Great Southern Wood-NC, Inc. to Launch New Facility in Scotland County
In a significant development for Scotland County, Great Southern Wood-NC, Inc. (GSWNC) has announced plans to establish a new manufacturing facility at the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport. This project is set to create 43 jobs and represents a $40 million investment in the region.
Governor Josh Stein expressed enthusiasm for the project, 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.”
Founded in Alabama in 1970, GSWNC operates 16 existing treatment plants and specializes in pressure-treated pine. The Laurinburg location will be the company’s 17th, distributing a variety of building materials across 28 states and the District of Columbia to various sectors including residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural.
Lee Lilley, N.C. Commerce Secretary, highlighted the broader economic implications, noting, “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 of $49,091.
To facilitate the company’s establishment in North Carolina, a performance-based grant of $200,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will be provided. This fund aids local governments in attracting economic investments and creating jobs, requiring companies to meet specific job creation and investment goals before receiving any funds. This grant also necessitates matching contributions from local governments.
N.C. Senator Danny Earl Britt, Jr. praised the collaborative effort, saying, “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.”
Representative Garland E. Pierce welcomed the development, commenting, “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.”
The project has garnered support from various organizations and institutions. Key partners include the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the North Carolina General Assembly, and others such as the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Richmond Community College, the Golden LEAF Foundation, and Duke Energy. Local entities such as Scotland County, the Scotland County Economic Development Corporation, and the City of Laurinburg have also played significant roles in this initiative.
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