Twain Lumber Company plans to invest $7.4 million to purchase and reopen the former Teal Jones sawmill operation in Henry County, a move expected to create 74 jobs and generate more than $51.2 million in purchases of Virginia-grown forest products over the next three years.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced the investment last week.
“This investment is a huge win for Henry County and our entire Commonwealth,” Spanberger said. “Since 2024, this facility has sat empty, representing an untapped opportunity to grow our forestry industry and create new opportunities for Virginians in the region. Today, I am proud to welcome Twain Lumber Company to Henry County and thank them for the significant commitment they’re making to our Commonwealth.”
Spanberger said the project aligns with her focus on economic development and the forestry industry.
“This investment continues my focus on driving economic development, creating new jobs, and growing our economy. I look forward to continuing to support the hardworking men and women who help this industry succeed,” she said.
With the property secured, Twain Lumber plans to purchase new production machinery and upgrade equipment. The improvements will allow the sawmill to increase its initial operational capacity from 80 million board feet annually to 108 million board feet at full capacity.
The company said the increased capacity will make the facility one of the largest Southern Yellow Pine sawmills in Virginia.
Twain Lumber Company Mill Manager Harrison Wicks said the company is looking forward to restarting operations at the site.
“Twain Lumber Company is excited to begin operations in Henry County and become part of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s manufacturing and forestry community,” Wicks said. “This facility has a long history in the region, and we are proud to help bring it back to life after more than a year of inactivity. Restarting the mill and restoring approximately 74 jobs represents an important step for the local economy, and we appreciate the support we have received from the Commonwealth, local leaders, and the broader Martinsville community. We look forward to making long-term investments in the facility, our employees, and the region.”
The project drew support from state and local officials.
“This announcement is a strong example of how Henry County continues to build on its industrial legacy while positioning itself for the future,” said Jim Adams, chairman of the Henry County Board of Supervisors. “Seeing the former Pine Products facility in the Horsepasture District return to productive use is meaningful for this community, and we’re especially encouraged that Twain Lumber Company’s investment will bring new life to the site with quality jobs that offer higher wages. It reinforces our commitment to supporting both new development and the revitalization of existing assets across the county.”
Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier said the project will increase Virginia lumber production while supporting timber owners, loggers and foresters.
“Twain Lumber Company will help increase Virginia’s lumber production by reopening and expanding a sawmill utilizing sustainable and abundant Southern Yellow Pine. In doing so, this project will help boost the local economy, create new, higher-paying jobs, and expand business opportunities for the Commonwealth’s timber owners, loggers, and foresters,” Frazier said. “I am pleased that the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development grant program will partner with Henry County and Twain Lumber Company as it revives the forestry industry in this region.”
Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery said the investment will expand market opportunities for Virginia timber producers.
“Twain Lumber Company’s investment shows what is possible when the state prioritizes cross-agency collaboration and coordinates with forward-looking companies,” Chenery said. “Twain will promote economic growth, expand market opportunities for Virginia’s timber producers, and bring substantial job growth to Southern Virginia. The Commonwealth stands ready to continue to foster growth in our forestry and agricultural industries.”
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner said federal funding announced earlier this year will help the company modernize and restart operations.
“Earlier this year, I was thrilled to celebrate $7.4 million in federal funding to help Twain Lumber Company modernize and restart operations at the former Teal Jones sawmill by bringing this facility back to life and purchasing tens of millions of dollars in Virginia-grown forestry products,” Warner said. “Twain Lumber is restoring good-paying jobs in Henry County, driving economic activity in the Martinsville region, and strengthening the Commonwealth’s forestry industry. This is exactly the kind of public-private partnership that can revitalize local industries and deliver lasting economic opportunity across Southside Virginia.”
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine also welcomed the investment.
“I’m glad Twain Lumber Company is investing $7.4 million in Henry County to reopen the former Teal Jones sawmill, creating 74 new jobs,” Kaine said. “This investment will support Virginia’s timber producers, provide a critical boost to our forestry industry, and help grow Southside Virginia’s economy. I look forward to working with Governor Spanberger and state and local leaders to keep building on this progress and bring more economic opportunities to Virginia families.”
Tobacco Commission member Del. Eric Phillips said the project reflects Southern Virginia’s manufacturing history.
“It is exciting to see this facility come back to life, creating new jobs, bringing millions of dollars in new investment to our community, and once again supporting Virginia’s forestry industry, one of the Commonwealth’s largest industries,” Phillips said. “Southern Virginia has a proud history of manufacturing and production, and projects like Twain Lumber show that tradition is alive and well. We have the workforce, the resources, and the work ethic for businesses to succeed here. I am proud the Tobacco Commission could help support this investment, and I look forward to welcoming Twain Lumber to Southern Virginia.”
State Sen. William Stanley said the project will benefit Henry County and the region.
“Twain Lumber’s investment and operation in Henry County is an economic boost for the locality, the region, and Virginia’s forestry industry. This facility will create 74 new on-site jobs and even more jobs indirectly, which in turn will help reverse the area’s population decline,” Stanley said. “Thank you, Twain Lumber Company, for investing in Henry County and our community. This project transforms a raw regional resource and provides an opportunity for wealth generated from the land to stay in this community.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission worked with the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation to secure the project for Virginia.
Spanberger approved a $150,000 performance-based Facility Grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund, while the Tobacco Commission approved a $150,000 Tobacco Region Incentive for Agribusiness Development Grant. Both grants support projects that source Virginia-grown agricultural and forestry products.
The governor also approved a $59,200 grant from the Virginia Jobs Investment Program to support workforce training.
