RUSTON, La. — Hunt Forest Products ceased operations at its hardwood sawmill in Olla, Louisiana, on June 19. The closure impacted approximately 30 employees.
According to KALB5, company president Richie LeBlanc issued a statement, said, saying that closing the mill was a difficult decision. “In the end, business conditions, the decline in hardwood lumber pricing and market demand and the small size of the Olla mill combined to create serious concerns about the long-term sustainability of the facility. This was a business decision and not related to individual performance.”
Hunt Forest Products is encouraging Olla mill employees to apply for open positions within the company if they are qualified. The company is also offering outplacement assistant such as resume support and job search assistance.
According to Hunt Forest Products’ Olla mill produced 11 million feet of green hardwood lumber annually.