Carolina Structural Systems expansion expected to boost Virginia forestry, manufacturing jobs

Carolina Structural Systems expansion expected to boost Virginia forestry, manufacturing jobs July 15, 2026 | 12:07 pm CDT

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Woodworking Industry News

Carolina Structural Systems expansion expected to boost Virginia forestry, manufacturing jobs

By

Dakota Smith

July 15, 2026 | 12:07 pm CDT

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EMPORIA, Va., Carolina Structural Systems (CSS) will expand their operations to Emporia, Virginia, thanks to a $12 million investment by Rural Development Partners LLC, via New Markets Tax Credits. Expansion brings 58 new jobs, economic development, and growth to Virginia's forest products sector. NMTC investor for the project is Regions Bank.

"Rural Development Partners is honored to help Carolina Structural Systems bring quality accessible jobs to the region in addition to providing a strong boost to State and Regional forestry. The company's strong wages and training resources will present a highly attractive work option for Emporia and the surrounding area.", Dan Helgeson, Chief Executive Officer

New Market Tax Credits will help construct and equip a new 53,480 SF manufacturing facility, strategically positioned to serve major markets spanning from Richmond, Virginia to Atlanta, Georgia. The expansion will solidify the footprint of regional forestry products while reinforcing their commitment to responsible growth and community partnership across the Southeast sector of the nation.

NMTCs were instrumental in Carolina Structural Systems' (CSS) decision to expand to Emporia. In addition to the economic boost their decision provides to this rural community, NMTCs will enable CSS to ramp up operations quickly, invest in employee training, and ensure the facility reaches full production capacity without delay. State, regional and local leaders are enthusiastic about the scale of long-term economic and community benefits envisioned for Emporia, Virginia, and the surrounding community.

"Carolina Structural Systems is proud to partner with the Commonwealth of Virginia and Greensville County. This location is strategically located between the growth in the area north of Raleigh, while giving us access to the Richmond Market," says, Dave Green, general manager at Carolina Structural System. "Once we decided that our Company's growth was going to be in this region, the folks involved with this project made Virginia an easy choice. All of us at Carolina Structural Systems are excited to get underway and the Greensville County Economic Development team have made us feel like part of their community while helping us navigate construction issues while providing real assistance in placing employees."

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About the author

Dakota Smith

| Assistant Editor

Dakota is an assistant editor at Woodworking Network, avidly exploring the woodworking industry.

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Carolina Structural Systems expansion expected to boost Virginia forestry, manufacturing jobs

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