New Omak Wood Products manager named

New Wood Resources announced Jan. 16 that David Niessner has joined the company as general manager of Omak Wood Products in Omak, Wash.

Niessner will help manage the 90-person team at Omak Wood Products, which was formed through an agreement with New Wood Resources and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation to restart the veneer mill in Omak, and to enter into a long-term log supply agreement from tribal-owned timberlands.

“David brings expert leadership and a keenly analytical mind to the unique opportunity and partnership New Wood Resources has embarked on with the Colville Tribes,” said Kurt Liebich, CEO of New Wood Resources. “His contributions will fuel growth and drive success.”

In his 35-year career, Niessner has led forest land management efforts in the Northwest and across the South, and he’s experienced in large-scale multi-mill fiber procurement in the solid wood products and pulp and paper industries. He has also been responsible for raw materials procurement and supply chain management on a global scale.  

As general manager of Omak, Niessner will oversee the mill’s production of softwood veneer for Pacific Northwest markets and Douglas fir plywood for specialty and commodity applications. The mill will provide as many as 200 jobs at full production and will help revive the timber industry in the region.