A state-of-the-art sawmill is coming to Coosa County, thanks to a recent $115 million investment from Demopolis-based Two Rivers Lumber Co. The new operation in Kellyton will be the business’ second location in Alabama and will reportedly create 130 jobs.
“This growth project will have a significant impact on Coosa County and cast many economic ripples throughout the region,” Gov. Kay Ivey said Thursday in making the announcement. “Alabama’s forest products industry is a national powerhouse, and it’s great to see Two Rivers Lumber continue to grow in its home state.”
The mill will specialize in the production of Southern Yellow Pine dimensional lumber.
“We are happy to be expanding Two Rivers in the state of Alabama and in Coosa County,” said Two Rivers Lumber President Jay McElroy. “We spent over a year searching for a site and planning the project — we look forward to starting up the operation in August 2025. The local and state support has been great throughout this process.”
Peak North America is leading the construction.
“Our team has a longstanding relationship with the team at Two Rivers, based on trust, integrity and a shared commitment to a thriving forest industry,” said Peak North America CEO Leif Norrgard. “We look forward to working together on this innovative project.”
Department of Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said the investment is a job creator and economic driver.
“This investment from Two Rivers Lumber will generate a significant number of well-paying jobs while also driving economic growth in the Coosa County area,” said McNair. “For local residents, this means new opportunities and a brighter future for their communities.”
To support the project, the Lake Martin Area Industrial Development Authority is donating 110 acres of land, valued at $2.2 million.
“I appreciate the support that the Coosa County Commission and Alexander City Mayor Woody Baird and his team have shown me throughout this almost 10-month recruiting process,” said Alliance Executive Director Denise Walls. “We all felt like this was a project worth fighting for, and we are excited that Two Rivers will make Coosa County their new home.
“The local impact of this project will be profound and far-reaching.”
Two Rivers was established 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 capacity of 200 million board feet and 145 full-time employees.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
