Prime Lumber named N.C. Exporter of the Year

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recently recognized Prime Lumber as the 2014 N.C. Exporter of the Year.

The Exporter of the Year award honors agribusinesses that have excelled in exporting their products around the world. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler presented the award to Prime Lumber’s partners Bill Graban and Jeffrey Neidert during the Ag Development Forum at the State Fairgrounds.

The Thomasville-based company processes and sells hardwoods for use in furniture, architectural millwork, cabinetry, flooring, musical instruments and decorative items. Founded in 1988 by Graban and Neidert, Prime Lumber has been exporting since its first year in operation. In 2013, Prime Lumber shipped more than 600 containers of lumber overseas. The company recently added three new kilns to increase its capacity and support further international growth.

In presenting the award to Graban and Neidert, Troxler acknowledged the increased interest in agricultural and forestry products overseas.

“North Carolina exports $3.9 billion worth of agricultural products. When you add forestry products, such as those exported by Prime Lumber, the numbers top the $5 billion mark,” Troxler said. “Prime Lumber is a great example of the growing number of North Carolina companies finding success on an international stage.”

For more about N.C. ag exports, visit the website for the department’s International Trade Office at www.ncagexports.com.