Northern Crossarm begins expensive upgrade

Northern Crossarm Co. Inc., 11278 Highway 29, Chippewa Falls, is in the process of expanding its current lumber treatment plant by 12,500 square feet and will be purchasing new processing equipment that will allow the company to preserve wood for a longer period of time without any environmental concerns.

"This project, along with the purchase of the equipment, will cost several million dollars...but this technology is exciting and it's probably the biggest change that has occurred in how we protect lumber," said Pat Bischel, who co-owns the business with his brother, Jim, and father, Don.

Northern Crossarm, which was established in 1922, presently has 25 employees. Bischel said the company will likely add another 12 workers once the project is completed in mid-March.The company specializes in pressure-treating wood and wholesaling the product to other independent lumber yards throughout the Upper Midwest.

The firm is applying for a $250,000 federal grant to assist with the equipment purchase through the Wisconsin Department of Commerce's Interstate 94 Tech Zone Board.

TBL