DIXFIELD – Irving’s Forest Products mill in Dixfield is preparing to start a second shift at its Pine Street plant. The company is hopeful that it’s a sign of things to come.

Mary Keith, spokeswoman for the St. John, New Brunswick wood manufacturer, said about 10 new people will be hired during the next two weeks to work a 2:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. shift.

The company, which specializes in white pine products, had had a second shift until 2005 when a decline in the markets started. At that time, no one lost jobs, said Keith, because the number of employees was reduced through attrition.

Currently, the mill employs 220 people.

The reinstatement of the second shift, which will include 10 new hires along with several employees who will be moved from the first shift, is the result of the receipt of additional orders placed by a major home improvement retailer. Keith declined to identify the customer.

The second shift will work on specialty pine items, she said.

“This is very good news, and a tribute to the folks at the mill. We’re committed to keeping the shift permanent,” she said. “We’re hopeful we’re starting to see a shift in the economy.”