Allegheny Wood Products to Cease Operations

Charleston, WV, February 26, 2024-Lumber company Allegheny Wood Products announced that it will cease operations.

The business, with five locations across West Virginia, employed 850 workers and, in addition to selling unfinished wood flooring to the builder market, was also a supplier of lumber to key brands including AHF products and Mullican.

Allegheny, founded by John Crites in 1973 and is currently run by John Crites Jr., had been listed for sale but could not find a buyer.

In 2005 and 2006, Allegheny bought all of Georgia Pacific’s hardwood mills.

12WBOY reports that Allegheny, “informed its staff that it was closing Friday, a move that the West Virginia Department of Economic Development’s Secretary Mitch Carmichael said was ‘very sudden.’

“Carmichael said that he spoke with AWP owner John Crites on Friday, who referenced market conditions as one of the reasons behind the closure but said other factors played into it as well.

“Despite the sudden closure, Carmichael said that the state will work to see if there is anything it can to do help put the company back on ‘solid footing.’ However, he said that if recovery isn’t possible, then the state will look to see if any other companies can take over the AWP’s operations.”

BNNBreaking adds, “This news was not just a corporate decision but a personal tragedy for Crites, who expressed his heartbreak over the impact this would have on his employees.”