Rex Lumber to build $110 million softwood mill in Alabama
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Photo By Made in Alabama/Alabama Department of Commerce

GRACEVILLE, FL – Rex Lumber Co. has announced plans to build a $110 million state-of-the-art softwood lumber manufacturing facility in Pike County, Alabama, creating more than 110 jobs.

Construction of the southern yellow pine lumber mill is scheduled to begin on March 15. Annual production at the facility is projected to be a minimum of 240 million board feet.

The news was announced by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey's office on Feb. 28. “Rex Lumber’s new Alabama lumber manufacturing facility will not only bring high-quality jobs but will also create substantial economic benefits for the industry in the Pike County area,” Governor Ivey said. “We’re thrilled that the company selected Alabama for this project, and we’re committed to helping this new operation succeed and thrive for years to come.”

Rex Lumber said in December that it was looking at various sites to expand with a greenfield sawmill. The company currently operates three sawmills, two in the Florida Panhandle and one in Mississippi, producing a total of 575 million board feet annually. This will be Rex Lumber’s third sawmill expansion in the last 17 years.

“Our fourth-generation family owned business is looking forward to a long and prosperous future in Pike County and the great state of Alabama,” said Caroline McRae Dauzat, one of the company’s owners.

Founded in the 1920s by W.D. McRae, Rex Lumber continues to be owned and operated by the Finley McRae family of Graceville, Florida. Rex Lumber ranks among the 10 largest softwood lumber producers in the United States, according to the company.

“This new lumber manufacturing operation will create quality employment opportunities, a significant new timber market, and enhanced economic activity in the region,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “Rex Lumber is a proven operator with an excellent track record in the forest products industry, and will be a great addition to Alabama’s business community.”

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Karen Koenig | Editor

Karen M. Koenig has more than 30 years of experience in the woodworking industry, including visits to wood products manufacturing facilities throughout North America, Europe and Asia. As editor of special publications under the Woodworking Network brand, including the Red Book Best Practices resource guide and website, Karen’s responsibilities include writing, editing and coordinating of editorial content. She is also a contributor to FDMC and other Woodworking Network online and print media owned by CCI Media. She can be reached at [email protected]