Page 9 - GormanBros_70th Newsletter_Final_Web

GORMAN GROUP EDGE / ISSUE #1 9

The 1980s were a time of significant growth. At Gorman Bros.
Lumber, the small log line was upgraded, the Optimil 4-sided
canter installed, dehumidifier dry kilns were added, and extensive
environmental improvements were carried out. During this time,
the Gorman name and reputation was beginning to be known
throughout the community as a business that provided a fair,
livable wage with employers who cared to go ‘the extra mile’ for
their employees.

In 1981, land was purchased on the rail spur connecting Oroville to the rest of the United States via the
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. Kim Hirst, Moulder and Feeder Tech, joined the team the following year
and says the most rewarding part of his job is “working together to reach Gorman’s standard of excellence.”
Today, Oroville Reman and Reload moves close to 1200 cars for half a dozen companies, including for its own
Gorman Bros. Lumber and Selkirk Cedar divisions. Oroville Reman and Reload has grown to become a lumber
finishing leader in both SPF and Cedar. The site currently processes close to 200 million fbm through various
processes of the manufacturing stage. Betty Hirst, Certified Grader, has been with the company since 1991 and
says, “it can be challenging trying to keep up to the Gorman standards,” but adds that “everyone is working
together for a higher quality product!”

The Lumby Pole Division was purchased in 1982, and for a time large spruce logs were milled, and the rough
sawn lumber was sent to Gorman Bros. in Westbank. “At the time, we purchased Lumby from McGillis and
Gibbs”, Marcello Angelozzi, the Gorman Group General Manager - North Region says, “there were anywhere
from 17-20 companies involved in pole production in the Pacific Northwest and now there is only a handful.”
Although the various log mix and work shift configurations at the plant have adjusted over the years, Marcello
says, “what hasn’t changed is the passion and flexibility of the small crew to continue to adapt and allow the
Lumby Pole Division to succeed.”