Resolute Forest Products Expands Operations at Two Arkansas Sawmills

With the acquisition of two sawmills in 2020 — in El Dorado and Glenwood, Arkansas — Resolute Forest Products has invested through a combined capital program over $28 million and added more than 160 new jobs over the past two years.

The El Dorado mill began start-up operations in December 2020. When fully operational, it will produce up to 180 million board feet of dimensional lumber and specialty products using timber harvested within a 50-mile radius of the facility.

Resolute’s ongoing capital investment of $8.4 million in its Glenwood operation will allow the facility to expand its production capacity up to 185 million board feet of lumber and decking. To date, it has added nearly 25 jobs to the operation. Work on this capital project began in 2021 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

In commenting on the acquisitions Remi G. Lalonde, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Resolute said, “The capital investments in our Arkansas operations support our business strategy to grow in wood products, particularly in light of the growth we’re seeing for building materials like wood.”

Lalonde added that “Growing in the sector also fits with our commitment to sustainability, thanks to its socio-economic and environmental benefits, such as long-term carbon capture and the beneficial impacts of building with wood. We appreciate the support of state officials, local community leaders in Glenwood and El Dorado, and many other stakeholders who warmly welcomed us into their communities.”