Boise Cascade Co. is moving forward with a $140 million investment in its engineered wood product (EWP) operations, aiming to boost reliability and efficiency for U.S. builders grappling with elevated borrowing costs, weakening consumer sentiment, and project delays.<\/p>\n
The company said its multi-year investment strategy includes major upgrades at its Oakdale, Louisiana, and Thorsby, Alabama, facilities. The Oakdale plant\u2014one of the oldest continuously operating plywood mills in the United States\u2014is nearing the final stages of modernization, while Thorsby will soon host the first new I-joist production line installed in the country in decades.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese investments are focused on improving manufacturing reliability, not just expanding output,\u201d said Robert Johnson, Boise Cascade\u2019s Senior Vice President of Engineered Wood Products Sales and Marketing. \u201cIt\u2019s about ensuring builders receive consistent, high-quality products where and when they need them.\u201d<\/p>\n
The company\u2019s recent upgrades follow its acquisition of Coastal Plywood, aimed at strengthening internal veneer supply and reducing system-wide risk. Boise Cascade has invested over $1 billion in engineered wood capacity and capability improvements over the past three years.<\/p>\n
Improvements at Oakdale include new log-handling systems, dryers, presses and layup lines. Once the facility begins ramping up production in the coming weeks, it will start supplying veneer to Boise Cascade\u2019s Alexandria EWP mill ahead of the 2025 building season. The Thorsby I-joist line is expected to come online in early 2026.<\/p>\n
The enhancements, Boise Cascade said, are designed to support a national footprint. With fungible product specifications and integrated supply chains, increased reliability at Southern mills will allow the company to shift Western production to meet demand in Colorado, Utah, California and beyond.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese improvements give us more flexibility across our network,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cThey help rebalance capacity where it\u2019s needed most.\u201d<\/p>\n
U.S. builders are under pressure to maintain margins amid rising inflation expectations, supply chain disruptions, and persistent labor shortages. Many are absorbing financing costs and offering discounts or mortgage rate buydowns, which now account for more than 8% of the average home price, according to industry data.<\/p>\n
Boise Cascade, which operates 40 distribution branches across the U.S. along with a large third-party network, said its broader objective is to streamline structural systems, reduce jobsite waste, and shorten cycle times.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not just a manufacturer,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cWe\u2019re a solutions provider\u2014focused on making construction more predictable and efficient.\u201d<\/p>\n
The investments come as consumer confidence remains fragile. The University of Michigan\u2019s Consumer Sentiment Index dropped to 50.8 in early May, one of the lowest levels recorded, while inflation concerns and higher tariffs continue to strain the housing market.<\/p>\n
Johnson said the company\u2019s long-term strategy is aimed at helping builders manage uncertainty, reduce risk, and sustain operations through the current economic cycle.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Boise Cascade Co. is moving forward with a $140 million investment in its engineered wood product (EWP) operations, aiming to boost reliability and efficiency for U.S. builders grappling with elevated borrowing costs, weakening consumer sentiment, and project delays. The company … Continue reading