Plantation Pine Products welcomed local and state officials, community members, and fellow businesses to Metcalfe on Friday, as they officially opened their doors at the former site of Hood Industries, signaling an exciting new chapter in a timber mill with a storied history.

According to Shelley Zorn, President and CEO of the Payroll Development Authority, the mill has a decades-long history of providing jobs in Thomas County and being a part of the timber industry. The $25 million investment is set to provide 100 jobs, with the first mill employees reporting for duty in July, when it will once again come alive.

Operated by Steve Conner, Plantation Pine Products will be one of the many “bread and butter businesses” of Thomasville, as it is a family-owned business that has devoted countless hours, resources, and capital to the project to bring it to fruition.

Michelle Shaw, Director of Existing Industry and Regional Recruitment for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, offered her congratulations to Conner and his family from the office of Gov. Brian Kemp.

Shaw explained that in Georgia, she and Kemp realize that partnerships are the key to success. “It’s why we work side by side every day with our existing companies, our community, and statewide partners to support the state’s business-friendly environment,” she said. “It’s this team approach that’s the driver of why Georgia has been named the number one state for business for an unparalleled 12 consecutive years.”

Georgia's forest industry contributes $42 billion in direct revenue output annually and supports more than 140,000 jobs with $9.1 billion in compensation, making it one of the largest economic drivers in the state, particularly in rural communities.

 
Source: timesenterprise.com