Md. Wood-Pellet Fuel Maker Explands, Adds 160 Jobs In N.C.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- A Maryland company that turns leftover lumber into wood pellets treated as renewable fuel plans to expand at two new sites in rural North Carolina, adding 160 jobs within four years.

A state committee that approves major tax breaks for expanding businesses on Tuesday approved the largest part of an incentives package that could top $2 million if the Enviva meets job and investment targets.

The company plans new facilities in Richmond and Sampson counties, adding to its 180 employees at Hertford and Northampton County plants and at a Raleigh office.

Enviva makes wood pellets from byproducts of the timber industry. The high-density pellets replace coal in European power plants.

Enviva and a second company are building export operations at state ports in Wilmington and Morehead City.

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