Biomass Firm Enviva Invests $214 Million in Two NC Pellet Plants
Enviva-pellets.jpg

Biomass Firm Enviva Invests $214 Million in Two NC Pellet PlantsRALEIGH, NC - Biomass producer Enviva LP said it will invest $214.2 million into two new pellet manufacturing plants in North Carolina, creating 160 jobs by 2017.

The startups will be located in Richmond and Sampson counties. The company has additional operations in North Carolina, Mississippi and Virginia, and is headquartered in Bethesda, MD.

Governor Pat McCrory and North Carolina Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced the news on September 9. “Enviva is one of the fastest-growing companies in the wood pellet industry,”  Governor McCrory said. “By developing these projects, it plans to double the size of its operating footprint in North Carolina, and in doing so, will be creating good, sustainable jobs.”

One of the world’s largest producers of wood pellets, Enviva has an annual production capacity of approximately 1.6 million metric tons, the company reports. Company spokeswoman Elizabeth Woodworth cited North Carolina's abundant wood resources, sustainable forestry practices and available labor force for Enviva's decision to add plants in the state.

Enviva received assistance for the project from North Carolina's Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) program, along with: the NC Department of Commerce, NC Community College System, North Carolina’s Southeast Regional Economic Development Partnership, Richmond County Economic Development, Sampson County Economic Development Commission, Richmond County, Sampson County, Golden Leaf and NC Ports.

Have something to say? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.