Moulding and millwor manufacturer builds on century-old heritage

If fHeN A GRoUP of investors

V Y decided to open a new moulding and millwork enterprise in Buckhannon, W.V., they agreed to use the name of a company established in McCloud. Ca., in 1897.

"The McCloud River Lumber Co. fit the bill perfectly," says Jason Rohr, who is one of the investors and serves as president. "We originally considered starting a new business for this venture, but decided to revive an old company with a rich history and heritage instead."

The original company got its start in 1897, when George W. Scott and William Van Arsdale bought a failed mill in McCloud, Ca. The company was sold to U.S. Plywood in 1963, which sold it to Champion International two years later. P&M Cedar Products, Stockton, Ca., entered the picture in 1980, but closed the mill for good in2002.

The new company manufactures crown moulding, casing, and other wood products from locally harvested Appalachian hardwoods.

"The CNC machines we use are Compucarve Version C's," says Rohr. "They are factory-modified so they can produce moulding up to 16' long, even though our standard moulding is typically produced in 8' lengths. We also produce traditionalstyle moulding with our Woodmaster Model 725 machines."

Although a nearby sawmill currently processes the rough lumber, McCloud Lumber plans to eventually set up its own mill. The company is also setting up its own distributor program.

"Our goal is to make our product easily available to anyone who wants to market it, without breaking the bank," explains Rohr. "We are offering distributorships in three different levels, all designed to fit into the budget. sales. and marketing operations of everyone from big national wholesalers to small local retailers."

As for the future, Rohr foresees nothing but possibilities. "I would really like to see this old company do things its original founders never even dreamed possible," he says. "Who knows, maybe we will even take this old girl back home someday."