Lumber producer Meherrin River Forest Products has decided to locate its operations in Halifax County, a move that is expected to create 40 new jobs over the next three years.
Meherrin, which also expects to invest more than $1.8 million, is in line to receive up to $80,000 in state incentives if it meets its job and investment targets.
The decision by Meherrin, which currently operates a facility in Virginia, was announced Wednesday by state officials.
Meherrin plans to purchase and fix up a sawmill facility that is the former headquarters of Coastal Lumber in Weldon. The average annual salaries for the new jobs is expected to be $33,843, above the Halifax County average of $29,299.
"Our state has abundant natural resources and this project is a great opportunity for us to use those assets to create jobs," Gov. Pat McCrory said in a statement.
David Ranii has been a business reporter at The News & Observer since 1993. Over the years he has covered information technology, banking, insurance, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, media businesses and real estate. Contact him at 919-829-4877 or