Gianforte Announces Nearly $2 Million to Help Train Displaced Western Montana Woodworkers

HELENA — Nearly $2 million will be used to help retrain and support workers affected by two wood products industry closures in western Montana.

Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Monday, July 8, that the money will be used to help workers at Roseburg Forest Products in Missoula and Pyramid Mountain Lumber in Seeley Lake.

Roseburg closed on May 22, losing 150 jobs, while Pyramid is winding down its operations at Seeley Lake.

Governor Gianforte and the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) announced the money comes from a U.S. Department of Labor grant that helps workers who have lost their jobs find new employment.

Roseburg Missoula — Roseburg Forest Products announced on March 20, 2024, that it will close its Missoula mill.

The DLI will work with local and state organizations to develop a plan that “identifies the best training opportunities to provide industry-recognized degrees and certifications aligned with high-demand occupations in the region,” a news release said.

“For more than a century, the timber industry has been an integral part of Montana’s economy, and the loss of these businesses is felt across our state. Empowering Montanans through work and opportunity is our job at DLI, and with these funds, we will help every impacted worker in the region build on their Montana work ethic, upskill, and re-enter the workforce in high-skill, high-paying jobs.” – Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.

Missoula, Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Mineral, Powell and Sanders counties, as well as the Blackfeet and Flathead reservations, will be eligible for the grant.

Further information on national grants for displaced workers is available here.

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