A Significant Footprint in Hardwood Country
Spanning 65 acres, NWH Marienville features 71,350 square feet of dry storage and over 7,500 square feet of covered air-drying space. With 11 kilns and a combined drying capacity of 690,000 board feet, the facility produces up to 14 million board feet of kiln-dried lumber annually.
The mill’s primary species include Soft Maple and Cherry — with additional production of Ash, Birch, Hard Maple, Poplar, and both Red and White Oak. Thanks to its location on the Allegheny Plateau, the Marienville facility benefits from some of the most consistent color in both Cherry and Red Oak, giving its products a competitive edge in markets where appearance and uniformity matter most.
A Legacy of Timber
The history of lumber manufacturing in Marienville runs deep. The original sawmill on the site was steam-powered, eventually converting to diesel motors. When a new mill was built, the same team transitioned to the updated operation, continuing a legacy of craftsmanship that still defines the facility today.
A Team with Experience and Heart
The history of lumber manufacturing in Marienville runs deep. The original sawmill on the site was steam-powered, eventually converting to diesel motors. When a new mill was built, the same team transitioned to the updated operation, continuing a legacy of craftsmanship that still defines the facility today.
The Team & Culture
NWH Marienville employs 65 people, many of whom have worked in hardwoods for decades. Bill Clow, who’s been with NWH for 29 years, says the company’s commitment to its people stands out:
“This is a good company to work for — they have your back, you can go places here, and it’s very family-friendly. Family always comes first.”
Mill Manager Brian Popoleo is the longest-serving employee at the site, having started in 1990. Over the years, he’s worked nearly every job in the mill—from stacking and sawing to sales and purchasing—before stepping into a leadership role.
“I enjoy the challenges, working with people at all levels, and take pride in this facility,” says Brian. “Leadership is the key to success. I’m dedicated to my job and will work as many hours as needed. I try to lead by example and take advantage of every opportunity to teach — whether it’s about our values or building stronger leaders.”
Production Manager Jared Dehner has spent over a decade with NWH, rising through the ranks from the stacker line to machine operation, maintenance, and grading.
“One of my favorite things about working at NWH is how it’s team-oriented,” Jared says. “Over the years, I’ve worked with a lot of great people who lift you up as a team and help you grow with them.”
A Culture of Teamwork and Pride
According to Popoleo, the Marienville team is driven by shared values and a strong sense of pride in the site. “The people work well as a team, and our strong line leads and supervisors take real pride in the site. They work hard to make it productive, and that’s a big part of what makes us successful.”
With a current safety record of over 150 days without lost time, the facility’s safety record reflects its culture of accountability, collaboration, and mutual respect.
What Makes Marienville Special?
Between its experienced workforce, strong leadership, and proximity to some of the best hardwood resources in North America, Marienville plays a key role in NWH’s Appalachian operations. Its combination of technical capacity and people-first culture keeps the mill performing at a high level and positioned for the future.
Fun Facts About Marienville
- Marienville hosts the Forest County Bigfoot Festival each June, celebrating all things Sasquatch! Festival events include a Bigfoot Hunt, a town hall meeting, a 5k race, and various contests and entertainment.
- Marienville is known as the “Snowmobile Capital of Pennsylvania”. It is the gateway to the Allegheny National Forest and its hundreds of miles of trails for ATV, snowmobiles, hiking, and horseback riding. Each May and October, nearly 1,000 ATV enthusiasts come to Marienville for Tour-De-Forest, an organized leisure ride.
- The town was first called “Blood’s Settlement”, and then later Marien, then Marienville, after Marien (Blood) Hunt, daughter of Cyrus Blood, the founder of Forest County and a key figure in Marienville’s early development. In 1834, Blood built a sawmill on Salmon Creek, which contributed to the growth of the population in Marienville and an intentional center for the lumber industry.
MARIENVILLE, PA
237 Highland Dr
Marienville, PA 16239
- Sawmill & Kiln
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