Annandale Millwork to expand

Click Here to Recommend Story Related News

Homebuilding supplier to add reload facility, manufacturing; food firms arrive in Frederick

By James Heffernan -- jheffernan@nvdaily.com

WINCHESTER -- The Winchester-Frederick County Economic Development Commission on Tuesday announced the expansion of a local homebuilding supplier's operations along with two additions to the region's cluster of food-based companies.

Annandale Millwork/Allied Systems, which manufactures prehung doors and windows, wall panels, floor systems and roof trusses, will invest $7.5 million in the development of a lumber reload and manufacturing facility off Va. 37 near Shady Elm Road.

The first phase involves the creation of a 2,700-foot rail spur that can accommodate 1,250 CSX Corp. cars per year. Annandale will be relocating its existing reload facility from Haymarket.

The second phase will be the construction of a 50,000-square-foot facility for the manufacture of I-joists and wall panels.

The project, which is expected to bring 20 jobs, will allow the company to better distribute its products and grow its customer base, according to Annandale President and CEO Rob Frogale.

Annandale, which also has a manufacturing facility off Millwood Pike east of the city, has been operating in Frederick County for more than 20 years.

"We are pleased that they have made the decision to reinvest in the community through their current expansion," EDC Executive Director Patrick Barker said.

Also on Tuesday, the EDC announced that Taura Natural Ingredients, makers of healthy fruit pieces, flakes and pastes for the snack industry, has relocated its North American headquarters from Cary, N.C., to Winchester. The company, which has manufacturing operations in Belgium and New Zealand, opened an office at 1849 Plaza Drive on Nov. 4.

Mike Turner, president of Taura North America, said the move was a good fit.

"Winchester offers a central point for business activity on the East Coast and a business community well-tuned to the needs of the food industry," he said.

Barker called Taura a "first-class addition" to Winchester-Frederick County's cluster of food-based companies.

In addition, Unwind Roasting Co. has opened a coffee roastery and distribution business in the county, creating 10 jobs and a $400,000 investment.

Winchester Coffee Roasters roasts and distributes coffee for Daily Grind franchises in eight states under a private label, and supplies teas, smoothies, syrups and other coffee supplies and equipment to cafes and select restaurants.

"We are excited to grow the company in an area which has shown a proven commitment to the food industry," said General Manager R.C. Gartrell.