Twain Lumber Company to reopen former Teal Jones sawmill, creating 74 jobs

Rubber and Wood  |  2026-09-15 05:05:16   |   By

Twain Lumber also plans to purchase more than $51.2 million in Virginia-grown forest products during its first three years of operation.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Twain Lumber Company will invest $7.4 million to purchase and reopen the former Teal Jones sawmill in Henry County, Virginia.

The facility, which has been idle since 2024, is expected to create 74 jobs. Twain Lumber also plans to purchase more than $51.2 million in Virginia-grown forest products during its first three years of operation.

With the property secured, the company plans to purchase new production machinery and upgrade existing equipment. The investments are expected to increase the sawmill's initial operational capacity from 80 million board feet annually to 108 million board feet at full capacity. The facility would become one of Virginia's largest Southern Yellow Pine sawmills.

“Twain Lumber Company is excited to begin operations in Henry County and become part of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s manufacturing and forestry community,” said Twain Lumber Company Mill Manager Harrison Wicks. “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.”

Headquartered in Antlers, Oklahoma, Twain Lumber Company is committed to sustainability through responsible forestry practices, high log yield efficiency, and long-term environmental stewardship. Twain Lumber Company specializes in the production of high-quality dimensional Southern Yellow Pine lumber, which is one of the most trusted and versatile materials in modern construction. Native to the region, Southern Yellow Pine is valued for its exceptional strength, reliability, and adaptability across a range of applications.

The reopening also follows recent state efforts aimed at supporting Virginia's agriculture and forestry industries. Earlier this year, Virginia created its first Farm & Forest Prosperity Plan, which calls for a strategic roadmap to strengthen the state's agriculture and forestry sectors.

In April, the state also established the Virginia Wood Council to focus on rebuilding markets for forest products, growing the forestry industry and addressing challenges and opportunities within the sector.

Courtesy: www.woodworkingnetwork.com