BOISE, Idaho — Boise Cascade Company announced it plans to invest $140 million in Alabama and Louisiana facilities to support its engineered wood products (EWP) growth strategy.

In Alabama, the company is adding I-joist production capabilities to its Thorsby EWP mill and converting a plywood layup line to a parallel laminated veneer line at the Chapman plywood facility. 

The Chapman investment adds to its important integration into Boise Cascade’s EWP growth plans. In addition, the Chapman plywood facility extended employment opportunities to approximately 50 of the 80 associates affected by the recently announced Chapman lumber operations curtailment. 

At its Oakdale, Louisiana facility, major projects planned include the upgrade and redesign of the log utilization center, a new veneer dryer and press, and modification of an existing veneer dryer. These investments are expected to take place over two years.

These projects will increase veneer production capacity by 30 percent and allow the facility to produce up to 400 million square feet of dry veneer annually.

The company expects to create 30 direct new jobs while retaining 370 current positions. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in 77 indirect new jobs, for a total of 107 potential new jobs in the Southwest Region.

“Louisiana’s thriving agribusiness industry has been a stronghold in the economy throughout our state’s storied history, creating jobs and opportunities in every region,” Gov. Jeff Landry said. “I applaud Boise Cascade for reinvesting in Louisiana and our skilled manufacturing workforce.”

The projects include the upgrade and redesign of Oakdale’s log utilization center, installation of a new six-deck veneer dryer, and press and modification of an existing veneer dryer. The upgraded technology is designed to increase productivity and will allow Oakdale to supply additional veneer to Boise Cascade’s EWP facility in central Louisiana. The company also operates a plywood and veneer facility in Florien, La.

“Boise Cascade has a long history of doing business in Louisiana, and in fact, mill capacity at our EWP mill near Alexandria is the largest in North America,” Boise Cascade Wood Products Executive Vice President Mike Brown said. “This major investment in Oakdale reflects our ongoing commitment to invest in job sustainability and the state’s economy.”

Boise Cascade anticipates construction to start in the second half of 2024, with an estimated completion date in mid-2025. Construction is expected to generate 238 jobs at peak construction.

“We are looking forward to these major expansions and upgrades to further solidify our market position in EWP,” said Chris Seymour, SVP, Wood Products Manufacturing Operations. “We have great teams in the southeastern U.S. and are pleased to further invest in our meaningful asset bases in Alabama and Louisiana.”

On a total company basis, Boise Cascade estimates it will undertake capital expenditures for 2024 of between $250 million to $270 million. This range includes the current investments and spending on the previously announced greenfield distribution centers in Hondo, Texas, and Walterboro, South Carolina, in the Building Materials Distribution segment.