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, according to a news release about the project.
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.
“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,” Dixie Electric General Manager Randy Smith said.
“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.”
Gov. Tate Reeves called the investment “another great day for our state.”
“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,” Reeves said.
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.
