ROSE HILL, Va. (WJHL) — Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin attended a ribbon-cutting event in Lee County on Friday, marking the expansion of White Rock Truss & Components. This company has been a staple in southwest Virginia, eastern Kentucky, and eastern Tennessee since 2005.

The company specializes in manufacturing construction products and, as stated by the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA), is expected to create 27 new jobs. The release noted that White Rock Truss & Components distributes its products throughout the Southeast and even to Mexico.

“I want to start with the folks who work at this great establishment,” Youngkin remarked. “Without your hard work and the quality of the products you create, this expansion wouldn’t be possible. The trusses you build here encourage customers to return, boosting confidence for leaders to invest $1.5 million in expanding our capacity and increasing our workforce.”

The project received funding from VCEDA, the Virginia Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund—authorized by Youngkin—and the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund.

“Your region features the most hardworking delegation in the Commonwealth of Virginia,” Youngkin stated, highlighting the dedication in Lee County.

Youngkin was accompanied by VCEDA, Mike Kidwell, general manager of White Rock Truss and Components, Senator Todd Pillion, and numerous others at the event. There was a consensus among the attendees that the expansion would positively impact Lee County.

“White Rock trustees, we heard, has been a strong part of this community for a number of years and this expansion just shows their continued confidence in Lee County workforce,” said Pillion. “These are good-paying, high-skilled jobs and not only support families but also strengthen our local economy.”

The expansion will reportedly be a $1.5 million project. Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr said in the release from VCEDA that the expansion will help grow the wood products industry in the Commonwealth.