Twain Lumber Invests $7.4M to Reopen Virginia Sawmill

Twain Lumber Company plans to reopen the former Teal Jones sawmill in Henry County, creating 74 jobs and expanding annual production capacity from 80 million to 108 million board feet at full capacity.

By Paul Ploumis
Published September 11, 2026

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

Once operational, the facility is expected to create 74 jobs. Twain Lumber also plans to purchase more than $51.2 million of Virginia-grown forest products over the next three years.

“This investment is a huge win for Henry County and our entire Commonwealth,” Governor Abigail 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 added: “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.”

Mill Capacity to Reach 108 Million Board Feet

Twain Lumber plans to purchase new production machinery and upgrade equipment at the site. The improvements are expected to increase initial annual operating capacity from 80 million board feet to 108 million board feet at full capacity.

At that level, the Henry County operation would become one of the largest Southern Yellow Pine sawmills in Virginia.

Virginia Forestry Initiatives Support Sector Growth

The project comes as Virginia advances a broader policy effort aimed at strengthening its agriculture and forestry industries.

Earlier in 2026, Spanberger signed bipartisan legislation creating the Commonwealth’s first Farm & Forest Prosperity Plan. The legislation directs the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry to develop and implement a comprehensive roadmap focused on strengthening the two sectors.

In April 2026, the governor also established the Virginia Wood Council through Executive Directive 2, with a mandate that includes rebuilding markets for forest products and strengthening the state’s forestry sector.

“Headquartered in Antlers, Oklahoma, Twain Lumber Company is committed to sustainability through responsible forestry practices, high log yield efficiency, and long-term environmental stewardship,” the governor’s office said.

The office added that Twain Lumber specializes in dimensional Southern Yellow Pine lumber, a material used across a range of construction applications.

State and Local Agencies Back the Reopening

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission worked with the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation to secure the project for Virginia.

Governor Spanberger approved a $150,000 performance-based Facility Grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund. The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved a separate $150,000 Tobacco Region Incentive for Agribusiness Development Grant.

The governor also approved a $59,200 Virginia Jobs Investment Program grant to support workforce training.

Courtesy: www.wdbj7.com