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Marks Lumber, a family-owned sawmill in Clancy, Mt., has announced plans to wind down operations and close in 2027 after more than 75 years in business.
Owner Steve Marks, who has spent 37 years with the company, cited a combination of retirement plans, rising operating costs, workforce challenges, and uncertainty surrounding timber supply as factors behind the decision. The mill specializes in specialty timbers, rough-sawn lumber, circle-sawn flooring, and custom framing products.
The company will stop accepting orders for special cuts on Oct. 20 and cease sawing operations on Nov. 6. Most employees are expected to remain through November, after which the business will operate by selling existing inventory. Marks expects remaining stock products to be sold through 2027.
Marks said ongoing litigation involving federal timber sales has complicated access to future log supplies, making it difficult to maintain staffing without certainty about available timber. He also noted the challenges of recruiting workers and managing increasing operating expenses.
As the business winds down, Marks has received inquiries about equipment including its biofuel-powered dry kiln, band mill, and bark-sorting plant, and expressed hope that another operator may continue utilizing the facility’s assets in the future.
