Belco Forest Products expands with Port of Shelton
In a strategic move aimed at bolstering economic growth and job creation, Belco Forest Products and the Port of Shelton entered a transformative partnership in 2018 which was set to redefine the manufacturing landscape in Mason County, Washington.
In December of 2023, the Chamber celebrated the completion of an expansion at Belco Forest Products’ headquarters facility in Shelton. The 15,000 square foot building addition and six acres of asphalt enhances operations and improves efficiency at the manufacturing facility on Johns Prairie Road. Completion of the $2.5 million expansion enables faster shipping to customers and strengthens Belco’s commitment to sustainability.
The expansion was made possible thanks to the Port of Shelton and, in an era marked by economic uncertainties, underscores the necessity for strategic collaborations to revitalize communities and bolster industries.
Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) bestowed upon the Port a grant of $500,000 alongside a low-interest loan totaling $1.5 million. These funds lay the groundwork for a collaboration poised to invigorate the local economy and foster job growth within the Region.
Belco Forest Products was founded in 1978 and manufactures preservative-treated exterior millwork for residential and commercial construction. Belco completed work on its expansion on the heels of the company’s 45th anniversary.
This augmentation of facilities is not merely a showing of Belco’s commitment to growth but underscores a deeper dedication to operational excellence and environmental stewardship. Bill Staley, President and CEO of Belco Forest Products, emphatically stated, “This expansion isn’t just about growth; it’s about revolutionizing our operations to benefit our customers and the environment.”
The infusion of private investment by Belco, estimated at a minimum of $750,000, serves as a testament to the confidence vested in the region’s economic viability. Further-more, it is also created new jobs, thereby bolstering the local workforce and nurturing a climate of prosperity.
Wendy Smith, Executive Director of the Port of Shelton, expressed gratitude towards CERB for their pivotal role in facilitating this partnership, affirming, “Belco Forest Products has been a part of the Mason County community for many years. This partnership with a second-generation manufacturing company is a reflection of the port’s mission, allowing us to stimulate and encourage job creation for our community.”
The symbiotic relationship between Belco Forest Products and the Port of Shelton exemplifies the power of collaboration in propelling economic resurgence and this project heralds a new chapter in the landscape of manufacturing in Mason County.