According to its published time line, on March 18, Weyerhaeuser Company formally welcomed Willamette Industries employees as part of the new combined company. Business leaders and others held a series of welcome events and activities at Willamette locations to mark the official name change to Weyerhaeuser.

The visible evidence of the change came with the posting of Weyerhaeuser company name banners at all company facilities in the former Willamette operation. (Photo, above, at the Dodson, Louisiana sawmill.

The former Willamette forestry, logging, and manufacturing operations in North Louisiana and South Arkansas continued normal activities, and the Southern regional offices in Ruston, and forestry offices in the region continued normal functions, while working with transition teams to plan the ultimate integration of the two international companies.

"This is a significant milestone in combining the operations of the two companies as we continue to grow the global leader in our industry," said Steven R. Rogel, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Weyerhaeuser. "We're very optimistic about our future. We know we have challenges ahead, but we also know we have the team in place to take advantage of our opportunities."

The combination creates a company that would have had sales of approximately $19 billion in 2001 and will have leadership positions in all of its major product lines:
- World's largest producer of softwood market pulp.
- World's largest producer of softwood lumber.
- World's largest producer of engineered lumber products.
- World's second largest in containerboard packaging.
- World's second largest in printing and writing paper.
- Manages approximately 40 million acres of forestland for sustainable wood production while protecting important natural resources.

"The 'hand in glove' fit of the Willamette assets with Weyerhaeuser gives us the size to better meet the needs of a wide array of customers," said Rogel. "In addition, our combined company draws on the talents, processes and systems of Willamette and Weyerhaeuser to create an even stronger single company."

Integration teams made up of people from both Weyerhaeuser and Willamette will recommend how to best combine the two companies. The teams, working now, are expected to complete their recommendations by early June.

Weyerhaeuser Company, one of the world's largest integrated forest products companies, was incorporated in 1900. In 2001, sales were $14.5 billion. It has offices or operations in 17 countries, with customers worldwide. Weyerhaeuser is principally engaged in the growing and harvesting of timber; the manufacture, distribution and sale of forest products; and real estate construction, development and related activities.

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