Wagner Lumber on Gaskill Road, pictured, will be reopening soon at their same location following significant losses to their facilities from a fire that destroyed things last February.
Last February, Wagner Lumber was hit with a devastating fire that destroyed practically all of their facilities in Owego. It was a fire so big, 17 departments had to respond to it and it could have been a massive tragedy. Instead Wagner Lumber used it as an opportunity to grow and change and become something more.
Joe Shortino, spokesperson for Wagner Lumber, said it was “a lemonade from lemons” situation. They took what could have been a completely ruinous moment and made it into something better by creating larger, more advanced facilities with updated equipment and new and improved special designs. The large rebuilding and renovation is now at its close and he says that the first pieces of wood will be cut in a couple weeks.
This is a wonderful occasion for a lot of reasons; the main one being that no employee lost their job because of this fire. The 40 workers were placed at other facilities while the rebuild was happening, and slowly but surely they will all return back to their original workplace. Their return, plus the updated tools and facilities will mean a lot for the area.
Shortino says that the production will increase by 40 to 50 percent, an amazing amount considering that they are already the larger lumber distributor in the northeast. This increase in production may also mean an increase in job opportunities as he says that more wood could mean more work. Not only did that save the jobs of their own employees, they may even have openings for more people.
The estimated ten million for the repairs was used and a bit more was also used, but the facilities will now be able to hold more lumber effectively and has the potential to do more than ever since it has updated technology.
Shortino said that everyone really put their hearts into this project since the very beginning in February, and it was critical for them to not only rebuild – but to renew the business. Talking with him, you can hear the passion he has for Wagner Lumber and also for Owego. He says that this will be a positive for the area and that it will help people.
To learn more about Wagner Lumber, located on Gaskill Road, visit www.wagnerlumber.com, or call (607) 687-5362.
