Beverly, W.Va.—Armstrong World Industries, one of the largest employers in Randolph County, W.Va., will invest $11 million at the 75-acre facility for solid hardwood flooring here. The move was first reported by Inter-Mountain, the local newspaper. Work at the site will be done in two phases, according to Steve Bullock, plant manager. The first phase will consist of the installation of drying technology and rewiring machinery, while the additional phase will seek to modernize the facility.
By investing in new vacuum drying kilns and infrastructure upgrades, Armstrong will be able to expedite the production process. Bullock said it currently takes 40 days from the time the plant receives a wood shipment to when product is put into boxes for the customer. The upgrades will reduce the process to four days. “Forty days through the process to four is a huge difference.”
The plant currently employs more than 650 workers; local officials said the improvements could create additional jobs.