daily basis by Hunt.
Construction is expected to begin this month, with start-up early next year. It will employ 110.
“We are excited to be bringing a high-tech sawmill—and the skilled jobs it will provide—to Central Louisiana, and to provide a local outlet for the massive inventory of southern yellow pine that exists in this region,” said James D. Hunt, vice chairman. “This will boost the local economy, bring a new generation of sawmill technology to our state, and provide a much-needed outlet for Central Louisiana timber.”
It marks Tolko’s first venture into the U.S.
