(Photo from Carpenter Pole and Piling website)
Carpenter Pole and Piling is taking a major step forward with an expansion at its Wiggins facility, signaling both growth for the company and new opportunities for Stone County. The nearly $5 million investment will create 10 new jobs and expand the company’s capacity to serve its clients in utility pole, foundation, and marine piling production.
The expansion involves constructing a new treatment plant and installing a 2,600-cubic-foot autoclave, a move designed to boost production and introduce an alternative treatment option. In addition, the company is preparing 20 more acres for a new pole storage yard, ensuring that its operations can accommodate long-term growth and improved logistics.
Support for the project comes from both the Mississippi Development Authority, through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive (MFLEX) program, and Stone County, which has partnered with the company to foster local economic development. Carpenter Pole and Piling expects construction to be complete by September 2026, with the new jobs set to be filled in January 2027.
“Carpenter Pole and Piling is a true Mississippi success story, and we’re proud to see the company continue investing right here at home,” said Gov. Tate Reeves. “This expansion in Stone County is creating new opportunities for hardworking Mississippians while strengthening a company that has long contributed to our state’s economy. When Mississippi businesses grow, our communities grow with them, and we remain committed to fostering a business environment where companies can thrive.”
Bill Cork, executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority, emphasized the significance of the company’s long-term commitment to the state. “Carpenter Pole and Piling isn’t just expanding—the company is reinvesting in Mississippi because, after nearly 40 years of doing business here, the Carpenter team knows this is a state where they can confidently grow and succeed,” Cork said. “This expansion brings jobs and opportunity to Stone County and sends a bold message that Mississippi delivers, every time. MDA is proud to support Carpenter Pole and Piling as the company prepares for four more generations of doing business in South Mississippi.”
For company president Preston Carpenter, the expansion reflects a deeper commitment to the community. “Carpenter Pole and Piling is deeply committed to serving and strengthening our local community,” Carpenter said. “We proudly support our local police and sheriff departments, as well as our fire department, recognizing the essential role they play in keeping our families safe. We also invest in the next generation by sponsoring recreational ball leagues and contributing to educational opportunities, including support for private and public schools. Carpenters has contributed to the improvements at the local airport, helping enhance infrastructure that benefits economic development. As a locally rooted business, we believe in giving back to the community that has supported us for years, and we remain dedicated to making a positive and lasting impact both on and off the job site.”
With construction underway, Carpenter Pole and Piling’s expansion not only strengthens its operational capacity but also underscores the company’s role as a cornerstone of both economic growth and community investment in Wiggins and beyond.