Rosboro Roundtable: Celebrating Growth and Collaboration in Springfield
On October 22, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce had the privilege of hosting a Chamber Roundtable + Tour at Rosboro, one of Springfield’s longest-standing industry leaders. Over 50 Chamber members gathered to hear firsthand from Brian Wells, Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Development, about Rosboro’s monumental $120 million facility expansion. This event was not only a celebration of National Manufacturing Month but also a deep dive into the innovation happening right here in our community.
Founded in Springfield in 1939, Rosboro has grown to become the largest manufacturer of glue-laminated (glulam) timber products in North America. Wells set the stage by walking attendees through Rosboro’s rich history of innovation – specifically, the company’s gradual transition from pure timber to engineered wood products.
The highlight of the day was learning about Rosboro’s game-changing expansion project. The investment includes a new glulam plant, kilns, and a planer mill, which will boost production capacity by over 50%. This growth isn’t just about facilities – it’s about economic impact. Wells outlined how this expansion will generate new jobs, strengthen partnerships with local and regional suppliers, and further cement Springfield’s reputation as a hub for sustainable manufacturing.
Rosboro’s success is built on strong partnerships within the community. They source lumber from fellow Chamber members Giustina and Weyerhaeuser, reinforcing local economic ties. Additionally, the expansion project itself is a collaboration with Chambers Construction, another valued Chamber member.
“I am thrilled we are doing this project in Springfield. We have received nothing but support from elected officials and planning staff – it’s refreshing to have partners like this.”
– Brian Wells, Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Development, Rosboro
Following the presentation, attendees were treated to an exclusive tour of Rosboro’s operations. Walking through the state-of-the-art facilities, Wells pointed out the precision and care that goes into every piece of glulam timber. From the massive kilns to the advanced production lines, the scale of the operation was truly awe-inspiring.
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Rosboro for opening their doors and giving this rare glimpse into their space. Their hospitality, transparency, and passion for their work were evident throughout the event. A huge thank you also goes out to all the attendees for making this Roundtable + Tour such a success.
This event was a perfect example of the value the Roundtable + Tour series brings to the Springfield business community. From insider insights to exclusive networking opportunities, these events are designed to keep members informed, inspired, and engaged. Stay tuned for updates on the next Roundtable event!
More about Chamber Roundtable
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce‘s monthly Chamber Roundtable Series fosters interactive discussions on legislation and policy, community and economic development, and workforce and talent. Quarterly, these Roundtables will be coupled with an on-location business tour exploring some of the many unique industry leaders throughout the Springfield area.