Better dryer, better veneer

An area forest products company has begun expanding its Rutherglen plant.

Further information is included in the following news release from Columbia Forest Products:
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Columbia Forest Products has begun construction of an 18,000 square-foot addition at its Rutherglen veneer plant, according to Columbia’s veneer operations manager Mark Kelly.

The addition will be completed next summer and will house a new $5 million veneer dryer, which will replace the existing machine.

“This is an exciting project which will improve the overall quality of our veneer,” Kelly said.

“The new dryer is effectively three times as long as the present dryer and produces a smoother more flexible veneer.”

Columbia Vice President of Veneer Operations Ted Jewett added that the expansion is part of a division-wide modernization plan.

“It’s important to our future success in the global marketplace. And this investment reflects the appreciation we have for our employees’ efforts and our confidence in their continued support”.

Founded in 1957, Columbia Forest Products is North America’s largest manufacturer of hardwood plywood and hardwood veneer. The company also markets and produces engineered and solid wood flooring products.

Columbia’s decorative interior veneers and panels are used in high-end cabinetry, fine furniture, architectural millwork and commercial fixtures. Columbia employs more than 3,000 employees and operates facilities in locations throughout Canada and the United States.