A nytime one uses “500 million” as a dollar amount and “southeast Arkansas” in the same sentence, there ought to be room for a “WOW” as well.
These parts are not known for humongous investments like that, but on Monday, Weyerhaeuser announced it was investing that much in a state-of-the-art facility near Monticello and Warren that will create laminate lumber, not to mention 200 jobs.
This comes just a few days since the University of Arkansas at Monticello announced millions of dollars in funding — thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act that was signed into law by President Biden in early 2021 — for a new research center. Gov. Sarah Sanders pointed out the connecting dots in the press release about the Weyerhaeuser announcement.
“I was just at the University of Arkansas at Monticello last month to break ground on a new Forest Research Center my administration helped fund by directing $16 million to the school,” she said. “Between the Weyerhaeuser’s announcement and UAM’s expansion, we’re growing that portion of the state and investing in Arkansas’ forestry industry for generations to come.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The press release said the timber giant would use southern pine to create the new line of timber and also will use biomass (think wood pellets) to fuel a cogeneration system to supply the new facility’s electrical needs. The area ships biomass to other countries; it’s refreshing to see it used in a big way right here at home, where the wood for the pellets is grown.
Devin W. Stockfish, president and CEO of Weyerhaeuser, said the new lumber product will likely be used mostly for building family homes, showing that the company believes the housing market will remain on the upswing for quite some time.
“In addition, this plant will allow Weyerhaeuser to better serve other customers and end markets in the region,” Stockfish said.
The company, which now employs 700 people, also has a manufacturing plant in Dierks, where there is a lumber mill, and one in Emerson that makes plywood and veneer.
The mayors of Warren and Monticello sounded ecstatic.
From Warren, Mayor Gregg Reep said it took cooperation for Monday’s announcement to happen. “A lot of work has gone into bringing this project to fruition. It will mean jobs and economic growth to both cities and both counties along the entire southeast Arkansas region.”
Said Monticello Mayor Jason Akers: “The city of Monticello is proud of its contributions to this project and the work of all the city, county and state entities that came together to make this happen for our people. This is what happens when people work together for the greater good.”
Yes, a lot of work, a lot of cooperation and being in a position to allow something of this magnitude to take place. That all requires solid leadership and plenty of forward thinking by many individuals and entities. Well done, all.