$3.6 million investment expected to create 56 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Canfor Southern Pine, a manufacturer of dimension lumber, today announced that it will expand its existing lumber production facility in Horry County. The $3.6 million investment is expected to generate 56 new jobs.
“We decided to expand our facility in Conway and invest in Horry County because of the quality of the workforce here. We have been pleased with the quality of the employees and low turnover rates in Horry County. In addition to that we were impressed with the incentive package we were offered by the MBREDC and Brad Lofton’s team. These two things helped make the decision to expand here possible,” said Canfor’s Director of Human Resources Debbie Sand.
Canfor plans to install a continuous kiln system to increase its lumber drying capacity at the facility by 50 percent. The expansion is expected to be complete by mid-July of this year.
“It’s exciting to see another South Carolina company decide to increase its operations right here at home. We celebrate Canfor Southern Pine’s decision to invest $3.6 million and create 56 new jobs in Conway. Announcements like this one show that our state’s business-friendly climate and skilled workers are helping companies succeed and grow in the Palmetto State,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $530 million in capital investment and more than 2,200 jobs in the agribusiness sector.
“The agribusiness and forestry products sectors have been part of the South Carolina economy for centuries. Canfor’s expansion is another sign that those industries remain strong in the Palmetto State. This expansion also creates jobs that will have an impact in Horry County and throughout the region,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
Canfor, headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, has been in business in Horry County since March of 2006 when it acquired locally owned New South Companies. The Conway facility on Highway 501 was built in 1957 and was one of four New South lumber plants acquired by Canfor. New South’s corporate office and trucking division were also part of the purchase.
“As housing recovers nationally, South Carolina’s forest resource is well-positioned to provide the raw material needed for expanding existing sawmills. Increasing demand for wood products worldwide is a good sign for forest landowners and job seekers. Growing and processing more wood is good for the economy and the environment,” said State Forester Henry E. “Gene” Kodama.
Canfor is a nationally recognized name in the lumber industry and supplies companies like Lowes and Home Depot with their lumber stock.
“A major part of our mission with the Myrtle Beach Regional EDC is to not only bring in new businesses to the area but also to take care of our existing industries like Canfor. More than 80 percent of announcements made come from existing businesses within the community. We are proud to have the opportunity to help yet another local business expand and create more jobs,” said MBREDC Chairman Doug Wendel.
Canfor is currently taking applications to fill the new available positions. Canfor is in need of truck drivers, electricians and qualified machine operators. Interested applicants are asked to go to the Conway facility to apply located at 1283 U.S. Hwy 501 Business.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits, which will be available when hiring targets are met.
For more information about the company, please visit www.canfor.com.