Raleigh, N.C., December 8, 2022 – The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) is one of several partners named in the recent announcement that Sumitomo Forestry America is opening a new manufacturing and distribution operation to serve subsidiary residential homebuilding markets in Archdale, NC. In total, Sumitomo Forestry America will bring an investment of $19.5 million and 129 new jobs to Randolph County.
Sumitomo Forestry America, headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, is a subsidiary of a Japanese corporation that has been in the wood product industry for over 330 years. The new facility would bring a 120,000-square-foot manufacturing space for key wood products for residential homebuilding and a 38,000-square-foot outside storage facility.
Sumitomo Forestry America requires the installation of a new mainline turnout and a rail siding for the unloading of raw wood materials to be manufactured into various building materials and products. Through NCRR’s economic development initiative NCRR Invests, NCRR is investing approximately $200,000 to assist with the construction that will be utilized by Norfolk Southern to serve the new manufacturing operation. The new rail modifications will increase activity by 364 additional rail cars each year.
“NCRR is excited for the opportunity to contribute to an effort including Randolph County, the City of Archdale, the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, and many others who made this amazing opportunity a reality,” said Carl Warren, NCRR president and CEO. “Partnerships like these are critical in the creation of new jobs and retention of existing employment. This is an important win for the state, local communities and the people of North Carolina.”
Additional project partners include the the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the Golden LEAF Foundation, and the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation.
About the North Carolina Railroad Company
The North Carolina Railroad Company is a private corporation whose voting stock is owned by the State of North Carolina. The Company manages the use of 317 miles of track and property stretching from Charlotte to the Port of Morehead City. The Company’s mission is to benefit North Carolina by aggressively leveraging the unique strengths and capabilities of the North Carolina Railroad Company. Our vision is a modernized railroad that meets the needs of the future, expanding North Carolina’s competitive advantage.
About NCRR Invests
NCRR Invests provides assistance to companies that take advantage of the state’s freight rail opportunities and create jobs by locating or expanding their business in North Carolina. The goal of any NCRR investment is to drive job creation and economic growth.
