Pike Lumber announces $3.4 million expansion
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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.  – Pike Lumber Co. has announced plans to expand its operations in Indiana and double its production. The lumber producer is investing $3.4 million to expand and equip its Milan, Indiana-based manufacturing facility. Plans also call to add up to 15 new jobs by 2020.
 
Pike Lumber said the  27,200-square-foot addition to its facility will enable the company to increase its lumber production to 8 million board feet annually. The addition will house a maintenance shop along with new lumber handling and sawmilling equipment. Construction on the expansion began in early July and the new area is expected to be operational by December.

Founded in 1904, Pike Lumber is Indiana’s largest manufacturer and distributor of kiln dried lumber, sold to the cabinet, millwork, furniture and musical instrument industries. Pike Lumber employs The company has three mills in Indiana and employs more than 200 people; the Milan facility currently has 21 employees.

“We were pleased with the selection of Milan as the site for our third sawmill back in 2010, and today we continue to be grateful for the ongoing growth support.” said Jim Steen, president of Pike Lumber. “It has been a pleasure to work with the state, Milan Town Council, the community and the Ripley County Economic Development Corp. We look forward to our new expansion and our continued partnership with both the state and the community.”
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. offered Pike Lumber up to $100,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. The town of Milan approved additional incentives at the request of the Ripley County Economic Development Corp.

“The Pike Lumber family has been an excellent asset to the town of Milan,” said Noel Houze, president of the Milan Town Council. “Their willingness to work with the town to expand their business operations, their patronage of local businesses, and their overall support for the town is truly an example of community spirit.”

According to the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, the state ranks first nationally in the production of wood office furniture, wood kitchen cabinets, hardwood veneer and other wood products, The hardwood industry contributes an annual economic impact of $16.6 billion to the state's economy and has helped to create 35,000 jobs, with an additional 86,000 careers in sectors that support the industry.

"With more than 107,000 Hoosiers employed in the agriculture industry, it is evident that agribusinesses play a key role in Indiana's economy," said Governor Mike Pence. "Pike Lumber's expansion is another indicator that the state's pro-growth, low-cost and low-tax business environment is one that works for a variety of industries and creates ample job opportunities for hardworking Hoosiers in every corner of the state."

Watch the YouTube video of Pike Lumber's process.

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About the author
Karen Koenig | Editor

Karen M. Koenig has more than 30 years of experience in the woodworking industry, including visits to wood products manufacturing facilities throughout North America, Europe and Asia. As editor of special publications under the Woodworking Network brand, including the Red Book Best Practices resource guide and website, Karen’s responsibilities include writing, editing and coordinating of editorial content. She is also a contributor to FDMC and other Woodworking Network online and print media owned by CCI Media. She can be reached at [email protected]