Murphy Redux: Mill owner need look no farther than Sutherlin to rebuild

It's hard to imagine a better location for a plywood or wood products mill than Douglas County. This area has a trained work force, available industrial land, nearby natural resources and a supportive political environment.

John Murphy has kept his cards close to his chest and been careful not to commit to rebuilding since his Murphy Plywood mill on Sutherlin's Central Avenue burned to the ground almost a year ago.

At a hearing Tuesday on his zone change request, Murphy conceded he was considering his options in other locales as well as rebuilding in Sutherlin.

He need look no further.

The Sutherlin site is a great spot to build a modern mill. Local as well as state officials have said they will do what they can to help.

Everyone knows it likely won't be the same as the former Murphy mill that employed close to 300 workers. Technological advancements in recent years have meant that far fewer workers handle the same workload as before. In addition, many of the jobs are different, and require more computer and technical training than many of the earlier jobs.

Still, a new mill employing 100 people, paying family wage jobs, would be welcomed gladly.

Douglas County, with its long logging and milling history, is also home to modern, technically advanced mills. Examples include Roseburg Forest Products Engineered Wood Products mill, near Riddle, and the many technological advances undertaken by other county mill owners.

In recent years, various private and public partnerships, in conjunction with Umpqua Community College, have helped put together specific training programs to help new manufacturing businesses train new employees.

There are good indications Murphy plans on jumping back into a major project in Sutherlin. He still holds prime land near Interstate 5, served by a railroad spur. He has received approval of a zone change to heavy industrial on an adjacent 72 acres. He is seeking $883,508 in grants from the Oregon Department of Transportation to install additional railroad spur lines.

With the county's long, rich history of successful family-owned wood products businesses, a new Murphy mill and Sutherlin are a perfect fit.