Interfor Corporation announced Friday that it plans to invest $16.5 million to upgrade it’s sawmill in Meldrim.

The project is scheduled to be completed in December 2018. The project is focused on eliminating a bottleneck at the back end of the operation and includes the installation of one new continuous lumber drying kiln and upgrades to the planer mill. Lumber production is expected to increase by 50 percent, in addition to improving product quality and mill efficiency.

That’s news Effingham Industrial Authority CEO John Henry is happy to hear.

“We have a great relationship with Interfor, and we are excited to hear about this project and investment in our community. It’s great for the employees at the mill, and it’s great for Effingham County,” he said.

Once the project is completed the facility will operate on a full two shift basis to further strength the area’s economy.

“Interfor is a long-time employer in the area, and today’s announcement shows they will continue to provide good jobs for the citizens while also benefiting landowners in the region,” said Henry.

Ian Fillinger, senior vice president and Head of Operations of Interfor, said mill leadership, employee performance, the local timber supply and rising demand for lumber made the Meldrim investment a high-priority.

“Interfor’s additional investment and lumber production expansion at the Meldrim mill will support not only upgrading the mill at this facility, but will also support supply chain growth as new logging employees, truck drivers and allied service industry professionals will be needed to meet demand,” said Gov. Nathan Deal. “With seven mills in Georgia, Interfor has direct access to a talented workforce and an abundant timber supply, both of which are essential to the company’s continued success. We appreciate this commitment to investing in Georgia and look forward to Interfor’s future growth here in the No. 1 state for business.”

“Effingham County, the city of Meldrim and the state of Georgia have been incredibly supportive of Interfor since we acquired the mill in 2015. We’re pleased to make this investment, and we look forward to continuing to grow our business in the Meldrim community,” said Fillinger.