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Barge Forest Products is investing more than $8.3 million to expand its sawmill operations in Macon, Ms., adding a new production line designed to improve efficiency, increase lumber output and boost log recovery.
The expansion includes construction of a new facility to house production equipment featuring optimized edging and twin horizontal resaw capabilities. The upgrades are expected to significantly increase the sawmill’s annual production capacity while making better use of available timber resources.
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 throughout North America, the Caribbean, North Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
“We are excited to invest in the future of our operation and community,” said Jason Ebert, executive vice president of operations at Barge Forest Products. “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 Mississippi Development Authority is supporting the project through a loan guarantee program and its Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive (MFLEX) program. Noxubee County is also providing assistance.
“Barge Forest Products is making a major investment in its future, and Mississippi is proud to help the company take that next step,” said PJ Waldrop, executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority. “After decades of doing business in Noxubee County, this expansion puts Barge in an even stronger position to compete and grow.”
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves also highlighted the company's longstanding contribution to the state's 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.”
Noxubee County Board president Bryan Schimmel said the investment 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.”
Barge Forest Products expects to complete the expansion in October 2027.
