Fire Recovery Underway at Plum Creek MDF Facility

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc. PCL reports today that recovery activities are underway following the fire that occurred yesterday at its Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) facility in Columbia Falls, Mont. All employees were safely evacuated and there were no reported injuries. Residual fire activity occurred in the early morning hours today, which was quickly contained by local fire and safety departments that remain on-site to monitor the situation.

Tom Ray, vice president, northwest resources and manufacturing, said safety is of critical importance. “We are very thankful that all of our employees are safe.” He also expressed appreciation for the rapid and professional response by local fire and safety departments. “Everyone at Plum Creek commends the efforts by fire departments to protect the people working at the facility. Their work is greatly appreciated,” he said.

Production at the facility has been suspended while the company investigates the cause of the incident. Ray said, “Operations are expected to resume in approximately 30 days. We will provide an update to our plans should that be necessary.” The adjacent sawmill and plywood mills remain in operation and deliveries from existing MDF inventory resumed today.

Plum Creek operates Montana manufacturing facilities that produce lumber, plywood and MDF. These products are sold to construction, retail, industrial and other specialty markets. The seven-acre MDF facility employs 183 people.

Plum Creek: Managing working forests for stewardship, rural prosperity, and shareholder value.

Plum Creek is among the largest and most geographically diverse private landowners in the United States with timberlands in 19 states, and wood products mills in the Northwest. We manage our lands using sustainable practices to benefit Plum Creek's many stakeholders. Our talented employees work together to serve as stewards of the environment, make wood products for everyday use, and build strong communities to create shareholder value. For more information, please visit www.plumcreek.com.

This press release contains a forward-looking statement within the meaning of the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, regarding the expected resumption of our facility's operations. This forward-looking statement represents only our judgment and expectations about when the facility will resume operations, and the accuracy of our judgment and expectations may prove inaccurate. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and neither the company nor its management undertakes any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.