Source: Mississippi Development Authority
Jackson, Miss. (Feb. 25, 2020) – Keystone Electrical Manufacturing Company is expanding to Brookhaven, investing $4 million and creating 30 new jobs.
“When companies like Keystone choose to open new operations in our state, they are demonstrating to the world that Mississippi has the competitive advantages – including an excellent transportation network and strong workforce – that companies need to be successful in today’s demanding economy,” Gov. Tate Reeves said. “I thank Fred Buie for this major investment in his hometown by bringing Keystone and 30 new jobs to Brookhaven and look forward to building a strong working relationship.”
Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, Keystone manufactures protection and control relay panels, medium voltage switchgear and turnkey control centers used in the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power. The company is purchasing the 54,000-square-foot Agracel building located in the Linbrook Business Park.
“Keystone is very pleased to be expanding to Brookhaven. The workforce, operating costs and proximity to customers were key factors in our decision,” said Keystone President Fred Buie. “All the agencies involved were very responsive and had the information we needed at their fingertips. Additionally, the opportunity to bring jobs and investments to my hometown is very special. It was an easy decision.”
Buie is a graduate of Brookhaven High School and Mississippi State University. Although his professional career has kept him outside of Mississippi, he has maintained a close connection with the state as a long-time member of MSU’s Industrial Engineering Advisory Board, and he was recently named to the Foundation Board. He also maintains a second home in Brookhaven and is a local timber farmer.
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for building improvements. The Brookhaven Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, Cooperative Energy, Southwest Mississippi Electric Power Association and the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Workforce Development Center also are assisting with the project.
“MDA is pleased to support Keystone as it prepares to begin operations in Brookhaven,” said MDA Deputy Director Mike McGrevey. “The collaboration of all parties involved in bringing Keystone to our great state is building a stronger community and economy by securing this economic development win for the people of Brookhaven and Lincoln County.”
Keystone plans to begin initial hiring during the first week of March.
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 432,000 homes and businesses throughout 55 counties.