Area Development
A custom manufacturer of wall panels and roof and open web floor trusses, Homestead Building Systems will invest $2,450,000 to expand its production operation and create 60 new jobs in Orange County, Virginia.

As part of this project, Homestead Building Systems will increase its annual purchases of Virginia forestry products by more than thirty percent over the next three years, according to Governor Ralph Northam’s office.The company made its first major expansion in 2013, with the addition of its second operation in Orange.

“We celebrate a public-private partnership that will result in more jobs, more investment, and more prosperity right here in Orange County. This is all going to happen because we are going to be doing more manufacturing right here in Orange County,” said David L. Baird, Owner & CEO of Homestead Building Systems, Inc.

“Many thanks to Orange County leadership and the Economic Development office, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Virginia Department of Forestry, and Secretary Ring for providing us with this opportunity to show that Orange County is a great place for business and that manufacturing is booming,” he said.

The Commonwealth is partnering with Orange County and Homestead Building Systems, Inc. on this project through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund, which is administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS). Governor Northam approved a $78,000 grant from the AFID Fund, which Orange County will match with local funds. This is the first AFID award to Orange County.

“Homestead Building Systems, Inc.’s continued growth and investment in Orange County is great news for Virginia’s forestry sector and for our economy,” said Governor Northam. “Investments like these create jobs and open new markets for Virginia’s foresters. Today’s announcement is a big win for forestry in Virginia and our efforts to grow an economy that works better for every family, no matter who you are or where you live.”

“In addition to the new investment and the jobs that are being created, this expansion will have a positive impact on Virginia’s forestry industry,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring. “Virginia’s forestry industry contributes $21 billion annually to the economy, and I am pleased the Commonwealth could partner with Orange County through the AFID Program to support this local business in a thriving industry.”