Weyerhaeuser Company announced Friday that it plans to sell the assets of Wimer Logging, a move that directly impacts 81 jobs in Albany, Dallas and Sweet Home.
A company spokesperson said Weyerhaeuser hopes to help those employees move into positions with independent logging contractors currently working for Weyerhaeuser.
“We’re doing all we can to provide a smooth transition for Wimer employees,” said Rich Wininger, Weyerhaeuser’s director of operations for Western Timberlands. “We’re talking to our logging contractors right now, trying to find buyers for the assets and discussing how Wimer employees might be considered for positions with contractors. We expect some job losses but it’s too early to estimate the impacts.”
Wimer Logging Company had operated as a closely held subsidiary of Willamette Industries since 1967. Weyerhaeuser acquired Wimer in February as part of its purchase of Willamette Industries. Wininger said the decision to sell the logging assets comes as managers from both Weyerhaeuser and Willamette continue to integrate the two companies.
“The challenge is to join Willamette and Weyerhaeuser in ways that maximize our strengths and minimize costs and better serve our customers,” Wininger said. “Both companies have found it to be cost-effective to contract out certain logging operations. This decision allows us to contract for logging services when and where we need them.”
Wininger said employees will continue to work for Wimer for 60 days.
Weyerhaeuser utilizes both company and independent contractors throughout its operation.