More than $9.8 million investment expected to create 28 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – September 13, 2013 – Associated Hardwoods, a lumber products company, today announced plans to locate its new facility in Cherokee County. The more than $9.8 million investment is expected to generate 28 new jobs.
“We are excited to bring our new facility online in Cherokee County. This new location is a big step for our company and will help us better serve our customers. South Carolina provides us with an excellent business environment and the abundant natural resources we need for our products. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Rick Jordan, president of Associated Hardwoods.
Associated Hardwoods will open a new saw mill operation in Cherokee County. This operation will process timber logs to be shipped to the company’s Granite Falls, N.C. location for further processing. The saw mill process and new technology makes it unique in the nation’s saw mill industry. Operations will begin in March 2014.
“We work every day to recruit new business to our state, and it’s always exciting to see a company set up new operations in one of South Carolina’s rural areas. We celebrate Associated Hardwoods’ decision to invest more than $9.8 million and create 28 new jobs in Cherokee County,” 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.
“South Carolina continues to see its agribusiness sector grow and create jobs. Associated Hardwoods found the location that was just right and we welcome them to the Palmetto State’s business community. Every one of these new jobs will have an impact in Cherokee County,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
“We are very excited to have Associated Hardwoods build a modern, state-of-the-art sawmill in Cherokee County. It is a great fit for our county and will provide good jobs in our manufacturing sector. The company has been great to work with and we are excited about their decision to locate in Cherokee County,” said Cherokee County Council Chairman Tim Spencer.
“Associated Hardwoods’ decision to locate here is another positive sign that out county’s efforts to recruit quality companies is paying dividends. We remain committed to making Cherokee County and South Carolina a better place to do business and we welcome Associated Hardwoods to our community,” said Representative Steve Moss.
The company has already begun hiring for the new positions. This hiring will continue up to the projected startup date. Anyone interested in job opportunities should send resumes to PO Box 491, Granite Falls, NC 28630.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a rural infrastructure grant for $100,000 to assist with the costs of building construction.
For more information about Associated Hardwoods, please visit www.associatedhardwoods.com/.