Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Deerwood, Minn. (AP)

Lumber plant closes, housing market to blame

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

The Weyerhaeuser Co. plant in Deerwood, located about 20 miles northwest of Brainerd, employs 158 people. They were notified about the closing Thursday.

Company officials said the plant will close sometime before the end of the year. It will remain shut down unless an upturn in the housing market leads to increases in customer demand, said company spokeswoman Nancy Thompson.

"We are not interested in selling the business and its proprietary aspects. We are keeping the property," Thompson said.

The closure comes the year after officials made production cutbacks. The company will also close down production at two plants in Canada, officials said.

Weyerhaeuser, which is based in Federal Way, Wash., is providing employees with severance pay, job-transition services and counseling.

"These difficult decisions are not a reflection on the hard work of our employees," said Steven R. Rogel, the company's chief executive officer. "They are the result of today's challenging business environment, and part of an ongoing effort to strengthen Weyerhaeuser's overall portfolio to enhance shareholder value."