By Joe Hathaway on Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
ISLAND CITY — Woodgrain has sold its Island City particleboard plant to Kronospan, a leading producer of wood panel products.
According to a press release from Kronospan, the addition of the Island City plant will strengthen Kronospanโs position in the North American wood panel market and further demonstrates Kronospanโs commitment to its overall growth strategy.
Elkhorn Media Group has reached out to Woodgrain officials in Island City for more information.
โIโm very excited about todayโs announcement. The addition of the Island City plant and its talented team will further enhance our ability to serve our customers and provide long term benefit to our stakeholdersโ said Hans Obermaier, CEO of Kronospanโs North American operations.
Kelly Dame, President and CEO of Woodgrain stated, โIt was important for us to find a buyer that is a good fit for our 124 team members, and one that will continue to invest in the plant and its peopleโ
Kronospan has expressed its intent to invest in the modernization of the Island City plant upon completion of the post-acquisition period.
According to the release, Kronospan began operations in 1897 as a sawmill in Lungรถtz, Austria. A privately held, family owned company, Kronospan employs about 14,000 people and operates wood-based panel production facilities worldwide. In the U.S., Kronospan currently operates three manufacturing locations in Alabama, Louisiana and Pennsylvania.