Local News

Omak Mill to Remain Open


Feb 15, 2016

Averting a closure and layoff of its employees, Omak Wood Products, announced last week that it has sold its business.

The new company, Omak Forest Products will operate the mill in Omak. The company said they will work with the Colville Tribe to ensure a smooth transition.

In December, Omak Wood Products, announced they would  close in February, issuing a WARN notice to layoff 184 employees effective February 12, 2016.

Jim Boyd, chairman of the Colville Business Council , said at that time that the Tribe was working on developing a new business plan to sustain mill operations.

Omak Wood Products was formed through an agreement with New Wood Resources,LLC and the Colville Confederated Tribes.  The mill is owned by the Colville Tribal Federal Corporation.

According to Tribal officials, consensus had been to do what they could to keep the mill open, if only in the short term, allowing for time to find investors.

Brett Black, chief operating officer for CTFC said, “The Colville tribe has been part of the timber business for more than a century, and we look forward to maintaining this tradition through the continued operation of the Omak mill.”

The new owner, Omak Forest Products will operate under the leadership of Richard Yarbrough, who was at the helm of the company when Omak Wood Products re-opened the mill in 2013. Yarbrough has over 40 years experience in the wood products industry.

 

 

 


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