Page 15 - Tree Line - North Carolina Forestry Association - Third Quarter 2020

searching for winter-time tracts. Historically, loggers don’t change or
alter operations. They are satisfied with the techniques or procedures their predecessors used. Therefore, Jordan told loggers to change operations and find a solution for their business. Loggers are ingenious individuals with engineering minds, and they figured it out. They see the necessity of problem solving.”
Miller added, “It goes back to relationships. If there are problems, what are the problems and what can we do to solve them?”
The work speaks for itself. Neighbors adjacent to harvested lands contact Evans for advice and information regarding their own timber. “I have clearcut the same piece of land twice and thinned it once. The system works, no question about that,” said Evans.
Completing the Supply Chain
The Mt. Gilead facility is the flagship of Jordan Lumber. Renovations to the mill were completed in 2018 and now the facility is capable of producing one million board feet per shift. The company’s COMACT sawmill utilizes the latest laser-scanning and snapshot optimization system, allowing production to guarantee the highest yields. Other technology in the mill includes zone-controlled and steam-fired dry kilns. These unique kilns can be adjusted to meet the needs of specialty products and drying schedules. High-speed grade readers were installed to separate the variety of grades throughout the drying process.
Today, Jordan Lumber produces dimensional lumber from Southern yellow pine. The mill can accommodate a variety of sizes at lengths from two to 20 feet. Byproducts and specialty items are
also available and can
be custom ordered. By making modifications and diversifying products, the mill is able to meet the demands of an ever- changing lumber market.
Like many others
in the forest products industry, the Jordan family embraced technology to overcome shrinkages in the workforce pool. The many hands-on jobs that once occupied sawmills across the country are
now replaced with high-skilled employees who understand technology and complex electrical systems. Echoing the words on the entrance sign — “Our People Make the Difference” — the Jordan team has truly made a difference in the forest sector.
The Importance of Community Involvement
The members of the Jordan family have been pillars of the community. From Bob Jordan’s legacy as a state Senator and Lieutenant Governor, to the family’s support of future foresters at North Carolina State University, the company recognizes the importance of being involved. “We have been blessed with good ownership that has put up with a lot of stuff that has been thrown their way, but they have given us a lot of freedom to go learn and try different things,” said Evans.
Jordan Lumber is one of the
few remaining companies that offer landowners a management program. Providing guidance, technical expertise and advice, Miller and the forestry department work with individuals to identify and achieve landowner goals. Miller said, “We start a relationship and manage lands for landowners according to their goals and help them achieve their goals and provide our expertise. On the other side, they give us first chance to buy their timber at a fair market value.” Through this program, the forestry
team manages an additional 5,000 acres throughout North Carolina.
Working with the NCFA
“The Jordan family have always been great supporters of being a part of the NCFA. They understand the importance of being involved in the industry and
coming together in trade organizations to put our issues in front of everyone and educating everyone in our state,” said Miller, who served as Association President in 2006 and Chairman of the Board in 2007. He further explained, “One of the greatest things that we achieved is the teacher’s academy in
all three areas of the state. It is such an important thing to be able to educate our teachers and thusly our students about what our industry is all about, and I think that is very positive. Foresters deep down know we are doing the right thing. I don’t think we do a good job telling our story.”
Evans, who currently serves on the Board of Directors, said, “Being able to go to meetings and establish relationships is great for the team. We know a lot, but our younger foresters need to start developing their own network and connections. The Jordan family is a big proponent of being active in community and industry.”
Sharing the Story
When encountering individuals that do not see the forest for the trees, both Evans and Miller agree the message should be: “Come see what we are doing. The doors are always open.”
Miller further explained, “What people don’t understand is that they are looking at a snapshot in time [in reference to a clearcut]. A part of a long-term cycle. Foresters know that in two years, it
will look different, five years drastically different, in 10 years a new forest. The public does not see that. We enjoy having those conversations.”
Miller and Evans stressed the importance of getting involved in the general public and sharing the industry’s message. “If we don’t tell our story, we are going to be run over,” Evans said. “Nature can heal. The current forest that is here
is much more productive than previous ones.” Both managers encourage the next generation of professionals to get involved in local clubs, churches and government.
Miller is currently serving his third term as Mayor for Mt. Gilead. “These are your neighbors and friends that want to know what you are about and see what you do,” he said. “A lot of time, they have a lot of questions, and being involved, you can answer those questions. This does not happen during work hours. [Conversations] happen during church or town projects. If you are accessible, you can establish those relationships.”
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