AHF Products, the leading manufacturer of hard surface flooring in the U.S., has finalized an agreement to acquire two prominent sawmills in West Virginia, a move aimed at bolstering its lumber supply for its solid wood flooring manufacturing facility in Beverly, West Virginia.
The deal involves the acquisition of assets related to Allegheny Wood Products' (AWP) sawmills situated in Smoot, Greenbrier County, and Norton, Randolph County.
AHF President & CEO Brian Carson expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, deeming it a strategic investment crucial for maintaining a stable lumber supply for the Beverly plant. Carson emphasized the significance of this move for both customers and employees, ensuring continuity in the supply of hardwood flooring.
The acquisition is set to preserve approximately 80 jobs at the two mills, originally slated for closure by the end of March. Additionally, it is projected to generate twice as many new job opportunities for loggers, truckers, and suppliers in the region.
Given the substantial decline in Eastern hardwood lumber supply – currently at 65% of pre-pandemic levels and 40% of those before 2007 – AHF's acquisition of the two sawmills is pivotal. It effectively compensates for the impending loss of lumber supply due to AWP's closure and secures a consistent supply chain for AHF customers. Together, these mills are anticipated to yield an annual supply of 25 million board feet.
According to Jake Loftis, AHF's Chief Operating Officer, the acquisition grants the company direct access to high-quality timber, which will cover over 20% of the flooring production's required supply at full capacity. With AWP previously contributing 12% of the total supply at its peak, AHF has successfully replenished the lost supply.
Loftis expressed optimism about the acquisition's potential to positively impact both the workforce and local communities. He views it as a pivotal step in ensuring AHF's continued success, characterizing the move as a win-win situation for all stakeholders involved.
