Home Rock Wood Products of Dillwyn, Inc. to invest $8.75 million, create 12 new jobs
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Rock Wood Products of Dillwyn, Inc. to invest $8.75 million, create 12 new jobs

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virginia logoRock Wood Products of Dillwyn, Inc. will invest $8.75 million to expand their sawmill operation in Buckingham County.

The company will create 12 new jobs in the county and source 100 percent of its timber needs from Virginia land owners. This is the first economic development project in Buckingham County to receive state discretionary incentives on record. The Commonwealth is partnering with Buckingham County and Rock Wood Products of Dillwyn through a Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) grant.

“Virginia’s forestry industry supports thousands of quality jobs in our rural communities and provides important market opportunities for the Commonwealth’s private forestland owners,” Governor McAuliffe said, speaking at today’s announcement. “I am delighted that a company with a reputation like Rock Wood Products recognizes the tremendous resources in Buckingham County and has chosen to continue investing in the Commonwealth. We will continue to work with local governments, regional economic development partnerships, and companies like Rock Wood Products to further expand economic vitality and build the new Virginia economy in all corners of the Commonwealth.”

Rock Wood Products of Dillwyn, Inc. was formed in 2014 by parent company John Rock, Inc., one of the largest pallet manufacturing companies in the United States. Rock Wood Products of Dillwyn will supply John Rock’s manufacturing facility with the lumber it needs for pallet production. The company also supplies materials for construction mats, railroad ties, and the flooring industry. The updated technology at the new facility will allow the company to significantly increase production.

“Rock Wood Product’s new investment in Buckingham County and Virginia represents increased opportunities for the county and regional forestland owners,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Basil Gooden. “With 62 percent of Virginia covered by forestland, the Commonwealth’s forestry industry continues to play an integral role in the Governor’s efforts to build a new Virginia economy.”

“We at John Rock, Inc. are excited about our investment in Dillwyn and the future we will be able to offer our employees, suppliers and local businesses,” said Steve Hedrick, CFO of John Rock, Inc. “The people of Dillwyn made this an easy decision for us.”

“We are very excited that Rock Wood Products has chosen to continue operating in our county, to expand the business, and to increase the number of employees,” added Rebecca Carter, Buckingham County Administrator. “The new investment and jobs created by Rock Wood Products represents Buckingham’s first economic development project to receive state discretionary incentives.  It has been a pleasure working with Rock Wood Products and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development fund has resulted in a successful partnership that will not only benefit Buckingham County but also the Commonwealth of Virginia for years to come.”

“It gives us great pleasure to join forces with the Governor in a bipartisan effort to bring jobs and economic development to Virginia’s heartland,” said Senator Tom Garrett.

“It is encouraging to see a business such as Rock Wood Products expand in Dillwyn and continue to grow the agricultural and forestry industry that supports our rural way of life,” added Delegate Matt Farris.

The Commonwealth is partnering with Buckingham County and Rock Wood Products of Dillwyn, Inc. 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. Governor McAuliffe approved a $150,000 grant from the AFID Fund to assist with the project, which Buckingham County is matching with local funds. 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.

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