A long-time Fluvanna-based lumber preparation and sales division was recently invited into the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s VALET Program. The VALET Program, which stands for Virginia Leaders in Export Trade, welcomed into their program Northland Forest Products and Albemarle-based Mikro Systems Inc. Northland Forest Products, whose headquarters are based in New Hampshire, has had a retail-wholesale outlet for their kiln-dried lumber products in Fluvanna County since 1984.

Northland is about to embark on a two-year program and $15,000 toward export-related expenses, giving the Troy operation the assistance to expand into international markets. According to the VALET program’s official website: “On average, companies experience an 88 percent increase in international sales during and immediately following the program.” 

According to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership this kind of growth in a business is proof that Virginia is a state ready to offer a good location for business. Scott Seyler, Export Sales Head for Northland Forest Products, is prepared to see the Troy outlet take the necessary steps into international sales and reap positive rewards that will not only help the company grow, but will also bring in more jobs to the operation. This, in turn, has the possibility to grow more businesses in Fluvanna.

Northland Forest Products is a part of a growing community of medium and large companies that produce and sell a variety of products—to customers all over the country and the world. More than 20 Fortune 500 companies call Virginia home and many companies in Virginia generate more than $500 million in revenue. Businesses with international ties are becoming more common in the state. Germany tops the list in overall monetary investment in the state at more than $1.7 million, while the UK tops the list in creating new jobs in Virginia at 3,940 between 2002-08, according to information from data cited by the state’s Economic Development Partnership.

Other motivating factors are involved when a business wants to locate to Virginia. According to Seyler, of Northland, a good central location near port facilities was the biggest factor that brought a division to the Troy area. He cited “access to fine resources of yellow poplar and oak lumber along with good transportation routes to both the port of Norfolk and the major metropolitan areas on the East Coast using Interstates 64, 81 and 95.” 

The VALET program will offer Northland even more opportunities for sales growth. Using this resource and the expertise of the group, companies such as Northland are given the means to grow beyond the borders of the United States and into new markets.

Expansion into new markets is not only good at a county level, but in the long run is good for the state as well. Northland’s Troy location has lots of hope for the future based on participation in the program.

“We certainly hope that an increase in international sales would allow us to increase production, maintain jobs and hopefully add some new jobs,” says Seyler. The increase will not only help the company, but is sure to benefit Fluvanna.

Northland has a good rapport with the county government and the community and sees the possible growth that will be good for all involved. Seyler also sees that companies invited to participate in the VALET program and do well because of it, will be an incentive for more companies to consider Virginia as a good location to conduct business on a worldwide basis.