By JIM BUTLER
Discussion that could lead to more than 100 jobs perhaps got lost in the hoorah that followed at the England Authority’s August meeting.
Robinson Biochar, a New Orleans wood products company that is a subsidiary of a firm with revenue north of $100 million, is negotiating with the Airpark to locate a plant on LA 1 across from the UTLX site.
Garner Robinson, chairman and CEO of Robinson Lumber Co., reviewed the firm’s projections for the England site.
Phase 1 production of the heated wood chips and residue product, estimated to begin next Spring, would include 50 jobs.
The chemical-free product is used in a number of commercial applications and is created through use of a relatively small reactor.
Robinson said that is scheduled to be moved here from a Kentucky site this month.
Robinson, 43, is the fifth-generation Robinson to head the company started in the 1890’s.
Noting the area’s storied association with the forest products industry, he said the company is excited about prospects for locating here.
He’ll return in October, he said, to continue dialogue with Authority officials on the package details.