BRADFORD, Penn. -  Hardwood specialist Danzer has sold its Bradford, Pennsylvania sawmill to a joint venture between hardwood producer Rossi Group and timberland investment firm Lyme Timber Co. The new owners say they plan to add at least 20 jobs to the existing 85 at the facility.

The sale closed April 15. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.

Danzer opened the hardwood mill in 1988. The company said over the past few years it has invested in technology, including a curve saw that increases the raw material yield by cutting flat boards out of swept logs. “Still, the competitive dynamics didn’t allow to differentiate the lumber product enough to fit Danzer’s strategy of seeking strong competitive advantages in all its businesses,” said Hans-Joachim Danzer, CEO of Danzer.

Greg Lottes, president of Danzer Lumber North America, added, “We sought out and found an excellent buyer and operator for the Bradford sawmill complex. The sale to the Lyme/Rossi group will be good for the skilled and dedicated employees at the Bradford plant and the local community.  The combination of Rossi’s existing sawmill production and Lyme’s expanded timber base in Pennsylvania makes for great synergy with the Bradford complex.”

Danzer still maintains a lumber drying operation in Shade Gap, Pennsylvania. The Shade Gap facility has 1.4 million board feet of kilns and dries most of the main North American species, while specializing in white oak and walnut from 4/4 to 12/4, with the walnut production supported by 2 on-site steamers. Planing and ripping services are also available, Danzer said.

In related news, Dan Sullivan was named president of Danzer Veneer Americas (DVA) effective Jan. 1, 2021. Sullivan, formerly CFO, took over the role from Lottes.

Lottes, vice chairman on the board of Danzer’s North American Holding firm, will continue to lead Danzer’s North American Lumber activities.

Other executives at Danzer Veneer Americas include: Tracy Rowlett, executive vice president; Vijay Reddy, vice president, Sales and Marketing; Dan Rastatter, vice president, Manufacturing and Engineering; and Greg Hartog, vice president, Procurement.