Two Oregon lumber mills, located at opposite ends of the state, are closing their doors, marking the latest in a series of industry closures.

Western Cascade Industries’ mill in Toledo, which has been operational for 25 years and employs 50 people, is set to close on Thursday, as reported by the Lincoln County Leader. General Manager Walt Adams informed employees last week about the closure, attributing it to a persistent downturn in the timber market.

The shutdown represents a significant loss for Toledo, a small town of about 3,500 people located along the Yaquina River, just east of Newport. Ross Stock, who oversees the mill, did not respond to requests for comment. Toledo City Manager Doug Wiggins noted that the mill was the town’s second-largest employer and the last remaining lumber mill in the area. Although there were discussions with potential buyers, no deal was finalized. Wiggins remains hopeful that a new buyer will soon revive the mill.

At the other end of the state, the Blue Mountain Eagle reported that Malheur Mill in John Day will also be closing. This mill, which employs over 70 people, is slated to shut down after completing the processing and shipping of its remaining logs. John Day is a town of around 1,700 residents. Malheur Mill had narrowly avoided closure in 2012 thanks to government intervention. However, with the recent shutdown of Grant County’s other sawmill in March, the region’s lumber industry continues to face significant challenges.

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, who previously assisted in saving Malheur Mill, has pledged ongoing support to find solutions for the struggling industry. A representative from Malheur Mill referred inquiries to Ochoco Lumber, the mill’s parent company, but there was no response to requests for comment. The mill cited several factors for its closure, including difficulties in finding a reliable, drug-free workforce, rising production costs, regulatory challenges, and an unfavorable timber market.