Roseburg Forest Products has announced the shutdown of its Dillard particleboard plant. Wednesday’s announcement came after the company laid off employees at the plant earlier this month. In a press release, company officials announced plans for a multi-million-dollar investment into new technology at its western manufacturing operations. The move is part of the company’s strategic business opportunities that require restructuring. 179 employees will be laid off. Some operations will continue for up to 60 days. The company is working to help current team members find jobs within the organization. The Dillard plant has operated since 1965. Roseburg Forest Products also operates a softwood plywood plant in Coquille. Company Spokeswoman, Rebecca Taylor said the closure only affects the Dillard Composites plant. The company recently purchased over 18-thousand acres of timberland near Coquille to help feed that mill.
