Hood Industries, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of structural wood products, is investing $245 million to expand its sawmill operations in Wayne County, Mississippi. The company will construct a new advanced sawmill in Waynesboro, located on a site adjacent to its current mill. The project will proceed in multiple phases and is scheduled for completion by October 2026, according to Hood Industries.

The expansion is supported by several public and private entities. The Mississippi Development Authority is providing incentives through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive (MFLEX) program, along with funding for road and infrastructure upgrades. Additional support is coming from Wayne County and AccelerateMS. The facility will be powered by Dixie Electric and Cooperative Energy.

Hood Industries currently operates three southern yellow pine sawmills, including two in Mississippi. The company has produced wood products in the state for more than 40 years.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves called the expansion "a nearly quarter-billion-dollar investment" and said it reflects growing momentum in the state's economic development. Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork stated that companies are "breaking new ground" across the state due to strong local and state-level partnerships that attract large-scale projects like this one.

Wayne County Board of Supervisors President Keith Clay emphasized that the expansion strengthens the county's role in the forest products sector and highlights Hood Industries' long-standing commitment to the region. AccelerateMS Executive Director Dr. Courtney Taylor noted that the project confirms the strength of Mississippi's workforce and the state's ability to meet the needs of advanced manufacturing employers.

Dixie Electric General Manager Randy Smith said the utility has powered Hood Industries in Waynesboro for decades and, in partnership with Cooperative Energy, will continue supporting the company's growth through reliable and affordable service.