Automation and new buyers could help the Pyramid thrive

Local leaders and prospective buyers are exploring options to keep Pyramid Mountain Lumber running in Missoula, Montana. The lumber mill, which has been family-owned since 1949, announced plans to close its doors on March 7, putting roughly 100 employees at risk of losing their jobs.

At a recent stakeholder meeting, Rep. Ryan Zinke and other leaders discussed potential solutions to save the mill, including federally-protected loans or forming a cooperative. One group, led by the Montana Farmers Union, is looking into establishing a cooperative model where employees, loggers, and timberland owners have a stake in the business.

The meeting, held at Missoula College, was closed to the public due to the presence of prospective buyers. The urgency to find a solution is pressing, as Pyramid Mountain Lumber needs to secure its future by May 15, according to company general manager Todd Johnson.

Missoula County Commissioner Josh Slotnick suggested a massive automation project for the mill, which would require an investment of $40 to $60 million. Slotnick proposed that the federal government could back any loan investments to lessen the financial burden on potential investors.

Meanwhile, efforts are also being made to support the 170 employees of Roseburg Forest Products, which is set to close its doors on May 22. Leaders are exploring ways to retrain and redistribute these workers to other industries in Montana.

Overall, the community is rallying together to find a solution to keep Pyramid Mountain Lumber operational and support the workers who rely on the mill for their livelihoods. The potential formation of a cooperative and federal backing for investments could be key factors in securing the future of the lumber mill and preserving jobs in the area.