Governor Terry McAuliffe announced Woodgrain Millwork, a family-owned and operated company headquartered in Idaho, will expand its door and window component manufacturing facility in Smyth County. The company will create seventeen new jobs in the county and source 78 percent of its timber needs from Virginia land owners. Virginia successfully competed against North Carolina for the project.
Speaking at the announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Virginia’s forestry industry supports thousands of good jobs in our rural communities and provides important market opportunities for the Commonwealth’s private forestland owners. Partnering with a company like Woodgrain Millwork is a great way my administration can support Virginia’s forest products sector, one of Virginia’s top private industries. Woodgrain Millwork’s new expansion will bring welcomed employment opportunities and economic vitality to the region, further helping with my administration’s efforts to build a new Virginia economy. I applaud the company’s commitment to Marion and continued investment in Smyth County and Virginia.”
Woodgrain Millwork, one of the largest millwork operations in the world, has been operating for over 60 years. With seven mills across the globe, Woodgrain is one of the largest manufacturers of wood moulding and trim and the largest manufacturer of prefinished mouldings in the country. Woodgrain Millwork will invest $1.86 million in site improvements and equipment needed to build an 18,000 square-foot addition to its Marion mill. The company’s primary products will be exterior door frames, brick mouldings, and doorjambs. Woodgrain Millwork is also committing to purchase more than $4.6 million of Virginia lumber over the next three years, or 78 percent of the forestry inputs needed for the new production venture.
“Woodgrain Millwork’s continued investment in Smyth County and Virginia represents increased opportunities for the county and local forestland owners,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore. “Southwest Virginia is regarded as one of the Commonwealth’s most abundant and sustainable wood baskets, so Woodgrain Millwork is well-positioned for continued success. Forestry is Virginia’s third largest private industry, responsible for a $17 billion economic impact annually and over 100,000 jobs, and projects like this in the forestry sector are contributing to the Governor’s efforts to build the new Virginia economy.”
“This expansion is another wonderful testament to the outstanding assets the Commonwealth has to offer to businesses of all sizes across many industries,” added Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “Woodgrain Millwork has benefitted from the great infrastructure, friendly business climate and outstanding talent in the region, and we are pleased the company is able to take advantage of Virginia’s training programs to further prepare its employees.”
“Smyth County is fortunate to have Woodgrain Millwork as part of the business community in Smyth County, and we are pleased to work with them on this expansion,” said Wade H. Blevins Jr, Chair of the Smyth County Board of Supervisors. “We appreciate Woodgrain’s commitment to Smyth County and their efforts to bring quality jobs to our citizens. This expansion plays an important role in our continued efforts to expand the local economy. In addition, we are grateful for the economic impact Woodgrain generates for sawmills throughout the Southwest Virginia region and for their commitment to purchase Virginia-grown forest products. We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Governor McAuliffe, Secretary Todd Haymore and his dedicated team at the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Virginia Tobacco Commission, and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership for their assistance with this project.”
Robb Hitch, Eastern Regional Manager for Woodgrain Millwork added, “Woodgrain is excited to be building on the strong tradition of wood manufacturing in Smyth County. This 18,000 square foot addition will allow us to grow our business and continue to be a vital part of the Southwest Virginia economy. The Commonwealth of Virginia and Smyth County were proactive in making this project a reality for the town of Marion, Virginia. Woodgrain Millwork appreciates everyone’s support and we look forward to continued growth in Virginia. ”
“On behalf of the Virginia Tobacco Commission, I want to congratulate Woodgrain Millwork on its decision to expand its operation in Smyth County, Virginia bringing 17 new jobs to the county,” said Senator Bill Carrico (R- Galax), member of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. “In addition to the $75,000 from the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund, this announcement is highlighted by Woodgrain Millwork's capital investment of $1.86 million which reinforces its commitment to Smyth County and the region.”
The Commonwealth is partnering with Smyth County and Woodgrain Millwork on this project through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund, which is administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS). Governor McAuliffe approved a $100,000 grant from the AFID Fund to assist with the project, which Smyth County is matching with local funds. The company was also awarded a grant from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will also be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, administered by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.
Since the beginning of the McAuliffe administration, 641 economic development deals have been closed in Virginia with more than $10.95 billion in capital investment, which is more than any previous governor in the first 25 months in office.