A $245 million expansion project is underway at Hood Industries’ sawmill in Waynesboro, Mississippi, aimed at modernizing operations and enhancing production capacity. The initiative, discussed since 2024 between county officials and the company, is seen as crucial to retaining the facility in Wayne County. n nSean Dunlap, Wayne County Community Affairs Officer, emphasized the importance of the investment, stating, “The alternative would be for them to pick up and leave. We could not afford to lose that industry.” n nThe project will be executed in phases, eventually leading to the demolition of the current structure. Once complete, annual lumber output is expected to increase from approximately 140 million to over 400 million board feet. While the total number of employees will remain around 175, the upgrade will result in 140 higher-paying positions for existing workers. n nDunlap noted that the transition will involve workforce training to adapt to new technologies and operational processes. “It’ll settle at about 140,” he said, “But there will be a lot of new technology and processes that will include education of the workforce.” n nWaynesboro Mayor Scott Frost anticipates significant economic benefits during the construction phase, including increased spending by workers on housing, food, and local services. He also hopes the modernized facility will attract additional developers to the area, particularly to fill vacant buildings such as the former Sunbeam site. n n“We’ve been getting a lot of feedback and a lot of interest into that facility,” Frost said, “but we are working and striving to put somebody in all our vacant facilities.” n nThe upgraded mill is scheduled for completion by October 2026. Once operational, it is expected to strengthen the region’s industrial base and serve as a catalyst for broader economic development. n
— news from WDAM-TV
— News Original —
Wayne Co. leaders weigh in on workforce, economic impact of new Hood Industries sawmill expansion project
WAYNE COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) – A major expansion is now in development to help modernize sawmill operations at Hood Industries’ Waynesboro facility. n n“The alternative would be for them to pick up and leave,” said Wayne County Community Affairs Officer Sean Dunlap. “We could not afford to lose that industry.” n nCounty leaders have been in talks with Hood Industries about the $245 million project since 2024, Dunlap told WDAM 7. n nConstruction will be split into phases before the existing facility is eventually demolished. n n“Going from around 140 million board feet of lumber per year to more than 400 million board feet per year,” Dunlap said. n nThe existing facility employs around 175 employees. n nDunlap shared that the project won’t necessarily bring any new jobs. n nInstead, it’ll create 140 higher-paying jobs for those already employed at the facility. n n“It’ll settle at about 140,” Dunlap said. “But there will be a lot of new technology and processes that will include education of the workforce.” n nWaynesboro Mayor Scott Frost said he expects a big impact on the local economy once the project is up and running. n n“That’s going to bring a lot of revenue in with the people constructing the new Hood Industries and living quarters and eating here in our Waynesboro area,” said Frost. n nIt’s Frost’s hope that the new facility will also put Waynesboro on other developers’ radar. n nOne of the city’s goals now is getting people into all of their empty buildings. n n“We’ve been getting a lot of feedback and a lot of interest into that facility that used to be our old Sunbeam building, but we are working and striving to put somebody in all our vacant facilities,” Frost said. n nThe new mill is expected to be complete by Oct. 2026. n nWant more WDAM 7 news in your inbox? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.