In a move that is turning heads in the world of sustainable construction, Timberlab Holdings Inc., the parent company of a national provider of holistic mass timber systems Timberlab Inc., has set its sights on Millersburg, Ore., as the site for its state-of-the-art cross-laminated timber (CLT) manufacturing facility. This industrial facility is a bold statement about the future of building and forest product manufacturing in Oregon.
Nestled near NE Conser Road and the Portland and Western Railroad (PNWR) on land that has been zoned for industrial use since the 1970s, the chosen location is logistically ideal, with access to rail and the nearby I-5 corridor. The ease of transporting materials is just the tip of the iceberg. Timberlab plans to tap into the local talent pool, collaborate with the research activities at nearby Oregon State University and the University of Oregon and work with the region’s forestry growers, harvesters, mills, transportation networks, and community members. It’s a symbiotic relationship that Timberlab is eager to cultivate.
The facility, set to produce a staggering 100,000 cubic meters of CLT products each year, promises to be a marvel of modern manufacturing. With cutting-edge automation and an efficient design, the plant is projected to create 100 new living wage manufacturing jobs at peak operation, positioning it as one of the largest CLT producers in the nation. This isn’t just a boon for the economy; it’s a potential game-changer for sustainable building practices nationwide.
“I am thrilled to support Timberlab’s innovative CLT facility in Millersburg. This project represents a significant investment in our local economy and brings 100 well-paying manufacturing jobs to our community,” says State Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis. “More importantly, it bolsters Oregon’s forestry industry, particularly in our rural and smaller communities, by creating a sustainable demand for locally sourced timber. By partnering with forward-thinking companies like Timberlab, we are fostering economic growth and championing our forests’ health and sustainability.”