Canada-Based Prolam Plans Patrick County, Virginia, Manufacturing Plant
07/26/2021
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.
Project Announcements
South Korea-Based Seoyon E-HWA Plans Chatham County, Georgia, Manufacturing Plant
02/02/2023
Bottling Company International Plans Morrison, Tennessee, Operations Complex
02/01/2023
Engineered BioPharmaceuticals Expands Danville, Virginia, Operations
02/01/2023
Ancra Cargo Establishes Hebron, Kentucky, Headquarters
01/31/2023
Pace Industries Expands Jackson, Tennessee, Operations
01/31/2023
Green Georgia Plans Thomaston, Georgia, Headquarters-Manufacturing Campus
01/31/2023
Most Read
-
2022 Top States for Doing Business Provide an Environment for Business Growth
Q3 2022
-
Three Big Challenges Facing the Food & Beverage Industry
Q4 2022
-
Location Factors in the EV Industry — “Mission Critical” or “Nice to Have”?
2022 Auto/Aero Site Guide
-
36th Annual Corporate Survey: Executives Focus on Labor, Energy, Shipping Costs
Q1 2022
-
How Are Economic Developers Partnering to Solve Workforce Challenges?
Q1 2023
-
Fixing the Supply Chain with AI and Robotics
Q4 2022
-
Innovation Corridors Update
Q4 2022