Associated Press
July 2, 2009
BEND, Ore. -- Interfor Pacific is ramping up production at its Gilchrist lumber mill and calling about 70 employees back to work.
The mill has been closed since February due to the slow housing market. Executive Rich Frazer says it was working at just half capacity for a year before that.
Now if all goes well, another 65 employees could be hired.
Frazer says the mill will run one shift per day. He says the restart could also put about 200 loggers, suppliers and workers in related industries back to work.
The mill is switching from products such as 2-by-4s to wood products used for furniture, paneling and decks.
Michael Manis owns a grocery and deli across the street from the mill. He said Wednesday the reopening is "what we were all praying for."
Gilchrist lumber mill calling 70 workers back
July 3, 2009
Local News
K. Falls Airport runway still damaged, still no plan in place to fix it
The renovated runway began showing pockmarks in March.
Jackson Co. considers construction fee hike
Local contractors say the increase comes at the worst possible time.
Witness in Seda trial: Al-Haramain charity followed harsh form of Islam
Pete Seda is accused of smuggling $150K to Muslim fighters in Chechnya.
Coos Bay siblings get 6 years, used child to rob woman
A third suspect was committed to the Ore. State Hospital.
Same woman suspected in 2 Eugene bank robberies
Both robberies occurred in August.