Spray Lake Sawmills has a long and proud history as a member of the Alberta business community. And for well over half a century we have been a growing part of the Alberta Forest Products industry. Here are some of the company's historical highlights.
1943: Founding of "Mjolsness Brothers" in Sundre, Alberta by Chester Mjolsness. His brother Lloyd partners with him in 1946.
1954: Name changed to Spray Lake Sawmills when company started operating in the Spray Lakes area south of Canmore.
mid 1960s: Spray Lake Sawmills begins searching for a permanent mill site.
1969: Spray Lake Sawmills moves to Cochrane.
1974: Present facility built in Cochrane. Spray Lake Sawmills begins its long-term relationship with the Town of Cochrane.
1980: Second generation of the Mjolsness family assumes management of the company.
1989: Barry Mjolsness purchases the company.
1996: Spray Lake Sawmills becomes the third company in Alberta to achieve FORESTCARE certification.
1996: Spray Lake Sawmills commitment to 100% utilization of wood fibre with the birth of Top Spray. Read more...
1999: Official opening of newly upgraded sawmill facility. The mill boasts state-of-the-art technology that will ensure SLS is an industry leader well into the next millennium. SLS is Cochrane's largest long term employer providing over 150 full-time jobs, 50+ seasonal jobs and extensive economic activity for hundreds of local and provincial suppliers.
2000: SLS wins three of the province's most prestigious business and environmental awards. Read more...
2002: Achievement of FORESTCARE Re-certification under new codes. Read more...
2005: We are pleased to announce the company’s successful re-certification. This represents another step in our commitment towards continued improvement. Read more...