In the United States (US), Enviva Inc., the world’s largest producer of sustainably sourced industrial wood pellets, held a ceremonial ribbon cutting at its recently constructed pellet manufacturing facility in George County, Mississippi (MS).
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Held on September 30, 2022, the event commemorates the emergence of more US-based green jobs, and the completion of a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, along with Enviva’s continued success, growth, and positive economic impact in the State of Mississippi (MS).
Located in George County, Enviva’s Lucedale plant is the company’s second operating plant in the state and the first plant in its newly formed “Pascagoula cluster”.
The Lucedale plant began its ramp in production at the beginning of 2022 with a goal of reaching an annual permitted production capacity of 750 000 tonnes.
Significant investment
Construction on Enviva’s Lucedale plant supported approximately 400 cumulative jobs and represented an investment of more than US$215 million in George County by Enviva.
Now fully operational, Enviva has hired approximately 90 full-time employees for the Lucedale plant and supports nearly 300 jobs across the George County community.
The global economy is once again at a crossroads. The need for alternative fuel and heat supply worldwide is even more urgent and our product, which is made possible because of the tremendous sustainable resources like those grown right here in Mississippi by Mississippians, plays an even more important role in filling this need while also building a renewable energy solution for people around the world, said Thomas Meth, President, and Co-Founder of Enviva.
With more than half of the associates at the Lucedale plant residing in George County, Enviva’s practice of hiring locally ensures that George County directly benefits from the jobs created at the Lucedale plant.
Over time, Enviva expects to generate an annual economic impact of US$250 million in the region.
We are excited today to celebrate with you as our friends and partners who have worked closely with us on this project for years. We could not have reached this milestone without the hard work and support of everyone here, Thomas Meth said.
Robust fibre basket
Located in a robust fibre supply basket, the Lucedale plant sources low-value wood from areas within 75 miles of the facility, creating durable markets for local landowners and incentives to keep land as forests.
As the world’s largest producer of wood pellets, the company embraces its stewardship role in the forest products industry by encouraging the use of sound and scientifically proven forestry practices to improve forest health and productivity in the region.
The opening of the Lucedale plant is a momentous occasion for the State, the County, and the entire forest products industry. As one of the State’s largest agriculture industries, Mississippi’s forest products industry is thriving – and Enviva plays a big part in it. By utilizing low-value wood, Enviva has created a new market that, in turn, provides landowners and loggers with additional income while also incentivizing forest growth. We are so proud that Mississippi wood is being used in Enviva’s pellets to power homes and industries all over the world, said Andy Gipson, Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce.
Enviva has “worked diligently” to become a valued member of the community by developing long-term relationships with local businesses and neighbors, and by providing strong support to various organizations such as local churches, departments of public safety and law enforcement, as well as youth development and sports programs.
This project was made possible through community partnerships. The County worked closely with our utility partners – electric, water, and natural gas – to provide the resources for this plant to operate. We worked with our state and federal legislative partners to help funded these vital expansions. Our partnership with Enviva has brought this state-of-art facility to our Industrial Park providing new jobs, enhancing our infrastructure, and improving our property tax base said Frankie Massey, George County Board of Supervisors.
Enviva is progressing along its path to more than double production capacity over the next five years, from 6.2 million tonnes per annum to approximately 13 million tonnes per annum.
The official announcement follows on the heels of Enviva’s recently opened terminal at the Port of Pascagoula and its forthcoming wood pellet manufacturing plant in Bond, MS.
Between Enviva’s current Amory and Lucedale, MS plants, and its terminal at the Port of Pascagoula, MS, Enviva continues to renew its commitment to bringing new jobs and economic development to the Magnolia State.
