Michigan sawmill closures wipe out 1,100 jobs, $211M in output since 2019

Posted on September 3, 2025   |  

Michigan’s sawmill sector lost 273 direct jobs from 2019 to 2023, with ripple effects cutting nearly 820 additional jobs statewide and reducing economic output by $211.6 million.

The total number of sawmills declined from 257 in 2018 to 237 in 2023, showing an industry contraction.

Large mills fell from 48 to 35, while small mills dropped from 132 to 121 in the same period.

Roundwood receipts decreased nearly 19% over two decades, with a steep 27% drop in the past five years.

Experts suggest that modernization, stronger supplier networks, and workforce transition programs could soften the impact of future closures.