(Photo courtesy of Southwire Facebook)
Wire and cable manufacturer Southwire is expanding its Starkville operations in a project representing more than $256 million in corporate investment and creating 128 jobs.
The expansion will add approximately 380,000 square feet to the company’s existing Starkville footprint and include new manufacturing machinery and related equipment. The additional capacity is designed to help Southwire meet growing market demand.
Founded in 1950, Southwire is one of North America’s largest wire and cable producers, serving customers across a range of electrical infrastructure markets.
“This expansion represents another meaningful step in Southwire’s long-term strategy to modernize our operations, strengthen our manufacturing footprint and continue delivering exceptional service to our customers,” Southwire President and CEO Ganesh Ramaswamy said. “Starkville has been an important part of Southwire’s story for decades, and this investment reflects our confidence in the team, the community and the opportunities ahead as we continue building for the future.”
The Starkville project is part of Southwire’s companywide commitment to invest more than $2 billion in modernization efforts across its locations.
Construction on the Starkville expansion is expected to begin in late 2026. The expanded operations are expected to reach full capacity in 2028.
Gov. Tate Reeves said the investment reflects continued economic development activity across Mississippi.
“Southwire’s quarter-of-a-billion-dollar investment and the nearly 130 jobs it will create are another example of the incredible momentum we’re seeing across Mississippi,” Reeves said. “This project is more proof that Mississippi gets the job done. And the fact is that Southwire wouldn’t be expanding here if our state couldn’t deliver results. This is another big win for Starkville and Mississippi.”
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for the project through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. The city of Starkville and Oktibbeha County also are assisting with the expansion.
MDA Executive Director Bill Cork said the size of Southwire’s investment demonstrates Mississippi’s ability to retain and support existing manufacturers.
“Companies don’t make investments of this size unless the conditions are right,” Cork said. “And Southwire’s expansion in Starkville is another prime example of the advantages Mississippi continues to deliver to manufacturers, including speed to market, reliable infrastructure, a skilled workforce and a competitive cost of doing business.”
Cork said those factors help encourage existing companies to reinvest in Mississippi while strengthening the state’s ability to compete for future economic development projects.
Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill called the expansion a major economic development milestone for the city.
“The city of Starkville is gratified and excited to have the tremendous financial commitment of one of our most important industries,” Spruill said. “Southwire’s growth here in Starkville shows their faith in the value of continuing to be part of our community.”
Spruill said the expansion will be the largest single economic development project the city has seen and will further Starkville’s efforts to attract business investment.
“Southwire brings over 100 high-paying jobs and increased value to our city, serving as the bellwether to other industries that we are open for business,” Spruill said. “We look forward to their success and will work to make certain that the faith of their investment is well placed.”
Once completed and operating at full capacity, the expansion will significantly increase Southwire’s manufacturing presence in Starkville while adding 128 jobs to the local economy.