Bennett Forest Industries and Riley Creek Lumber plan to merge as of Sept. 1, the companies announced July 2. The combined company will operate Idaho lumber manufacturing plants in Chilco, Grangeville, Moyie Springs and Laclede – the Sandpoint-area town where Riley Creek is based. Bennett is based in Coeur d’Alene.
Scott Atkison is president of the combined company. Riley Creek Lumber owner Mark Brinkmeyer will serve as board chairman. Bennett Forest Industries owner Dick Bennett will serve on the board of directors.
Atkison said in a release that the companies had common core values and similar missions, including a commitment to investing in their facilities. The merger provides “a unique opportunity for building a strong lumber franchise which is better positioned for providing a higher level of service to our customers and employees,” he said.
Brinkmeyer said the company plans to take advantage of combined manufacturing and marketing capabilities.
Bennett said: “We have been in the lumber business for the past five decades, and although current operating conditions are about as tough as I have ever experienced, the opportunities in front of our combined companies have me as excited about our future as I can remember.”
Transaction details were not released.
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