Lumber mill Rock Wood Products will invest $8.75 million to expand its sawmill operation. Creating 12 new jobs, the investment will go toward new machinery and technology – increasing production.
Rock Wood Products was formed in 2014 by parent company John Rock Inc., one of the largest pallet manufacturing companies in the U.S. Rock Wood will supply John Rock’s manufacturing facility with lumber for pallet production. The company also produces lumber and supply materials for construction mats, railroad ties, and flooring.
It will be the first economic development project in the area to receive state discretionary incentives, according to Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe. Virginia is partnering with the local Buckingham County and Rock Wood to provide a Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development grant. Rock Wood will source all of its timber from Virginia forest owners.
“Virginia’s forestry industry supports thousands of quality jobs in our rural communities and provides important market opportunities,” McAuliffe said. “Rock Wood Products recognizes the tremendous resources in Buckingham County and has chosen to continue investing in the commonwealth.”
McAuliffe approved a $150,000 grant from the fund to assist with the project, which Buckingham is matching with local funds. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities also will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, administered by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.
From Woodworking Network: https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/news/woodworking-industry-news/lumber-supplier-invests-9-million-expansion?ss=news,news,woodworking_industry_news,news,almanac_market_data,news