Area Development
Enviva, a maker of biomass fuel in the United States and Europe, is building a $52 million wood pellet manufacturing plant in Ahoskie, North Carolina, that will create 53 jobs. The One North Carolina Fund is supporting the project with a $270,000 grant.

"When it is complete, this facility will have a global impact by helping our customers reduce their greenhouse gas emissions," said John Keppler, Chairman and CEO of Enviva. "With its abundant biomass resources, close proximity to ports, and its wealth of skilled labor, Hertford County was the perfect choice of location for this project. In addition, North Carolina has an excellent track record of nurturing and supporting alternative energy businesses, so we are thrilled to be here."

The facility will be located at a former Georgia-Pacific lumber factory in Hertford County. It will be able to produce up to 330,000 tons of wood pellets.