Eastern Panel Manufacturing, Inc., a custom plywood manufacturer, will invest $1 million to expand its manufacturing operation with a move to a 55,000-square-foot facility in the Chatham Industrial Park in Pittsylvania County, Virginia.

“Eastern Panel Manufacturing Inc. has enjoyed the advantage of operating in Chatham for well over 20 years,” said Keith Van Asch, President, Eastern Panel Manufacturing. “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. 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. “

“As our company’s offerings continue to transform and broaden, the acquisition of this facility provides us with greater flexibility to expand on future opportunities,” he added.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Pittsylvania County to secure the project for Virginia. The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved $30,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds. Eastern Panel Manufacturing will be eligible to receive Sales and Use Tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment, and funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will also be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“The manufacturing industry is booming across the Commonwealth and in Southern Virginia, and it is exciting to see this growth positively impacting businesses of all sizes,” said Governor Ralph Northam.

“Manufacturers like Eastern Panel that continue to invest in Virginia demonstrate the advantages of our favorable operating costs, strategic location, a superior transportation network, and strong talent pool. We congratulate EPM on its success in Pittsylvania County and are proud to have the company on the Commonwealth’s corporate roster as we continue to diversify Virginia’s economy,” he added.

“Eastern Panel is an important employer and corporate partner in Pittsylvania County, and this new investment and expansion are testaments to the company’s commitment to the region and the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Esther Lee. “Virginia’s skilled manufacturing workforce has grown to nearly a quarter of a million employees, and this quality talent ensures that advanced manufacturing companies continue to thrive and contribute to the growth of this important sector.”