Springfield Oregon is proud of its timber heritage and thriving wood products economy. We know that proximity to supply and talent are key to the success of the timber industry and Springfield is a community offering both.
The Swanson Group success story is a reflection of the alignment of community assets, resources and the community’s pride and commitment to support a company through all cycles and stages of need.
Started in southern Oregon post World War II, Swanson Group began Springfield operations in 2007 with the acquisition of the McKenzie Forest Products mill. With extensive capital improvements and investments, Swanson began bringing a number of new specialty panels to the product mix from their Springfield site, making the company one of the largest and most diverse panel producers on the west coast.
In late 2014, the Springfield plant suffered a devastating mill fire and rendering the site a complete loss. A reflection of their historic commitment to safety and employee care, no casualties were experienced as part of the fire, but the company faced the unfathomable task of deciding to cease Springfield operations or rebuild.
With the support of the City of Springfield through tax abatements, streamlined permitting and regulatory processes and systems fee assistance as well as Oregon Governor’s special reserve fund program, Swanson’s Group committed themselves to rebuilding and rehiring in Springfield Oregon.
“Our core purpose is to create opportunities and long-term security for our employees, shareholders and respective families. We desire to build a stronger company that can be passed on to future generations.”
Swanson Group made a promise for the future and in April 2016, despite all odds, they reopened their doors to 200 employees, many of whom were on the mill floor the day of the fire. The new plywood plant, valued at over $55 million in investment, is now considered the most advanced plywood manufacturing facility in the northern hemisphere and plays host weekly to national and international business and industry leaders, policy makers, legislators and workforce development entities. The new plant, estimated to be a third larger than the original plant, is contained entirely within a single building and maximizes space, technology, and process efficiencies to produce one of the highest quality plywood products found on the market.
We are proud that Swanson Group Manufacturing chose to call Springfield Oregon home in 2007 and again in 2014.
Springfield Project Elements
Resilience/Expansion Project (2014-2016)
Economic Development Support Received: Forgivable Special Reserve Loan, Extended Enterprise Zone Tax Abatement