A tree-mendous learning experience

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU) forestry students are venturing outside of the classroom this week to understand reforestation, harvesting and the processes of manufacturing wood products. Wednesday morning, about 50 students grabbed their hard hats and safety shoes and braved the Texas heat to see first-hand how plywood is made at one of Georgia-Pacific’s largest plywood plants, Camden Plywood.

Georgia-Pacific has worked closely with SFASU through the years to provide students with an up-close look at its plywood, lumber and particleboard operations in East Texas. According to Camden Plywood Plant Manager, George Standley, Georgia-Pacific is proud to partner with SFASU to offer students a real-world experience.

“These students are the future of the timber industry, and it is important that they see first-hand and understand all aspects of the business,” Standley said. “We strive to give students the total experience at Camden Plywood, from the time a log enters our facility, when it is converted to plywood, and stacked and loaded on trucks to be shipped to our customers.”