Vicksburg Forest Products to add 60 full-time jobs and invest $40 million

The Vicksburg Warren Economic Development Partnership announced Wednesday that Vicksburg Forest Products is expanding its operations in Vicksburg to respond to market opportunities and accommodate new customers. The expansion will allow Vicksburg Forest Products to create 60 direct jobs and invest $40 million in corporate investments.

In 2018, Vicksburg Forest Products purchased the former Anderson Tully sawmill. The facility underwent a large-scale transformation and is currently producing approximately 75 million board feet of Southern Yellow Pine lumber on an annualized basis. Post expansion, Vicksburg Forest Products will be capable of producing 180 million board feet of lumber per year, consisting of a diverse product mix to better serve customers. The upgraded mill will be purchasing approximately 800,000 tons of timber annually from landowners in the surrounding areas. The company has signed a turnkey contract with a leading equipment provider and construction is scheduled to begin in October and will be completed next summer.

“We look forward to working with the local economic community and the State of Mississippi to support further investment in our facility and the surrounding area,” said Billy Van Devender, manager, VFP, in a statement. “We are excited about the long-term prospects of our Vicksburg operations.”

Gov. Tate Reeves added his endorsement of the project.

“With nearly 20 million acres of forestland in Mississippi, our state is positioned for continued growth in the agribusiness sector, as evidenced by Vicksburg Forest Products’ significant expansion just over two years after opening its doors in Vicksburg,” Reeves said. “I appreciate the leadership at Vicksburg Forest Products for its commitment to doing business in Warren County and building stronger communities through job creation.”

Mayor George Flaggs Jr. added, “We are proud to see Vicksburg Forest Products expanding and creating new jobs in our community. I believe it’s worth noting that the company’s willingness to make such an important investment in Vicksburg is a testament to the pro-business environment of our city. COVID-19 has created trying times for many in our community, and these 60 jobs will be a blessing for 60 families that can get back to normal through the dignity of work.”

The City of Vicksburg is supporting the project with infrastructure improvements including drainage and rail expansions on the site through grants provided to the city by the Mississippi Development Authority.

“What a wonderful example of what our community can do when we pull together to grow our economy,” Dr. Jeff Holland, president of the Warren County Board of Supervisors, said of the expansion. “A quality employer making quality investments to grow a quality community. I applaud this investment and those who have chosen to make it”

Don Brown, chairman of the Warren County Port Commission, added, “The Warren County Port Commission commends Vicksburg Forest Products for believing in our workforce and in our community. This expansion is a very positive boost for the Port of Vicksburg and for the many families that will benefit by the jobs created.”