Governor Roy Cooper announced today that Cedar Direct, LLC, a lumber distributor, plans to create 20 new jobs in Rutherford County, North Carolina. The company will invest $925,000 to establish a distribution and warehousing facility in the Town of Spindale. This development marks Cedar Direct’s third location and is expected to enhance economic opportunities in the region.
Cedar Direct specializes in distributing cedar and specialty lumber to wholesalers and suppliers, providing high-quality Western Red cedar and other building products. The new facility will offer a range of boards, lumber, and timber for various applications. The decision to expand in North Carolina was influenced by the state’s business climate and collaborative efforts with the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.
Rutherford County’s manufacturing history and strategic East Coast location were highlighted as factors supporting Cedar Direct’s growth plans. The new jobs created by this investment will offer an average annual wage of $61,800, significantly higher than the county’s average of $45,030, potentially impacting the region’s payroll by over $1.2 million annually.
A $50,000 performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund will assist in the company’s expansion. This fund aids local governments in attracting economic investment and job creation, with grants requiring matching local government participation and meeting specific targets for job creation and capital investment.
State and local officials, including N.C. Senator Timothy D. Moffitt and N.C. Representative Jake Johnson, praised the investment as a positive development for Spindale and Rutherford County. The project is supported by numerous partners, including the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, and local educational institutions.
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