Hampton Lumber Breaks Ground on Fairfax Sawmill, Adding 125 Jobs
It will specialize in producing high-quality Southern Yellow Pine framing lumber.
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Hampton Lumber has officially launched construction of its new state-of-the-art sawmill in Fairfax, Allendale County, marking a significant economic milestone for one of South Carolina’s most underserved regions. The groundbreaking ceremony, held last week, brought together Gov. Henry McMaster, leaders of the Southern Carolina Alliance (SCA), and local officials to celebrate the development.
The upcoming 375,000-square-foot facility is projected to generate approximately 125 full-time jobs, offering much-needed employment opportunities and stimulating economic revitalization for families across the rural county. Once operational, the site will manufacture premium Southern Yellow Pine framing lumber, supplying the regional building and construction markets.
Hampton Lumber selected Allendale County earlier this year as the location for what will be the company’s first sawmill on the East Coast, after decades of operations in the Pacific Northwest. Company leaders say the decision reflects strong confidence in the region’s natural resources and workforce potential.
Governor McMaster praised the investment, noting that Hampton Lumber’s expansion demonstrates the strength and growth of South Carolina’s forestry sector—one of the state’s most valuable manufacturing industries. He expressed appreciation for the company’s commitment to placing its newest operation in a community eager for industrial growth.
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Randy Schillinger, CEO of Hampton Lumber, highlighted the decisive role that community support played in selecting the site, stating that the positive response from state and local partners confirmed that Allendale County was the right home for the project.
Although Allendale ranks among the state’s lowest-income regions, it boasts abundant timber and agricultural assets, making it a strategically located resource hub for forestry-related investments. Local leaders believe the new sawmill could serve as a catalyst for further business development and job creation.
Construction activities are now underway, with production expected to begin once the facility is fully completed and staffed.