Barge Forest Products is investing more than $8.3 million to expand its sawmill operations in Macon, a project expected to increase production capacity, improve efficiency and strengthen the company’s competitiveness in the lumber industry.
The expansion includes construction of a new facility to house a production line equipped with optimized edging and twin horizontal resaw capabilities. The upgrades are designed to increase the mill’s annual production capacity while improving the recovery of usable lumber from available timber resources.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said the investment reinforces the state’s position as a leader in the forest products industry.
“With 19 million acres of forestland, Mississippi is a powerhouse in the forest products industry,” Reeves said. “For more than 35 years, Barge Forest Products has been part of that success in Macon, and this latest investment positions the company for many more.”
Reeves said investments such as the expansion help Mississippi maintain its reputation for producing quality goods for customers around the world.
The Mississippi Development Authority is supporting the project through a loan guarantee program and the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, known as MFLEX. Noxubee County also is providing assistance.
Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director PJ Waldrop said the project will help the company build on its longstanding presence in the county.
“Barge Forest Products is making a major investment in its future, and Mississippi is proud to help the company take that next step,” Waldrop said. “After decades of doing business in Noxubee County, this expansion puts Barge in an even stronger position to compete and grow.”
Waldrop said the project demonstrates how companies can build on opportunities in Mississippi with support from state and local partners.
Jason Ebert, executive vice president of operations for Barge Forest Products Co., said the investment will strengthen the company’s operations while benefiting the surrounding community.
“We are excited to invest in the future of our operation and community,” Ebert said. “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.”
The improvements are expected to help the company make more efficient use of timber and increase the amount of usable lumber recovered during production. The expansion also represents a continued investment in the regional timber industry, which supports manufacturing and related economic activity.
Noxubee County Board President Bryan Schimmel said the project will help secure the company’s future in the community.
“The $8.3 million expansion of Barge Forest Products is going to help make them more competitive in the lumber industry and ensure they are in business for many more years to come,” Schimmel said. “We are proud to have them right here at home in Noxubee County.”
Founded in 1985, Barge Forest Products specializes in producing high-quality southern yellow pine lumber, particularly longer timber lengths used in construction. The company serves customers across North America, the Caribbean, North Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
The expansion is expected to be completed in October 2027.