Monday, March 31, 2025
Timberlab Inc. partnered with Swinerton Builders, Lindgren Development, LEVER Architecture, and others to build a top 190,000-square-foot CLT plant in Millersburg, Oregon. Oregon officials and community members celebrated this milestone on February 27, emphasising the state’s commitment to sustainable mass timber construction.
“This groundbreaking event marked an exciting step forward in the growth of Oregon’s mass timber industry – a revolutionary technology key to our shared goal of building a sustainable, low-carbon future,” shared Governor Tina Kotek. “Companies like Timberlab have capitalized on the opportunity to reduce their impact on the natural environment here in Oregon. The introduction of a new facility in Millersburg will expand the supply chain for mass timber, bolstering our regional economy and helping make sure that mass timber is accessible for more construction projects”, she continued.
Chris Evans, Timberlab president, expressed, “This facility groundbreaking is happening at a pivotal moment. Over the last 18 months, Oregon mills have been closing and jobs have been lost.” By investing in two GLT plants as well as a sawmill and planing mill in rural Oregon, the company has demonstrated its dedication to supporting rural economies. Evans also provided an explanation for the rise in mass timber construction. Evans continued, “Right now, we’ve seen 11 years of growth in mass timber representing 11 million board feet of product across the nation. In 15 years, it’s expected to be 3.5 billion board feet. This type of growth doesn’t happen on its own; it happens with vision and investment.”
“To the future employees of this facility–you will be a part of something truly special,” exclaimed State Representative Shelly Boshart Davis. He also added, “Not just this company, not just this community, your work will contribute to a more sustainable future, and you’ll be developing increasingly valuable skills that will lay the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Oregon.”
Strategically located in Oregon’s Mass Timber Technology Hub, the facility collaborates with academic institutions to drive innovation and establish leadership in mass timber construction. “Oregon’s timber industry has long been a cornerstone to our state’s identity. While the landscape has changed, this facility represents a new chapter. One where sustainability and economic strength work together,” pointed out Senator Jeff Merkley in a prepared statement. He continued, “By building with mass timber, we’re not only supporting local economies but fighting climate chaos and promoting renewable resources.”
Since 2014, Swinerton has driven mass timber construction innovations nationwide. This culminated in the establishment of Timberlab and expansion to the East Coast and Oregon, aligning with Swinerton and Timberlab’s core values.
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