Georgia-Pacific will begin ramp-up of production at its oriented strand board facility in Alcolu, Clarendon County, South Carolina, with plans to create at least 100 jobs.

The mill was part of a $400 million acquisition from Grant Forest Products, two years ago, that also included an operating plant in Allendale County, S.C., and another operating plant in Englehart, Ontario, Canada. Georgia-Pacific said it spent an additional $30 million to complete construction on the Clarendon facility in 2011.

"Given our customers' increased need for OSB, we believe the time is right to begin the ramp up of production at the Clarendon mill," said Mark Luetters, president of Georgia-Pacific wood products. "This facility has world-class capabilities and will ensure our ability to grow with Georgia-Pacific's customers as the housing market continues its slow recovery. We're looking forward to getting this plant running, and to working with the people in the Clarendon County area."

Once the Clarendon mill is operational, both Clarendon and Allendale, which also employs about 120 people, will supply customers across the eastern United States with the versatile building material used in residential construction.

"The Clarendon mill fits strategically with our OSB facilities running in Brookneal, Va., Fordyce, Ark., Hosford, Fla., Allendale, S.C., and Englehart, Ontario," said Clarence Young, vice president of structural panels sales and marketing for the company. "It will give Georgia-Pacific the ability to provide enhanced service and value to existing and potential customers."

While incentives offered to the firm were not immediately available, Gov. Nikki Haley said; "We celebrate Georgia-Pacific's decision to invest in the Palmetto State and create more than 100 new jobs in Clarendon County. By strengthening our state's business-friendly climate, we can expect to see more announcements like this one."