Wythe County lumber company announces $2.4M expansion

Gov. Ralph Northam announced Wednesday that Wythe County-based Musser Lumber Co. Inc. will invest $2.4 million to expand its operations and increase 12 jobs — which, during the next three years, will lead to more than $8.5 million in forest product purchases.

“Musser Lumber’s continued growth and success in Wythe County is a testament to the strength of Virginia’s forestry industry,” Northam said in a statement. “I am grateful to the Musser family for their commitment to Southwest Virginia and for investing in our rural communities.” Forestry is Virginia’s third-largest private industry and contributes $20 billion to the state’s economy annually, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring said in a statement.

Established in 1968 and founded by Mike Musser and his two sons, Musser Lumber Co. specializes in drying, surfacing and planing of hardwood lumber for flooring and paneling. The expansion will create a production and drying capacity for sawdust and wood shavings, which will be sourced from Virginia sawmills. The company’s investment will allow Musser Lumber Co. to grow its sawdust, shavings and wood chip sales to decking manufacturers, plastic extrusion companies and wood pellet producers.

“We started the company here and continue to grow because of our dedicated workforce, convenient location, and doing business the right way,” Ed Musser, Musser Lumber Co. vice president, said in a statement. “Musser Lumber Co. Inc. is grateful for the support of the commonwealth of Virginia, Wythe County and the Joint Industrial Development Authority.”

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services worked with Wythe County and the Joint Industrial Development Authority of Wythe County, Wytheville and Rural Retreat to secure the project for Virginia. Northam approved a $75,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund to help Wythe County with the project. Funding and training will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“This project is an important win for Wythe County as we focus on the commonwealth’s economic rebound from this global pandemic,” Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball said in a statement. “Forestry continues to be a pillar in communities across Virginia because industry leaders recognize the benefits of our abundant natural resources, extensive transportation network and unparalleled workforce.”

Subscribe to Virginia Business.

Get our daily e-newsletter.