CHESLEY, ON — Toronto-based GRS Wood Products Inc. will move the production of its imported hardwood flooring to Canada following the company’s purchase of the former Durham Furniture plant in Chesley, ON.

According to Mayor Paul Eagleson, plans call for GRS Wood Products to open the plant with 50 employees from the local Arran-Elderslie municipality. At full capacity, the plant is expected to employ more than 300 workers, said Arran-Elderslie Clerk Peggy Rouse.

“Arran-Elderslie has waited a long time for this announcement and we are looking forward to working with GRS to bring the plant up to full capacity as soon as possible,” said Mayor Eagleson in a statement.

GRS Wood Products currently imports hardwood flooring products from China. The company offers engineered and solid wood hardwood flooring, with more than 150 products in stock at its 44,000-square-foot warehouse. Wood species include: red oak, white oak, black walnut, cherry, hickory and hard maple.

The Chesley plant had been closed since 2008, following the downsizing and manufacturing consolidation by Durham Furniture to its main facility in Durham, ON. Approximately 150 people lost their jobs with the plant’s closure.

Founded in 1899, Durham Furniture manufactures solid wood bedroom furniture. The company had acquired the Chesley facility in 2003.