--------The Georgia-Pacific Corporation, located in Lawrence County, owns and operates one of the world’s largest papermill factories. The mill employs approximately 600 people with a yearly payroll of $21.5 million. Georgia-Pacific made two major expansions in 1985 and 1987, investing over $200 million in upgrading the linerboard capacity of the mill. It produces over 2,750 tons of linerboard daily.
 Georgia-Pacific's Monticello Mill. |
--------Lawrence County’s status as one of Mississippi’s designated Enterprise Zones provided Georgia-Pacific with tremendous incentives to make these expansions. All materials and equipment for the project were exempt from state taxes, resulting in savings for the company. The company also received a state income tax credit for the additional employment caused by the expansions. Lawrence County and the Town of Monticello have provided additional assistance to G-P through 10-year property tax exemptions, building access roads and providing utility connections at low or no cost.
 Computers control many of the G-P Linerboard Mill's functions. |
--------The Georgia-Pacific paper mill also makes use of the plentiful forest products resources of Lawrence County. It has provided a boom for timber growers and loggers, which has a great effect on Lawrence County’s economy. The Pearl River offers an adequate supply of water for cooling and other industrial processes at the mill site. G-P seeks to enhance the environment surrounding the mill and is a good corporate citizen of the community.
--------Among the other industries of Lawrence County is Kellwood Company. Kellwood employs approximately 400 people in the manufacture of women's, men’s, and children’s sportswear. This plant has been in operation in Monticello since 1947. The contribution of this firm and its personnel to the economic and social life of the Monticello community has been, and is, most substantial.
--------Monticello Hardwood, a Monticello-based corporation specializes in oak grade and industrial lumber, utilizes an onsite predryer warehouse and kiln. Approximately 100 workers are involved in the procuring, cutting and hauling of local timber to this plant, the Georgia-Pacific Mill and other locations.
--------Lawrence County is also home to Miles Lumber Company. The Miles family has owned and operated a sawmill in the Silver Creek community since 1975. The mill employs 120 people and produces 80 million board feet of finished lumber annually. Miles added a planer mill and dry kiln in 1982.