In the late 80’s, The Boltons decided to expand their original logging business to include a chip mill when pulp and paper companies were taking business to independent satellite chip mills. The Chip Mill was constructed alongside U.S. Highway 1, which at the time was a rural and sparsely populated area. Working with Fulghum Industries components, the Boltons designed and constructed the chip mill. It began operating in 1990 under the name B&B Chip Mill. Initially, B&B Chip Mill purchased timber themselves and relied on area timber sources.
At first, B&B Chip Mill delivered chips primarily by rail (CSX Railroad). Delivery was smooth for the first few years until the rail service developed a kink and eventually dropped to a lower level. In the meantime, the Boltons had put three trucks and vans into service to deliver chips to papermaking facilities.
Today, B&B Chip Mill no longer produces timber. The Boltons stepped back from timber procurement when it became intensely competitive and now timber brokers provide feedstock from within a 70-mile radius for the mill. As urban sprawl has impacted the New Hill area, B&B Chip Mill has also focused on becoming a better neighbor, controlling noise by limiting mill operation to 12 hours per day only 5 days per week. The company also donates chips and mulch regularly to community church and school playgrounds.
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