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Patrick Lumber Co. (PLC), a century-old lumber wholesaler, is expanding into hardwoods and already pushing the industry standard.
Last summer, PLC added Patrick Hardwoods to its portfolio of businesses, coinciding with the opening of a new hardwood mill in Philomath, Or. The company manufactures a wide range of specialty hardwoods, including bigleaf maple, golden chinquapin and an innovative longer-length alder, exceeding the industry’s typical 12-foot standard.
“There’s a perception in the market that alder doesn’t grow tall enough to produce longer lengths,” said Chelsea Zuccato, PLC’s vice president of sales and marketing. “With the right supplier partnerships and a focused investment in our hardwood mill, we’re able to produce 16-ft. alder that meets the performance and appearance standards our customers expect.”
PLC’s team of traders has seen an immediate market response following the introduction of the longer-length alder. Available in both clear and knotty grades, the innovative product offers improved design flexibility and manufacturing efficiency while maintaining the warm tone and workability that make alder popular for applications such as doors, millwork, flooring and furniture. Established millwork operations and regional distribution centers have already begun stocking the product, citing supply consistency and grade quality as the deciding factors.
The 111-year-old company is one of America’s earliest lumber trading firms and an intermediary wholesaler in the lumber supply chain. In 2016, PLC established Patrick Lumber Manufacturing to complement its long-standing role as a wholesale lumber trader. The addition of a new hardwood mill and its 16-foot alder production further reflects PLC’s broader strategy of leaning into specialty, high-quality products, while reinforcing its role as a trusted partner to distributors and manufacturers seeking specialized solutions. As the Pacific Northwest's most abundant commercial hardwood, longer-length alder presents significant runway for growth.
Founded in 1915, Patrick Lumber Co. is a leading manufacturer and global supplier of specialty softwood and hardwood products. Headquartered in Philomath, Or., the company is built on generations of lumber wholesaling expertise and long-standing partnerships with landowners and log suppliers committed to sustainable forestry. Guided by a people-first culture, Patrick Lumber Co. manufactures and delivers innovative, high-grade wood solutions through its family of businesses, including Patrick Lumber Manufacturing, Patrick Hardwoods, and Wood Source.
