June 07, 2005
Grant Forest Products to Invest $200 Million in Clarendon County Will Create 120 Jobs
Link to LIVE article
Contact: John Truluck,
Clarendon County Development Board,
803.435-8813
David King, Central SC Alliance
803.733.1151
Columbia, SC – Grant Forest Products Inc., a leading provider of engineered wood panel products, today announced it will invest more than $400 million in South Carolina, building two manufacturing plants and creating about 240 jobs in Allendale and Clarendon counties.
The company also said it plans to buy locally grown timber for both facilities, which will be the first U.S. manufacturing locations for the Canada-based firm.
“South Carolina has a combination of resources that we could not find anywhere else,” said Peter Grant Jr., president of the company. “We were looking for a willing, trainable workforce, a government that understands the needs—and the value—of business, and a lot of timber. This state met and exceeded our expectations at every level.”
Gov. Mark Sanford, who has led efforts at the state level to make South Carolina more competitive on the economic development front, said the jobs and capital investment Grant Forest Products is bringing to two of our state's rural counties would provide "a significant shot in the arm" to local economic development efforts as well as producing a "ripple effect" on economic development at the state level.
"We've said from day one that growing our rural economy here in South Carolina and improving the climate for new and expanding businesses is one of this administration's core objectives," Gov. Sanford said. "We've got tremendous competitive advantages and a unique quality of life here that you don't find in many other states, and our focus continues to be on expanding those advantages so that more companies like Grant Forest Products bring jobs and investment here as opposed to elsewhere. For us, that starts with additional income tax relief that will stimulate economic growth across all sectors of our state's economy."
Construction of the Allendale plant is slated to begin in the fall, with expected completion scheduled for late 2006. Work on the Clarendon site is scheduled to start six months after ground is broken in Allendale. These plans are subject to final regulatory approval.
The 240 new jobs will be spread evenly between the facilities, with each employing more than 100 people.
“Our forestry sector is an integral part of our state’s economy, especially when it comes to bringing growth to our rural areas and making sure we’re focused on raising income levels in every part of South Carolina,” said Commerce Secretary Bob Faith. “We’re thrilled with this win and the jobs that will be created in Allendale and Clarendon counties.”
Local Quotes
Clarendon County Council Chairman Dwight L. Stewart, Jr. stated, “ On behalf of the Clarendon County Council, I want to welcome Grant Forest Products. The $200 million investment in the county will be one of the biggest to happen in our county and in our region. I want to thank John Truluck and the Development Board, county administrator Bill Houser, county attorney Ferrell Cothran, Senator John Land, Represtative Alex Harvin and Representative Murrell Smith for the team effort in making this possible. John Truluck worked closely with the Central SC Alliance and with the Department of Commerce and we appreciate their efforts. Most importantly, we want to thank Peter Grant, Jr. and his company for the confidence they have placed in our county. The benefits will reach far beyond our county boundary. The location of the plant here is a testament to the productivity and the resilience of the southern pine forest.
Central SC Alliance Chairman George J. Bullwinkel, Jr. said, “What a tremendous day for the people of Clarendon County and the Central SC region. Grant Forest Products will find a solid base of skilled workers and the infrastructure to support there future growth. The Alliance appreciates the work on this project by Clarendon County Council and the many local and regional allies that were involved in the process.”
John Truluck, Executive Director, Clarendon County Development Board said, “This is a great day for Clarendon County and a huge victory for the Clarendon County ”team”. Grant Forest Products is a dynamic company and their location here will have an impact beyond what any of us can imagine. The 120+ jobs that they will create will be high paying and that will significantly improve our per capita income and that is what the Development Board strives for.”
About the Company
Grant Forest Products is a North American leader in the manufacture of oriented strand board (OSB) panels, an engineered wood product made from resins and multiple layers of wood strands. It also produces OSB specialty products such as webstock, rim board, and oversized panels. OSB is used in construction as an economical alternative to plywood.
The company is headquartered in Toronto, with its main administrative offices located in Earlton, Ontario. It has three manufacturing facilities in Canada and employs more than 700 people. For more information, visit www.gfp-inc.com or forward enquiries to: GrantAllendale@gfp-inc.com or GrantClardendon@gfp-inc.com.
