Hood Industries, Inc., manufacturer and distributor of structural wood products, is expanding its sawmill operations in Wayne County. The project is a $245 million corporate investment.
The company’s strategic expansion involves the construction of a new advanced sawmill in Waynesboro. The mill will be built in multiple phases on a site adjacent to the company’s existing mill.
Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. MDA also is providing assistance for road and infrastructure improvements. Wayne County and AccelerateMS are assisting with the expansion, as well. The project is powered by Dixie Electric and Cooperative Energy.
Hood Industries has been manufacturing wood products in Mississippi for over 40 years. The company currently operates three southern yellow pine sawmills, including two in Mississippi. The new Waynesboro mill is expected to be complete by October 2026.
QUOTES
“This nearly quarter-billion-dollar investment by Hood Industries is the latest win in Mississippi’s record-breaking economic development efforts. The things we’re accomplishing in the state are truly impressive, and our momentum is real. Mississippi is a wise investment—that’s why more and more companies are choosing to do business and expand here. It’s another great day for our state.” – Gov. Tate Reeves
“Companies are ‘breaking new ground’ in Mississippi at a jaw-dropping pace, and the reason is clear. From our communities to the Capitol, strong partnerships and pro-business leaders attract impressive projects like Hood Industries’ latest in Wayne County. Since 2020, record-setting investments and jobs have come to our state, and this significant investment is yet another major win for Mississippi’s economy.” – Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork
“Hood Industries is a leader in the forest products sector and has called Wayne County home for its sawmill facility through the past 40 years. The company’s commitment to the long-term success of its local mill, through planned state-of-the-art improvements, helps cement the Hood legacy of being one of our premiere corporate citizens and most outstanding neighbors. We believe Hood Industries’ significant investment speaks volumes about our workforce as well as the business strength and viability of Wayne County and the entire Pine Belt region of Mississippi.” – Wayne County Board of Supervisors President Keith Clay
“The expansion of Hood Industries in Waynesboro is a testament to the strength and skill of Mississippi’s workforce. At AccelerateMS, we are committed to ensuring that companies like Hood have access to a pipeline of highly trained workers who can thrive in advanced manufacturing environments. This investment reinforces that our people remain the greatest asset in building long-term economic growth.” – Executive Director of AccelerateMS Dr. Courtney Taylor
“For decades, Dixie Electric has proudly powered Hood Industries in Waynesboro. Together with our wholesale power provider Cooperative Energy, we are pleased to support this next phase of the company’s growth and look forward to affordably and reliably powering this state-of-the-art mill. Hood Industries’ investment is critical to economic growth and vitality across our membership, especially Wayne County, and we’re proud supporters of their endeavor and look forward to more decades of growth.” – 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, go to 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 58,000 miles of distribution lines and provide service to more than one million Mississippians throughout 55 counties.