FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4th, 2023
Hood Industries to Build New Plywood Facility in Beaumont, MS
HATTIESBURG, Mississippi – Hood Industries, Inc. announced today its plans to build a new, laminated plywood panel manufacturing facility in Beaumont MS. The company previously operated a plywood manufacturing facility in Beaumont, tracing back 40 years ago when the facility was purchased and became the first wood products manufacturing facility for Hood Industries. Since 1983, the company has expanded its footprint and operates six wood manufacturing facilities across Mississippi, Louisiana, and Georgia.
“The mill has been one of the cornerstones of our company because of the support received from the community of Beaumont, Perry County, and surrounding areas, and the hard work of our excellent employees,” said Warren Hood, Owner & CEO of Hood Companies.
On April 17, 2022, a tornado caused significant damage to the Beaumont plywood facility and the mill was deemed inoperable. The new manufacturing facility will be able to operate at a rate twice the capacity as the previous facility and at efficiency levels that support the long-term feasibility of a project of this magnitude. “We are excited to be able to rebuild the facility into one of the most modern plywood plants in North America,” said Mr. Hood. The new facility will employ up to 265 team members and is expected to become operational by early 2025.
After months of considering all the possible options, Hood Industries made the final decision to reinvest in Beaumont where it all began for the company. “Perry County and Beaumont are both very special to Hood Industries,” said Jay Galloway, President of Hood Industries. “Even after we surveyed the damage of last year’s tornado, we wanted to rebuild where it all started. We are part of this community, and they are part of us.”
Local leaders have been very supportive of the project throughout the process and are excited to see the company reinvesting in the community where they have had a presence for 40 years. “It is a great day for Beaumont and Perry County,” said Perry County Board of Supervisors President Richard Lott. “We are very excited that Hood Industries chose Beaumont for the location of their new facility.”
Mayor Scotty Daily of Beaumont is also excited about the news that Hood Industries will be rebuilding in Beaumont and Perry County. “On behalf of the mayor’s office and the Town of Beaumont, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude and excitement to Hood Industries on their decision to reinvest in our town, county, and community. Hood has been a staple of our community for decades, and we look forward to many years of growth for both the company and town. Mr. Hood and his company are the model for hard work, commitment, and dedication, and the town is excited to have this plant building back to full operation,” said Town of Beaumont Mayor Scotty Dailey.
Numerous infrastructure upgrades are necessary to support the facility at full operation. Perry County and the Town of Beaumont are assisting with local upgrades and have received great assistance for these needs from Governor Tate Reeves and the State of Mississippi through the Mississippi Development Authority. AccelerateMS is providing a Mississippi Works grant to support the critical training needs of Hood Industries and will support the company’s long-term workforce goals and objectives for this project. Construction of the new state-of-the-art plywood manufacturing facility will commence soon.
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Hood Industries, Inc. is a blend of wood manufacturing and distribution concerns that include one plywood and four lumber manufacturing plants, and fifteen specialty wood products distribution operations, located in fourteen states serving the northeast, southeast and southwest United States.
The Area Development Partnership (ADP) serves as the regional Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development organization in Greater Hattiesburg, MS. The ADP’s mission is to stimulate economic growth and enhance the well-being and quality of life for all area citizens. For more information, contact the ADP at 601.296.7500 or visit www.theadp.com.
Company Contact: Ashlea Maddox
601.270.4219
amaddox@hoodindustries.com
Local Contact: Adam Schraeder
Economic Development Director
Area Development Partnership
601.310.8673
a.schraeder@theadp.com
