A recent $115 million investment by Demopolis-based Two Rivers Lumber Co. will bring a state-of-the-art sawmill to Coosa County. The new facility in Kellyton will be the company's second location in Alabama and will reportedly create 130 jobs.

“This growth project will have a major impact on Coosa County and will create many economic ripples throughout the region,” Gov. Kay Ivey said in a release Thursday. “Alabama's forestry industry is a national powerhouse, and it's great to see Two Rivers Lumber continue to grow locally.”

The mill will specialize in the production of Southern Yellow Pine dimension lumber.

“We are excited to expand Two Rivers in Alabama and Coosa County,” said Jay McElroy, president of Two Rivers Lumber. “We have spent over a year searching for a site and planning the project, and we look forward to beginning operations in August 2025. We have received great local and state support throughout this entire process.”

Peak North America is leading the construction.

“Our team has built a longstanding relationship with the Two Rivers team based on trust, integrity and a shared commitment to making the forest industry thrive,” said Leif Norgaard, CEO of Peak North America. “We look forward to collaborating on this innovative project.”

Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said the investment will create jobs and boost the economy.

“This investment by Two Rivers Lumber Co. will spur economic growth in the Coosa County region while creating a large number of good-paying jobs,” McNair said. “For local residents, this means new opportunities and a brighter future for our community.”

To support the project, the Lake Martin Area Industrial Development Agency will donate 110 acres of land valued at $2.2 million.

“We appreciate the support shown by the Coosa County Commission and Alexander City Mayor Woody Baird and his team throughout this nearly 10-month hiring process,” said Alliance Executive Director Dennis Walls. “We all feel this is a project worth fighting for and we are pleased that Two Rivers will be making Coosa County their new home.”

“The impact of this project on the region will be deep and far-reaching.”

Two Rivers was founded by the McElroy family, owners of McElroy Truck Lines in Cuba, and Roy Geiger, owner of Sumter Timber in Jefferson. The company opened its first sawmill in Marengo County in 2017. Today, the facility near Demopolis has an annual production capacity of 200 million board feet and employs 145 full-time employees.

Austin Shipley is a staff writer for Yellow Hammer News.