Columbia Forest Products has announced the appointment of Wade Gregory to the position of senior advisor for its California-based rice straw MDF operation in partnership with CalPlant I, according to Columbia Director of MDF Sales, Steve Chavez.
“The level of panel industry expertise Wade brings to this enterprise of Columbia bolsters our newest venture,” Chavez says. “His knowledge of both manufacturing and sales provide a critical skillset as we move forward with our West Coast expansion.”
As senior advisor, Gregory will lead the Columbia side of its partnership in CalPlant I, which, having broken ground in August of last year, is expected to be producing MDF panels by summer of 2019.
Gregory joins Columbia with more than 40 years of experience in the composite panel industry, most recently as a sales director for Arauco. His career includes executive positions in sales, marketing and manufacturing. Gregory was president and COO of Sierra Pine from 2005 – 2008. Known throughout the industry, he has served as board chairman of both the Composite Panel Association and the Composite Wood Council, and as president of the Association of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers. Gregory is based in Salem, Ore.