Family-Owned Tradition

The Freeman Family has been operating mills in Greenfield since 1832

Our Values

Sustainability

Nearly 200 years of experience drive our ongoing commitment to sustainable production and responsible forest management.

Community

Since 1832, Freeman Lumber has been deeply rooted in Greenfield, Nova Scotia. We are committed to supporting our employees and local community through meaningful engagement and shared growth.

Excellence

We have cutting-edge technology across our facilities and a committed workforce to consistently deliver top-quality lumber.

 Timeline

  • In 1830, Gorham Freeman settled in Greenfield, Nova Scotia, and built a sawmill. The Freeman family has been there ever since.

    Powered by water, Freeman’s initial mill provided lumber for settler’s homes, helping populate the town. The Freemans continued producing lumber throughout the 19th century but also built mills to produce shingles and grind local grain.

  • The Freeman Family built their first “modern” lumber mill, which operated as a water-powered mill under Harry Freeman Sr.’s lead until 1956.

  • Harry Freeman Jr. builds his first mill away from the Medway River, switching from water-powered equipment to gasoline-powered.

  • Freeman Lumber moved to its current location, where electricity eventually replaced diesel engines in 1974.

  • Freeman Lumber begins building a new, expanded facility. To improve lumber quality, a new planer mill, stud mill and more dry kilns were added.

  • Freeman Lumber becomes ISO 9001 certified, demonstrating the firm’s commitment to product quality and workplace safety.

  • Freeman Lumber begins expanding and modernizing, adding a new high-speed moulding plant.

  • Freeman Lumber undergoes a massive modernization of facilities, including adding a new log sorter, advanced AI scanning technology, a high-speed board edger, and a curved sawing gangsaw. These upgrades improved efficiency and resource utilization.

    • Richard and Charlie Freeman have consistently invested in modernizing Freeman Lumber, driving continual advancements in our operations.

    • Freeman Lumber expanded its kiln capacity, now operating 14 kilns on-site and an additional 2 kilns in Caledonia, Nova Scotia, to enhance our drying capabilities.

    • Freeman Lumber installed a new planer mill featuring 90 bins, advanced AI scanning technology, inkjet grade stamp and robotic wrapping to significantly boost our efficiency.

    • Freeman Lumber’s woodland operation is certified by Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).

    • Freeman Lumber is among the oldest family-run sawmills in North America. Plenty has changed in almost 200 years, but the Freeman family still operates a sawmill in Greenfield. They’re still committed to production, innovation, and sustained forestry.

    • Freeman Lumber is a modern, flexible, and efficient lumber producer in Eastern Canada, producing over 120 million board feet of lumber and value-added lumber products annually.