Mountain Top Timber Products to expand operations in Scott County

Mountain Top Timber Products, LLC will invest $3.76 million into a long-abandoned industrial building in the Town of Dungannon.

The project will expand the company’s wood chipping operations and add a new sawmill and dry kiln capacity. All told, over the next three years, Mountain Top Timber Products will create 50 new jobs above the county’s prevailing wage and will commit to purchase over $14 million of Virginia-grown timber from area loggers and forestland owners.

“My administration is committed to partnering with our local governments and economic development allies to leverage local resources and bring prosperity to all corners of the Commonwealth,” said Governor Northam. “That’s why this announcement is not only a great win for the forestry industry and for Scott County, but for all Virginia as we continue to create opportunities for all Virginians.”

“As Virginia’s third-largest private industry, forestry is a critical part of Virginia’s economy,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring. “I am thrilled the Commonwealth can support significant new investments in the forestry industry like the one being made today by Mountain Top Timber Products. We are especially excited to make this investment in Southwest Virginia and in Scott County.”

“Supporting the growth of small businesses in rural areas is essential to strengthening our economy in every corner of the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “We are pleased that Mountain Top Timber Products has chosen to create new jobs in Scott County and look forward to our continued partnership.”

“Mountain Top Timber Products is a locally grown company, and we are excited about the opportunity to revive the facility in the Dungannon area,” said Neal Stidham, Managing Member, Mountain Top Timber Products, LLC. “These will be good forestry related jobs for this area. We appreciate the Commonwealth, the region, and Scott County in their partnership with us on this project.”

“The citizens of Scott County are excited to welcome a new partner, and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with Mountain Top Timber Products.” stated Dr. David Redwine, Chairman of the Scott County Board of Supervisors. “We are pleased that the company recognizes that our people are our greatest asset, and have chosen Scott County as their new location to grow into the future.”

Governor Northam approved a $260,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund, which Scott County will match with local funds, to assist the project. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which administers the AFID Fund, worked with Scott County and the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) to secure the project for Virginia. The VCEDA Board of Directors approved a $1 million loan to the Scott County Economic Development Authority to help with the project.

Also assisting was the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission with a $125,000 award from the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund and a $125,000 loan. The project may be eligible for funding through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP) administered by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, which would provide funding and services to support the company’s employee training.

Virginia Community Capital also worked with the company to secure funding. The Town of Dungannon, and the LENOWISCO Planning District Commission also assisted with the project.

“It’s great to see a company like Mountain Top Timber expand into Scott County,” said Senator Bill Carrico, a Virginia Tobacco Commission member.  “Forestry and timber products have long been an important part of our economy in Southwest Virginia, and I am pleased that the Tobacco Commission chose to support the resurgence of one of our staple industries and bring more than 50 new jobs to our region.”

“We are pleased to be able to assist the Scott County EDA and Mountain Top Timber Products on this important project for Scott County and the region,” said Jonathan Belcher, Executive Director and General Counsel for the Virginia Coalfield Economics Development Authority (EDA). “The new jobs planned by the company are welcome news and will help the economy of the area.”

“The Tobacco Commission is happy to assist this new business in creating much needed jobs,” said Delegate Terry Kilgore, Chairman of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. “I congratulate the company on its choice of Scott County to expand their business.”