A timber operation in Choctaw County is expanding with an investment of $123.4 million in the Ackerman sawmill and creating dozens of jobs. 

Southeastern Timber Products (STP), a family-owned-and-operated manufacturer of southern yellow pine lumber, timber, and decking products, is expanding the Ackerman sawmill to increase production capacity from 120 million board feet per year to 300 million board feet per year.  

Officials with the family timber company say the expansion will result in 40 new jobs to be filled in the next two years. 

“Southeastern Timber’s expansion speaks volumes about the special things happening in Mississippi,” Governor Tate Reeves said. “Mississippians are proud of our state’s manufacturing capabilities, and we’re excited to see the increased demand for them. This multi-million-dollar investment and these 40 new jobs are a massive win for Choctaw County, and it’s a remarkable way to start the new year.” 

A new sawmill line, new dry kilns, and new storage facilities will be installed as part of the project. The investment will be assisted by the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive program, along with assistance from Choctaw County.  

Southeastern Timber Products has been in continuous operation in Ackerman since 1972 and currently employs 150 people. In November 2018, STP and Tolko, another family-owned manufacturer, formed a partnership to expand both operations.