From: Southern Loggin’ Times Editors
Joined by federal, state and local leaders, company associates and members of the community, Winston Plywood & Veneer hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new plywood mill in Louisville, Miss. in early April. The location was once home to a shuttered mill that was destroyed when an F4 tornado struck three years ago. Today in its place stands a state-of-the-art plywood facility that employs more than 300 and is expected to generate tens of millions in annual economic activity for the region.
“Today is a great day for all of us who work at WP&V,” commented Winton Plywood & Veneer President Jon Pierce. “We could not be more thankful for the collaboration and support we’ve had from Mayor Hill, Governor Bryant, the Mississippi Development Authority and those across our community. Everyone has stood with us as we worked together to make this mill a reality.”
“The grand opening of Winston Plywood & Veneer is a momentous occasion for this community and for our great State, showing what can be done when business partners with government at all levels to create jobs and spur economic growth,” Gov. Bryant said. “I am thrilled to be back here, standing with these newly hired workers and this company, to celebrate the official launch of this outstanding manufacturing business in Mississippi.”
“When we broke ground here two years ago, in the aftermath of a devastating storm, we said we would stay the course until we delivered and opened the finest plywood mill in North America. I am very proud to say today that we have kept that commitment, and that the future for this business is bright,” said Andrew Bursky, Chairman and Co-Founder of Atlas Holdings LLC, the parent company of New Wood Resources LLC. Winston Plywood & Veneer is an operating company of New Wood Resources.
“This occasion is to celebrate hard work, partnerships, community, and most of all hope. Our community has experienced the great recession, plant closures, and a devastating natural disaster in recent years. Winston Plywood & Veneer’s commitment after the storm forged a storybook partnership, giving hope to a community in need,” said Louisville Mayor Will Hill.
Winston Plywood & Veneer is well positioned for sustained success in the marketplace. The company’s leadership team collectively brings nearly a century of direct industry experience and expertise; overall, the team includes 304 professionals, nearly two-thirds of whom are residents of the local community. Each associate has participated in extensive skills development training relevant to their job function and completed a comprehensive, mandatory workplace safety curriculum executed by WP&V.
The first such plywood mill constructed in the United States in more than two decades, the WP&V facility boasts 287,000 square feet and is more than 765 feet in length. The company sells structural and industrial plywood and veneer, procuring its logs from sources within 60 miles of the facility.
The company began shipping production this past November.