Irving Forest Products Ashland, ME, Sawmill Expansion Advances With State Funding
FAME approves financing for Ashland sawmill expansion
Irving Forest Products’ Ashland sawmill expansion is moving forward after the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) approved financing through the state’s New Markets Capital Investment Program, WAGM reported (6-4-26).
The financing will support a multimillion-dollar modernization and expansion of the company’s sawmill in Nashville Plantation. The project is expected to increase annual lumber production capacity from 130 million board feet to 250 million board feet.
The sawmill currently supports 140 full-time-equivalent jobs. Company officials expect employment to increase to about 220 full-time positions when the project is completed.
The FAME board approved tax credit certificates tied to five investments totaling about $42 million from Community Development Entities participating in the program. The investments make up to $16.5 million in state tax credits available.
FAME Board Chair Renee Ouellette said the project is expected to help preserve the sawmill’s role as a major employer in Aroostook County.
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