Wood moulding and trim maker Woodgrain last week announced it would invest nearly $9 million in expanding its Smyth County operations and another $8 million to buy and expand the former Independence Lumber sawmill in Grayson County.
The projects, according to Gov. Ralph Northam, will create 100 new jobs, save 80 existing jobs and increase demand for Virginia’s forest products.
“Forestry is the commonwealth’s third-largest private industry, supporting more than 107,000 jobs in our rural communities and providing an economic impact of $21 billion annually,” said Northam. “Woodgrain continues to bring welcomed employment opportunities and capital investment to Southwest Virginia, supporting my administration’s goal to bring economic vitality to all corners of the Commonwealth. I’m thankful to Woodgrain for their commitment to Virginia forest products and look forward to continued partnership in the future.”
The 80 jobs saved will be at Independence Lumber, Grayson County’s largest private employer. When sawmill upgrades are complete, the Independence site will become the primary supplier for the company’s Smyth County operations. This means Woodgrain will be able to source 90 percent of its wood needs from Virginia forests, buying an additional 9 million board feet of lumber over the next three years.
Based in Idaho, Woodgrain is a family owned businesses and one of the largest millwork companies in the world. The company produces and distributes lumber, mouldings, doors, and windows at 27 facilities employing more than 3,500 individuals nationwide. In addition to millwork manufacturing, Woodgrain owns and manages forestlands and several sawmills in the Pacific Northwest. The dimensional sawmill in Grayson County will be the company’s first sawmill on the East Coast. Woodgrain plans to retain the sawmill’s existing employees and create 20 new jobs at the facility.
In Smyth County, Woodgrain will improve its existing manufacturing facility and expand into another building, creating 80 new jobs and increasing that facility’s purchases of Virginia-grown forest products by nearly 20 percent.
“New and expanding markets for Virginia forest products are vital to the sustainable management of the Commonwealth’s 16 million acres of forestland,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring. “These major expansions by Woodgrain will not only retain and create new high-paying jobs in Southwest Virginia, but also expand important market opportunities for our landowners, leading to a healthier forest resource.”
“We are excited about expanding our operations and furthering our commitment to Southwest Virginia,” said Woodgrain Eastern Region Millwork Manager Robb Hitch. “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 location in Smyth County and throughout the Southwest. It’s a win-win situation that will allow us to continue to provide best-in-class service and product.”
“We are very pleased to see this sawmill continue to grow and thrive in Grayson County,” said Grayson County Administrator William L. Shepley. “We look forward to working with Woodgrain and to the growth of employment opportunities for our citizens.”
“Independence Lumber has been a good partner with Grayson County for many years,” said Grayson County Board of Supervisors Chair Kenneth R. Belton. “And we welcome Woodgrain for many years to come.”
“Woodgrain’s continued investment at their Atkins facility 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, as well, and appreciate those investments. They have long served our County as a prime employer, and we look forward to many more years of progress and growth.”
“The Board of Supervisors are thrilled Woodgrain continues to show faith in Smyth County,” said Smyth County Board of Supervisors Chair Charles Atkins. “With Woodgrain’s expansion bringing 80 new jobs to our area, 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 future of success.”
“Virginia’s Industrial Advancement Alliance is extremely excited to help finalize both expansions of Woodgrain Millwork in Grayson and Smyth Counties,” said Virginia’s Industrial Advancement Alliance (VIAA) Executive Director Josh Lewis. “These expansions will strengthen the supply chain in the region. Congratulations to Grayson County, Smyth County, VIAA Business Retention and Expansion staff, Virginia Economic Development Partnership project managers, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Tobacco Commission for helping deliver another big win for the region.”
“Southwest Virginia is a great place to live, work, and raise a family because of companies like Woodgrain,” said Senator Todd Pillion. “This investment demonstrates a special commitment to the region that will add value to Virginia’s forestry industry while saving existing jobs and creating new opportunities. The local economy and entire community will benefit from this exciting expansion.”
“This investment by Woodgrain in Grayson County will have a tremendous impact on the County and all of Southwest Virginia,” said Delegate Israel O’Quinn. “Independence Lumber has been a wonderful business partner in our area, and this purchase by Woodgrain will ensure that it provides more great jobs and economic benefit for our region.”
“I am pleased to take part in the announcement of Woodgrain’s second expansion in five years here in Smyth County,” said Delegate Jeffrey Campbell. “Woodgrain has been an integral part of this community for many years, and is poised to continue to grow and prosper. The addition of 80 new jobs with this investment is welcomed as our economy continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic and I am truly thankful for the men and women who have worked very hard, every day, at Woodgrain to make this into reality.”
