Anthony Timberlands, out of Bearden, AR, has contracted to purchase the Watson Sawmill Company hardwood sawmill and chip mill facility in Mount Holly, according to the Magnolia Reporter August 24.
The purchase price was not disclosed. The mill employs about 70 people
“The Watson mill is a modern, state of the art, facility in all respects,” Steven M. Anthony, president of Anthony Timberlands, said in a company statement on Thursday.
Donald Watson, president of Watson Sawmill, based in Mt. Holly, AR, said, “After 35 years in the hardwood sawmill business, we are proud to pass on our family operation to the Anthony family, and wish them much continued success.”
“We are hoping for a near seamless transition within 30-45 days,” said Anthony. “We anticipate operations to continue unabated, with some minor changes. Current employees will be given an opportunity to continue their employment with ATI.”
Anthony Timberlands, Inc. owns pine sawmills and hardwood sawmills, as well as manages a lumber treating plant, a hardwood laminating and timber mat manufacturing facility, an oak flooring mill, and 150,000 acres of timberland scattered throughout south central Arkansas.
ATI directly employs over 700 people and has annual sales of over $165 million.