Iron Mountain modernization and new transload facility will more than double annual lumber production and strengthen Canfor’s Arkansas manufacturing hub.
EL DORADO, Arkansas — October 28, 2026 — Canfor Southern Pine is investing approximately $96 million in its Iron Mountain facility in El Dorado, Arkansas, to modernize lumber manufacturing, expand shipping capabilities and strengthen its regional operations. The projects will create approximately 75 additional jobs at the facility and in logistics.
The investment includes a two-phase mill modernization and a new shipping transload facility serving both Iron Mountain and Canfor’s nearby Urbana Sawmill. Together, the improvements will more than double Iron Mountain’s annual net production to approximately 220 million board feet while expanding access to customers across North America.
Iron Mountain Sawmill Modernization Nears Completion
The first phase of the modernization project, which upgraded Iron Mountain’s planer, was completed in the second quarter of 2025. The second phase will modernize and expand the facility’s sawmill and log yard operations, with completion expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Canfor also constructed a shipping transload facility at Iron Mountain earlier in 2026. The facility allows lumber to move between trucks and rail cars, improving shipping efficiency and supporting coordination between the company’s Arkansas mills.
“This investment marks an important step in strengthening our Iron Mountain operation and our broader regional hub in Arkansas,” said Lee Goodloe, president of Canfor Southern Pine. “By modernizing the facility and expanding its capacity, we’re building a more integrated manufacturing network that allows us to operate more efficiently and deliver greater value to our customers. With more than $400 million invested in Union County since 2015, we remain deeply committed to Arkansas and to the people and communities who make our success possible. We are grateful to the Arkansas Department of Commerce for its continued support.”
Arkansas Investment Expands Forestry Industry Employment
Following completion of the modernization project, Iron Mountain will directly employ approximately 150 full-time employees. The investment will strengthen Canfor’s manufacturing capacity while creating additional employment opportunities in Union County.
Governor Sanders welcomed the company’s continued investment, highlighting forestry’s role in Arkansas agriculture and the value of modern equipment and new workforce opportunities.
“Canfor Southern Pine has been a valued part of our state’s timber industry, and we are proud that the company is growing in Union County,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “This expansion would not have been possible without a great business environment and the local leadership in El Dorado and Union County. In the years to come, Canfor’s expansion will deliver new opportunities that will help the company, El Dorado, Union County, and the State of Arkansas thrive.”
Union County Judge Mike Loftin said the investment and additional jobs will provide opportunities for local workers and strengthen the county’s economy. Steven Jones, president and CEO of the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce, also welcomed the expansion, citing Canfor’s commitment to the community and the work of the Iron Mountain team.
El Dorado Facility Strengthens Regional Manufacturing Hub
Iron Mountain became part of Canfor in August 2024 through the acquisition of Arkansas Resolute El Dorado Inc. The facility produces Southern Yellow Pine dimensional lumber.
Together with Canfor’s Urbana Sawmill and El Dorado Laminating Plant, Iron Mountain forms a regional manufacturing hub designed to maximize fiber utilization, improve product flow and extend market reach across North America.
The modernization and logistics investments will strengthen integration across these operations, supporting long-term growth and competitiveness.
About Canfor
Canfor manufactures high-value, low-carbon forest products, including dimension and specialty lumber, engineered wood products, pulp and paper, wood pellets and green energy. Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, the company operates more than 50 facilities across Canada, the United States and Europe and produces renewable products from sustainably managed forests.
Canfor holds a 77% stake in Vida AB, Sweden’s largest privately owned sawmill company. Its shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol CFP. Learn more at canfor.com.
About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission, a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce, works with businesses and communities to create economic opportunities throughout the state. Learn more at ArkansasEDC.com.
