One of North America’s largest structural timber suppliers is investing more than US$140 million (or CA$191 million) to upgrade its OSB mill in Ontario, Canada, with Georgia-Pacific investing heavily in a new log processing system that can sort, debark and cut logs into strands.
“Georgia-Pacific is focused on the future and committed to exceeding the needs of our customers,” according to David Neal, executive vice president, building products. “This investment strengthens our operational capabilities and positions the Englehart mill for greater productivity while our local team continues meeting current market demand.”
The mill, which first started producing board in 1983, was takenen over Georgia-Pacific in 2010: “By enhancing the log processing system and warehouse at the mill, we show our commitment to continuous improvement and our dedication to reinvesting in the mill, the town of Englehart, the surrounding communities and our preferred partners,” according to John Beers, Georiga-Pacific’s president – structural panels. “These improvements keep us competitive and ensure we remain an environmentally conscious, 21st-century mill.”
North America’s largest producers are investing heavily in OSB.
Last year, Wood Central reported that OSB—an alternative to plywood—was growing steadily in North America despite lumber prices dropping in line with the slowing housing market: “(That’s because) lumber is very dependent on renovation, repair and remodelling markets. These tend to be more discretionary than new residential buildings, which have more force behind them from the housing shortage in the USA,” according to Seeking Alpha, which assessed the value of lumber and OSB. Wood Central understands that design and engineering work on the new mill has commenced, with the project expected to be fully completed by the second quarter of 2027.
- To find out why Georgia-Pacific is part of a growing number of timber giants now investing heavily in engineered wood products, like OSB, visit Wood Central’s special feature.
