PETERSBURG, W.Va. — Allegheny Wood Products, a 50-year-old West Virginia-based internationally known hardwood producer, closed its doors Friday, Feb. 23, and eliminated as many as 850 full-time and outside contractors. 

According to multiple news reports, State Economic Development Secretary Mitch Carmichael called the news “very sudden and unfortunate.” 

Carmichael reportedly talked to Allegheny Wood Products owner John Crites Friday who referenced market conditions among other factors for the closure.

Allegheny met with workers Thursday night and Friday and told them about the decision to cease operations. The owners have been trying to sell the company but that recently fell through along with financing.

AWP has operations across the state of West Virginia including, Princeton, Beckley, Kingwood, Bruceton Mills, and locations in Grant County, Carmichael said.