
Rendering of cross-laminated timber facility exterior.
Photo by LEVER Architecture.
Timberlab's world-class facility–constructed of mass
timber–is set to transform the timber industry and boost
Oregon's position in sustainable construction.
Timberlab Inc. (Timberlab), a subsidiary of Swinerton
Incorporated (Swinerton) and leading national provider of
holistic mass timber systems, has teamed up with Swinerton
Builders, Lindgren Development, LEVER Architecture and other
project partners to design and build a 190,000-square-foot
world-class cross-laminated timber (CLT) manufacturing facility.
This facility will be one of the largest CLT production sites in
the United States.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on February 27 in Millersburg,
OR, was marked with a community celebration. Oregon Governor
Tina Kotek, representatives from Senator Merkley's office, state
Representative Shelly Boshart Davis, Mayor Scott Cowan and other
government and industry agencies attended the ceremony
highlighting Oregon's commitment to advancing mass timber
supply, manufacturing and construction as a sustainable
alternative to traditional construction materials, like concrete
and structural steel.
"Today's groundbreaking marks an exciting step forward in the
growth of Oregon's mass timber industry – a revolutionary
technology key to our shared goal of building a sustainable,
low-carbon future," shares Governor Tina Kotek. "Companies like
Timberlab have capitalized on the opportunity to reduce their
impact on the natural environment here in Oregon. The
introduction of a new facility in Millersburg will expand the
supply chain for mass timber, bolstering our regional economy
and helping make sure that mass timber is accessible for more
construction projects."
The manufacturing facility will be built with glue-laminated
timber (GLT) produced at Timberlab's other Oregon facilities
using locally harvested timber. A Wood Innovations Grant from
the USDA Forest Service supports the design of this full-mass
timber building. Timberlab has sourced top-tier equipment for
advanced timber and wood processing. Kallesoe is providing a
complete CLT processing line, including an automated feeding
system, high-speed cross-cut saws and a top-of-the-line
finger-jointing system. The facility and its cutting-edge
equipment will revolutionize the timber industry by delivering a
superior product.
Chris Evans, Timberlab president, shares, "This facility
groundbreaking is happening at a pivotal moment. Over the last
18 months, Oregon mills have been closing and jobs have been
lost." The firm is committed to investing in rural economies, as
proven by its investment in two GLT facilities and a sawmill and
planing mill, all in rural Oregon. Evans further explained the
growth of mass timber construction, "Right now, we've seen 11
years of growth in mass timber representing 11 million board
feet of product across the nation. In 15 years, it's expected to
be 3.5 billion board feet. This type of growth doesn't happen on
its own; it happens with vision and investment."
Slated for completion by the end of 2026, the facility, designed
by LEVER Architecture and constructed by Swinerton Builders,
will produce 7 to 9 million square feet of CLT annually. It is
anticipated that 100 direct living wage jobs will be created at
full capacity, along with countless indirect jobs. This project
will contribute to the region's economic development and
cultivate a skilled workforce dedicated to advancing sustainable
construction practices.
"To the future employees of this facility–you will be a part of
something truly special, said State Representative Shelly
Boshart Davis. "Not just this company, not just this community,
your work will contribute to a more sustainable future, and
you'll be developing increasingly valuable skills that will lay
the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Oregon."
Situated in the Pacific Northwest's designated Mass Timber
Technology Hub, recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce's
Economic Development Administration (EDA) in 2023, the facility
is strategically positioned to foster innovation. Timberlab and
Swinerton are actively collaborating with leading academic
research programs at Oregon State University, the University of
Oregon, and the Tall Wood Design Institute. These partnerships
will leverage local resources to drive advancements and
establish Timberlab, Swinerton and the State of Oregon as
leaders in mass timber construction.
"Oregon's timber industry has long been a cornerstone to our
state's identity. While the landscape has changed, this facility
represents a new chapter. One where sustainability and economic
strength work together," says Senator Jeff Merkley in a prepared
statement. "By building with mass timber, we're not only
supporting local economies but fighting climate chaos and
promoting renewable resources."
Swinerton, through its subsidiary Swinerton Builders, has been
at the forefront of mass timber construction since 2014,
continuously pushing industry boundaries through advancements in
structural design, engineering and material procurement. In
2020, Swinerton's dedication to sustainability and innovation
led to the opening of its first mass timber fabrication facility
in Portland, OR, and the formal launch of Timberlab in 2021. In
2023, as the demand for mass timber construction grew across the
U.S., Timberlab expanded its operations by opening an East Coast
mass timber fabrication facility in Greenville, SC. In 2024, the
company further expanded by acquiring GLT facilities in
Swisshome and Drain, OR, as well as a sawmill and planing mill
in Philomath, OR. The progression into manufacturing aligns
seamlessly with the strategic visions and missions of Swinerton
and Timberlab.
About Timberlab
In 2021, recognizing a need to focus on mass timber, Swinerton
Incorporated (Swinerton) launched Timberlab, Inc. to be a
holistic provider of mass timber systems with in-house timber
engineering, procurement, fabrication and installation services
for construction projects across the United States. In 2024, to
further this goal, Timberlab, Inc. was reorganized, allowing for
an expansion and creation of Timberlab Laminators, LLC., to
focus on the manufacturing operations, while Timberlab, Inc.
continued to provide in-house engineering, procurement and
installation services. The mission of Timberlab is to accelerate
the mainstream adoption of mass timber in the U.S. commercial
construction market to benefit the planet and its people. For
more information, visit Timberlab.com.
About Swinerton
Swinerton Incorporated is a 100% employee-owned company
recognized nationally since 1888, comprised of Swinerton
Builders, Timberlab, Inc., SAK Builders, Inc. and Lindgren
Development Inc. Swinerton Builders provides commercial
construction, construction management, design-build, and self-
perform services throughout the United States. Timberlab is a
holistic provider of mass timber systems with in-house timber
engineering, procurement, fabrication and installation services
for construction projects. SAK Builders, Inc. offers Division 3
concrete services in the Pacific Northwest. Lindgren Development
is the project development, financing and ownership arm of
Swinerton Incorporated. For more information, visit:
https://swinerton.com/
Source: Timberlab