Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced that Lewis Lumber and Milling Inc., a producer of unfinished hardwood wide plank flooring, cabinet moldings and components, is opening its first manufacturing operation in Pennsylvania and will create 100 new jobs in Clarion County.
“I am very pleased that Lewis Lumber has selected Pennsylvania as the home of their second facility,” said Gov. Wolf. “Our prime northeast location will allow the company to distribute their product easily, and our dedicated and skilled workforce will provide them with top-notch employees. This is a great move for the company and for the commonwealth.”
Lewis Lumber has acquired a vacant facility, formerly the Sealy mattress plant, located at 16289 Rt. 322 in Clarion. The company’s investment in this project will include building renovations, new construction, and machinery and equipment.
“Pennsylvania’s hardwoods and forestry industry is known for its quality and sustainability, which made selecting Clarion County as the home of our new manufacturing facility an easy choice,” said Tom Edwards, chief operating officer, Lewis Lumber. “Pennsylvania also provides a completely different species and population of trees – northern red oaks, white oak, and white hard maple – that we need for our product lines. We look forward to a successful future in the commonwealth.”
Lewis Lumber has committed to create at least 100 new jobs and invest approximately $15.2 million into the project within the next three years.
“Lewis Lumber’s expansion into Clarion County is a bright sign toward the opportunities surrounding manufacturing and the lumber industry here in northwestern Pennsylvania,” said Jarred Heuer, executive director of the Clarion County Economic Development Corporation. “Lewis Lumber is a people-oriented business, which should do very well toward building our local economy and empowering our community. The CCEDC is very excited to welcome them to Clarion County.”