PLAIN DEALING, La. -- A lumber mill in Plain Dealing has been acquired by a Tokyo-based company.
Sumitomo Forestry Co. said it became the majority owner of Teal Jones Louisiana Holdings on Tuesday, enabling it to launch its first timber industrial complex in the U.S.
"This investment is highly impactful for our region — supporting jobs, sustainability, and long-term growth. We're proud to welcome this global leader to NWLA," North Louisiana Economic Development said in a social media post.
In addition to providing lumber and other materials for residential house construction, the mill will consider mass manufacturing of timber to maximize the use of logs to nothing goes to waste.
"Harnessing the synergy effect with our existing US operations in residential property development, real estate development and FITP, we are aiming to further grow our businesses in the US," the company said in a news release.
The lumber mill is spread over 240 acres and receives enough logs and materials equivalent to building about 14,000 homes a year. Sumitomo plans to use about 100 acres of unused land on site to sell mass timber and wood products in preparation for future increased demand.
"We are also considering processing wood chips and lumber residue generated from the manufacturing process into biomass power generation fuel, biorefineries and other. With the launch of a timber industrial complex in the US, we are seeking to maximize the value of wood through the cascading utilization of wood," the company said.
The plant is located in an area where Sumitomo Forestry is actively expanding its housing operations. The plant’s sales region includes Dallas, where demand for wood products in Texas is especially high.
Sumitomo also plans to increase the number of plants in the U.S. from the 10 plants to 15 by 2027. DRB and Bloomfield, two of the four builders that develop residential properties in Texas, supply around 40% of 11,267 units which Sumitomo Forestry Group had sold in 2024.
"Our real estate development operations are handled by JPI, which is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Leveraging its advantageous location in an area of high demand for our existing businesses, we will supply wood products for our housing operations and real estate development operations through our FITP operations. These synergies with our existing businesses will help us further expand our operations in the US market. With a comprehensive supply chain that encompasses raw material procurement, the manufacture and sale of wood products as well as the supply of housing, we are working to promote the Sumitomo Forestry Wood Cycle in United States, which is our value chain," the company said.
Sumitomo Forestry has acquired Teal Jones Louisiana Holdings, including operations in Plain Dealing, marking a major step toward establishing their first U.S. timber industrial complex. T