Timberlab Breaks Ground on State-of-the-Art CLT Facility in Oregon

Portland, OR (February 28, 2025) -- Timberlab Inc. (Timberlab), a subsidiary of Swinerton Incorporated (Swinerton) and leading national provider of holistic mass timber systems, has teamed up with Swinerton Builders, Lindgren Development, LEVER Architecture and other project partners to design and build a 190,000-square-foot world-class cross-laminated timber (CLT) manufacturing facility. This facility will be one of the largest CLT production sites in the United States.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on February 27 in Millersburg, OR, was marked with a community celebration. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, representatives from Senator Merkley’s office, state Representative Shelly Boshart Davis, Mayor Scott Cowan and other government and industry agencies attended the ceremony highlighting Oregon’s commitment to advancing mass timber supply, manufacturing and construction as a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials, like concrete and structural steel.

“Today’s groundbreaking marks an exciting step forward in the growth of Oregon’s mass timber industry – a revolutionary technology key to our shared goal of building a sustainable, low-carbon future,” shares Governor Tina Kotek. “Companies like Timberlab have capitalized on the opportunity to reduce their impact on the natural environment here in Oregon. The introduction of a new facility in Millersburg will expand the supply chain for mass timber, bolstering our regional economy and helping make sure that mass timber is accessible for more construction projects.”

The manufacturing facility will be built with glue-laminated timber (GLT) produced at Timberlab’s other Oregon facilities using locally harvested timber. A Wood Innovations Grant from the USDA Forest Service supports the design of this full-mass timber building. Timberlab has sourced top-tier equipment for advanced timber and wood processing. Kallesoe is providing a complete CLT processing line, including an automated feeding system, high-speed cross-cut saws, and a top-of-the-line finger-jointing system. The facility and its cutting-edge equipment will revolutionize the timber industry by delivering a superior product.

Chris Evans, Timberlab president, shares, “This facility groundbreaking is happening at a pivotal moment. Over the last 18 months, Oregon mills have been closing and jobs have been lost.” The firm is committed to investing in rural economies, as proven by its investment in two GLT facilities and a sawmill and planing mill, all in rural Oregon. Evans further explained the growth of mass timber construction, “Right now, we’ve seen 11 years of growth in mass timber representing 11 million board feet of product across the nation. In 15 years, it's expected to be 3.5 billion board feet. This type of growth doesn’t happen on its own; it happens with vision and investment.”

Slated for completion by the end of 2026, the facility, designed by LEVER Architecture and constructed by Swinerton Builders, will produce 7 to 9 million square feet of CLT annually. It is anticipated that 100 direct living wage jobs will be created at full capacity, along with countless indirect jobs. This project will
contribute to the region’s economic development and cultivate a skilled workforce dedicated to advancing sustainable construction practices.

“To the future employees of this facility–you will be a part of something truly special, said State Representative Shelly Boshart Davis. “Not just this company, not just this community, your work will contribute to a more sustainable future, and you’ll be developing increasingly valuable skills that will lay the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Oregon.”

Situated in the Pacific Northwest’s designated Mass Timber Technology Hub, recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) in 2023, the facility is strategically positioned to foster innovation. Timberlab and Swinerton are actively collaborating with leading academic research programs at Oregon State University, the University of Oregon, and the Tall Wood Design Institute. These partnerships will leverage local resources to drive advancements and establish Timberlab, Swinerton and the State of Oregon as leaders in mass timber construction. “Oregon’s timber industry has long been a cornerstone to our state’s identity. While the landscape has changed, this facility represents a new chapter. One where sustainability and economic strength work together,” says Senator Jeff Merkley in a prepared statement. “By building with mass timber, we’re not only supporting local economies but fighting climate chaos and promoting renewable resources.”

Swinerton, through its subsidiary Swinerton Builders, has been at the forefront of mass timber construction since 2014, continuously pushing industry boundaries through advancements in structural design, engineering, and material procurement. In 2020, Swinerton’s dedication to sustainability and innovation led to the opening of its first mass timber fabrication facility in Portland, OR, and the formal launch of Timberlab in 2021. In 2023, as the demand for mass timber construction grew across the U.S., Timberlab expanded its operations by opening an East Coast mass timber fabrication facility in Greenville, SC. In 2024, the company further expanded by acquiring GLT facilities in Swisshome and Drain, OR, as well as a sawmill and planing mill in Philomath, OR. The progression into manufacturing aligns seamlessly with the strategic visions and missions of Swinerton and Timberlab.