Swinerton Pushes Farther into Mass Timber Space with Acquisition of American Laminators

Courtesy of Timberlab

Portland, Oregon-based Timberlab, a mass timber provider owned by Swinerton, has agreed to acquire the assets of American Laminators, a manufacturer of glue-laminated timber (glulam), a key component in mass timber construction. Timberlab will start operating American Laminators' two Oregon facilities in Drain and Swisshome starting June 10, 2024, with plans for factory upgrades.

American Laminators serves the North American market, supplying notable projects such as the Autzen Stadium at the University of Oregon, LeMay – America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington, and The Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, California. Timberlab and American Laminators have a history of collaboration; Timberlab sourced glulam from American Laminators for the 95,000-square-foot Multnomah County East County Library in Portland, Oregon.

This acquisition complements Timberlab's other Pacific Northwest initiatives. In March, Timberlab announced plans to establish a cross-laminated timber (CLT) manufacturing facility in Oregon’s Mid-Willamette Valley, with funding support from Swinerton. The facility is expected to produce 100,000 cubic meters of CLT products annually.

“Following our announcement in March to build and operate a cross-laminated timber manufacturing facility in the Mid-Willamette Valley, acquiring American Laminators is another leap forward to advancing our capabilities and services in the mass timber industry,” said Christopher Evans, president of Timberlab.

Swinerton has utilized its subsidiary's mass timber technology in various projects, including the $98 million Oxbow mixed-use multifamily development in Charlotte, North Carolina. This project will feature extensive use of mass timber, with 50% of the structure having exposed timber ceilings.

“By combining our strengths and expertise, we are well-positioned to expand in the mass timber market while continuing to provide superior service, quality, and craftsmanship,” said Dave Anderson, the president of Diversified Wood Resources, which does business under the American Laminators brand name.

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