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Pyramid Mountain Lumber remains hopeful it can sell its sawmill in Seeley Lake, Mt., even as it proceeds with closure of the facility.
According to Pyramid Mountain, operations at the sawmill will continue until at least the last week of June or as late as July 4. After that, the current inventory of logs will be depleted, but production through the planner and other processes is not expected to fully wrap up until mid-August. Shipping will continue through September. After this, the mill would be set up for auction.
In mid-August, the first large layoff will occur. To date, only three employees have been laid off, but several others have already left the mill in anticipation of the layoffs.
Currently, the company is in talks with three parties that have expressed interest in possibly purchasing the mill. None has yet to make an offer.
If a deal can be worked out, the new owner would face several challenges, including, first, having to replenish its depleted log inventory. The final log delivery was March 26.
Second, they’d have to rehire workers—many of whom are nearing retirement age.
Third, they’d have to devise ways to run more efficiently with fewer employees in order to be profitable. And, finally, they’d have to invest in new machinery.
Missoula County has stated it would work with the new ownership to transfer existing permits and expedite new building permits.
Pyramid Mountain Lumber originally gave suitors a deadline of May 15 to submit offers, but is willing to accept new bids.
According to the press release, Pyramid Mountain Lumberis “hopeful that there is a future for some sort of operations under new ownership at the mill, but only time will tell.”
