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GRAYSON/SMYTH COUNTIES, Va. (WDBJ) – 100 new jobs are expected as a wood molding and trim maker invests nearly $9 million to expand operations in Smyth County. Woodgrain, Inc. will also invest more than $8 million to purchase and expand the former Independence Lumber sawmill in Grayson County.
In addition to the new jobs, the plan is to retain 80 existing jobs and increase purchases of Virginia-grown forest products.
“We are excited to expand our operations and continue our commitment to Southwestern Virginia,” Robb Hitch, Woodgrain Eastern Region Millwork manager, said Friday. “We believe this will have a significant positive impact on the local economy and allow us to further leverage our vertical integration by supplying lumber to our millwork site in Smyth County and throughout the Southwest. . It’s a win-win situation that will allow us to continue to provide best-in-class services and products.
“Forestry is the third largest private industry in the Commonwealth, supporting over 107,000 jobs in our rural communities and providing an economic impact of $21 billion a year,” said Governor Ralph Northam. “Woodgrain continues to bring employment opportunities and capital investment to Southwest Virginia, supporting my administration’s goal of bringing economic vitality to every corner of the Commonwealth. I am grateful to Woodgrain for their commitment to Virginia forest products and look forward to continuing this partnership in the future.
Woodgrain, a family-owned company based in Idaho, produces and distributes lumber, trim, doors and windows at 27 facilities, employing more than 3,500 people nationwide, according to the governor’s office.
“New and expanding markets for Virginia forest products are critical to the sustainable management of the Commonwealth’s 16 million acres of forest land,” said Agriculture and Forestry Secretary Bettina Ring. “These major Woodgrain expansions will not only retain and create new, well-paying jobs in Southwest Virginia, but also expand important market opportunities for our landowners, leading to a stronger forest resource. healthy.”
“For nearly three decades, Woodgrain has been a valuable contributor to the Commonwealth forest products industry,” said Commerce Secretary Brian Ball. “The company’s additional investment in Southwest Virginia reflects the strength of Virginia’s workforce and favorable business environment, two of the many reasons the Commonwealth has just been named America’s Best State. for business by CNBC. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Woodgrain. »
“We are very pleased to see this sawmill continue to grow and prosper in Grayson County,” said Grayson County Administrator William L. Shepley. “We look forward to working with Woodgrain and helping to grow employment opportunities for our citizens. »
“Independence Lumber has been a good partner to Grayson County for many years,” said Grayson County Board of Supervisors Chairman Kenneth R. Belton. “And we welcome Woodgrain for many years to come.”
“Woodgrain’s continued investment in its Atkins plant shows how much they believe in their employees and our community as a whole,” said Smyth County Administrator Shawn Utt. “We want the company to know how much we believe in them and appreciate these investments. They have long served our county as an employer of choice, and we look forward to many years of progress and growth.
“The Board of Supervisors is delighted that Woodgrain’s continued confidence in Smyth County,” said Smyth County Board of Supervisors Chairman Charles Atkins. “With the Woodgrain expansion bringing 80 new jobs to our region, it will continue to support our citizens and grow our county. We look forward to continuing to work with such a strong employer in our community and wish them a long and successful future.
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