More than 100 Years of Experience
For more than a century, Great Lakes Veneer has partnered with log suppliers to procure high-quality hardwood logs for its veneer products, such as flooring, musical instruments and wood veneer sheets. We have become one of the most respected hardwood veneer log buyers because our team of buying experts fosters strong relationships and open communication with sawmills, log concentration yards and independent log cutters.
The impact of innovation
Our suppliers often voice appreciation in our ability to adapt and utilize all the logs they supply, including rough-cut, shorter hardwoods.
Wood Species
Appalachian Oak
Aspen
Basswood
Beech
Birch
Black Oak
Cherry
Elm
Hard Maple
Hickory (Pecan)
Pin Oak
Northern Red Oak
Red Pine
Southern Red Oak
Sycamore
Walnut
White Ash
White Birch
White Oak
Great Lakes Veneer has always placed a tremendous focus on technology to enhance our manufacturing process and increase overall capabilities, so we can use a variety of hardwood log species and grades. In addition, we’ve cultivated relationships with a broad range of customers, some of whom request veneer products that feature interesting visual characteristics. For that reason, unlike other veneer log buyers, we will buy logs with:
- Varying heart sizes
- Different lengths
- Small diameters
- And other characteristics other log buyers may not seek
As a major veneer log buyer in the United States, we believe our innovations aid in the success of our suppliers, ultimately creating long successful partnerships for many years to come.
Meet the Team
The team of veneer log buyers at Great Lakes Veneer is well-known for their expertise and focus on long-term relationships. They’re consistent, reliable and open-minded about different species and grades, and want the sales process to be easy and ongoing. They take great pride in their focus on communicating changes in hardwood log type, length, diameter and grade, so your supply naturally meets our demand.
Alan Watts
Log Buyer
Territory: Eastern Kentucky, Ohio, Eastern Indiana, West Virginia
Contact A Log Buyer
Bill Lundberg
Log Buyer
Territory: Western Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri
Don Sager
Log Buyer
Territory: Western Kentucky, Southern Indiana, Tennessee, Southeastern Missouri
Mike O'Connell
LOG PROCUREMENT DIRECTOR
Territory: Canada, Lower Michigan
Want to become a log supplier?
If you’re interested in becoming a log supplier for Great Lakes Veneer, contact us or one of the log buyers directly in your area.






