J.D. Irving, Limited’s Ashland Sawmill in northern Maine is celebrating a decade in operation. Since opening, the mill continues to significantly contribute to the local economy in Nashville Plantation, Maine, with a demonstrated commitment to sustainable growth and development.

The sawmill was rebuilt in 2014 to align its operations with the region’s younger, growing forest, strategically integrating with nearby Irving Woodlands operations. Today, the mill has achieved the milestone of producing over one billion FBM (foot, board measure) of gross sawmill production. This output is the equivalent of providing material for approximately 80,000 homes – about 10 per cent of Maine’s total home inventory. 

During the initial construction phase, the project engaged more than 84 Maine businesses to provide more than $17 million worth of goods and services and employed more than 50 construction workers. The mill now employs over 100 people. This total includes 20 members of the original 2014 team, whose valuable insights and experience have helped shape the current workforce and will continue to contribute to the growth and development of future employees.

Over the last ten years, the mill has processed over 3.6 million metric tonnes of log material, bolstering the local economy and housing sector.

As a supplier to Irving Pulp & Paper, the Ashland Sawmill also plays a role in ensuring a consistent supply of woodchips for pulp, which provides essential material for our tissue business. In total, 40 per cent of the logs processed at the Ashland Sawmill are transformed into this essential material.

Interested in being a part of Ashland Sawmill’s next chapter? Career opportunities are posted at https://careers.jdirving.com.