Video: Shuqualak Lumber Expanding

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SHUQUALAK, Miss. (WCBI)-Two years ago, they worried about having to close their doors. Now, the largest employer in Shuqualak and one of the largest in Noxubee County is growing. Shuqualak Lumber Company is expanding and adding as many as 50 jobs.

Noxubee County has one of the state’s highest unemployment rates. But soon, some people may have a new opportunity. Shuqualak Lumber has been turning the forests of East Mississippi into building materials for more than six decades. But in 2008 when the economy changed, the Great Recession chopped away at its roots.

Things got bad, they really got bad in 2011. We did everything we could do to stay in business. We’ve been in business since 1948 I believe. And in 2011 was the hardest year that we’ve been in.” said Charlie Thomas

For a company that had to let half of it’s workforce go and reduce benefits of the 75 remaining employees, Thomas now is beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The 8 to 13 million dollar investment is beginning to stand tall like the trees used in making their lumber.

The old brick plant facility will mainly be used for storage. 25% of decking material production is done at the College Street mill, that would be moved to the new facility and there would be an increase the other 75%. One thing is certain, a company that has weathered the storm of a bad economy, has apparently survived the struggle.

Production expansions at Shuqualak Lumber Company is expected to begin the first of 2015.