Virginia biomass company announces $7.5 million expansion

Musser Biomass and Wood products, a division of family-owned and -operated Musser Lumber Company based in Virgina, US, will invest $7.5 million (€6.8m) and create ten new jobs to expand its operation in Wythe County.

The expansion will more than double production of dried hardwood chips and sawdust the company supplies to composite decking manufacturers, plastic extrusion companies, and BBQ and heating wood pellet companies.

Musser Biomass and Wood Products will also significantly increase its purchase volumes of hardwood residuals from regional sawmills, which will create a new market for this operational byproduct, according to a statement released by Glenn Youngkin, governor of Virginia.

“Virginia’s forestry industry adds more than $23 billion [€21bn] to the Commonwealth’s economy and employs over 108,000 Virginians, making it our third largest private sector industry,” said Youngkin. “Supporting companies like Musser Biomass and Wood Products helps to keep this industry strong and also spurs economic development in our rural communities.”