Maine Sawmill Expansion Creates 220 Jobs, Doubles Output

A Maine sawmill that's anchored its community for decades is about to become twice as powerful, bringing hundreds of quality jobs to a rural region that needs them.

TD Bank and Irving Forest Products just announced a major expansion of the Ashland Sawmill in Nashville Plantation, Maine. The project will boost the mill's annual lumber production from 130 million to 250 million board feet while creating and retaining 220 permanent full-time positions.

Every single job comes with full benefits and pays at or above Aroostook County's living wage. That's a big deal in a rural area where good jobs can be hard to find.

The expansion relies on an innovative funding model that brings private investment to communities often overlooked by developers. The federal New Markets Tax Credit program and Maine's own version are combining to provide $112.9 million in tax credit allocations, with TD Community Development Corporation contributing $10 million directly and supporting $49 million more in investments.

The sawmill has deep roots in Aroostook County. Irving Forest Products rebuilt it from the ground up in 2014, transforming it into a modern facility that became a cornerstone of the local economy. This expansion builds on that foundation, strengthening the mill's role as one of the region's largest employers.

The impact extends far beyond the sawmill's walls. The increased production will support upstream workers including foresters and loggers throughout Maine, creating a ripple effect of economic opportunity across the region.

The Ripple Effect

This project demonstrates how targeted investment can transform rural economies. For every job created at the sawmill, additional positions open up in the supply chain, from forest management to trucking to equipment maintenance.

The expansion also addresses a practical need. As housing demand continues across America, domestic lumber production becomes increasingly important. Doubling the Ashland mill's capacity means more building materials flowing through New England's supply chain, supporting construction projects and keeping costs more stable.

Rural communities often struggle to attract the kind of investment that flows easily to cities. Tax credit programs like the ones funding this project help level the playing field, proving that economic growth doesn't have to bypass small towns.

For Aroostook County families, this means something simple but profound: the chance to build careers close to home, with wages that support a decent life and benefits that provide security.

The sawmill's story shows what's possible when financial institutions, businesses, and government programs work together toward shared prosperity.