Roseburg Forest Products laid off 107 workers at its hardwood mill in Dillard on Thursday, shifting away from that segment of the industry to focus on other products.
Low-cost imports account for about 80% of the U.S. hardwood market, according to the company, which said it will concentrate on engineered wood, lumber, plywood and fiberboard. Two years ago, Roseburg announced plans to spend $700 million to expand Oregon production in those more lucrative segments.
“We’re sharpening our focus on the products and capabilities that support the best use of our high-quality veneers and fiber,” CEO Stuart Gray said in a statement Thursday. Dillard is a small, unincorporated community in Douglas County, which had an unemployment rate of 6.7% last month — well above the statewide jobless rate o