04-02-2025
As Trump tariffs debated, Canada company makes good on $123 million Mississippi investment
Southeastern Timber Products announced this week it is investing $123.4 million to expand its operations in Ackerman, which could create as many as 40 jobs.
Southeastern Timber Products is a family-owned-and-operated manufacturer of southern yellow pine lumber, timber and decking products. The company is expanding its Ackerman sawmill to increase production capacity from 120 million board feet per year to 300 million board feet per year. To facilitate the project, Southeastern Timber Products will install a new sawmill line, new dry kilns and storage facilities.
Southeastern Timber Products has a joint venture partnership with Tolko Industries Ltd., a company based in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada.
One of the largest Canadian investments in Mississippi, Tolko has embarked on what will ultimately be a $150 million investment in the STP lumber mill that was announced in 2022. Under the banner of Southeastern Timber Products LLC, the project is a joint venture with STP Holdings, LLC.
'Today's announcement enables us to further invest in our people, customers and local community," said David Manley, Tolko Industries U.S. Ltd. vice president. "We greatly appreciate the Mississippi government's support of all strategic investments that will help us by continuing to grow STP's capacity to 300 million board feet per year.'
The news comes at a time President Donald J. Trump wants to sign an executive order introducing a 25% tariff on all goods coming from Mexico and Canada and a 10% tariff on goods from China. The order on China went into effect on Tuesday, while the orders on Canada and and Mexico have been put on hold as of Wednesday.
Canada is Mississippi's largest trading partner and Mississippi would likely feel negative impacts from a 25% tariff on all goods coming from Canada. There also would likely be some reactionary impacts on goods that are exported from Mississippi to Canada.
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Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. Choctaw County also is assisting with the project.
The 40 new jobs are expected to come to fruition within the next two years.
'This project not only strengthens Southeastern Timber's long-term relationship with Mississippi, it also brings 40 new opportunities to the people of Choctaw County and the surrounding area," said Bill Cork, Mississippi Development Authority executive director, in a statement. "This $123.4 million investment will enhance the company's operations and encourage future growth, both of which benefit the local workforce and economy for generations. MDA appreciates the Southeastern Timber team for once again choosing Mississippi to continue the company's legacy of producing top-quality lumber, timber and wood products.'
Ross Reily is a writer for the Clarion Ledger, part of the USA TODAY Network. He can be reached at rreily@ or 601-573-2952. You can follow him on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter @GreenOkra1.
