SDS Lumber Company Takes Steps to Prepare for its Future

Seventy-four years after its founding on the banks of the Columbia River in Bingen, Washington, SDS Lumber Company is preparing for its next chapter and its continuing role in the region.

The company, founded in 1946 by Wally Stevenson, Frank Daubenspeck and Bruce Stevenson, has added three independent members to its board of directors to help position SDS Lumber Company for the future. The move comes as shareholders have determined that now is the right time for SDS to begin a thoughtful process to explore its next steps.

The three new board members, all of whom have extensive experience in the industry, are: Sandy McDade, who joins as board chair and who spent 34 years at Weyerhaeuser, including as senior vice president and general counsel; Bill Brown, former president of Green Diamond Resource Company and chief financial officer of Plum Creek Timber Company; and Clyde Hamstreet, founder of the business consultancy Hamstreet & Associates. They join Mark Norby, Jason Spadaro, Matt Stevenson and Paul Duden on the board.

“For almost 75 years, SDS Lumber Company has been a cornerstone in this region, employing hundreds of people and supporting this community,” McDade said. “Now it’s time to take a thoughtful look at where SDS is heading and how it will continue to positively impact Bingen, the Gorge and the entire Northwest.”

Under the leadership of the board, SDS will evaluate its options, including a sale of the mill and timberland businesses. In any possible sales outcomes, the board will seek to balance the interests of shareholders, employees and the community. Current SDS President Jason Spadaro, who has been with the company for 30 years, will continue as a board director and play a key role in the process. In the coming months, he will transition to the role of consultant, bringing his extensive industry experience and company knowledge to bear in support of the process.

“In my three decades with SDS, I have seen this company thrive, overcome challenges and set new standards for excellence,” Spadaro said. “It’s exciting to think about all the possibilities that are in the future for SDS Lumber Company and this community.”

About SDS Lumber Company

Founded in Bingen, Washington, in 1946, SDS Lumber Company is committed to excellence, its employees and its community. Working in partnership with Stevenson Land Company, SDS employs about 350 people and manufactures high-quality lumber, plywood, power and chips for a variety of markets. www.sdslumber.com.

Contact:

Liz Fuller – Media Contact – lfuller@gardcommunications.com – (503) 481-8508

Source: S.D.S. Lumber Co.