(Photo courtesy Gould Industries website)
Gould Industries Ltd., a North American leader in recycled plastics manufacturing, is expanding into Mississippi with a $14 million investment in Pike County that is expected to create 65 new jobs.
The company announced it is acquiring an existing manufacturing facility in Summit and plans to modernize the location while adding production lines to increase production capacity. The expansion will strengthen the company’s presence in key North American markets and support continued growth in the sustainable manufacturing sector.
Founded in 1954 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Gould Industries operates a vertically integrated business model that recycles millions of pounds of waste into high-performance, sustainable products annually. The company specializes in recycled plastics manufacturing, film extrusion and private-label solutions for major retailers throughout North America.
Gov. Tate Reeves welcomed the company’s decision to locate operations in Mississippi, calling it another example of the state’s ability to attract innovative manufacturers.
“Gould Industries’ decision to invest in Pike County is another sign that Mississippi is attracting innovative companies that see long-term value in our state,” Reeves said. “This project strengthens Mississippi’s manufacturing sector while advancing solutions that will benefit industries well into the future. I am proud to welcome Gould Industries to Mississippi.”
The Mississippi Development Authority is supporting the project through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. Pike County also is assisting with the expansion effort.
Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork said the state’s business climate continues to attract major investments.
“Mississippi has a track record for helping companies turn plans into reality,” Cork said. “We have built a solid reputation for moving fast, staying flexible and delivering for businesses like Gould Industries that are ready to grow. It’s why companies are confidently investing in major projects and bringing real opportunities to Mississippians in every corner of our state.”
Gould Industries President and Chief Executive Officer Frederico Panetta described the acquisition as a significant milestone for the company’s future growth strategy in the United States.
“This acquisition is a defining moment in our company’s history and a deliberate step in the long-term vision I have set for Gould Industries in the United States,” Panetta said. “We did not simply look for a facility; we looked for the right community, the right people and the right opportunity to build something that lasts. Mississippi gave us all three.”
Panetta noted a historical connection between the company’s Canadian roots and its expansion into Mississippi.
“There is even a thread of history in it; centuries ago, French explorers charted a path from Quebec down to the Mississippi, and in our own way we are following that same route south,” he said. “Under our ownership, this plant will be modernized, expanded and positioned as a cornerstone of our growth across North America.”
Panetta added that the company plans to build upon its longstanding commitment to employees while investing in new technologies and workforce development.
“But our people have always been the heart of this company,” he said. “We have been recognized as a Top 100 Employer for many years running, and that honor reflects a simple belief: when you put your team members and colleagues first, everything else follows. We are investing in talent, in innovation and in a model of manufacturing that will carry our 70-year legacy into its next chapter.”
Company officials said the Pike County facility will play a key role in Gould Industries’ future expansion plans while contributing to economic growth and job creation in southwest Mississippi.