Fifty new jobs coming to Grayson County

Published August 18, 2014 by Veronica Garabelli

Two companies are each planning to bring 25 jobs to Grayson County , a county in Southwest Virginia that borders North Carolina.

Hansen Turbine, which makes coating spray applications for the aircraft and turbine parts coating industry, will invest $2.5 million to expand its facility in the county. The remaining jobs will be created by Independence Lumber who is investing $5 million to rebuild and expand its sawmill operation that was destroyed by a fire in 2012. 

Hansen Turbine’s sister company, Falcon Turbine, will relocate from North Carolina to the Grayson County facility that provides specialized aluminized coatings.

Independence Lumber’s new sawmill will produce a variety of locally sourced lumber, including red and white oak, poplar, birch, hickory, and eastern white pine.  In addition to the new jobs, Independence Lumber also will retain 57 jobs.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe approved a $100,000 grant from the Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund for the Independence Lumber project.  Independence Lumber agreed to purchase at least 20 million board feet of timber per year from Virginia producers.  The company also will receive assistance from the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund.

McAuliffe also approved a $50,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund for the Hansen Turbine project. Hansen Turbine also will receive $105,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the expansion.