A leading producer of sustainable building materials is establishing its first sawmill in the southeast. Hampton Lumber will invest $225 million in its latest operation in nearby Allendale County, SC, and is expected to create 125 jobs.
Headquartered in Oregon, Hampton Lumber is a fourth-generation, family-owned producer of high-quality wood products sourced from sustainably managed forest resources. Operating nine sawmills in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada, the company markets and sells building materials worldwide.
Hampton Lumber will construct a state-of-the-art, 375,000-square-foot lumber mill located at Highway 321 and Barker Mill Pond Road in Fairfax. The new operation will specialize in producing quality Southern Yellow Pine framing lumber.
“The enthusiastic, heartfelt support from the state and local community helped us come to the conclusion that this is the right location for us. We’re happy to join the healthy wood products industry already present in the region, and we look forward to building partnerships in the area and supporting the communities in and around Allendale County. We are extremely grateful to the state of South Carolina, and the county and community partners who helped make this project possible,” said Hampton Lumber CEO Randy Schillinger.
South Carolina’s forestry and lumber industry is substantial, with forests covering 67% of the state’s land area, totaling 12.9 million acres. The industry contributes significantly to the state’s economy, with an estimated total impact of $23.2 billion in 2020. This includes direct, indirect, and induced effects, supporting over 40,000 jobs.
“Hampton Lumber’s decision to establish its first East Coast facility in South Carolina reflects confidence in our sustainably managed forests – now holding more timber than ever – and the strength of our world-class workforce. This new investment brings a welcome boost to the industry and to communities that rely on forestry for economic opportunity,” according to State Forester Scott Phillips.
Operations are expected to be online in 2027. Individuals interested in joining Hampton Lumber can learn more about employment opportunities on the company’s careers page.