Martco Rises To The Occasion

Article by Rich Donnell, Editor-In-Chief, Panel World

There’s never a dull moment with Martco, also known as RoyOMartin. In fact you might say that the company’s past 10 years have been highly electric—filled with major announcements, achievements and celebrations. Just when you’re thinking that the panel industry may have hit a lull in the action—as most of us have been thinking this year—here comes Martco, again, to keep it interesting.

Let’s go back to February 2015. Already operating an OSB mill in Oakdale, La. and a plywood mill in Chopin, La., the company announces it will build an OSB mill in Corrigan, Texas, about a three hour drive due west of headquarters in Alexandria, La.

Celebration I: In April 2018 the Corrigan mill produces its first OSB.

Celebration II: Chairman and CEO, and legendary figure, Jonathan Martin, dies at age 70 on September 20, 2019.

Wait, celebration? Sure it is. As Jonathan’s obituary stated, he had “finished his work for Christ on Earth and was called home by his Savior.” And given the spiritual culture that permeates the Martco operations, it was definitely a “celebration.”

In August 2021, Martco announces it will build another OSB mill at the Corrigan site.

Celebration III: The company marks its 100th anniversary in 2023, dating back to its first wood products operation, a sawmill in Alexandria, La., purchased in 1923 by family patriarch Roy O. Martin, Sr. A gala for employees, shareholders, retirees and other stakeholders is held in Alexandria.

Celebration IV: The newest Corrigan mill, called Corrigan II, produces its first board in June 2024, followed by a ceremony in late October, which has just happened as you read this.

Also in 2024, the company announces a $30 million investment in the Oakdale OSB mill, while making continued investments in the Chopin facility.

These milestones don’t mention the leadership transition that has been occurring in the past 10 years, kicked into high gear upon Jonathan Martin’s death, with Roy O. Martin III fully taking the helm, but already transitioning quickly toward the day when a “Martin” is not the captain, and the likes of a Scott Poole and Terry Secrest and other members of the leadership team and their successors continue to steer the company into its second 100 years.