Creating 30 New Jobs in northern Escambia County
FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance announced today that West Fraser, one of the world’s largest producers of renewable wood building products, has invested $70,250,000 in capital expenditures to expand its existing sawmill operation in McDavid, Escambia County, Florida. The expansion will create thirty new family-supporting jobs. West Fraser’s continued investment in Escambia County reinforces its long-term commitment to the region and reflects confidence in the local workforce and business climate.
“Escambia County offers strong, attractive business fundamentals for long‑term investment such as our McDavid lumber mill expansion,” said Chuck Watkins, Vice-President, Capital and Technology, West Fraser. “The area’s robust business climate, ample and sustainable fibre basket and skilled local workforce make it an excellent expansion opportunity for our McDavid lumber mill. Combined with quality community amenities and a long history in forestry, the region provides both the resources we need and a great place for our employees to live and work.”
The company’s McDavid facility, located in northern Escambia County, has been a cornerstone employer in the region and a key part of the community’s industrial base. The expansion at West Fraser’s McDavid sawmill includes significant capital investment in new construction and equipment upgrades designed to enhance the facility’s production capacity and operational efficiency. The project is expected to generate substantial economic activity across Escambia County, supporting local suppliers, contractors, and service providers.
“West Fraser has been a valued employer in northern Escambia County, and this expansion builds on their commitment,” said Steven Barry, Escambia County Commissioner, District 5. “Creating 30 new jobs with competitive wages in a more rural area of our community demonstrates our economic development efforts are serving the entire county, and I am proud to support it.”
“West Fraser’s continued investment in Escambia County sends a clear message that our community is competitive on the global stage,” said Chris Platé, Chief Executive Officer of FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance. “Retaining and growing established employers is a cornerstone of our economic development strategy, and West Fraser’s decision to expand here is a powerful testament to the strength of our region’s value proposition for the forest products industry.”
West Fraser’s investment and employment commitments reflect sustained confidence in Escambia County’s economic environment and its ability to support large-scale industrial operations. FloridaWest will continue to partner with West Fraser to support the company’s growth and ongoing integration within the community.
About West Fraser
West Fraser is a diversified wood products company with more than 50 facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe, which promotes sustainable forest practices in its operations. The Company produces lumber, engineered wood products (OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, and particleboard), northern bleached softwood kraft pulp, paper, wood chips, and other residuals. West Fraser’s products are used in home construction, repair and remodelling, industrial applications, papers and tissue. For more information about West Fraser, visit www.westfraser.com.
About FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance
FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance is a results driven economic development organization focused on job creation, wage growth, capital investment, and long-term return on investment for taxpayers in Escambia County, the City of Pensacola and the Town of Century, Florida. FloridaWest aligns public and private resources to recruit, retain and expand quality employers and strengthen the community’s competitive position.