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New Generation of Lumber Businesses
Enjoying Success in Madison

The Maine woods suppled lumber worldwide for much of the 1800's - back in the days when lumberjacks lived in remote logging camps harvesting trees and logs floated downriver. Given its proximity to forests and its location on the Kennebec River, Madison has always played an important role in this industry.

Two Madison businesses located across the road from one another have carved out a lumber-related niche for themselves while carrying on this tradition.

Timber Express, which employs 35 people, was founded in late 1995. The company sells its lumber to local mill Sappi, as well as another paper mill in Canada. Timber Express recently expanded their operations by purchasing a chipper.

As Timber Express office manager Tammy Carrier explains, having their own chipper allows the company to streamline the process for their customers. “Normally the paper companies have people bring in the logs or pulp wood, and then they make chips that become paper,” says Carrier. “We bought the equipment so we could to the job on site, so when you get to the mill it is already paper quality and it helps them speed things along.”

Logland Forest Products and Firewood has been operating in the logging industry in Madison for 25 years, and currently employs seven people. The company sells wood to between 12 and 15 paper mills located in Maine, including Madison Paper Industries. While they are primarily a logging company, Logland has recently begun to also sell firewood both in and out of state.

Ken Reed of Logland explains that Madison was actually not the company’s first choice. “Originally we were going to go with Skowhegan, but it wasn’t as business friendly as Madison,” said Reed. “Madison didn’t have all the zoning restrictions that Skowhegan does, and they have just been super and I would absolutely recommend locating in Madison to anybody.”

While the lumber industry may not be as integral a part of Maine’s economy as in years past, thanks to the success of small businesses like Timber Express and Logland Forest Products and Firewood, lumber will continue to be an important part of the state’s agricultural and industrial industries.

Both businesses are located on the White School House Road in Madison, approximately two miles from Madison Business Gateway. Timber Express can be reached at 207.696.3154.

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