Video: Mississippi Silicon Breaks Ground on $200,000,000 Plant

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BURNSVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Years of work are paying off in a major way for economic development officials in Tishomingo County. Work is underway on a new plant that will produce a product for customers around the globe and at the same time, raise hopes that the new plant will spur development of other businesses and industries.

This groundbreaking was four years in the making, but worth the wait.

Governor Phil Bryant joined a host of local and state dignitaries turning dirt for Mississippi Silicon’s Metal Manufacturing Facility.

“The facility will be around 45 acres, about 200 thousand square feet under roof,” said Mississippi Silicon CEO Dave Tuten.

Mississippi Silicon’s high tech plant represents a $200,000,000 investment and will create 200 jobs. Silicon metal manufacturing died out in the United States decades ago, but advances in technology and U S trade protections may foster a comeback.

The plant will use that advanced technology to convert hardwood chips and other natural resources into raw silicon. That material will be used for a wide range of industries such as the aluminum, automotive and chemical industries.

Company officials say the energy provided by TVA, easy access to rail and water transportation and quality workforce attracted Mississippi Silicon, along with an orchestrated and organized effort from local to state leaders.

“We are tickled to death to be here in Burnsville, hospitality so far has been outstanding, everyone has been great and we’re looking forward to being here for a very long time,” Tuten said.

“To me this is the American dream for the families who live in this area, for those wanting more for their families than they have been able to give in the past,” said MS Sen. Rita Parks, who represents Dist. 4.

Mississippi Silicon is a strategic partnership between South American based Rima Holdings USA and domestic investor group Clean Tech LLC.

Governor Bryant says Mississippi Silicon helps put the state and area on the world manufacturing stage.

“So now other South American companies, that are interested in coming to the United States will look at Mississippi first, this is a great opportunity for us to bring that new manufacturing, modern manufacturing from South America to the United States, but more particularly to Mississippi,” Gov. Bryant said.

Crews have already started clearing the site for the plant. Construction should take 18 months, in two years, Mississippi Silicon will be up and running employing 200 people on this site.

The Burnsville plant will be the first silicon metal manufacturing facility built in the United States since 1976.