Source: Mississippi Development Authority
Jackson, Miss. (April 19, 2022) – Carpenter Pole and Piling is expanding in Mississippi by locating a pole mill in Waynesboro. The project is a nearly $3.57 million corporate investment and will create 15 jobs.
Carpenter Pole and Piling specializes in utility poles for power companies and foundation and marine pilings for new construction. The company currently has a treating plant in Wiggins, where it employs 43 workers, and a treating plant in Picayune, where it employs 12 workers. The new Waynesboro mill also will specialize in utility people and piling production.
The Mississippi Development Authority and Dixie Electric Power Association, Cooperative Energy’s local electric distribution member, are providing assistance for the project.
Carpenter Pole and Piling expects to begin operations at the new pole mill by the end of August and fill the new jobs within one year following the completion of construction.
QUOTES
“I appreciate the Carpenter Pole and Piling team for their decision to grow its Mississippi footprint by opening a new mill in Waynesboro. For more than three decades, this Mississippi company has been hard at work providing quality wood products to its consumers, and I have no doubt the company’s new employees in Wayne County will continue that tradition of quality for years to come. Congratulations to the entire team at Carpenter Pole and Piling and I look forward to continuing to work together.” – Gov. Tate Reeves
“MDA is glad to support Carpenter Pole and Piling as the company brings more than a dozen new jobs to the people of Wayne County. Mississippi, like other states, has faced its share of challenges over the last couple of years, but one thing that has never wavered is our determination to continue our mission of bringing jobs and new investment to communities throughout the state. Today’s announcement continues that momentum and demonstrates how public-private partnerships benefit the citizens of Mississippi and will for generations to come.” – MDA Deputy Executive Director Laura Hipp
“We chose Waynesboro for the location of our new pole facility for the access to the Southern Yellow Pine timber in the area. We are very thankful for the support from the Mississippi Development Authority, Cooperative Energy, the city of Waynesboro and Wayne County. We look forward to many years of a great relationship with surrounding landowners and city and county officials.” – Carpenter Pole and Piling Procurement Manager Fant Carpenter
“It is with great enthusiasm that I thank Carpenter Pole and Piling for expanding their business operations by choosing to locate their new facility in the Wayne County Industrial Park. I appreciate and thank my fellow Board of Supervisors for working with me and allowing me to work on this project. I also want to thank Waynesboro Mayor Richard Johnson for utilizing his business connections to network with Carpenter Pole and Piling. This is the first new business to locate in the industrial park in 30 years. This is a testament of what can be accomplished with the cooperation of local, state and private businesses working together.” – Jerry Hutto, District 3, President Wayne County Board of Supervisors
“We’re thankful for Carpenter Pole and Piling choosing to locate in our service territory. Through Cooperative Energy’s Cooperative Competes grant program, Dixie Electric is able to offset some of the site development costs, exemplifying our commitment as a cooperative to make a difference in the communities we serve.” – Dixie Electric General Manager Randy Smith
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About Mississippi Development Authority
Mississippi Development Authority is the state’s lead economic and community development agency. MDA focuses on new business recruitment, existing business expansion, workforce training, and tourism promotion. For more information, visit MDA’s website at mississippi.org.
About Cooperative Energy
Cooperative Energy generates and transmits electricity to 11 Member-owned electric distribution cooperatives. Known as the Power of 12, Cooperative Energy and its Member cooperatives work together to provide safe, reliable and affordable power from the Mississippi Delta to the Coast. The 11 electric cooperatives own and maintain more than 57,000 miles of distribution lines and provide service to approximately 437,000 homes and businesses throughout 55 counties.