NEWBERRY COUNTY — West Fraser, a diversified wood products company, is expanding its Newberry County sawmill operations in a project that is expected to bring $33 million in new capital investment.

“West Fraser believes in making investments to improve our operations. This initiative will support our capital investment to expand production at the mill. Building a strong business supports our mill’s competitiveness so we can continue to be an active employer and a positive contributor to Newberry County,” said DJ Russell, general manager of West Fraser Newberry Lumber Mill.

Established in 1955, West Fraser produces lumber, laminated veneer lumber, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, pulp, newsprint and wood chips, as well as energy through several bioenergy initiatives.

“We are proud to celebrate West Fraser’s latest investment in South Carolina and our people. Anytime a company is able to grow and expand its South Carolina operations, it proves what we already know — that we have one of the most competitive business environments in the world and a workforce that can get the job done for companies in every industry,” Gov. Nikki Haley said.

Her comments were echoed by Bobby Hitt, secretary of commerce.

“It’s exciting to see a company with such a long history here continue to invest in the people of South Carolina,” Hitt said. “West Fraser’s decision to invest $33 million more in Newberry County is a great win for the county, the region and the state as a whole.”

Beginning as a small, three-man operation, the company has grown into the largest lumber producer in North America, operating facilities throughout western Canada and the southern United States.

The expansion is also welcome news to Newberry County Council.

“We’re delighted that West Fraser continues to invest in Newberry County,” said Newberry County Council Chairman Henry H. Livingston III. “I think existing industry expansions are a vote of confidence, not only in the local company’s workers and management, but also in the community itself. We’re proud to continue to call West Fraser a partner in this community’s growth and success.”

Located at 3287 College St. in Newberry, West Fraser’s Newberry sawmill directly employs 155 workers. Since 2007, the company has invested millions to modernize the mill and plans to invest $33 million more to procure wood, services and goods in Newberry County.

West Fraser also plans to install a log merchandiser designed to increase production by more than 37 percent.

For more information on West Fraser, visit the company’s website at www.westfraser.com.

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Staff Report