COURTLAND—Enviva Pellets Southampton LLC co-hosted a pig pickin’ last Wednesday at the Fairgrounds as a thank you for employees and guests. Many of the latter included Franklin and Southampton County leaders and agencies, such as co-host Franklin-Southampton Economic Development Inc., which was instrumental in courting the nine-year-old wood pellet manufacturing company.

Glenn Gray, project sponsor for the Southampton site, welcomed everyone and spoke of the progress Enviva has made locally. Since the groundbreaking ceremony in late July 2012, Gray said, there have been 290,000 man-hours spent, 407,000 cubic feet of dirt moved and 80 tons of steel used.

“It’s all coming together,” he said. “It’s no longer a project but a reality.”

Production is anticipated to begin in mid to late October or, as Gray joked, “the 46th of September.”

John Keppler, president and chief executive officer of Enviva, made brief remarks following the meal.

“We’re thrilled to be here and see so many friends. So many have touched the facility in one way or another,” said Keppler, who commended Warren Beale and Amanda Jarrett of the FSEDI for their stewardship.

“We wouldn’t be here without you,” he continued, adding special thanks to Southampton County Board of Supervisors Chairman Dallas Jones and Franklin Mayor Raystine Johnson-Ashburn.

Keppler made particular mention of the work done by Gray, and called him “an anchor.”

“What we see today is the culmination of Glenn Gray’s dedication,” he added. “And we’re just getting started.”

Keppler extended appreciation to all present for playing “a very important part of our success…This community embraced us.”

“Tonight is the first of many milestones,” he continued, “and I hope we’ll celebrate together…We plan on doing you proud.”