Former Welco workers hired at Moyie mill

Idaho Forest Group has hired four former Welco Lumber employees.

Welco closed its Naples cedar mill in mid-December, leaving 93 without jobs.

Idaho Forest Group Plant Manager Jesse Short told The Herald 29 former Welco employees applied for the positions at the Moyie Springs mill. All were very qualified

 Idaho Forest Group in November stepped up production, requiring staff to work overtime. In 2010, the mill is expecting a 10 percent increase in production.

In November Short said there was a chance the lumber mill plans to add 25 positions within a year.

According to Short they should be able to meet customer demand with the current crew of 98 employees.