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Danzer Sells Bradford Sawmill

 Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Hardwood specialist Danzer has closed the sale of its hardwood lumber sawmill in Bradford, Pennsylvania on April 15. Danzer sold the facility to a joint venture between hardwood producer Rossi Group and timberland investment firm Lyme Timber Company. The sale secured the 85 existing jobs at the Bradford facility; plus, the new ownership group is planning to add at least 20 new jobs. Danzer will stay in the North American lumber business with its lumber drying operations in Shade Gap, Pennsylvania.

In 1988, Danzer has opened the Bradford sawmill to offer high quality American lumber to customers worldwide. Over the last years, Danzer has invested in cutting-edge technology, like a curve saw that increases the raw material yield of the valuable hardwood resource by cutting flat boards out of swept logs. “Still, the competitive dynamics didn’t allow to differentiate the lumber product enough to fit Danzer’s strategy of seeking strong competitive advantages in all its businesses”, says Hans-Joachim Danzer, CEO of Danzer. Greg Lottes, President of Danzer Lumber North America, adds: “We sought out and found an excellent buyer and operator for the Bradford sawmill complex. The sale to the Lyme/Rossi group will be good for the skilled and dedicated employees at the Bradford plant and the local community.  The combination of Rossi’s existing sawmill production and Lyme’s expanded timber base in Pennsylvania, makes for great synergy with the Bradford complex.”

Management changes

Mr. Lottes, Vice Chairman on the Board of Danzer’s North American Holding company, will also continue to lead Danzer’s North American Lumber activities. On January 1st, 2021 already, Mr. Lottes has handed over the helm at Danzer Veneer Americas (DVA), which he led for the last twelve years. The company’s new President is Dan W. Sullivan, who has served as Danzer North America’s Chief Financial Officer since 2010.  He leads the company with a team of experienced Danzer executives: Tracy Rowlett (Executive Vice President), Vijay Reddy (Vice President, Sales and Marketing), Dan Rastatter (Vice President, Manufacturing and Engineering), and Greg Hartog (Vice President, Procurement).

Danzer lumber business in Shade Gap

Danzer is buying green lumber and then homogenously dries it at its remaining facility in Shade Gap, Pennsylvania. The Shade Gap facility has 1.4 million board feet of kilns and dries most of the main North American species. The facility specializes in white oak and walnut from 4/4 to 12/4 with the walnut production supported by 2 on-site steamers. Planning and ripping services are also available.

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