South Bend, WA - U.S. Rep. Brian Baird will get a first-hand view of a local lumber mill on Thursday, August 7 with a tour of Willapa Bay Hardwoods (WBH).  During the visit, Baird will meet with WBH Board members, Pacific County and Port of Willapa Commissioners and Washington State Department of Community Trade and Economic Development (CTED) representatives to discuss the firm’s plans for development in the bay region. WBH currently employs over 25 workers in the Raymond - South Bend area. 

WBH is a combination of employees from the former Pacific Hardwoods Company (PHC) and community and local business leaders who joined together and acquired the PHC sawmill.  In early 2002, Baird assisted WBH in securing a loan through Shorebank Enterprises and the State of Washington, providing sufficient capital to purchase the remaining PHC assets and begin operations.  WBH has recently undertaken a successful re-financing of their loan with the assistance of SCTED.  Officials from SCTED will be on hand at Thursday’s event to present WBH with a check for their new loan, totaling $800,000, which includes an additional $300,000 on top of the original loan secured in 2002.  These funds will allow WBH to repair aging equipment and take inventory of logs stored in their facilities.

WBH produces a mix of furniture, Alder and pallet stock lumber as well as wood chips. They have recently partnered with Cascade Hardwoods in Chehalis to operate a number of kilns on their property, allowing them to expand the market for their goods and explore new production options.  Once they have secured their new loan, WBH looks to complete the improvements to their facilities, allowing them to reach production goals.  They are also seeking additional funds to make major long-term site improvements to the log yard. 

“WBH is an example of local community and business leaders coming together to keep jobs in Pacific county and provide a quality product to the public,” said Rep. Baird.  “I am glad I could help them secure their initial loan and it is great to hear their plans for expansion.”

What:  Baird to tour Willapa Bay Hardwoods

When:  Thursday, August 7
  10:30 - 11:45 am

Where: Willapa Bay Hardwoods
  Port of Willapa - South Fork 
  1725 Ocean Ave

Visual:  Baird with WBH executives and representatives from CTED - they will present WBH with a check for $800,000 during the event

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