Merger on Track for Short-Line Railroads

Genesee & Wyoming, Greenwich, Ct., agreed to acquire RailAmerica, Jacksonville, Fl., for $1.39 billion, combining North America's two largest short-line and regional rail operators.

When the deal closes in the fourth quarter, GWI will operate 108 railroads covering over 12,000 miles of track in 37 states, plus Canada, the Netherlands, Australia and Belgium.

"The acquisition of RailAmerica by GWI is a straightforward combination of two organizations with overlapping holding company structures and complementary railroad geogra- phies," said GWI c.e.o. Jack Hellmann. "The synergies between the companies are expected to be significant."

LOS

Lumberman's Club enjoyed its second barbecue of the summer, this time Aug. 11 at the Yorba Linda, Ca., home of Jim and Tracy Gaither, Specialized Milling, Fonlana, Ca. [1] Jim & Tracy Gaither, Dayna & Alan Arbiso. [2] Carl & Anellina Henoch, Dale Bohannon. [3] Walter & Joyce Ralston, Kit Rohm, Dan Bohannon. [4] Charley Bohnhoff, Dian & Walt Maas. [5] Randy & Marty Porter, Kevin Trantei.'

Malheur To Close Sawmill

Malheur Lumber Co., John Day, Or., has announced that it will shut down its sawmill and related departments Nov. 1 after 75 years of continuous operation.

The biomass facility-including pellet and wood brick manufacturing, chipper and log shaver-will continue to operate.

"We regret this action, but find we can no longer sustain our sawmill and planing operations without sufficient local timber from adjacent national forests," said Bruce Daucsavage, president of parent Ochoco Lumber, Prineville, Or. "We are infinitely saddened and frustrated by the circumstances that bring us to this decision."

Setzer Refocuses on MDF

Setzer Forest Products has mothballed its pine moulding facility in Oroville. Ca.. while increasing production by one-third at its MDF moulding plant in Sacramento, Ca.

Setzer stopped accepting orders for pine mouldings August 15.

Setzer has been producing millwork and other wood products since 1921

Depot Adds Western Support Center for Online Sales

Home Depot has opened a customer service and sales center in Ogden, Ut., to support its online business in the West.

The 85900-sq. ft. center currently employs more than 200, but intends to grow to nearly 700 employees by 2015.

A typical Home Depot stocks 30,000 to 40,000 products. Online customers have access to 300,000 products.

Previously, the retailer's only online customer service center was near its Atlanta, Ga., headquarters.

"The Ogden center will help us expand that customer support, not only with more people, but also give a West Coast presence in that time zone," said spokesman Stephen Holmes.

Bankruptcy Filing Protects Two Yards from Foreclosure

SFRP Group LLC-the company that leases the land to Astoria Builders Supply Co., Astoria, Or., and Gearhart Builders Supply Co., Gearhart, Or.-has filed to reorganize under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, averting foreclosure on the two

BuiHingrhoductrcom propenles.

SFRP is owned by Randy and Deborah Stemper, who also operate the two building supply yards.

Fire Levels Mary's River Mill

Mary's River Lumber, Corvallis, Or., lost its Montesano, Wa., sawmill in an Aug. 25 fire.

The planer, moulder, kilns, and inventory were not damaged, but the building was a complete loss.

"It's an absolutely sick feelingthis is a big part of our lives," said general manager Terry Smith. "We spend a lot of time here. It's virtually watching part of your home burn."

Firefighters managed to keep the fire confined to the sawmill building, leaving other portions of the operation-including the shipping department-untouched. "We'll figure it out, and we'll go on and we'll fix it," said Smith.

In the meantime, the loss of production will be made up at the company's other locations in Elma, Wa., and Philomath, Or. Established in 1974, Mary's River specializes in western red cedar.

No injuries were reported in the blaze.