Sustainable lumber company set for nearly $4 million investment
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods officials announced today the company will invest $3.9 million to expand its operations in Huntland, Tennessee.
Through the project, Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods will create 25 new jobs to better support operations of the company’s new industrial-grade sawmill, increasing its Tennessee workforce by more than 20%.
Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods was founded in 1993 as a small green sawmill. Over three decades later, the company has expanded to become a full-service forest products company, offering sustainably sourced, top-quality, kiln-dried Appalachian hardwoods. The company worked closely with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to better understand wood availability and ownership types, allowing for the company’s expansion.
This is the company’s first expansion in Franklin County since 2017.
Since 2020, TNECD has supported 50 economic development projects in Southern Middle Tennessee, resulting in more than 7,000 job commitments and approximately $5.75 billion in capital investments.
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“What happens in rural Tennessee matters to all Tennesseans, and we celebrate the expansion of Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods, a company founded in the Volunteer State. Companies like this one ensure Tennessee continues to lead the nation with one of the fastest growing economies, and we look forward to the significant impact this expansion will have on families across this region.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“We thank Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods for its continued investment and commitment to creating additional jobs in Franklin County. This project is the first to land in this community in nearly a decade, and we realize how impactful these new jobs will be in the years ahead.” – TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter
“We would like to thank the State of Tennessee, TNECD, TVA, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service, and all other partners that have helped make this project a reality. The Thompson Appalachian family is excited for this expanded opportunity, and we are deeply grateful to our dedicated employees, vendors, forest landowners, and regional partners for helping us achieve this goal. We are proud to be part of the ongoing success and expansion of ag-based businesses in rural Tennessee and look forward to the future of agricultural and forestry innovation in our state.” – Nordeck Thompson, CEO, Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods
“TVA and Duck River Electric Membership Corporation congratulate Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods on its decision to expand operations in Franklin County. It’s always an exciting day when we can celebrate a company’s commitment to continued growth in the region. We are proud to partner with Franklin County Industrial Development Board, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, and Middle Tennessee Industrial Development Association to support companies like Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods creating jobs and investment in the Valley and we celebrate this announcement together.” – John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of economic development
“We are proud of the success of Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods in Huntland. The new jobs it is creating will have a positive impact on the local economy as well as the lives of those who fill the jobs and work at this great company. I congratulate Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods on their expansion and appreciate the work of TNECD to advance businesses and support job creation across the state.” – Sen. Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma)
“Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods’ expansion in Franklin County is fantastic news. The company has been an excellent member of our local economy, and I appreciate its commitment to investing in Tennessee. I congratulate the employees for their success and look forward to seeing the incredible impact this move will have on our community.” – Rep. Iris Rudder (R-Winchester)
About Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods
Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods is a vertically integrated forest products company that connects the Tennessee forest landowner with the global marketplace and the global marketplace with the Appalachian forests. The company’s products include high-grade hardwood lumber for furniture and interior finishes, industrial-grade cants and crossties for packaging materials and infrastructure components, and low-value fiber for the pulp and paper industry, landscape applications, and biofuels.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Like us on Facebook. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods Media Contact
Claire Getty
CFO
(931) 469-7272
[email protected]
TNECD Media Contact
Lindsey Tipton
Director of Communications
(615) 339-6608
[email protected]
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