JACKSON — Jones Lumber Co. is growing its footprint in Mississippi by expanding its grade lumber operations in Natchez, the Mississippi Development Authority recently announced.

The project is an $18-million corporate investment and will create 35 jobs.

“Jones Lumber’s new operations in Natchez will benefit the company and its customers for many years to come,” said Gov. Phil Bryant. “It also will benefit the region’s landowners, who offer an abundance of raw materials to companies like Jones Lumber. I commend the Jones Lumber team for revamping an existing lumber mill and bringing dozens of new jobs to the people of Adams County.”

Jones Lumber has operations in multiple locations throughout Mississippi, all of which produce hardwood mats.

In January 2018, the company acquired the former Rives and Reynolds lumber mill in Natchez, where it will specialize in grade lumber. Jones Lumber retained Rives and Reynolds’ existing 50 employees, and the company is investing in new equipment and facility upgrades.

“Jones Lumber Co. is looking forward to our growth in Natchez, and our investment in and expansion of our facility indicates our commitment to the area, said CFO Chad Ervin. “We continue to provide our customers with the quality products they need and hire valuable team members. Our expansion is important to us and the area.”

The Mississippi Development Authority and Adams County are providing assistance for road improvements. Adams County also is granting property tax abatements.

“Mississippi ranks first in the U.S. in the number of tree farms, comprising approximately 20 million acres of forestland. The Mississippi Development Authority is proud to support Jones Lumber as they optimize our timber resources to achieve their goals in Mississippi,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough Jr. “The teamwork of Natchez, Inc., Adams County and MDA was instrumental in helping Jones Lumber expand and create 35 new, sustainable career opportunities for Mississippians in Adams County.”

The company expects to complete the facility upgrades by February 2020 and plans to fill the 35 jobs by July 2020.