Wood Products

According to the West Virginia Division of Forestry, West Virginia District I, which includes Preston County, employs more than 2,890 people in the wood products industry, with a direct sales volume in excess of $460 million.  West Virginia boasts an internationally-renowned hardwoods technology training center, the West Virginia Wood Technology Center in Elkins.  This center provides a broad curriculum of classroom training and hands-on instruction, as well as a number of services for the secondary wood products industry.

The Appalachian Hardwoods Center at West Virginia University is located less that 30 minutes from Preston County's Northpointe Business & Industry Park, allowing park tenants access to numerous safety training opportunities and forest management expertise.  A well-trained, affordable workforce is available in Preston County.  Training opportunities are geared toward the wood products industry, and a relatively high unemployment rate assures your company a good supply of low-cost, wood-smart labor.  Currently, the average starting wage for sawmill and dry kiln laborers is around $7.00 per hour.

With the expansion of the wood industry in Preston County, the PCEDA has been actively working with both existing businesses in their expansion plans and new businesses that are realizing the benefits of a wood products-friendly location for new facilities.  Recently, the PCEDA helped Allegheny Wood Products obtain financing for its $5.0 million expansion at less that 5.0% interest, and the West Virginia Legislature enacted more incentives and tax breaks to foster new growth in the wood products industry.