Good things come in threes

chamber banquet checkRecently, I was privileged to be part of an extraordinary day of reflection on all that was lost one year ago. The events, put together so ably by our Mayor, Will Hill, were a credit to the City of Louisville, in every respect. I was inspired not only by the strength of those who were impacted most severely but also by all those who were so enthusiastically looking forward. Three events stood out for me, and I wanted to share them with you.

First, I was honored to present to the Mayor a check in the amount of $20,000 from Winston Plywood & Veneer to support the construction of the memorial marker and remembrance park as a tribute to those who were lost. That $20,000 wasn’t just a corporate donation; those dollars represent the proceeds of the sale of scrap from the destruction of our plywood facility. We could think of no better use of those funds than to support this community’s everlasting memorial. Second, the employees of WPV donated food to a local pantry, in partnership with the Methodist Church. Third, we saw the first beam be erected on site last week, a clear sign that our rebuild is now fully underway.

I look forward to seeing those of you who live in Winston County in the days ahead. Thanks for your support.

Thank you,
Dick Baldwin

The new Winston Plywood & Veneer website

One year ago, the City of Louisville and all of Winston County were struck by a devastating tornado that claimed ten precious lives. It also caused enormous damage to homes, businesses, the local hospital, and other key pillars of the community. The storm also completely destroyed the plywood mill that had been purchased by New Wood Resources LLC, an Atlas Holdings company, literally just thirty days earlier. Our collective resolve was tested to be sure; many communities would have buckled, and many businesses surely would have left. You did not buckle, and we did not leave.

Today, I am very pleased to welcome you to the new Winston Plywood & Veneer website. I hope the message this site conveys is unambiguous. We remain Winston Strong, and we’re rebuilding stronger and better than before.

In over four decades of working in the plywood industry, I am not sure I have ever been as excited about a project than I am about Winston Plywood & Veneer. We are building the finest plywood mill in North America, right here in Louisville, Mississippi. We are going to create hundreds of new jobs and deliver tens of millions in new economic activity to Winston County and the surrounding region. This website is one way in which we hope to connect you to our rebuild and, ultimately, to the wonderful company we’re creating. It is here that you will find photos of the ongoing construction work, follow recent news, read about the superior products we’ll make and the dedicated members of our team. It is also, in the weeks ahead, where you can learn about employment opportunities and other ways to partner with us.

Speaking of partnership, I wish to thank those whose work and dedication have made this project a reality.

We simply would not be here –in just one year’s time—without the steady hand and extraordinary leadership skills of Mayor Will Hill. Governor Phil Bryant and his administration, including those at the Mississippi Development Authority, have answered the call of this community at every turn, showing us how government ought to work. Gerald Mills has been there each and every day since last April 28th, ensuring we had the County’s unwavering support to get this construction started on schedule. Our unique and steadfast colleagues at Atlas have done what they said they would do, never letting us forget that this investment is really an investment in families, hundreds of them, whose quality of life will be greatly enhanced by the presence of this facility. Our local officials here in Winston, and those serving as our voice in Jackson, have embraced our work and made our cause their own.

We are off to a great start. In late January, we held an inspiring groundbreaking ceremony attended by hundreds of friends from across the State of Mississippi. We’ve also begun the rebuild, in earnest, with much activity planned for the coming days.

I appreciate you making me and all of us at Winston Plywood & Veneer feel such a part of this community. While the tragic events of last April profoundly impacted all of us, it did not define this community. You were then, and you are today, Winston Strong. Today, we signal yet again that the future is indeed bright, and our best is yet to come.

Thank you,

Dick Baldwin

Winston Plywood Breaks Ground in Louisville

From Mississippi Development Authority

Louisville, Miss. (January 30, 2015) — Gov. Phil Bryant and officials from Winston Plywood and Veneer, manufacturer of specialty plywood products, gathered today for a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the company’s new manufacturing facility in Louisville, Miss. The project represents an investment of approximately $50 million and will create 400 new jobs.

In April 2014, a tornado destroyed the company’s facility in Louisville. Since that time, Winston Plywood and Veneer has remained committed to rebuilding and expanding its operations in Louisville. In addition to the investment made by the company, disaster recovery funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will also be used to build the new facility.

“I am grateful to the Winston Plywood and Veneer team for their steadfast dedication to the Louisville community and the state of Mississippi following the tornado that devastated the area last spring. Their decision to rebuild here – bigger and stronger than ever – and create these new jobs demonstrates the commitment the company has made to the citizens of Louisville and Winston County,” Gov. Phil Bryant said. “This milestone serves as a testament to the world that we have a strong, supportive business climate that fosters growth and success, and I look forward to watching the company thrive in Louisville for years to come.”

“Winston Plywood and Veneer has forged a unique partnership with the state of Mississippi, Mayor Hill, and Winston County to not only rebuild this plywood mill but to help this region recover,” said Dr. Richard Baldwin, president of Winston Plywood and Veneer. “That daily collaboration, since the first moments after the tornado hit, has delivered the resources and focus we needed to be here today, with construction on a new, state-of-the-art plywood mill officially underway. This will be a great facility and will enhance the quality of life in this community for many years to come.”

The Mississippi Development Authority provided assistance in support of the project for site preparation, relocation expenses, infrastructure needs and workforce training.

“MDA is glad to have the resources in place to assist companies like Winston Plywood and Veneer as they overcome adversity by rebuilding and creating new job opportunities for Mississippi’s workforce. Today’s groundbreaking is a great example of Winston Plywood and Veneer’s continued contribution to the revitalization of the Louisville community following the April tornado, and we wish the company many years of success in its new facility,” said MDA Executive Director Brent Christensen. “MDA thanks our partners at the Winston County Economic Development District Partnership, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the city of Louisville and Winston County for working together to help make this project possible.”

Winston Plywood and Veneer is an operating company of New Wood Resources LLC. Based in Boise, Idaho, New Wood Resources owns and operates plywood and veneer manufacturing facilities in the Northwestern and Southeastern United States. The new facility in Louisville, Miss., operating as Winston Plywood and Veneer, will be one of the most modern and efficient mills in North America.

New Wood Resources LLC is owned and operated by Atlas Holdings LLC. Based in Greenwich, Conn., Atlas is a diversified group of manufacturing, distribution, service and trading businesses with 13,000 associates worldwide.

Winston Plywood and Veneer Invests $50 Million To Rebuild Manufacturing Plant In Louisville, Mississippi

From Area Development Online News Desk (01/30/2015)

Winston Plywood and Veneer, a manufacturer of specialty plywood products, started construction on the company’s new manufacturing facility in Louisville, Mississippi. The project represents an investment of approximately $50 million and will create 400 new jobs.

In April 2014, a tornado destroyed the company’s facility in Louisville. Since that time, Winston Plywood and Veneer has remained committed to rebuilding and expanding its operations in Louisville, Governor Phil Bryant’s Office said. The new facility in Louisville, Miss. will be one of the most modern and efficient mills in North America. In addition to the investment made by the company, disaster recovery funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will also be used to build the new facility. The Mississippi Development Authority also provided assistance in support of the project for site preparation, relocation expenses, infrastructure needs and workforce training.

“Winston Plywood and Veneer has forged a unique partnership with the state of Mississippi, Mayor Hill, and Winston County to not only rebuild this plywood mill but to help this region recover,” said Dr. Richard Baldwin, President of Winston Plywood and Veneer. “That daily collaboration, since the first moments after the tornado hit, has delivered the resources and focus we needed to be here today, with construction on a new, state-of-the-art plywood mill officially underway. This will be a great facility and will enhance the quality of life in this community for many years to come.”

“I am grateful to the Winston Plywood and Veneer team for their steadfast dedication to the Louisville community and the state of Mississippi following the tornado that devastated the area last spring. Their decision to rebuild here – bigger and stronger than ever – and create these new jobs demonstrates the commitment the company has made to the citizens of Louisville and Winston County,” Governor Phil Bryant said. “This milestone serves as a testament to the world that we have a strong, supportive business climate that fosters growth and success, and I look forward to watching the company thrive in Louisville for years to come.”

“MDA is glad to have the resources in place to assist companies like Winston Plywood and Veneer as they overcome adversity by rebuilding and creating new job opportunities for Mississippi’s workforce. Today’s groundbreaking is a great example of Winston Plywood and Veneer’s continued contribution to the revitalization of the Louisville community following the April tornado, and we wish the company many years of success in its new facility,” said MDA Executive Director Brent Christensen. “MDA thanks our partners at the Winston County Economic Development District Partnership, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the city of Louisville and Winston County for working together to help make this project possible.”