Hammond Lumber buys Wickes facility in Bangor

BANGOR – Hammond Lumber Co. completed the purchase of Wickes Lumber in Bangor on Monday, according to Hammond Lumber Vice President Michael Hammond.

“It’s a great opportunity for us,” Hammond said.

“We’ve been delivering to the Bangor area for years, and we are looking forward to being part of the community.”

All 30 Wickes Lumber employees have been hired and the management team remains the same, according to Rod Wiles, Hammond Lumber spokesman. Wiles was unsure if new positions would be created in the near future, although he said the company hopes to expand the Bangor facility at some point.

“We will bring on new people as needed,” he said.

With the addition of the Wickes facility, Hammond Lumber now employs about 250 people. Hammond Lumber now operates seven stores in Maine, including in Auburn, Belgrade, Fairfield, Farmington, Greenville and Skowhegan.

The company was founded in Belgrade in 1953 when Michael Hammond’s grandfather Skip Hammond opened a three-man sawmill. Michael Hammond’s father, Donald, was responsible for adding retail stores in the 1970s, and is now the company president. Maine Pine Log Homes, a division that manufactures and sells complete building packages, has been in operation since 1987.

Wiles said Wickes Lumber focused primarily on contractor business. Hammond Lumber hopes to continue working with contractors while introducing new lines and products to cater to the homeowners and do-it-yourselfers in the Bangor area.

Possibilities for new products and lines have not yet been determined.

“We’re still assessing what’s here,” Wiles said.

The Bangor store also has expanded its hours of operation. Previously open only until 4 p.m. and closed on weekends, the store will now be open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to noon Saturday to match the hours of operation at all other Hammond Lumber facilities.