A Wisconsin-based lumber distributor will invest $925,000 to locate a distribution and warehousing facility that expects to employ 20 people in the Rutherford County town of Spindale, according to a release by the state.

The decision from Cedar Direct comes as nearby Rutherford County towns of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock still struggle to recover from the Sept. 27 flooding caused by the effects of Hurricane Helene.

“Cedar Direct is setting up operations in Rutherford County at a time when the spirit of collaboration and resiliency is on full display,” said Gov. Roy Cooper in a statement. “This decision by Cedar Direct provides new economic opportunities for a skilled and hardworking people.” 

Cedar Direct distributes cedar and specialty lumber to wholesalers and suppliers. The company supplies lumber yards, mills, supply houses and contractors with high-quality Western Red cedar and other specialty building products. This site will be a third location for the company offering boards, lumber, and timber in different sizes and edges and for various applications. Other locations are in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, 39 miles west of Madison, Wisconsin, and Chapel Hill, Tennessee, 45 miles south of Nashville.

“We are happy to announce our third location in Spindale, North Carolina. A big reason we chose this location is the collaborative efforts between Cedar Direct and The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina,” said Dale Hatfield, manager of Cedar Direct, in a statement. “The progressive business stance the state has taken, along with the growing market of cedar, is really what led us to choose North Carolina. Cedar Direct is extremely excited to be a part of Spindale and serving the community.”

Although salaries will vary by position, the average annual wage will be $61,800, exceeding the Rutherford County average of $45,030. These new jobs could potentially create an annual payroll impact of more than $1.2 million for the region.

A performance-based grant of $50,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Cedar Direct’s expansion to North Carolina. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. Rutherford County will contribute an additional $16,670.