Plywood manufacturer to invest $1 million in Pittsylvania County

Gov. Ralph Northam announced Thursday that Eastern Panel Manufacturing Inc. will invest $1 million to expand its manufacturing operation in Pittsylvania County. The custom plywood producer will create 15 jobs.

As part of the expansion, Eastern Panel Manufacturing will move to a 55,000 square-foot facility in the Chatham Industrial Park. The company supplies furniture manufacturers with plywood made to clients’ specifications. The firm also serves customers in the architectural millwork and cabinetmaking industries. Eastern Panel Manufacturing has been operating in Chatham for more than 20 years.

“During those years, Chatham has proven to be an excellent place to conduct business and offers us all the support we need to operate efficiently,” Keith Van Asch, president of Eastern Panel Manufacturing, said in a statement.  “The combination of our experienced local workforce, along with being centrally located to our customer base and vendors, produce a natural fit to remain in Pittsylvania County.”

The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved $30,000 in funds for the expansion. Eastern Panel Manufacturing will be eligible to receive Sales and Use Tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment. The Virginia Jobs Investment Program also will provide funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities.