Friday, August 8, 2025
Riverside Forest Products USA, the American arm of Canada’s Riverside Industries, has entered into a lease agreement with the city of Forks to establish a new sawmill facility. Budgeted at nearly $12 million, the project targets production of kiln-dried hemlock and green Douglas fir dimensional lumber, supporting both regional forestry output and broader construction markets.
The planned sawmill may be executed in two phases. In the first phase, Riverside will focus on core sawmilling operations and drying infrastructure, aiming to create up to 50 local jobs, with early roles expected in milling operations, quality control, and maintenance. The second phase, anticipated in two to three years, could add a second shift. That expansion would bring an additional 30 to 50 positions, accommodating growing demand and production capacity. To support both development and utility needs, the Clallam Economic Development Council secured a $200,000 grant to aid Riverside in covering electrical and lighting improvements within the industrial park area. This public-private funding move targets smoother infrastructure setup and lowers initial capital strain on the company, enabling prompt start-up and efficient operations.
The Pacific Northwest — and Western Washington specifically — boasts a rich legacy in timber and sawmilling, surrounded by abundant hemlock and Douglas fir stands. By focusing on kiln-dried hemlock, Riverside prepares for higher-end applications in furniture, cabinetry, and millwork, while green Douglas fir targets framing and general dimensional lumber markets. This product mix offers flexibility and resilience, allowing the sawmill to pivot according to fluctuations in construction, remodeling, and export demand.
The sawmill represents a meaningful investment in Forks and Clallam County, offering steady year-round employment and reinforcing the manufacturing base. Current residents and workers displaced from declining sectors such as fishing or paper milling now have new opportunities. The gradual ramp-up with a second shift also ensures jobs remain sustainable over multiple years.
The implications for stakeholders:
| Group | Implications |
| Local workforce | New paths in modern logging and sawmilling, skill building, stable income |
| Supply chain | Stronger regional sourcing of dimension lumber keeps value local |
| Municipal planning | Incremental tax revenue, industry diversification in Clallam County |
| Forestry & mills | Possible partnerships with logging contractors, haul routes, and equipment providers |
| Lumber users | Access to kiln-dried and green lumber with lower delivery costs due to regional proximity |
Significance of the project
Construction and homeowners across the region continue to demand quality lumber. At the same time, timber markets have seen uneven recovery and shifting tariffs, making nimble, locally situated mills especially valuable. Riverside’s sawmill also aligns with broader moves toward more efficient, cleaner manufacturing and regional revitalization in forest communities.
Next steps & timeline
This investment brings a welcome boost to Forks, Washington, fuelling both economic recovery and lumber supply chain strength in Clallam County. Riverside Forest Products USA’s sawmill promises local jobs, niche lumber products, and a solid foundation for long-term forestry-based manufacturing in the Pacific Northwest.
Read more news on: furniture, millwork, forestry, drying
For more updates, visit the European woodworking industry website: woodandpanel.com
Tags: Clallam County sawmill project, forestry industry Forks Washington, green Douglas fir lumber, kiln-dried hemlock, residential lumber supply, Riverside Forest Products sawmill Forks WA, Riverside Industries US expansion
