The Single Largest Investment in the History of J.M. Huber Corporation


SHUQUALAK, Miss., Oct. 24, 2023 - Huber Engineered Woods (HEW) hosted the Shuqualak Mill Groundbreaking Ceremony, marking a significant milestone. This new mill, the sixth OSB plant operated by HEW, is set to become the largest investment in the history of HEW's parent company, J.M. Huber Corporation. The impressive facility will span over 550 acres and will feature a dedicated rail line material reception and shipping of finished goods. With plans for over 150 employees, the new mill is expected to generate a multiplying job creation impact for related industries like logging, hauling, and hospitality.

"We're excited to be here in Mississippi," said Gretchen McLain, President & CEO, J.M. Huber Corporation. "We take pride in the products that we make that will allow people to live better and be able to prosper. When we come to a rural area like this, we're in it for the long term. We've got many of our facilities in rural areas, and we have seen that work to our success. We see excellence in our people, which has resulted in excellence in our business, which ultimately allows us to make profit and give back to our communities."

This highly anticipated gathering brought together a diverse array of community members, esteemed state and local dignitaries, as well as influential speakers who provided invaluable insights and profound commentary on the significant new investment in Noxubee County. Among the speakers was Elden Padgett, who will serve as the new mill manager in Shuqualak.

"Our last facility was built 20 years ago, so this is huge for us today. It's good for Mississippi, and it's good for Huber," said Elden Padgett, Technology Manager, Huber Engineered Woods. "We need a community like this because this is part of what we do. All our other facilities are in small, tightknit communities, and we find that those are some of the most engaging places to be."

HEW's Shuqualak Mill is poised to provide millions of square feet of engineered wood panel products to fulfill the nation's growing demand for structural building materials. This endeavor will not only cater to the needs of the extensive network of nationwide building materials distributors and lumberyards, but it will also play a pivotal role in meeting the evolving requirements of the construction industry. Conveniently located adjacent to an existing railroad, the mill will have access to eco-friendly product shipments and material deliveries, ensuring efficient and sustainable transportation solutions. Furthermore, the new mill will be equipped with advanced technology that will help the HEW facility further reduce its environmental impact.

Today's groundbreaking ceremony marks the start of the excavation work. The mill is expected to achieve full-operational capacity in 2026.

"Huber is a great family-owned company," said Governor Tate Reeves. "They understand Mississippi's values, and we appreciate them. After looking all over the country, they chose Mississippi to invest in. It's a great day to be in Mississippi."

For the Shuqualak Mill Community Report, click here, and for additional information on J.M. Huber Corporation, click here. For video elements, including VO and SOTs from the event, click here.

About Huber Engineered Woods
Building products innovator Huber Engineered Woods LLC has a reputation built on consistent product performance and a commitment to people. Fueled by on-the-jobsite analysis and building science principles, AdvanTech® subflooring, ZIP System™ building enclosure and EXACOR™ product solutions have changed the way construction teams build better buildings. Each solution in the product portfolio helps streamline installation, while providing dependable performance as critical components of quiet, stiff floors and weather-resistant, tight building envelopes. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company has manufacturing facilities in Maine, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee and Oklahoma, and dedicated R&D facilities in Commerce, Georgia. Huber Engineered Woods is a subsidiary of J.M. Huber Corporation. Visit huberwood.com to learn more.

About J.M. Huber Corporation
J.M. Huber Corporation, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia (US), operates a diverse portfolio of companies: CP Kelco, Huber Engineered Materials, Huber Engineered Woods and Huber Resources Corp. With locations around the world, our businesses create products used in a broad range of applications including personal care, food and beverage, agricultural nutrients and adjuvants, building materials, flame retardants and smoke suppressants, as well as sustainable forestry services. Founded in 1883, Huber is one of the largest private, family-owned companies based in the US. For more information, visit www.huber.com.

SOURCE Huber Engineered Woods