Austrian-based Klauser Lumber One will invest $130 million over the next three years to develop a sawmill in Suwannee County, Florida, creating 350 jobs.
Friedrich Klausner of Klausner Lumber One said, “This project has been a huge undertaking with many challenges that we have been able to work through with Suwannee County. But this is inevitable with a project of this size. The significant impact on this region has made it all worthwhile. We are pleased to be here and will be good corporate citizens in this community.” At its new Florida site, Klausner will work primarily with southern yellow pine.
Governor Rick Scott said, “In addition to creating hundreds of employment opportunities for Florida’s families and further growing the state’s economy, the construction of this facility represents true partnerships between many different local and statewide organizations. Their efforts will create 350 new jobs for Florida families in this community. We welcome Klausner Lumber One to our state.”
“The North Florida Economic Development Partnership is very excited about the project announced for Suwannee County, this being the first development on a catalyst site in our region. The direct and indirect jobs will provide a vital shot in the arm to this area, as we still have 10 to 11 percent unemployment,” said Allen Cherry, chair of the North Florida Economic Development Council. “Along with the direct jobs, this project will also be a huge boost to the timber industry in Suwannee and the surrounding counties.”
Commission Chairman Wesley Wainwright said, “This is a great day for Suwannee County and the region. The impact will not only be felt here in Suwannee County but will have a significant economic effect in many other North Florida Economic Development Partnership counties.” In total, 14 counties in the North Central Florida region supported the project. Information on tax incentives offered the firm was not immediately available.
