Southern Loggin’ Times magazine Managing Editor David Abbott visits with Gilkey Lumber Co., located in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. Gilkey Lumber Co., an Appalachian hardwood sawmill owned by the Parton family, is cautiously optimistic that the perceived recovery has a broad base. Mike Parton, Secretary/Treasurer for the company, states that the mill will be able to move back to near 100% capacity this year now that log supply and markets are supporting full production. Keeping the mill current with technology and maintaining a low debt margin allowed the company to expand with the export market’s rebound and growth. Forecasts that favor increasing activity in domestic housing, large scale multi-family projects, remodeling and housing growth abroad are all encouraging news. Fred Hardin, a registered forester, notes that the current demand, domestic or export, is more a function of the loss of producers over the past few years rather than robust markets.

Featured Story: “Everything’s In Place”

Written By: David Abbott
Company: Gilkey Lumber Company
Location: Rutherfordton, North Carolina
SLT Issue: September 2013

Check out other featured articles in the September 2013 issue of Southern Loggin’ Times magazine.
Southern Loggin’ Times September issue spotlights Pinecrest’s Everett family, which works together as a team and as a family. Hauling 300 loads weekly, Joe and Joey Ross of J&J Logging welcome new markets. The second Mid-Atlantic Expo aims to improve on an already winning formula. Also, golf resort work lured a contractor back into mulching.