Konecranes and Linder Fuel Parton Lumber’s Timber Success from Local Roots to Worldwide Markets

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Parton Lumber Company has been a cornerstone of the region’s timber industry since its founding in 1949 by Verno Parton. Specializing in eastern white pine and hardwoods like poplar, red oak, white oak and chestnut oak, the family business has continued to flourish over the decades and is currently owned and operated by Verno’s grandsons, Furman and Patrick. The company’s success stems from a commitment to honesty, hard work and innovation.

“Honesty and integrity are at the heart of what we do,” said Vice President Russ Newton. “The Parton family is deeply invested in this business, and they are often the hardest-working individuals on-site. That commitment trickles down to the employees, creating a culture of dedication. We’ve never had downtime here — our employees always have a full work week, and often overtime, no matter the market conditions. That says a lot about how the Partons value their team.”

Today, Parton Lumber consists of over 120 employees, two sawmills, three log yards and two chip mills, with operations stretching across western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee.

“Our primary mill in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, processes 50 million board feet annually, and a secondary mill in Polk County adds about another 10 million feet per year,” noted Newton. “Our procurement radius has tightened due to fuel costs and competition, but we still source within 100 miles of our facilities, sometimes stretching to 200 miles when necessary.”

Parton Lumber’s business extends internationally as it ships its products around the globe.

“Most of our white pine stays domestic, going into windows, doors and log home timber markets,” Newton explained. “Poplar and grade oak are predominantly exported, with strong markets in Asia and South America. Our diversification helps us navigate market fluctuations.”

Konecranes enhances operations

Parton Lumber’s facilities reflect a sophisticated operation, where efficiency and innovation come together to support extensive production demands.

“We have nearly 30 dry kilns, two boilers and a chip mill in Rutherfordton,” detailed Newton. “Our byproducts are utilized fully — nothing goes to waste. From mulch to pulpwood, every part of the tree is used.”

This sustainable approach is complemented by the integration of modern equipment, such as a Konecranes SMV 16-1200 C forklift. Initially skeptical about the machine, Parton Lumber’s operators were quickly impressed after demoing it.

“The Konecranes forklift can carry three packs of dry lumber or two packs of green lumber, which is incredible, and it operates at a good speed,” commented Newton.

The forklift’s power and adaptability have proven invaluable, especially given the facility’s hilly terrain.

“We put all our equipment through rigorous use, and the Konecranes forklift has shown exceptional performance,” Newton reflected. “Its speed and responsiveness allow our operators to handle heavy loads while maintaining the precision required in our tight warehouse spaces.”

Safety and visibility have also been key factors in the company’s satisfaction with the machine.

“Our operator, Juan, has consistently praised the machine’s design,” Newton added. “Its enhanced visibility makes navigating our busy facility much safer, and even our safety team has given it their seal of approval.”

Trusted support from Linder

Support from Linder Industrial Machinery Company and Forestry Sales Specialist Kael Schlactus has further cemented Parton Lumber’s confidence in its choice of machinery.

“Kael built a relationship with us and even introduced us to a Konecranes engineer to answer some of our questions,” Newton said. “When we had concerns about the machine’s fit with our operations, Linder and Konecranes worked with us to make adjustments. It’s clear they’re committed to ensuring this machine meets our needs.”

The proximity of Linder’s service centers, particularly its Greer, S.C., branch, guarantees quick response times, which is a convenience and a strategic advantage for Parton Lumber.

“What sets Linder apart is their ability to provide consistent and personalized support,” Newton declared. “If we ever have a question or issue, Kael is just a phone call away, and his responsiveness has been outstanding.”

Linder’s hands-on approach includes coordinating with Parton Lumber’s in-house mechanics.

“Their service team works closely with ours, creating a partnership that has made troubleshooting and maintenance more efficient,” Newton described. “That collaborative effort reflects their commitment to our success.”

Fourth generation and growth

Moving forward, Parton Lumber will stay true to its philosophy: remain consistent regardless of market conditions.

“This past year has been challenging, but we’ve maintained production,” Newton stated. “We’re holding significant inventory, waiting for the market to shift. When it does, we’ll be ready to grow with the market.”

With a new generation joining the workforce, Parton Lumber is poised for continued success.

“We have parts of the fourth generation already working here,” Newton said proudly. “Furman Parton’s daughters and Patrick Parton’s son are contributing to the company. It’s exciting to see the next generation stepping in. The company is well positioned to continue playing a key role in the market for the foreseeable future.”