Hood Industries announced its plans to build a state-of-the-art laminated plywood panel manufacturing facility in Beaumont in Perry County. The project represents a corporate investment of more than $200 million and will create 265 direct jobs.
The new manufacturing facility will operate at twice the capacity of the previous facility, which was made inoperable by a tornado in April 2022. Construction will begin this summer, and manufacturing will commence in early 2025. Hood Industries plans to fill the jobs over the next four years.
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for infrastructure improvements and site development. 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. Perry County and the town of Beaumont also are assisting with the project.
Hood Industries is a mix of wood manufacturing and distribution operations that includes one plywood manufacturing plant, four lumber manufacturing plants and 15 specialty wood products distribution operations. With locations in 14 states, Hood Industries serves the Northeast, Southeast and Southwest United States.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves“After a devastating tornado shut this plant down, some would have left. But not this team, and not this company. Today’s groundbreaking is the launch of an incredible comeback story. This $200 million investment will bring 265 good-paying jobs to Beaumont and Perry County and have a tremendous impact on the local community. I congratulate Hood Industries on this exciting day and thank them for their enduring commitment to our state.”
MDA Deputy Director Laura Hipp said, “Today’s announcement from Hood Industries is great news for Mississippi’s economy and underscores the importance of agriculture, forestry and wood products to our state. We’re proud to support this project through infrastructure improvements and site development, and we’re grateful for the partnership of Perry County and the town of Beaumont. We look forward to seeing this new facility in operation and the positive impact it will have on the local community and our state as a whole while demonstrating to the world that Mississippi is the place to be for long-term success in this important sector.”
Warren Hood, Owner and CEO, Hood Companies stated, “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. We are excited to be able to rebuild the facility into one of the most modern plywood plants in North America.”
Beaumont Mayor Scott Daily stated, “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 the 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.”
About Mississippi Development Authority
Mississippi Development Authority is the state’s lead economic and community development agency. MDA focuses on new business recruitment, existing business expansion, workforce training, and tourism promotion. For more information, visit MDA’s website at mississippi.org.
