WILLAMETTE PLYWOOD CORPORATION
Aumsville
continued from: Willamette Builders Supply Company
July 23, 1958: "Thieves attempted a burglary at the Willamette Plywood Corp., Aumsville, over the weekend, but failed to gain entry, the Marion County Sheriff's office reported Tuesday.
A window pane was broken and the window unlocked and raised but the thieves apparently did not enter, deputies said. They may have been frightened off by a watchman, officers conjectured." (The Capital Journal)
A window pane was broken and the window unlocked and raised but the thieves apparently did not enter, deputies said. They may have been frightened off by a watchman, officers conjectured." (The Capital Journal)
June 9, 1959: "Most mid-valley mills produce fir plywood, but the Aumsville plant of Willamette Plywood Corp. faces its product with hardwood imported from Canada, Japan, the Philippines and the Middle West." (The Capital Journal)
November 17, 1959: "Willamette Plywood Co.'s door plant here will be closed at the end of this month, company officials said.
Inability to meet competition from cheap-labor southern plants was blamed.
The door plant employs some 40 men. Some of them will be absorbed into the 350-man plywood mill, whose operations will not be affected, officials said.
The building later will be converted for use in ply mill operations, according to M. L. Hopkins, plant manager.
The entire operation, bought several years ago by West Coast Steamship Co., is in the process of being sold. Buyer has not been revealed." (The Capital Journal)
Inability to meet competition from cheap-labor southern plants was blamed.
The door plant employs some 40 men. Some of them will be absorbed into the 350-man plywood mill, whose operations will not be affected, officials said.
The building later will be converted for use in ply mill operations, according to M. L. Hopkins, plant manager.
The entire operation, bought several years ago by West Coast Steamship Co., is in the process of being sold. Buyer has not been revealed." (The Capital Journal)
January 25, 1960: "A Salem man lost part of one arm as a result of a weekend accident at an Aumsville mill.
Bert Svejkovsky, 59, suffered a mangling of his left arm when it was caught between rollers at Willamette Plywood Plant, where he is employed. The forearm later had to be amputated at Salem General Hospital.
Attendants listed the man's condition as 'good' Sunday." (Statesman Journal)
Bert Svejkovsky, 59, suffered a mangling of his left arm when it was caught between rollers at Willamette Plywood Plant, where he is employed. The forearm later had to be amputated at Salem General Hospital.
Attendants listed the man's condition as 'good' Sunday." (Statesman Journal)
February 4, 1960: "Appointment of M. L. Hopkins as vice president and general manager and an outline of future operational plans were announced here Wednesday by the Willamette Plywood Corporation.
The company, established in 1937 as Willamette Builders Supply Co., will continue all present operations except the door plant.
Hopkins succeeds Harold Leevers, who has resigned from the company.
Hopkins said the door plant has already ceased operations and that it equipment, machinery and inventory will be sold. Operation of the company's hardwood and softwood plywood plant here and a green veneer plant in Happy Camp, Calif., will continue.
R. G. Evans and V. L. Simmons will remain with the company as sales manager and Treasurer and comptroller, respectively.
Hopkins has been with Willamette since 1951, heading the plywood operation. He previously was superintendent of the Vancouver Plywood Corporation.
Willamette Builders Supply Co., became the Willamette Plywood Corporation in 1956." (Statesman Journal)
The company, established in 1937 as Willamette Builders Supply Co., will continue all present operations except the door plant.
Hopkins succeeds Harold Leevers, who has resigned from the company.
Hopkins said the door plant has already ceased operations and that it equipment, machinery and inventory will be sold. Operation of the company's hardwood and softwood plywood plant here and a green veneer plant in Happy Camp, Calif., will continue.
R. G. Evans and V. L. Simmons will remain with the company as sales manager and Treasurer and comptroller, respectively.
Hopkins has been with Willamette since 1951, heading the plywood operation. He previously was superintendent of the Vancouver Plywood Corporation.
Willamette Builders Supply Co., became the Willamette Plywood Corporation in 1956." (Statesman Journal)
February 24, 1960: "Expansion of Willamette Plywood Corp. operations by 50 per cent during the coming two years was announced here Tuesday by M. L. Hopkins, Vice President and General Manager of the firm.
Machinery of the former Willamette Sawmill and Door Factory on the plywood site was sold at auction Tuesday. Space in the four buildings the two firms occupied will be used for the expansion, Hopkins noted.
The structures will provide slightly over 25,000 additional square feet of covered and enclosed space.
Much of this will be devoted to storage of the 48 different type of hardwood veneers imported by the firm for its manufacturing needs. A sizable area, however, will be used for production expansion.
Increase in production volume will afford employment for an additional 50 or 60 persons, Hopkins noted.
The plywood firm is parent plant of the now inoperative door and sawmill operations which at peak production gave employment to 70 persons. A major share of these workers have been absorbed into the plywood operation, it was pointed out. The expanding ply plant now provides employment for 332 people.
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Willamette Plywood's door manufacturing plant and adjoining sawmill with it planing and stud mill operations, died under the auctioneer's gavel Tuesday.
Bidders from all parts of the Northwest came for the $467,000 worth of machinery. Five hours after the first bid was asked, the last of the equipment was under new ownership.
A sagging market, plus increased competition from eastern door firms, ended production last fall for the 37 remaining employes of the door plant. At one time the operation provided paychecks for 70 persons, nearly all of whom have been added to the payroll of Willamette Plywood Corporation next door. The plywood plant is parent concern of all operations, and now will expand into the area formerly used by the door plant and sawmill.
Willamette Plywood moved to Aumsville in 1951 from Portland. It operated under the name of Willamette Builders Supply until two years ago, when it was renamed Willamette Plywood Corp.
The sawmill however was the first of the installations, opening here shortly after the end of World War II. It ceased operation two years ago.
Bidders began arriving about 7:30 Tuesday morning for the start of sales at 10 a.m. By the time the first bid was sought, the crowd had edged over the 200 mark.
Sales were brisk and bidders noted prices on the equipment averaged from 10 to 40 per cent of new equipment costs, depending upon condition of the items offered.
An example was a double deck Yates sander which sold for $2,000. The equipment new would cost about $25,000, buyers pointed out.
Walt Yerian, salesman for Star Machinery Co. of Portland, said 'the buyers are getting equipment at a very reasonable price. But,' he noted, 'winning bids are too high for machinery salesmen to buy items and resell them at a profit.'
The Aumsville auction was the only one of its type to be held in the valley for many years." (Statesman Journal)
Machinery of the former Willamette Sawmill and Door Factory on the plywood site was sold at auction Tuesday. Space in the four buildings the two firms occupied will be used for the expansion, Hopkins noted.
The structures will provide slightly over 25,000 additional square feet of covered and enclosed space.
Much of this will be devoted to storage of the 48 different type of hardwood veneers imported by the firm for its manufacturing needs. A sizable area, however, will be used for production expansion.
Increase in production volume will afford employment for an additional 50 or 60 persons, Hopkins noted.
The plywood firm is parent plant of the now inoperative door and sawmill operations which at peak production gave employment to 70 persons. A major share of these workers have been absorbed into the plywood operation, it was pointed out. The expanding ply plant now provides employment for 332 people.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Willamette Plywood's door manufacturing plant and adjoining sawmill with it planing and stud mill operations, died under the auctioneer's gavel Tuesday.
Bidders from all parts of the Northwest came for the $467,000 worth of machinery. Five hours after the first bid was asked, the last of the equipment was under new ownership.
A sagging market, plus increased competition from eastern door firms, ended production last fall for the 37 remaining employes of the door plant. At one time the operation provided paychecks for 70 persons, nearly all of whom have been added to the payroll of Willamette Plywood Corporation next door. The plywood plant is parent concern of all operations, and now will expand into the area formerly used by the door plant and sawmill.
Willamette Plywood moved to Aumsville in 1951 from Portland. It operated under the name of Willamette Builders Supply until two years ago, when it was renamed Willamette Plywood Corp.
The sawmill however was the first of the installations, opening here shortly after the end of World War II. It ceased operation two years ago.
Bidders began arriving about 7:30 Tuesday morning for the start of sales at 10 a.m. By the time the first bid was sought, the crowd had edged over the 200 mark.
Sales were brisk and bidders noted prices on the equipment averaged from 10 to 40 per cent of new equipment costs, depending upon condition of the items offered.
An example was a double deck Yates sander which sold for $2,000. The equipment new would cost about $25,000, buyers pointed out.
Walt Yerian, salesman for Star Machinery Co. of Portland, said 'the buyers are getting equipment at a very reasonable price. But,' he noted, 'winning bids are too high for machinery salesmen to buy items and resell them at a profit.'
The Aumsville auction was the only one of its type to be held in the valley for many years." (Statesman Journal)
February 26, 1960: "Equipment of the defunct door manufacturing and sawmill operations here of Willamette Plywood Corp. was sold for $467,000. At the same time General Manager M. L. Hopkins said plans have been made to expand the plywood phase of the operation by 50 per cent through 1962." (The Eugene Guard)
March 29, 1960: "An industrial accident early this year in the Willamette Plywood Corp. plant at Aumsville has resulted in the filing of a $145,000 damage suit against the firm.
Bretislav Svejkovski, an employe of the concern, states in his complaint filed Monday in Marion County Circuit Court, that he suffered the loss of a forearm as a result of the accident, Jan. 21." (The Capital Journal)
Bretislav Svejkovski, an employe of the concern, states in his complaint filed Monday in Marion County Circuit Court, that he suffered the loss of a forearm as a result of the accident, Jan. 21." (The Capital Journal)
April 19, 1960: "Francis Himphill, 8-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. James B. Himphill, who sustained a badly mangled leg Sunday at the Aumsville plywood plant, was reported by Salem Memorial Hospital authorities today as being in 'fair' condition.
The boy's leg was pulled between the belt and a table of a splicing machine. He was watching his father at the time." (The Capital Journal)
The boy's leg was pulled between the belt and a table of a splicing machine. He was watching his father at the time." (The Capital Journal)
May 27, 1960: "At Aumsville, nearly 350 workers were laid off Wednesday by Willamette Plywood Corp." (Statesman Journal)
September 24, 1960: "A rumor that Willamette Plywood Corp. at Aumsville would cease operations on Oct. 1, was flatly denied Friday afternoon by General Manager M. L. Hopkins. /It's just a mighty wild rumor,' he reported. The plywood firm employs approximately 400 persons.
Hopkins said the mill is still working on curtailed hours due to the poor plywood market. Operations were carried out three days last week, went to full five days this week, and 'we'll probably work four days next week,' noted Hopkins." (Statesman Journal)
Hopkins said the mill is still working on curtailed hours due to the poor plywood market. Operations were carried out three days last week, went to full five days this week, and 'we'll probably work four days next week,' noted Hopkins." (Statesman Journal)
February 4, 1961: "Jim Comstock, Aumsville resident and logman on the pond at Willamette Plywood Corp, here, suffered noncritical injuries Friday morning when his legs were pinned between two logs. Mill officials said a hook slipped permitting one of the logs to shift.
He was taken to Stayton Memorial Hospital where he will be confined for a few days. Examination failed to disclose any broken bones." (Statesman Journal)
He was taken to Stayton Memorial Hospital where he will be confined for a few days. Examination failed to disclose any broken bones." (Statesman Journal)
October 18, 1961: "Willamette Plywood Corp., Aumsville, paid $19,966.60 for 816,000 feet about 12 miles northeast of Mehama in a Bureau of Land Management auction in Salem Tuesday." (The Capital Journal)
July 24, 1962: "A $75,000 damage suit charging negligence was filed Monday in Marion County Circuit Court against Willamette Plywood Corporation, Aumsville.
The plaintiff, Troy Stinson, alleges that last Nov. 21, while employed by the firm, he slipped while stacking sheets of veneer and suffered permanent back and neck injuries." (Statesman Journal)
The plaintiff, Troy Stinson, alleges that last Nov. 21, while employed by the firm, he slipped while stacking sheets of veneer and suffered permanent back and neck injuries." (Statesman Journal)
July 23, 1963: "A former employe of Willamette Plywood Corp. Mill at Aumsville filed a $32,600 damage suit against the firm Monday because, he said, the work damaged him physically.
In his suit filed in Marion County Circuit Court, J. B. Gannon alleges he worked for the firm as a machine operator from September, 1958, to August, 1961.
Duties imposed, he said, were 'so demanding and pressing' that he suffered 'severe damage' to his nervous system which caused permanent loss of equilibrium and impairment in the use of his legs. The firm requested him to quit his job Aug. 22, 1961, Gannon alleges.
Gannon seeks $25,000 general damages plus $7,600 special damages for estimated loss of wages." (Statesman Journal)
In his suit filed in Marion County Circuit Court, J. B. Gannon alleges he worked for the firm as a machine operator from September, 1958, to August, 1961.
Duties imposed, he said, were 'so demanding and pressing' that he suffered 'severe damage' to his nervous system which caused permanent loss of equilibrium and impairment in the use of his legs. The firm requested him to quit his job Aug. 22, 1961, Gannon alleges.
Gannon seeks $25,000 general damages plus $7,600 special damages for estimated loss of wages." (Statesman Journal)
November 19, 1963: "A $75,000 damage suit against the Willamette Plywood Corp. of Aumsville for injuries claimed from an industrial accident two years ago has been settled out of court.
The amount of the settlement was not known.
The suit was filed by Troy Stinson, an employe who claimed he was permanently injured when he slipped on a slick walkway while working as a grader." (The Capital Journal)
The amount of the settlement was not known.
The suit was filed by Troy Stinson, an employe who claimed he was permanently injured when he slipped on a slick walkway while working as a grader." (The Capital Journal)
December 17, 1963: "Circuit Judge George Duncan today dismissed a $32,000 damage suit by a former mill worker who claimed his employer worked him so hard it ruined his health.
The suit was filed last July against the Willamette Plywood Corp. by J. B. Gannon, who said he was employed at the firm's mill at Aumsville from 1958 to 1961.
In his complaint, Gannon claimed his duties as a patcher operator were so arduous he suffered permanent damage to his nervous system.
Duncan allowed the motion of the firm for dismissal because of lack of facts to support a suit." (The Capital Journal)
The suit was filed last July against the Willamette Plywood Corp. by J. B. Gannon, who said he was employed at the firm's mill at Aumsville from 1958 to 1961.
In his complaint, Gannon claimed his duties as a patcher operator were so arduous he suffered permanent damage to his nervous system.
Duncan allowed the motion of the firm for dismissal because of lack of facts to support a suit." (The Capital Journal)
February 22, 1966: "A $115,000 personal injury suit was filed Monday in Marion County Circuit Court against Willamette Plywood Corp. of Stayton.
William Doran charges negligence on the part of the firm in connection with permanent back injuries allegedly received Aug. 20, 1964, in an industrial accident. He says he was attempting to disengage a piece of plywood from a plywood stacker when the machine started unexpectedly, throwing him off a 30-inch platform.
Doran contends the company should have provided a railing or other safety device around the platform. He says he believes the injuries will prevent him from holding regular employment again, and asks $25,000 general damages and $90,000 special damages." (Statesman Journal)
William Doran charges negligence on the part of the firm in connection with permanent back injuries allegedly received Aug. 20, 1964, in an industrial accident. He says he was attempting to disengage a piece of plywood from a plywood stacker when the machine started unexpectedly, throwing him off a 30-inch platform.
Doran contends the company should have provided a railing or other safety device around the platform. He says he believes the injuries will prevent him from holding regular employment again, and asks $25,000 general damages and $90,000 special damages." (Statesman Journal)
November 18, 1966: "Willamette Plywood Corp., at Aumsville will lay off 100 of the 175 employes Monday because of lack of orders.
Manager Joe Price said the tight money situation has curtailed home construction, reducing orders.
'We've attempted to run steady but just can't do it any more.' he said. There is no way of telling how long the employment cut back will last, he added." (Greater Oregon)
Manager Joe Price said the tight money situation has curtailed home construction, reducing orders.
'We've attempted to run steady but just can't do it any more.' he said. There is no way of telling how long the employment cut back will last, he added." (Greater Oregon)
January 24, 1967: "Willamette Plywood Corp. will close its plant here next month until market conditions improve.
Joseph Price, general manager, said today that the closure will begin the first of February and be completed about the middle of the month. Only a small maintenance crew will be retained, he said.
The company in November cut down to one shift of about 95 employes because 'tight money' had knocked the props out from under the construction business.
Up to that time, Willamette Plywood Corp. had two full shifts and part of a third shift working, a total of about 180 men, union members, some with 20 years of service, Price said.
The plant manufactures hardwood plywood for use in cabinets and interiors. The corporation also has a plant in Klamath Falls, which is expected to continue operation on a two-shift basis.
Price said that he broke the news to employes Friday and said the plant will reopen 'as soon as the market pocks up so that more than one shift can operate." (The Capital Journal)
Joseph Price, general manager, said today that the closure will begin the first of February and be completed about the middle of the month. Only a small maintenance crew will be retained, he said.
The company in November cut down to one shift of about 95 employes because 'tight money' had knocked the props out from under the construction business.
Up to that time, Willamette Plywood Corp. had two full shifts and part of a third shift working, a total of about 180 men, union members, some with 20 years of service, Price said.
The plant manufactures hardwood plywood for use in cabinets and interiors. The corporation also has a plant in Klamath Falls, which is expected to continue operation on a two-shift basis.
Price said that he broke the news to employes Friday and said the plant will reopen 'as soon as the market pocks up so that more than one shift can operate." (The Capital Journal)
January 25, 1967: "The theft of $1,000 worth of machinist's tools were stolen Tuesday from the Willamette Plywood Corp. The loss was reported to sheriff's deputies by Hubert Bones, Stayton." (The Capital Journal)
March 23, 1967: "Willamette Plywood Corp. of Aumsville will resume operations early next month after a two-month closure.
The plywood mill, which represents this community's largest payroll, was shut down in January as a result of the depressed lumber market.
However, company officials said Wednesday that patching and sanding operations will begin again April 3 when about 20 workers will return to their jobs.
General manager Joseph Price said spreader production will resume a week later. Between 110-120 employes will be back at work by then, he said.
Then, Price said, peeling operations will start April 17 bringing the work force at the plant to 140.
The plant should reach full production once more in June and the payroll will reach around 190 workers, Price said. When at full production the plant will produce 5-million feet.
Price attributed the return to production to an improvement in sales operations, but said the price still has not improved.
The firm has continued to operate its Klamath Falls plant during the slow market period, but not at full production, Price said." (The Capital Journal)
The plywood mill, which represents this community's largest payroll, was shut down in January as a result of the depressed lumber market.
However, company officials said Wednesday that patching and sanding operations will begin again April 3 when about 20 workers will return to their jobs.
General manager Joseph Price said spreader production will resume a week later. Between 110-120 employes will be back at work by then, he said.
Then, Price said, peeling operations will start April 17 bringing the work force at the plant to 140.
The plant should reach full production once more in June and the payroll will reach around 190 workers, Price said. When at full production the plant will produce 5-million feet.
Price attributed the return to production to an improvement in sales operations, but said the price still has not improved.
The firm has continued to operate its Klamath Falls plant during the slow market period, but not at full production, Price said." (The Capital Journal)
March 27, 1967: "Work will resume April 3 at the Willamette Plywood Corp. plant in Aumsville, about 15 miles southeast of Salem.
Joseph Price, general manager of the plant, said over the weekend that patching and sanding operations will require about 20 men.
Spreader production will resume the following Monday bringing employment to 120.
The total payroll is expected to reach 190 by June." (Corvallis Gazette-Times)
Joseph Price, general manager of the plant, said over the weekend that patching and sanding operations will require about 20 men.
Spreader production will resume the following Monday bringing employment to 120.
The total payroll is expected to reach 190 by June." (Corvallis Gazette-Times)
April 26, 1967: "A $115,000 personal injury suit against Willamette Plywood Corp. of Stayton was dismissed Tuesday in Marion County Circuit Court following settlement on undisclosed terms.
William Doran sought the damages in connection with an Aug. 20, 1964, accident in which he said a machine started unexpectedly, throwing him from a platform. He charged the company with failing to provide safety measures and said he suffered permanent back injuries." (Statesman Journal)
William Doran sought the damages in connection with an Aug. 20, 1964, accident in which he said a machine started unexpectedly, throwing him from a platform. He charged the company with failing to provide safety measures and said he suffered permanent back injuries." (Statesman Journal)
July 7, 1967: "The depressed plywood market will keep Willamette Plywood plant here on vacation another week, General Manager Joe Price told The Statesman Thursday.
The plant, which was idled for several months during the winter, was due to resume operations Monday after a two-week shutdown. But Price said the present plan calls for beginning the following week.
Willamette Plywood, with 136 workers, produces hardwood plywood for building construction." (Statesman Journal)
The plant, which was idled for several months during the winter, was due to resume operations Monday after a two-week shutdown. But Price said the present plan calls for beginning the following week.
Willamette Plywood, with 136 workers, produces hardwood plywood for building construction." (Statesman Journal)
July 13, 1967: "The Willamette Plywood mill will 'close permanently, or at least until the market improves,' manager Joe Price announced Wednesday.
The plant employed 136 when it was shut down temporarily June 26. At first it was planned to resume production July 10, then it was put off until July 17.
'But since then we have received practically no orders for plywood,' said Price Wednesday.
Despite continuing hopes to reopen, Price said it would not be fair to leave the employes thinking that reopening would come soon.
Willamette Plywood is a division of Columbia Plywood, Portland." (Statesman Journal)
The plant employed 136 when it was shut down temporarily June 26. At first it was planned to resume production July 10, then it was put off until July 17.
'But since then we have received practically no orders for plywood,' said Price Wednesday.
Despite continuing hopes to reopen, Price said it would not be fair to leave the employes thinking that reopening would come soon.
Willamette Plywood is a division of Columbia Plywood, Portland." (Statesman Journal)
October 25, 1968: "Production of laminated inner-plywood for the cabinet and furniture industry has begun in part of the idled Willamette Plywood Corp. plant at Aumsville, reported Manager Phil Judson.
'We hope to be rolling about Nov. 1,' Judson said. The company expects to have about 25 workers on the job when in full production and with all equipment in, he said.
The new operation, in the former hardwood veneer warehouse purchased from Willamette Plywood, is by Pacific Adhesives Co., Hillsboro.
Judson, formerly production manager for Willamette Plywood, said superintendent for the new mill is Stanley Graves, is former assistant.
Judson said the mill was a new type of operation and that production would go primarily to west coast manufacturers." (Greater Oregon)
'We hope to be rolling about Nov. 1,' Judson said. The company expects to have about 25 workers on the job when in full production and with all equipment in, he said.
The new operation, in the former hardwood veneer warehouse purchased from Willamette Plywood, is by Pacific Adhesives Co., Hillsboro.
Judson, formerly production manager for Willamette Plywood, said superintendent for the new mill is Stanley Graves, is former assistant.
Judson said the mill was a new type of operation and that production would go primarily to west coast manufacturers." (Greater Oregon)
June 16, 1973: "Edward Mietke vs. Willamette Plywood Corp.: Complaint charges negligence in maintenance of drainage ditch, seeks $4,050 for alleged loss of profits from flooding." (The Capital Journal)
continue to: Pacific Adhesive Co.