OXFORD, Alabama -- Kronospan will invest $362 million in expansion its Oxford, Alabama, mill and will hire an additional 160 workers, the Calhoun County Economic Development Council (EDC) announced.

The expansion will consist of four projects: (a) two laminate flooring and decorative paper impregnation lines; (b) a particleboard and thermally infused laminate line; (c) an expansion of the KronoChem resin plant; and (d) development of a furniture cluster. Kronospan has started up operations at Oxford facility in 2008, where it now manufactures MDF, HDF and resins.

Once the expansion is completed, Kronospan will have invested $650 million and will employ more than 270 workers at its Oxford operations. That will make the company the largest private capital investor in the City of Oxford, said EDC Chairman Larry Deason, "And, it will be one of the largest employers in our area."

"We sincerely appreciate the State of Alabama, acting through the Department of Commerce, the City of Oxford and Calhoun County for supporting our expansion project and making it a reality," said Tim Pack, Chief Financial Officer of Kronospan.

"I'm honored and pleased to see Kronospan embark on an expansion in Oxford that will create good jobs for the citizens of Calhoun County," Governor Robert Bentley said. "Job creation is my No. 1 priority because it means new opportunities for Alabama residents."

"Kronospan is making a significant investment to expand its production center in Oxford, and we will work closely with the company to ensure that their project is successful," said Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. "We look forward to building on the partnership we have developed with Kronospan since they began operations in Alabama around eight years ago."

"The City of Oxford is delighted about the expansion of Kronospan and the significant economic impact this will have in our community," said Steven Waits, Oxford City Council President. "Kronospan has continued to be a generous corporate citizen for our city, and we are looking forward to their continued presence in Oxford for generations to come."

Don Hudson, Calhoun County Commissioner, echoed the excitement from the EDC and the City of Oxford. "We are so pleased to see such a significant industry in our community continue to invest in Calhoun County and create new jobs. We are thrilled to witness the future impact this expansion with Kronospan will have in our community."

Kronospan will utilize the services of the local Alabama Career Center to recruit for the expansion project. Hiring for the expansions will be undertaken in phases. A job fair will be conducted at the Career Center located at 1731 Coleman Road in Anniston. An announcement concerning the date and time of the job fair will be made in the near future.

In December 2015, Kronospan made another significant investment in the United States when it acquired Clarion Industries in Shippenville, Pennsylvania. Clarion Industries produces MDF, HDF and laminate flooring. The Pennsylvania operations employ 320 persons.