• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Digital News Updates
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business

R-Y Timber reopening under new name

December 18, 2023

Livingston is experiencing a resurgence in employment opportunities following Sun Mountain Lumber’s recent acquisition of R-Y Timber. The wood manufacturer, based in Deer Lodge, successfully finalized the purchase in early November and has been diligently working to reopen the plant.

On December 4, the plant achieved a significant milestone by restarting the sawmill equipment, signaling progress in overcoming the setbacks caused by two separate fires that inflicted considerable damage to the mill and planer within a few months, leading to the initial closure.

When the mill initially announced its closure last winter, a commitment was made to retain employees for as long as possible, processing remaining wood. Layoffs were to be implemented based on seniority in phases. Despite the challenges, many employees persevered throughout the year to contribute to the reopening efforts, as highlighted by Dee Brown, the new plant manager.

Brown acknowledged the significant achievement of the employees, noting the dedication and effort invested in restarting operations. The joy and satisfaction were palpable among the workforce as they witnessed the plant come back to life. Abram Ziegler, who retained his position as head grader, emphasized the collaborative effort and quick progress made in the year-long journey to revitalize the plant.

The plant, which typically employs 70-75 people, extended job offers to all previous employees, with approximately 40 individuals currently back to work since the reopening commenced. The company is actively seeking to expand its workforce and is open to hiring individuals with no prior experience.

Highlighting the economic impact of the mill on the Livingston community, Brown emphasized that the reopening ensures a continuous flow of millions of dollars into the local economy. The processed wood from the mill reaches as far as Texas, underlining the significance of the plant’s operations in sustaining economic vitality in the region.R-Y Timber reopening under new name.

By: Montana Newsroom staff

Filed Under: Business, Featured, Home Featured

Related Articles:

  • Poll: College not preparing students for workforce, managers avoid hiring them
  • Stock Market Rides Wave of Tech Gains and Trade Hopes Amid Weekly Swings
  • Clearwater Properties Honors Top-Producing Agents of 2024 Across the Mountain West
  • Bridger Aerospace Lands Record-Breaking Wildfire Contracts for Super Scooper Aircraft
  • Bridger Aerospace Inks $46 Million Sale-Leaseback Deal t
  • Daktronics to Participate in Craig-Hallum’s 22nd Annual Institutional Investor Conference

Primary Sidebar

Digital News Updates Logo

Recent News Posts

  • Zinke Nominates 15 Western Montana Projects for Federal Funding Totaling $64.6 Million
  • Wyoming DEQ Releases 2024 State of the Environment Report
  • Brown Announces New Executive Leadership Appointments in Auditor’s Office
  • Commerce Awards $23.7 Million in Coal Endowment Grants to 39 Communities

Recent Politics Posts

  • Little Appoints Brendon Taylor as District Judge for Idaho Seventh Judicial District
  • Daines, Zinke Lead Bipartisan Effort to Combat Drug Trafficking in Tribal Communities
  • Sheehy’s Bipartisan Wildfire Bill Heads to President Trump’s Desk
  • Knudsen Praises SCOTUS Unanimous Ruling for U.S. Gun Manufacturers

Recent Business Posts

  • Clearwater Properties Honors Top-Producing Agents of 2024 Across the Mountain West
  • Bridger Aerospace Inks $46 Million Sale-Leaseback Deal t
  • Stock Market Rides Wave of Tech Gains and Trade Hopes Amid Weekly Swings
  • Poll: College not preparing students for workforce, managers avoid hiring them

Copyright © 2025 Digital News Updates, All Rights Reserved.