Video: Louisville Plywood Plant Groundbreaking

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LOUISVILLE, Miss.(WCBI) — There was a groundbreaking ceremony Friday for a new and improved manufacturing facility in Louisville.

The project representing an investment of approximately $50 million and is creating 400 new jobs.

Excitement filled the air in the parking lot of what is expected to be the new Winston Plywood and Veneer, one of the most modern and efficient mills in North America.

“Its a great day for Louisville/Winston County, this region,” Louisville Mayor Will Hill said. “It’s been such a void in the timber industry. This is truly a blessing and just to see it begin becoming a reality. It’s amazing.”

Governor Phil Bryant, who on hand for the Friday ceremony, calls it a milestone serving as a statement to the world that Mississippi has a strong supportive business climate that fosters growth and success. The plant design rivals any other in the country and has great potential.

“And it’s going to be market driven, but the market looks to be really good right now, and the company feels confident and strong that they can run at full capacity when we get going, Hill said. “It will be much more efficient than it would have been without the disaster. So, if there is a silver lining its the fact that there is a brighter day ahead.”

“Not only is it a good work force, but these are committed people,” Atlas Holdings Chief Executive Officer Andrew Bursky said. “These are people who have a multi-generational history of making plywood.”

Not only is the plant being rebuilt, the new expanded plywood mill is helping the region to recover, and will enhance the quality of life in the community for many years to come.

“So, we couldn’t be in a better place,” Bursky said. “It’s a great natural resource here, there is no place in the world that grows southern pine as well as Mississippi. And we’ve got a great team.”

The anticipated start up for Winston Plywood and Veneer is in late 3rd quarter of 2015.