Fairhurst Purchases Fortuna Sawmill

EAIRHURST LUMBER Company, pioneer of Northern I' California's Douglas fir production, has purchased the former Hansen Pacific sawmill properties in Fortuna, California, it has been announced by Jack Fairhurst, president.

"In spite of existing market conditions we have every confidence in the future strength of the industry and the growth of the community. It is our hope that the resumption of operations in Fortuna will contribute to the greater stabilization and economic benefit of the southern Humboldt community," Fairhurst stated.

The Fortuna sawmill has been inoperative since its shutdown in July, 1960.

Fairhurst, it is reported, was the first Douglas fir operator to come to Humboldt County and successfully convert Douglas fir there into a saleable and acceptable product. Fairhurst established the first tie and stud mill there. and was the first to produce and sell Douglas fir cross-arms, studs, ties and to export Douglas fir in quantity from Humboldt Bay.

The firm will start at once to cold deck logs at the mill for winter operations and plans to start logging some of its timber immediately. A substantial log supply will be bought on the open market to insure a full winter's operation. Price lists are being mailed to all loggers throughout Northern California. First logs were received on August 21.

The sawmill will probably commence operations on a two-shift basis in October. In the meantime applications for employment are being received at the company office located at the sawmill site. Former employees and local residents are being given first consideration.

It is expected that the company will employ approximately 160 people on its direct payroll and will create in- direct employment for approximately 500 more.

Fairhuist will move its general offices from Eureka to Fortuna. Its wholesale lumber, timber and other activities will be centralized in the Fortuna office.

The Fortuna sawmill is one of the most modern and efficient in California, with a daily capacity of 150,000 feet per shift. It was constructed in 1947 by Clarence McCready and Son. Hansen Pacific purchased the Property from McCready in 1952 and completed construction and improvements in 196O.

The outstanding feature of the Fortuna mill is its capacity to cut timbers an-d lumber, both Douglas fir and redwood, up to 60 feet long.

"We hope to capitalize on this feature as there is a steady demand for this unusual type of cutting," Fairhurst stated. It is said that there are few mills left on the Pacific Coast with capacity to cut longer than 40 feet.

The Fairhurst Lumber Company was organized 42 yearc ago in Tacoma, Washington, and in th_e ensuing yea.rs has c6nducted successful operations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California. It has been prominent in both the domestic and export lumber markets.

In addition to the Fortuna mill, Fairhurst operates a modern 100,000 capacity stud mill at Athena, Oregon,, and conducts its Oregon wiolesale operations from the Athena ofifice.

The offices of Fairhurst Lumber Company are: Jack Fairhurst, president; Stanley Fairhurst, vice president;^a1.d K. W. Blanchard, secretary. Harold Bratten Fortuna, California will act in an executive position with the company as plant manag'er.

BESSIB SAYS: "sinceritg is our aim. Our sen)ice stafis in sales and it is mA dutg to follou through uith proper accounting and billing. You can depend on our sincere efrort from START to FIN/SI/.,'