Besse Forest Products Closes Six Mills

Gladstone, MI, October 8, 2024-"Eight months after being acquired by an equity firm, Besse Forest Products Group, a long-time distributor of Northern hardwood veneer, lumber, and specialty plywood manufacturing, has officially closed six of its green lumber sawmills and veneer mills in Wisconsin and Michigan and the assets from these facilities are now up for sale,” reports Wood Working Network.

“In March 2024, the Hoffmann Family of Companies (HFOC), a family-owned private equity firm, acquired Besse Forest Products Group for an undisclosed sum. At the time, the company called the purchase a ‘strategic move’ that added to HFOC’s portfolio, complementing its existing Ferche Millwork operations. ‘With more than 2 million square feet of production facilities and a workforce of more than 1,400 people, the combined strength of Besse and Ferche positions HFOC as a significant player in the wood products manufacturing industry,’ the company said.

“In August, the company said that it was closing three mills, and on October 2 the company officially closed six of its green lumber sawmills and veneer mills.

“The operations, which span facilities in Northern Wisconsin and Michigan, were integral to the production of materials used worldwide in cabinets, flooring, and furniture. The large-scale, fully operational sawmills and veneer mills, are at auction until the end of October, when the turnkey sale will conclude.

“The real estate at four Wisconsin sites (Ladysmith, Goodman, Mattoon, and Rice Lake) is owned by Besse and will be included in the sale, while the facilities in Gladstone and Baraga, Michigan, are leased. If no buyers secure the entire operation by October 31, the assets will be sold off in pieces starting in November. Turnkey buyers can submit bids on single, multiple, or all facilities.”