Wheeler Lumber: A Cornerstone of Whitewood’s Economy
For over 50 years, Wheeler Lumber has been a driving force in Whitewood’s economic development, providing stable jobs and strengthening the local economy. When Wheeler acquired the Whitewood wood treating plant in the mid-1960s, the company expanded its operations and modernized its facilities, cementing its role as a major regional employer.
Today, Wheeler Lumber, LLC remains at the forefront of timber bridge production and wood treatment, distributing products nationwide.
The Whitewood plant serves as a central hub, shipping timber bridge components across the country and supplying treated timber fence posts and farm products to the Plains and Rocky Mountain states. Demonstrating its commitment to quality and innovation, Wheeler introduced a state-of-the-art treating plant in 2003, enhancing production efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Since 2019, Dave Koche has led Wheeler Lumber as General Manager, bringing 23 years of industry expertise and 27 years of experience living in South Dakota’s Black Hills. Wheeler’s legacy dates back to 1892 when the Hoak family first established operations. Ownership changed hands over the decades, including a period under International Paper in the 1980s, before the Hoak family regained control.
Wheeler’s relocation from Cass Lake, MN, to the Black Hills was strategic, ensuring greater accessibility. The Whitewood facility services the railroad industry and provides materials for utility poles and fence posts. In 2003, a devastating fire destroyed the treating plant, requiring a full year to rebuild. The newly opened facility in 2004 introduced copper naphthenate as a preservative, an environmentally friendly alternative that expanded commercial opportunities across North America, Canada, and soon Mexico.
Currently employing 33 workers, Wheeler is preparing for further growth. The Whitewood facility processes timbers sourced from Washington, Oregon, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, transforming them into engineered bridge structures for vehicular, pedestrian, and railroad use. Wheeler’s craftsmanship is evident in projects like the Keystone bridge, various pigtail highway bridges, and numerous structures along the Mickelson Trail and Spearfish Canyon. In addition to bridges, the company manufactures salt sheds for roads and infrastructure, with agricultural fence posts comprising 10% of its business. The treatment of utility poles has become the fastest-growing segment, further solidifying Wheeler’s industry influence.
To accommodate increasing demand, Wheeler is expanding its Whitewood operations by adding a second treating cylinder, effectively doubling its production capacity. This growth will create new jobs while implementing automation to enhance precision, improve quality, and reduce manual labor intensity. With expansion on the horizon, Wheeler anticipates hiring additional skilled laborers to support Whitewood’s evolving workforce needs.
With a strong employee retention rate, Wheeler recruits through word-of-mouth and personal recommendations, fostering a loyal and dedicated workforce. Although often mistaken for a small sawmill, Wheeler Lumber’s reach extends far beyond Whitewood, making a significant impact in the national construction and infrastructure industry.
Throughout its continued success, Wheeler remains deeply appreciative of the Whitewood community, actively giving back in various ways. As the company grows, its contributions to the local economy will only strengthen, ensuring Wheeler Lumber remains a fundamental pillar of Whitewood’s future prosperity.
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