(Photo from Barge Forest Products)
- Jason Ebert, Vice President of Operations of Barge Forest, said the expansion will strengthen our competitiveness, improve efficiency, and significantly increase log recovery.
The Mississippi Development Authority announced Tuesday that Barge Forest Products, a lumber manufacturer, is expanding its sawmill operations in Macon.
The corporate investment is more than $8.3 million and will be used for a facility to house a new production line that will feature optimized edging and twin horizontal resaw capabilities.
The expansion is expected to be completed by October 2027.
“We are excited to invest in the future of our operation and community. With support from the
Mississippi Development Authority and the Noxubee County Board of Supervisors, this project will strengthen our competitiveness, improve efficiency, and significantly increase log recovery, making better use of our available timber resources while supporting economic growth in the area for years to come,” Jason Ebert, Vice President of Operations of Barge Forest, said.
Barge Forest Products was founded in 1985 and serves customers across North America, the Caribbean, North Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Governor Tate Reeves said that this investment further proves that “Mississippi is a powerhouse in the forest products industry.”
“For more than 25 years, Barge Forest Products has been part of that success in Macon, and this
latest investment positions the company for many more,” Reeves said. “Mississippi products reach customers around the world, and projects like this strengthen our reputation as a state that produces and delivers quality goods.”
Noxubee County Board President Bryan Schimmel added that the expansion “is going to help make them more competitive in the lumber industry and ensure they are in business for many more years to come.”
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through a loan guarantee program and the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. Noxubee County is also assisting with the project.
“Barge Forest Products is making a major investment in its future, and Mississippi is proud to help the company take that next step. After decades of doing business in Noxubee County, this expansion puts Barge in an even stronger position to compete and grow. This is what happens when a company sees opportunity in Mississippi and has the resources and support to go after it,” said Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director PJ Waldrop.
