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Hood Industries will permanent close its plywood manufacturing operation in Wiggins, Ms., a decision that will affect approximately 260 employees.
Facility-wide meetings were held with employees to share the news and explain that the decision followed a comprehensive assessment of the extensive damage caused by Tropical Storm Arthur.
“After a thorough assessment, we determined that the damage caused by the recent storms, combined with the age of our 56-year-old facility, would require an investment that is not economically feasible. As difficult as this decision is, repairing and restoring the mill is not a sustainable option,” Hood Industries president Jay Galloway told employees. “We have made the decision to close the mill.”
The Wiggins plywood mill was originally built in 1970 and was acquired by Hood Industries in 1984, becoming the company's second and largest plywood manufacturing operation.
Over the next few days, Hood officials will meet individually with employees to discuss the transition and share information about employment opportunities at other Hood locations.
“This was not an easy decision for us to make. We are well aware of the impact this decision will have on the Wiggins employees, their families and community,” Galloway said.
Operations are expected to conclude after the remaining inventory is processed, with the mill anticipated to cease manufacturing operations by the end of August.
Hood Industries, Inc. is a blend of wood manufacturing and distribution concerns that include two plywood and three lumber manufacturing plants, as well as 23 specialty wood product distribution operations located across eighteen states serving the northeast, southeast and southwest United States.
