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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Canada-Based Prolam Plans Patrick County, Virginia, Manufacturing Plant

07/26/2021
Canadian-based Prolam, a manufacturer of high-quality hardwood floors for commercial trucks and dry van trailers, will invest $12.8 million to establish its first U.S. manufacturing operation in Patrick County, Virginia. The project is expected to create 58 jobs.

Prolam’s new facility will directly benefit Virginia’s hardwood loggers and forestland owners by providing a market for lower grade red and white oak lumber not suited for residential flooring or cooperages. The company employs a number of proprietary technologies that offer superior moisture resistance, strength, and durability while not sacrificing commercial trailer weight.

“We are convinced that this project will be beneficial to all parties involved, including customers, suppliers, employees, and the community of Patrick County,” said Prolam President Pierre Thabet. “We look forward to the many opportunities and will continue to uphold the proud local tradition of turning the majestic Appalachian hardwoods into the top quality hardwood floors for commercial trucks and dry van trailers.”

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with Patrick County and the Patrick County Economic Development Authority to secure this project for the Commonwealth. Governor Northam approved a $100,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund, which Patrick County will match with local funds. Funding and services to support the company’s job creation will be provided through VEDP’s Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“Prolam will be a valued contributor to the supply chain for Virginia forest products,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “We are pleased to welcome the company to our Commonwealth and are grateful for the valuable job opportunities this project will create for the residents of Patrick County.”

Headquartered in Quebec, Canada, Prolam is a leading producer of commercial trailer flooring. The company supplies the top U.S. trailer manufacturers who are experiencing record growth from the surge in online commerce and the associated increase in shipping.

“As Virginia’s third-largest private industry, forestry is a critical part of the Commonwealth’s economy, contributing more than $21 billion annually in economic impact,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring. “New demand for Virginia hardwoods created by facilities like Prolam’s create the conditions essential for sustainable forest management. I am thrilled the Commonwealth could partner with Patrick County through the AFID Program to help win this important project for Virginia.”

According to state officials, Prolam is also committing to source at least 65 percent of its timber from the Commonwealth’s robust hardwood resource, supporting regional loggers and forestland owners through the purchase of more than $20.5 million in Virginia-grown hardwoods over the next three years.

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