Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Roseburg Forest Products has officially ceased operations at its Dillard Hardwood Plywood facility, marking its exit from the hardwood plywood market. This decision aligns with the company’s long-term strategy to streamline its focus and concentrate resources on its core product portfolio, which has shown sustained customer demand and long-term growth potential.
The Dillard Hardwood Plywood facility, a significant part of Roseburg’s Dillard complex, had been one of the company’s longest-operating plants. However, due to significant changes in the hardwood plywood market, including a shift toward lower-cost imports now accounting for about 80% of the U.S. market, Roseburg has decided to refocus its efforts.
Roseburg’s decision reflects a commitment to maintaining long-term competitiveness in an evolving marketplace. The company aims to better align its resources with products that are not only more aligned with current market needs but also offer higher growth potential moving forward.
Supporting Employees Through the Transition
The Dillard Hardwood Plywood plant employed 107 team members, who are encouraged to apply for open positions at other Roseburg facilities. The company has pledged to provide dedicated support to help employees during this transition period. Operations at other parts of the Dillard complex, including its MDF and lumber production, will continue as normal.
Stuart Gray, President and CEO of Roseburg Forest Products, shared, “Successful businesses never stand still, and that’s been true for Roseburg for 90 years. As we look to the future, we’re sharpening our focus on the products and capabilities that support the best use of our high-quality veneers and fiber, backed by continued investment in operational excellence.”
Strategic Shift in Product Focus
Roseburg has been a key player in the hardwood plywood market for decades. However, the rise in lower-cost imports has significantly altered the U.S. hardwood plywood landscape. As a result, Roseburg’s decision to exit the market is rooted in a long-term vision to maintain its competitiveness by focusing on products with higher margins and greater potential for growth.
The company’s product shift will prioritize areas such as engineered wood products, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), softwood plywood, and lumber. Roseburg’s strategic decision underscores its ongoing commitment to strengthening these core product lines, which will remain key drivers of the company’s success moving forward.
Since April 2023, Roseburg has invested nearly $700 million into its Southern Oregon operations, further supporting the company’s long-term growth strategy. Investments include the launch of Armorite® Exterior Trim at its new Dillard Components facility, as well as upgrades and modernization efforts across existing plants in Douglas and Coos counties, located in Oregon. These investments are designed to boost regional economic vitality while ensuring that Roseburg remains at the forefront of innovation in the forest products industry.
A Legacy of Innovation and Commitment
Roseburg Forest Products has a rich history that dates back to 1936, and its legacy in the hardwood plywood manufacturing sector extends back to 1952. Although the company is transitioning away from hardwood plywood production, it continues to value the contributions of its dedicated team members who helped the company stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.
Gray added, “Our hardwood plywood manufacturing legacy extends back to 1952, and we appreciate everything our operations teams have done to stay competitive. But our evolution as an organization speaks to changing markets, evolving customer needs and following the best course for long-term success.”
Roseburg’s evolution is not only a response to market shifts but also an ongoing commitment to product innovation, operational excellence, and environmental responsibility. As the company adjusts its focus, it will continue to invest in solutions that align with the future of sustainable building materials, including engineered wood products such as I-joists, LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber), and rim boards.
Roseburg’s Continued Commitment to Sustainability
Roseburg Forest Products remains a leader in sustainability within the forest products industry. The company owns and sustainably manages more than 400,000 acres of timberland in Oregon, North Carolina, and Virginia, ensuring that its operations are aligned with responsible forest management practices. Furthermore, Roseburg’s commitment to environmental sustainability extends to its export wood chip terminal in Coos Bay, Oregon, where products are shipped throughout North America and the Pacific Rim.
The company’s decision to exit the hardwood plywood market is just one step in its broader vision to focus on high-demand, high-growth products that align with long-term sustainability goals.
Looking Forward to Continued Growth
While Roseburg exits the hardwood plywood market, the company’s future remains focused on growth and sustainability. The ongoing investment in product innovation, the modernization of existing facilities, and the expansion of core product lines ensure that Roseburg will remain a dominant player in the North American forest products industry for years to come.
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Tags: Armorite® Exterior Trim, hardwood plywood, Lumber, Roseburg, Roseburg Forest Products, softwood plywood, timberland management, woodworking industry
