New Lumber Facility to Boost Job Creation in Scotland County
In a significant development for the local economy, Great Southern Wood-NC, Inc. (GSWNC) is set to create 43 new jobs in Scotland County, North Carolina. The company has announced a substantial $40 million investment to establish a pressure-treated lumber manufacturing facility at Laurinburg-Maxton Airport.
Governor Josh Stein highlighted the importance of this expansion, stating, “We are excited that Great Southern Wood has decided to plant roots in North Carolina. This new facility will strengthen our $41 billion forestry industry and offer more opportunities in Scotland County and beyond.”
Originating in Alabama in 1970, GSWNC has grown to become a key player in the lumber industry. The Laurinburg site will mark its 17th treatment plant, focusing on pressure-treated pine and distributing various building materials across 28 states and the District of Columbia.
According to N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, “The forest sector serves as a critical foundation for economic success in all 100 counties. Great Southern Wood will benefit from our manufacturing economy, our skilled workforce, and our unwavering commitment to driving economic growth in each corner of the state.”
The new positions at the facility will offer an average annual salary of $60,827, surpassing the current average salary in Scotland County, which stands at $49,091.
This initiative is backed by a performance-based grant of $200,000 from the One North Carolina Fund. The fund, which aids local governments in attracting economic investments, requires companies to meet specific job creation and capital investment goals. Local government participation with matching funds is also necessary for the grant.
N.C. Senator Danny Earl Britt, Jr. emphasized the collaborative effort involved, stating, “This win illustrates the power of collaboration. The company’s decision is a great return on the investments that local, regional, and state partners have made to provide the site infrastructure that companies need.”
Adding to this, N.C. Representative Garland E. Pierce commented, “Scotland County is a community built on strong partnerships, an ideal quality of life, and a central location on the East Coast. We welcome Great Southern Wood as an excellent addition to our forest supply chain.”
Several organizations have been instrumental in facilitating this project, including the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, and various other local and regional partners. These include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the North Carolina Community College System, Richmond Community College, the Golden LEAF Foundation, the North Carolina Railroad Company, CSX Rail, North Carolina’s Southeast, Duke Energy, the Southeast Regional Airport Authority, Scotland County, the Scotland County Economic Development Corporation, the Town of Maxton, and the City of Laurinburg.
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