News Summary
Bienville Parish, Louisiana, has unveiled a new sawmill following a $280 million investment by Hunt Forest Products and Tolko Industries. The facility is the most technologically advanced sawmill in the state and employs 190 locals. Expected to produce 320 million board feet of lumber annually, it reinforces local timber sourcing and economic growth.
Bienville Parish, Louisiana has welcomed a significant economic development with the unveiling of a state-of-the-art sawmill, resulting from a $280 million investment by Hunt Forest Products and Tolko Industries Ltd. This facility, touted as the most technologically advanced sawmill in the state, commenced construction in 2022 and initiated its operations in 2023. Currently, the sawmill operates at full capacity and employs approximately 190 individuals from the local community.
In terms of production, the sawmill is forecasted to annually require around 1.3 million tons of wood. This will allow for the production of approximately 320 million board feet of lumber each year. The facility is equipped to manage nearly 1,000 truckloads of timber weekly, emphasizing the high volume of local timber utilization.
Both Hunt Forest Products and Tolko Industries are committed to sourcing timber locally, a strategy that is anticipated to generate about $50 million annually in purchases from local foresters. This commitment to local forestry not only supports the operational needs of the sawmill but also significantly contributes to the local economy.
James D. Hunt, co-owner and vice chairman of Hunt Forest Products, expressed optimism about the mill’s performance and its potential to enhance employment in the area. The facility itself spans 255 acres and includes the existing Taylor sawmill site alongside adjacent timber land.
During the official dedication of the sawmill, Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois emphasized not only the economic benefits of this project but also its importance in creating regional economic momentum. The sawmill is a joint venture, with Tolko Industries holding a 50% stake and Hunt Forest Products overseeing its operations.
Bienville Parish has a longstanding history with the lumber industry, which has significantly impacted the local economy for over a century. The sawmill has already made strides in production efficiency, recently setting two new lumber production records. Justyn Dixon, president of the North Louisiana Economic Partnership, recognized the sawmill as a critical economic engine for the community.
The design of the facility focuses on enhancing efficiency and safety while creating new employment opportunities across various sectors, including construction, forestry, industrial services, and retail. This new sawmill represents the second collaborative project between Hunt Forest Products and Tolko, following their successful Urania sawmill, which began operations in 2018.
Strategically located in the heart of Louisiana’s historic timber region, this sawmill not only fulfills a significant need for lumber production but also presents vast potential for job growth. The positive impacts of this project are seen as a boost not only to the local economy but also to the broader timber industry within Louisiana.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Shreveport Times: Bienville Parish Sawmill
- BIC Magazine: Northwest Louisiana Sawmill
- The Advocate: Investment in Sawmills Across Louisiana
- Woodworking Network: New Sawmill by Hunt and Tolko
- KTBS: New High-Tech Sawmill Dedicated
- Wikipedia: Sawmill
- Google Search: Sawmill Louisiana
- Google Scholar: Sawmill Wood Industry
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sawmill
- Google News: Sawmill Investment Louisiana
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
