Boise Cascade this week announced new investments in Alabama and Louisiana in support of the company’s engineered wood products (EWP) growth strategy.

In Alabama, the company is adding I-joist production capabilities to their Thorsby EWP and converting a plywood layup line to a parallel laminated veneer line at the Chapman plywood facility. The Chapman investment adds important integration into Boise Cascade’s EWP growth plans. The Chapman plywood facility also extended employment opportunities to approximately 50 of the 80 associates affected by the recently announced Chapman lumber operations curtailment.

At Boise Cascade’s Oakdale facility in Louisiana, major projects planned include the upgrade and redesign of the log utilization center, a new veneer dryer and press, and modification of an existing veneer dryer. These investments are expected to take place over a two-year period.

“We are looking forward to these major expansions and upgrades to further solidify our market position in EWP,” says Chris Seymour, SVP, Wood Products Manufacturing Operations. “We have great teams in the southeastern U.S. and are pleased to further invest in our meaningful asset bases in Alabama and Louisiana.”

The current estimate of capital expenditures for 2024 on a total Company basis is $250-$270 million, including the investments above and spending on the previously announced greenfield distribution centers in Hondo, Texas and Walterboro, South Carolina in Boise Cascade’s Building Materials Distribution segment.