Tennessee-based lumber manufacturer announces first expansion since launching operations in Summertown in 2021
SUMMERTOWN, TN (May 26, 2026) — Old South Wood Preserving, LLC will invest $1.3 million to expand its operations in Summertown, Tennessee, adding 20 new jobs in Lawrence County and increasing production capacity for the growing lumber manufacturer and wholesaler.
The announcement marks the company’s first expansion since opening in 2021. Old South Wood Preserving began with five employees and has grown to more than 60 employees following the newly announced project.
Founded in Tennessee, Old South Wood Preserving manufactures and distributes pressure-treated and non-pressure-treated Southern Yellow Pine lumber for agricultural, residential and commercial uses. The company serves post-frame building and fencing industries and operates facilities in Summertown that include office space, a treatment plant, planer mill, post mill, kiln and lumber storage barns.
“Homegrown businesses like Old South Wood Preserving, founded right here in the Volunteer State, exemplify the strength of Tennessee’s economy,” said Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee. “This expansion underscores the company’s strong commitment to our state and creating quality jobs for Tennesseans, and we are proud to support their ongoing growth and success here.”
The project builds on the company’s established Lawrence County operations and reflects continued demand for high-quality lumber products across the region.
“We were proud to support Old South Wood Preserving as it launched operations in 2021, and we are pleased to partner with the company again to announce this expansion today,” said Stuart C. McWhorter, Deputy Governor and Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. “We look forward to the continued success this project will bring and commend our partners in Lawrence County for their ongoing efforts to position the community for long-term economic growth and opportunity.”
Mark Jent, General Manager of Old South Wood Preserving, said the expansion will allow the company to continue investing in both its operations and the local workforce.
“We are grateful to the State of Tennessee, Gov. Bill Lee and our local and state representatives for their support of this investment in our company and our community,” Jent said. “This $1.3 million expansion will allow us to continue growing our operations, create new jobs and strengthen our commitment to providing quality products and long-term opportunities in Tennessee. We are excited about the future and proud to continue investing in the people and communities that support us.”
State and local leaders said the project demonstrates the strength of Lawrence County’s workforce and the importance of supporting existing industry growth in Southern Middle Tennessee.
“Old South Wood Preserving’s decision to expand in Lawrence County is a strong vote of confidence in our workforce and community,” said Sen. Page Walley, R-Bolivar. “Creating 20 new jobs and investing $1.3 million into this facility will strengthen our local economy and provide more opportunities for families across Southern Middle Tennessee. I appreciate Old South Wood Preserving’s continued commitment to Lawrence County and look forward to seeing the company’s success continue for years to come.”
“Old South Wood Preserving has been a major contributor to Lawrence County’s economy since beginning operations here four years ago,” said Rep. Kip Capley, R-Summertown. “I appreciate the company’s ongoing investment in our community and look forward to seeing how its footprint continues to grow in Middle Tennessee.”
Old South Wood Preserving specializes in pressure-treated wood products for agricultural, residential and commercial markets. The company is a wholesale distributor of Southern Yellow Pine lumber and supplies products for the post-frame building and fencing industries.
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development is the state’s primary agency focused on job creation, corporate investment and community development. Through business recruitment, existing industry support and community grant programs, TNECD works to strengthen Tennessee’s competitive position and expand economic opportunity statewide.
