Georgia-Pacific Plans Major Investment in Pineland, Texas Lumber Complex

Georgia-Pacific has announced the modernization of one of its finest sawmills in Texas.

Pineland Lumber Complex in Pineland, Texas, will receive $120 million in expansions and improvements as part of an overall modernization initiative that would boost the mills’ overall production.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this addition to the Pineland Lumber Complex,” Darryl Melton, Sabine County Judge, stated.

“As the largest business in our county, this mill plays a critical role in our economic success. With Georgia-Pacific making this significant investment, we are confident that the mill will continue to be a part of our community for many years to come.”

A new sawmill will be erected to replace the old stud mill, which was built in the 1960s.

Construction is set to begin early next year and will be completed in late 2022.

Currently, the mill has the potential to manufacture 380 million board feet of dimensional lumber per year; however, once the new mill is ready and fully operational, production will grow to 450 million board feet—equivalent to the amount of timber required to build 30,000 dwellings each year.

Pineland Lumber Complex will also extend its log yard storage and add a new debarking and log processing line to meet increased capacity.

A continuous dry kiln will also help ensure production capacity, while a new high-speed planer will replace the current historical equipment constructed in the 1960s.

“This is significant to our region’s economy, especially when you consider the direct and indirect jobs that it maintains and creates,” Chris Paddie, a state representative from Texas said.

“This new investment will enhance the existing jobs within the facility and further stimulate the economy by providing additional indirect jobs. Georgia-Pacific’s expansion is an excellent opportunity for Sabine County to grow its economy.”

When the new sawmill is operational, it’s anticipated that the mill will increase the number of trucks delivering wood from 250 to 300 loads each day.

“Logging has provided a good income for many families through the years and is one of our strongest industries in East Texas,” Judge Melton stated.

“By expanding the Pineland Lumber Complex, Georgia-Pacific is helping to ensure the longevity of this important industry.”

Georgia-Pacific owns and operates 12 lumber mills around the country.

Pineland was chosen for the expansion for a variety of reasons, including the area’s manpower and natural resources, according to Georgia-Pacific Lumber President Fritz Mason.

“This mill has a long history in Sabine County, which dates back to 1910,” Mason added.

“With the mill favorably located in the middle of the Southern Pine Forest of deep East Texas coupled with an experienced workforce that dates back to several generations, Pineland Lumber is well positioned to prosper for years to come.”

The same may be true for Georgia-lumber Pacific’s operations, according to Mason.

“Lumber has a longstanding tradition within our company, we were founded as a lumber company over 90 years ago, — and we are recognized as one of the leading lumber producers in the country. The Pineland Lumber Complex capital improvement project is just one of many investments Georgia-Pacific is making at its lumber mills throughout the country. We are committed to this industry and providing our customers with quality products that they have come to know and trust since 1927.”