El Dorado, Ark. – Canfor Southern Pine is committing roughly $96 million to modernize and expand its Iron Mountain timber mill, a move that will more than double the facility’s annual net production and bring a significant boost to local employment.
Project scope and timeline
The expansion will be carried out in two phases. Phase 1, already completed, upgraded the planer and began the modernization of the mill’s core equipment. Phase 2, now underway, will revamp the sawmill and log‑yard operations and add new capacity. Officials say the combined effort will raise annual output to about 220 million board feet and is slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Job growth and community impact
Canfor projects that the expansion will create roughly 75 new jobs during construction and, once fully operational, about 150 full‑time positions at the mill and in related logistics. The company highlighted the importance of these jobs for the region’s traditional timber industry and for families that have long relied on forestry for their livelihood.
State leadership praises the investment
Governor Sarah Sanders praised the project, noting that “agriculture – including forestry – is the Natural State’s number one industry, with our abundant timberland providing everything from the paper we write on to the boards holding up our walls.” She added, “Businesses like Canfor in Union County keep those Arkansas traditions strong by investing in modern equipment and new opportunities for our workforce.”
Company statements
Lee Goodloe, President of Canfor Southern Pine, said, “This investment marks an important step in strengthening our Iron Mountain operation and our broader regional hub in Arkansas. By modernizing the facility and expanding its capacity, we’re building a more integrated manufacturing network that allows us to operate more efficiently and deliver greater value to our customers.” He also referenced the company’s cumulative investment of “more than $400 million in Union County since 2015,” underscoring a long‑term commitment to the area.
Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, echoed the sentiment, stating, “Canfor Southern Pine has been a valued part of our state’s timber industry, and we are proud that the company is growing in Union County. This expansion would not have been possible without a great business environment and the local leadership in El Dorado and Union County.”
Infrastructure additions
Earlier this year, a new shipping transload facility was constructed at Iron Mountain, further enhancing the mill’s ability to move product efficiently to market. The combined upgrades position the facility as a key logistics hub for timber products throughout the region.
Looking ahead
When the project reaches completion, the expanded mill is expected to play a pivotal role in meeting growing demand for lumber and wood products, both domestically and for export. Local leaders anticipate that the increased production capacity will attract additional ancillary businesses, strengthening the economic fabric of Union County.
Overall, the $96 million expansion reflects a broader trend of private investment in Arkansas’s timber sector, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a national leader in sustainable forestry and manufacturing.
Original reporting: KATV Little Rock (local) — read the source article.
