Philomath, OREGON – Patrick Hardwoods, a subsidiary of Patrick Lumber Company, is off and running, the new sawmill approaching its first anniversary of being operational.

Patrick Lumber Company serves a broad range of markets, with a strong presence in the molding and millwork sectors – lumber products for cabinetry, flooring and case goods manufacturing. The company primarily sells to distributors and manufacturers. Lower-grade and green lumber products typically are supplied for pallet and crate manufacturing.

The company is one of America’s earliest lumber trading firms and an intermediary wholesaler in the lumber supply chain. Founded in 1915, Patrick Lumber has long been based in Portland. The company relocated after purchasing the former Mary’s River Lumber Co. property near Philomath in 2016 although it maintains an office in Portland.

It operates several subsidiaries: Wood Source, established in Colorado in 2000; Patrick Lumber Manufacturing, established in Philomath in 2016; and Patrick Hardwoods, in 2025. Together they employ more than 100 people and support a diverse portfolio of lumber manufacturing and distribution services.

Patrick Lumber entered the hardwood sector to pursue niche market opportunities for underutilized West Coast hardwood species. The company’s broader goal is to create new markets and add value for underutilized hardwood species in Oregon. The strategic move also aligns with the company’s established trading relationships with hardwood distributors and end users, enabling it to expand its product offerings and market reach.

The Patrick Lumber Manufacturing mill initially began operating as a remanufacturer with drying capability, processing a diverse mix of wood species, including alder, bigleaf maple, Oregon white oak, Oregon myrtle, madrone and tan oak. It manufactures a range of specialty lumber products and maintains a consistent operating schedule aligned with production demand.

Patrick Lumber Company secured two $1 million federal grants; combined with matching and leveraged funds, the grants helped pay to develop the new hardwood mill. A key focus of the project was equipping the mill with refurbished and repurposed machinery, much of which was acquired at auction.

The new hardwood mill, which began operating last summer, is situated on about 12 acres just a few hundred yards from the Patrick Lumber Manufacturing mill. It is a single building with 15,000 square feet and employs 10 people working one shift, supported by additional staff.

Patrick Hardwoods processes species such as alder, Oregon white oak, bigleaf maple and Oregon myrtle. Logs are sourced through a network of log brokers, timber companies, and independent logging contractors. The company does not employ its own logging crews, instead relying on contractor-supplied logs.

The mill specializes in producing high-quality red alder lumber, particularly long-length (14-16 feet) and wide-width (8-12 inches) products that are not widely available from other hardwood producers. The company distinguishes itself through its ability to accommodate custom-cut orders, including specialty widths and extended lengths ranging from 6 to 20 feet and widths from 4 to 26 inches.

Cants are sawn on a Powell 8-inch gang-edger.

The company’s traders have seen an immediate market response following the introduction of the longer-length alder. Available in both clear and knotty grades, the innovative product offers improved design flexibility and manufacturing efficiency while maintaining the warm tone and workability that make alder popular for applications such as doors, millwork, flooring and furniture.

Most products are sold kiln-dried with a smaller portion sold green. Drying operations are conducted on-site at nearby Patrick Lumber Manufacturing, which operates seven kilns — two Wellons track kilns, which are the newest, and six dehumidification kilns — with a combined capacity of approximately 400,000 board feet. The dehumidification kilns include one Nyle unit, two Uraken kilns, and three custom kilns.

The new mill was developed in a collaboration with multiple engineers as well as experienced staff with decades of sawmill experience to design an efficient layout. Wherever possible, the company prioritized working with Pacific Northwest-based contractors and suppliers in order to support the regional economy. Construction began in August 2024 and was completed in August 2025.

The startup progressed rapidly, with fewer modifications needed than initially anticipated. An experienced workforce helped ensure a smooth transition into full operation.

Logs arrive at the mill cut-to-length and pre-sorted. They are stacked and sorted in the yard and placed on the mill infeed deck with a Komatsu loader. They are sawn with a Salem band mill and a three-knee carriage. Flitches are processed on a Brewco two-saw board edger, and cants are sawn on a Powell 8-inch gang-edger. A waste conveyance system collects all chips and sawdust.

After trimming the lumber is transferred to Patrick Lumber Manufacturing to be kiln-dried and graded.

Worker feeds flitches to a Brewco two-saw board edger.

Residual materials – chips and sawdust – are supplied to markets for manufacturing paper and fuel pellets.

Most conveyor and material handling equipment, like the main machine centers, was purchased at auction and refurbished on-site.

“The company is enthusiastic about the opportunity to create value for underutilized Oregon hardwood species, benefiting landowners, loggers, producers and manufacturers alike,” said Kevin Murphree, Patrick Hardwoods mill manager, who wears additional hats as the company’s log buyer as well as maintenance manager for both Patrick Hardwoods and Patrick Lumber Manufacturing. “Looking ahead, Patrick Hardwoods plans to continue investing in technological improvements while expanding its hardwood division to support long-term growth.”

Patrick Lumber Company offers a competitive employee benefits package and maintains a strong commitment to workplace safety with daily, weekly and monthly safety training programs.

The company is actively involved in several regional and national industry organizations: the Portland Wholesale Lumber Association, Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association, National Hardwood Lumber Association, North American Wholesale Lumber Association, and the Softwood Export Council.

In June the Patrick Hardwoods board of directors unanimously elected Mark Gray as president. Gray, who holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in economics and finance from Gonzaga University, joined Patrick Lumber in 2013 and has held a range of leadership positions across the company’s trading and manufacturing operations. He most recently served as vice president of Patrick Lumber Manufacturing and on the board of directors for Patrick Lumber Company, Patrick Lumber Manufacturing, and Patrick Hardwoods. Gray was central to the formation of Patrick Hardwoods and the expansion into premium local hardwoods.

“Patrick Lumber Company has built something remarkable over 111 years, and I believe Patrick Hardwoods is on the same path,” said Gray. “The Pacific Northwest produces extraordinary hardwoods, many of which you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a privilege to help build the Patrick Hardwoods legacy and bring these products to our customers.”