Stella-Jones — North America’s leading producer of pressure-treated wood products — has selected a site in Halifax County for its newest manufacturing location to make utility poles.
The company purchased the 42-acre former Georgia-Pacific site near Enfield and will invest $9.5 million and create 10 new jobs in the first phase of their project.
Halifax County Economic Development Director Cathy Scott said the company plans to begin construction immediately.
“Demand for utility poles is at an unprecedented level and this new facility is a strategic growth opportunity that integrates well with our other North American operations,” said President and CEO Eric Vachon. “Stella-Jones is grateful to Halifax County and the Halifax County Economic Development Commission who helped make this project possible. We look forward to a long and successful future in Halifax County and North Carolina.”
Stella-Jones supplies the continent’s major electrical utilities and telecommunication companies with wood utility poles and North America’s Class 1, short line and commercial railroad operators with railway ties and timbers.
The company has over 2,600 employees and 43 wood-treating facilities in North America and is headquartered in Saint-Laurent, Québec.
“We are pleased to support companies like Stella-Jones that invest in Halifax County and create well-paying jobs for our citizens,” said Vernon Bryant, chairman of the Halifax County Board of Commissioners. “We recognize the value of our strong wood basket and forest products supply chain as major factors in the company’s selection of the Enfield area for this new facility.”
A performance-based economic development incentive grant approved by the Halifax County Board of Commissioners helped facilitate this project.
Additionally, the company is eligible for matching funds from the North Carolina Department of Transportation Rail Industrial Access Program for construction of a rail spur.
“I am pleased that Stella-Jones selected the former Georgia-Pacific industrial site for their project,” commented Representative Michael Wray. “This heavy industrial site has a long history of successful forest products operations and will serve the company’s needs well.”
“We appreciate the company choosing to invest in Halifax County,” said Senator Bobby Hanig. “We are excited to have Stella-Jones grow their footprint in our state and eager to support their success.”
For more information about Stella-Jones visit this link
