A local timber company is expanding and adding 40 more jobs to their existing operations in the county. After months of talks and working with the Mississippi Development Authority, the Choctaw County Economic Development and the Choctaw County Board of Supervisors, Southeastern Timber and the Mississippi Development Authority announced a $120 million expansion that will add 40 jobs to their productions.
According to a release from MDA, “The company is expanding its Ackerman sawmill to increase production capacity from 120 million board feet per year to 300 million board feet per year. To facilitate the project, Southeastern Timber Products will install a new sawmill line, new dry kilns and storage facilities.”
Board President and District 1 Supervisor Joey Stephenson said the county is fortunate to have Southeastern Timber Products in the county.
“Southeastern Timber Products is an outstanding corporate citizen. They are making a tremendous investment in our county and our people. We appreciate their confidence in us and are proud to have them here,” Stephenson said. “Forestry is one of the most important industries in our area. This project creates jobs for our people and a new market for our forest products. This benefits our landowners and those in surrounding counties. Our state leaders have worked to make Mississippi attractive to businesses, and our local government is doing the same.”
The release went on to state that Southeastern Timber Products is a family-owned-and-operated manufacturer of southern yellow pine lumber, timber and decking products. Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. Choctaw County also is assisting with the project.Southeastern Timber Products expects to fill the 40 new jobs within the next two years.
In a quote from Governor Tate Reeves, he said that the company’s expansion speaks volumes of the continuous growth happening in Mississippi.
“Mississippians are proud of our state’s manufacturing capabilities, and we’re excited to see the increased demand for them. This multi-million-dollar investment and these 40 new jobs are a massive win for Choctaw County, and it’s a remarkable way to start the new year,” Reeves said in a statement.
David Manley with Tolko Industries said the announcement not only help them to further invest in people, customers and the local community.
“We greatly appreciate the Mississippi government’s support of all strategic investments that will help us by continuing to grow STP’s capacity to 300 million board feet per year,” Manley said.
Bill Cork, executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority said the expansion will not only strengthen STP’s long-term relationship with Mississippi, add 40 more jobs but it will create opportunities for those in Choctaw County and the surrounding area for generations to come.
“MDA appreciates the Southeastern Timber team for once again choosing Mississippi to continue the company’s legacy of producing top-quality lumber, timber and wood products.”
