Half a century of craftmanship: An inside look at Fiber of Oregon’s legacy

In 1975, a bold idea took root in Klamath Falls, Oregon: to transform waste wood into a valuable product. What began as a daring experiment has, over its 50 years, grown into the cornerstone of innovation and community. 

Legacy and History

“To reach 50 years, I mostly think about the people who started the mill,” Ed Reed, plant manager at Fiber of Oregon, shared. “They worked so hard to make it a success.” He recalled being in eighth grade when Fiber of Oregon opened its doors.

Back then, molded doors didn’t exist. “When Dick Wendt approved construction of Fiber of Oregon, it was a huge risk,” he said.

From a single 5-opening press using waste wood, the plant evolved: adding a second press, transitioning to producing only door skins, and upgrading its systems to meet evolving health and safety standards. Each step forward marked an advancement of innovation and efficiency.

Leadership and Culture

Ed remembers his first interview when he learned about a JELD-WEN leadership philosophy that still guides the plant today: “You can’t motivate people, but you can create an atmosphere that allows their natural motivation to rise.”

This belief is woven into the culture of Fiber of Oregon. From job-specific meetings that foster collaboration across shifts to a deep respect for every role, the plant thrives on shared purpose and mutual respect.

“We have a lot of smart, hardworking people who’ve dedicated their careers to making this place better every day,” Ed said.

Innovation and Adaptation

“When our fully automated process was installed, most TVs were black and white, and slide rules were still common,” Ed noted. “Today, it’s much easier to run—but getting here took countless hours of upgrades and innovation.”.

The plant now produces mostly smooth and flat-panel door skins to adapt to customer demand over time. Meeting high-end quality expectations across diverse markets takes a willingness to evolve.

People and Community

Fiber of Oregon isn’t just a workplace – it’s a community. The plant remains a vital employer and community partner.

One in four employees has been with the plant for more than 20 years. Some employees are following in their family footsteps and are second-generation workers at the plant. 

Looking Ahead

As Fiber of Oregon looks ahead to its next 50 years, the focus is clear: sustainability, leadership, and training. 

“I read once that we don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors – we borrow it from our children,” Ed reflected. “That’s how I feel about this plant. We’re borrowing it from the next generation. So, we need to take care of it.”