A man died after an industrial accident at the Winston Plywood and Veneer facility in Louisville about 11 a.m. December 3.
Brandon Foster, 21, was killed when a core chipper malfunctioned at the facility.
The mill was temporarily closed while the company worked with local officials, first responders, clergy and crisis support personnel.
“Winston Plywood is devastated by the loss of our friend and colleague as a result of this accident,” said Bruce Warren, CEO of Winston Plywood. “Our team at the mill is a family in every way, and our family has suffered a heart-wrenching loss today. We don’t have any words to express our profound grief, and we are praying with his family.”
“We are working with local authorities to assist in its ongoing investigation into the accident and ask that the family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.”
Louisville Mayor Will Hill says it’s in times of tragedy the Winston County community comes together.
“We as a community must come together,” said Hill.
Atlas Holdings bought the plywood mill in 2014 and later rebuilt after it a devastating tornado hit the facility that year. It officially reopened in 2017 and employed more than 300 people, at the time.
Mayor Hill says compassion will hold the town and the people that work at Winston Plywood together.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigated the accident, along with local officials.
