Weyerhaeuser is closing an engineered lumber plant permanently.

The Trus Joist plant in Junction City, which produces laminated veneer lumber, will shut by the end of 2003. Weyerhaeuser said the closure was necessary to achieve greater operational efficiency and reduce costs in its engineered lumber manufacturing business.

The decision means 90 jobs will be created at Trus Joist facilities in Eugene and Stayton, with the 128 staff at Junction City able to apply for the positions. Some equipment will also be transferred.