Ilim Timber Industry has taken a next step in its strategy to become an industrial global leader in sawmilling by agreeing to acquire North American lumber producer Tolleson Lumber Company.
The addition will increase Ilim’s global production capacity to beyond 3.9 million m³ and broadens the product scope to include southern yellow pine.
Ilim said it was committed to support Tolleson’s strategy to acquire additional capacity in North America beyond its two existing mills.
“Tolleson’s reputation in the industry and management’s solid vision for future development became the key decision factors for us in choosing this company in North America,” said Boris Zingarevich, Ilim board chairman. “Tolleson will become a cornerstone for further expansion in the US which is a part of our business strategy.”
Ilim said the Tolleson team had implemented a unique management system which had enabled the company to lead the industry in terms of efficiency and to generate positive results throughout the recent downturn.
“We are very impressed with Ilim Timber’s global vision and want to be an integral part of that vision,” said Rusty Wood, CEO of Tolleson.
“Their confidence in the Tolleson management team, to lead in the acquisition of mills in the US and to increase the Tolleson brand, has our team very excited about the future,” he said.
Last year Ilim completed the purchase of the Wismar and Landsberg sawmills from Klausner Timber.
