Our Story
Frank Lumber Co., Inc. was founded by Amandus J. Frank
and began manufacturing lumber in the Silver Creek Falls area in 1936. The sawmill moved to our present location in 1955. Our target market is Kiln Dried - MC 15% MSR structural lumber grades with specific industrial end uses such as Laminating, Metal Plate Truss, I-Joist, and Framing Applications. Approximately 3% of our production is exported to Canada and Japan and used in Post and Beam construction. Frank Lumber has 145 employees and produces 90 MMFBM on a one/two shift basis (4 – 10 hour days in both the saw and planer mills, and 4 – 10 hour nights in the planer mill).
In 1963 we installed a CLT mechanical stress testing machine
to enhance grade recovery and log utilization. We were the first lumber manufacturer to use a CLT, and are still using one today.
In 1963 we installed a CLT mechanical stress testing machine
to enhance grade recovery and log utilization. We were the first lumber manufacturer to use a CLT, and are still using one today.
We expanded lumber product offerings with the addition
of our large log mill in 1992. It will cut logs 45" in diameter and is capable of manufacturing lumber in domestic and metric sizes. The versatility of this mill enables Frank Lumber to promptly respond to changes in lumber markets and complements the production schedule of our small log mill. Over the years we have produced Crossarms, 4 x 5 and 4 x 6 Clear, and Hirakaku. Currently, we produce 6 x 6 FHOC and standard 2" dimensions including 2 x 10.
Renewable energy is a natural fit as we have been firing our boiler
to heat lumber kilns using hog fuel from manufacturing operations for the last 50 years. In 2008 we expanded our renewable energy efforts and built an on-site wood heating pellet manufacturing facility, Frank Pellets, LLC. The wood heating pellets are produced using sawdust and dry shavings from our lumber manufacturing operations. They are made with no additives and sold under our Packsaddle Pellets brand for residential and commercial heating applications.
In 2021 we embarked on one of our largest projects yet
We retooled our log merchandising system and installed a new USNR Quad Saw in our small log mill. The resulting benefits are a significant log throughput increase and optimization improvements leading to better grade and volume recovery. This project, like the ones before it and those yet to happen, will ensure we continue to provide the highest quality products to our customers and create the efficiencies necessary for a family-owned sawmill to survive in an industry dominated by titans.
From raw material acquisition to finished products
to extra care in our packaging process, to on-time shipping, QUALITY is emphasized throughout the entire manufacturing and delivery process at Frank Lumber Co., Inc.
From raw material acquisition to finished products
to extra care in our packaging process, to on-time shipping, QUALITY is emphasized throughout the entire manufacturing and delivery process at Frank Lumber Co., Inc.
