Roseburg Forest Products announced significant layoffs. The company is cutting 146 jobs. These cuts are at its Riddle Plywood facility. This news comes from southern Oregon. The effective date was February 4, 2026. This announcement impacts a small community. Riddle, Oregon, has just over 1,000 residents. The layoffs are part of a major company change.
Production Realignment
The company is shifting its production strategy. Specialty plywood manufacturing is moving. It will consolidate at the Coquille mill. The Riddle mill will change its focus. It will concentrate on veneer production. It will also continue making plywood sheathing and underlayment. This move aims to improve efficiency. It streamlines the flow of resources. Roseburg’s CEO, Stuart Gray, commented on the decision. He stated it was not made lightly. He noted it is essential for competitiveness. This change supports core product segments. It helps Roseburg remain a strong producer.
Worker Support and Transition
Impacted employees will receive support. They will get 60 days of pay. Continued healthcare coverage is also provided. Roseburg encourages laid-off workers. They can apply for open positions elsewhere. The company offers dedicated transition support. This includes resources to help them find new roles. Many investments have modernized Roseburg’s mills. These have occurred across Western operations since 2023. Hundreds of millions have been invested. This effort aims for better operational performance. It also enhances product quality and reliability.
Local Economic Impact
These job cuts hit a small town hard. Riddle is located in Douglas County. The county’s unemployment rate was 6.4% at the end of 2025. This rate was 1.2 points higher than the state average. The layoff of 146 workers strains the local labor market. It affects a sizable portion of the plant’s workforce. Roseburg Forest Products is a major employer in Douglas County. The company has operated for decades. It manages timberlands in Oregon. It employs over 3,500 people. This provides jobs in many communities.
Broader Industry Trends in Oregon
This news from Roseburg is not isolated. Oregon has seen many mass layoffs. These cuts occurred in 2024 and 2025. The manufacturing sector bore the brunt. The pace of job cuts had slowed in recent months. State economists hoped for more stability in 2026. Oregon’s manufacturing jobs have declined. This trend continued through the first half of 2025. The wood products industry faces broader changes. Consolidation is happening nationwide. Companies are moving specialty production. They focus on fewer, larger plants. Roseburg itself exited the hardwood plywood market. It closed its Dillard plant in September 2025. That led to 107 layoffs there. This reflects a disciplined focus. It aims for long-term growth potential. The company concentrates on key product lines. These include engineered wood and MDF.
Company’s Future Focus
Roseburg continues significant investments. These efforts focus on modernization. They aim to strengthen its market position. Engineered wood products are a key focus. Specialty plywood also remains important. The company is adapting to market shifts. It exited the hardwood plywood business. This was due to intense import competition. Lower-cost imports captured much of the market. Roseburg’s strategy emphasizes its core strengths. This includes high-quality veneers. It also values efficient fiber use. The company seeks long-term competitiveness. This realignment is a step in that direction.
Conclusion
The layoffs at Roseburg Forest Products are significant. They impact 146 workers in Riddle, Oregon. This change reflects a strategic production shift. It aligns with industry-wide consolidation. The company offers support to affected staff. These actions aim to bolster Roseburg’s future. It seeks to strengthen its position. This includes its engineered wood and specialty plywood markets. The news highlights ongoing adjustments in Oregon’s manufacturing landscape. It underscores the challenges facing the state’s industries.
