"This is a cedar division and cedar log prices have been artificially high," says Leach, noting that the company has been unable to maintain sufficient profit margins. The company plans to close the doors to its Arlington sawmill on January 7. The shut down dates for the other two mills, another in Arlington and one in Oso, are yet to be determined. The company currently has a 23-year lease with Arlington Municipal Airport for the sawmill, but Leach says he isn't concerned and will deal with the situation as needed.

Though he wouldn't disclose asking prices, Leach says his company is trying to find a buyer, preferably one that would purchase all three plants together. He says that no buyer has yet stepped forward with an offer on all three properties, but adds that his company is talking with buyers interested in purchasing individual sites. The closure of Miller Shingle's lumber division won't impact the company's logging operations in Granite Falls and Everett, says Leach, adding that a few of the 170 jobs lost at the mills will be absorbed by the parent company.