A pair of sizable economic development projects are providing a jolt for rural Sumner County. In Westmoreland – population 2,200 – Clayton and Wilson Lumber Company are moving forward with multimillion-dollar investments in new facilities.
Together, the two companies promise to create nearly 200 jobs in Westmoreland. For a city of Westmoreland’s size, these projects will leave a lasting mark. And given their track records – collectively, more than 130 years in business – it’s clear Wilson Lumber and Clayton are in Westmoreland for the long haul.
“Our corporate culture fits perfectly with the business-friendly and family-first culture of Westmoreland”
Sumner County Executive Anthony Holt went so far as to call Clayton’s investment “a generational project for our rural community of Westmoreland.” Clayton, one of the nation’s leading homebuilders, is investing $14.2 million to repurpose and upgrade a facility in Westmoreland. Clayton aims to create approximately 110 jobs there over the next two years.
Since its founding in 1956, Clayton’s roots in Tennessee run deep. It employs more than 5,400 Tennesseans and calls Maryville home. Clayton’s operations in Westmoreland will build panels and trusses for residential homes in the Nashville market. The facility will be one of the most advanced of its kind in the country, allowing Clayton to offer products for residential onsite builders.
“We look forward to developing Clayton Supply Westmoreland into a world class working environment for our team members so that they have a place that they are excited to come to work to every day,” Keith Holdbrooks, the president of Clayton Home Building Group said.
In recent months, Wilson Lumber celebrated its own expansion into Westmoreland. Based in northern Alabama, the family-owned and operated business was founded in 1949.
“We look forward to putting local residents to work in their hometown and being the employer of choice.”
After looking into several potential states, Wilson zeroed in on Westmoreland and Sumner County, where it will invest $4.5 million and create more than 75 jobs.
“Our corporate culture fits perfectly with the business-friendly and family-first culture of Westmoreland,” Robb Wilson, the company’s president and CEO said. “We look forward to putting local residents to work in their hometown and being the employer of choice.”
Wilson’s new Tennessee facility will produce roof trusses, allowing the company to expand its current capacity and serve the construction market throughout the Southeast.
“Promoting job creation in rural Tennessee remains one of TNECD’s top priorities,” TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe said. “Wilson Lumber and Clayton promise to inject family wage jobs into rural Sumner County, and we’re very optimistic about what the future holds for this community.”
