Hood Industries to close Wiggins mill after storm damage

WIGGINS, Miss. (WXXV)- A Stone County plywood mill is set to close its doors, which will cause nearly 260 people to lose their jobs.

Hood Industries leaders say the decision comes after extensive damage from the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur, combined with the age of the 56-year-old facility, made repairs too costly to justify.

The mill is Hood’s largest plywood operation and it is expected to stop manufacturing by the end of August after its remaining inventory is processed.

Company officials say they’ll meet with affected employees individually to discuss the transition and potential job opportunities at other Hood facilities.