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Haywood Forest Products and the city of LaFayette held a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, celebrating Haywood Forest Products’ decision to expand its business to the LaFayette area at the intersection of MLK Road and the Highway 50 bypass.

Many were in attendance to witness the groundbreaking, including Bruce Emfinger, members of the Chambers County Development Authority (CCDA), LaFayette Mayor Kenneth Vines and members of the LaFayette City Council and representatives from Haywood Forest Products. 

Mayor Kenny Vines thanked the Rose family, the family behind Haywood Forest Products, for choosing LaFayette to bring their business despite having other options. He highlighted the importance of the new industry in the area and what a great match the City of LaFayette and Haywood Forest Products will be in the future. Vines also expressed gratitude to members of the city council and the CCDA.

He also described the mill’s economic investment in the LaFayette community as a catalyst for more businesses and industries to come to the area, potentially gaining attention from others who may want to invest in Chambers County.

Comments were made about how the inclusion of more businesses in the area could potentially reduce the financial burdens on the local population. This comes in the form of lower taxes for citizens, as well as more job opportunities in the area. Since the Chambers County area is primarily known for agriculture-based industries, Vines described Haywood as “something that fits right in.” 

Chris Rose, CEO of Haywood Forest Products, addressed the crowd, expressing his gratitude to the people of the LaFayette area, as well as his partners in the endeavor. He gave credit to Stella Jones, who will be the company’s primary buyer of crossties, as well as the financial partner of First South Farm Credit. He also thanked those in attendance from the state and local forestry service, and the prior owners of the property upon which the foundation will be laid. 

Rose also spoke of the history of Haywood Forest Products. He shared an anecdote about his father-in-law, Glenn Haywood Bracewell, a well-respected figure in the forestry industry. Rose gave credit to Bracewell, stating that he was an inspirational figure in his life and how fortunate he was to be a part of Bracewell’s family.

The mill is expected to initially bring approximately 25 jobs to the area. However, plans are in place to increase the number by twice the original amount, which will be implemented over a five-year timeframe. 

Mayor Vines assured those in attendance, as well as the Rose family, that they would be satisfied with the workforce that the city of LaFayette could offer them—highlighting the fact that LaFayette and the surrounding areas in Chambers County have “hard-working people” who “want to work”.

Covering approximately 14 acres of land, the mill is expected to be complete by the beginning of 2026. 

The mill’s economic impact brings hope to the LaFayette area in the form of possible future development and industries.