SHAWANO COUNTY, WI – A long-idle sawmill site in Shawano County is set to come back to life after receiving significant federal funding aimed at boosting local industry and job growth. The USDA has approved an $800,000 Rural Development loan to help Timber Professionals Cooperative Enterprises (TPCE) revive and expand the former Hoffman Wood Fiber operation.
The investment will allow the cooperative to purchase more than 49 acres of land and upgrade equipment needed to increase wood-chip production. In addition to restoring previous operations, TPCE plans to manufacture new, higher-value wood products, broadening the mill’s capabilities and strengthening its long-term economic outlook.
Officials say the project will create six jobs initially, with more positions expected as expansion continues. Once the new equipment and process improvements are in place, the mill is projected to increase production from roughly 2,500 tons per month to as much as 4,000 tons.
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