Member Profile

Tucked alongside the railway tracks on the outskirts of Fruitvale, Atco Wood Products is a leading producer of softwood veneers and related by-products. The abundantly forested mountains surrounding their lumber yard offer the opportunity to produce their specialty, custom softwood veneer for plywood and engineered wood products in addition to select specialty logs. Their veneers and wood products become cabinetry, furniture, framing or forms for concrete, bringing shape and texture to construction and finishing projects. Atco Wood Products’ excellent reputation is built upon the exceptionally consistent and smooth finish of their Douglas Fir, Larch, Spruce, Lodgepole Pine, and Hemlock veneers, which attract customers worldwide.

Started in the mid-1950’s by Atle Nelson Sr., Atco Wood Products remains a family business with deep roots in the community. Owned by Atle’s granddaughter Rebecca Weatherford and her husband Scott, the company’s CEO, Atco has employed generations of families who enjoy life in the West Kootenays. Their close- knit community has kept the company thriving, even during tough markets, with excellent teamwork, a strong customer network, its’ own rail line, and access to an excellent renewable timber supply. By carefully investing in new technology, and growing forests along with the business, the Weatherford’s are creating a legacy that will sustain the region for generations to come.

Harvesting in the Arrow-Boundary and Kootenay Lake Timber Supply Areas surrounding Trail, Castlegar, Fruitvale, Rossland, and Nelson, the company is benefitting from second and third growth timber, thanks to their dedication to cultivating a renewable and sustainable forest industry in the region. Atco Wood Products is proud of its leading edge silviculture program, regularly receiving great feedback during annual audits. Their timber licences are volume-based, including both renewable and short-term licences, and the management of an area of privately owned land.

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