Sponsor Spotlight

Sierra Pacific Industries

Continuing a Proud Forest Products

Legacy with 21st Century Advanced Manufacturing

Shelton’s working waterfront proudly houses a 21st century manufacturing facility that produces high-quality lumber products that have been a hallmark of Mason County for over one hundred years. Sierra Pacific Industries’ Shelton Division, boasts one of the highest tech lumber facilities in the nation.

The mill, which produces framing lumber for construction, uses lasers, scanners, cameras and even artificial intelligence to efficiently use as much of the incoming wood as possible. “If you went back to the mid-1900s there are studies that show between 30-50% of the fiber was not utilized. We are proud to say that virtually every fleck of sawdust is used in our process or sold as a byproduct,” according to Lisa Perry, Community Relations Manager for Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI).

Due to the high-tech machinery, some mistakenly think there aren’t many jobs associated with the mill, but SPI currently employs 300+ on the site and are looking to expand. “There are plenty of jobs, many are just more high-tech, utilizing people to run, troubleshoot, or maintain the machines, rather than doing the heavy lifting,” explained Perry. She continued, “SPI is known for on-the-job training and promotion, so it’s been exciting to watch people move up within the ranks with all of the new opportunity.”

Today’s working waterfronts, especially those that include high-tech manufacturing contribute to the community with jobs, direct and indirect wages, taxes and updated environmental systems that protect the shoreline, water and air.The mill still offers many job opportunities. Those that are interested can visit the website at www.spi-ind. com. SPI is proud to be a sponsor of the 2023 Forest Festival.