Brookhaven Mill Closes, Leaving 100 Unemployed

By: | WJTV
Published: September 29, 2009

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Since 1943, Columbus Lumber has stood tall in Brookhaven, but thanks to a weak housing market the iconic sawmill shut its doors last week.
Owners of the mill said Bank of America, the primary lender, demanded the closing after a few years of poor revenue. Co-owner Jeff Grierson said it all goes back to the struggling economy and no buying homes.
"Nearly half of the lumber business is generated by the building of houses," Grierson said. "When we bought this place in July 2006, the markets started sliding south and it's continued ever since."
The 100 employees who lost their jobs do have some hope. If a new ownership group purchases the mill, then the workers may be able to return to decades-old company.
Angela Eley said she's holding out hope that's exactly what will happen.
"It's like the Titanic, I'm at the top and holding out until will go completely under," she said. "There's no guarantees, but I love this place and I don't want to lose this family I've gained."