Governor touts lumber company’s expansion

By Meghan Spellman

RICHMOND – Gov. Bob McDonnell has announced the expansion of Morgan Lumber Co. in Charlotte County – the first economic development project under his administration.

The project will receive a $100,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund and $125,000 from the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. Morgan Lumber plans to invest $4.2 million in the expansion.

The project calls for the installation of a new type of kiln for drying lumber. The technology will increase both production and energy efficiency, officials said.

They said the expansion will create 25 jobs and bolster Virginia’s forest products industry.

“I am pleased that my first economic development announcement for Charlotte County,” said McDonnell, who traveled to Red Oak last week to make the announcement.

“This is the kind of positive job-creation announcement we need to see taking place all across the commonwealth. Creating good jobs and getting our economy moving again is the focus of my time in office.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Charlotte County to secure the project. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide job training in connection with the expansion.

“Morgan Lumber has been a strong Charlotte County employer for many decades,” said Sen. Frank Ruff, R-Clarksville. He is a member of the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission.

“I am glad that the Tobacco Commission was able to play a role in this expansion,” Ruff said.

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About the Virginia Economic Development Partnership:

It is governed by a 22-member board of directors appointed by the governor and the General Assembly.

The partnership focuses its efforts on business recruitment, expansion and international trade.

It has offices in Virginia, Belgium, Hong Kong, Mexico and Japan.