H&H Lumber will be a concentration yard, which means that wood will be brought in and stacked outside for air drying, and then will be put into a kiln to be dried.
“We will also be planning wood for our customers; as well as other specialty jobs that may come along,” said Mike Pierce, who is the administrative manager.
The company is looking to be up and running within 30-45 days; and, turning out product. “We are initially planning to hire from three to five full and part-time employees; and, as the business grows also will our need for employees,” noted Pierce.
The business is owned by Randy Huff from Indiana, who worked originally as an ironworker for fifteen years. He then started a multi-state vending company; and, it became one of the largest vending companies in the state of Indiana. Pierce and his wife managed a retail store and bar that were owned by Huff.
Huff became involved in the lumber business in 2007 with a large wood chipping operation and then moved on to air and kiln drying of wood; initially on a custom basis.
Huff also served on his local school board in Sullivan, Indiana. “We are excited to be doing business in Columbia, “said Pierce. “It reminds us of our hometown of Sullivan, as the people we have met and done business with are very friendly and cooperative.”
In conclusion, he noted, “Our hopes are to build a successful business here in Columbia, expand and hire more people, and add to the economy.”