Mississippi is full of opportunity and promise, and the stateís recent economic momentum proves that the world is taking notice of what Mississippiís leaders and economic developers have long recognized: the state is an optimal location for business. Governor Tate Reeves and the Mississippi Legislature prioritize economic development ó not just attracting record-breaking capital investments but bringing meaningful and lasting opportunities to Mississippians.
A top reason the state has welcomed nearly $34 billion in new investments and 23,000 jobs since 2020 is crystal clear: pro-business policies encourage companies to grow in Mississippi, and they complement the state’s already strong foundation of resources and advantages. Businesses know from day one — from the very first conversations with state leaders — that they will thrive in Mississippi. Governor Reeves has championed a business climate that attracts companies across a range of sectors, and his efforts have delivered results through forward-thinking initiatives like the Site Development Grant Program and MFLEX universal tax credit.
“Mississippi Momentum”
From startups to globally recognized industry leaders, companies continue to discover new opportunities in Mississippi, including speed to market. No matter their size, companies with extensive shipping needs rely on the state to quickly and efficiently deliver goods to domestic and international markets. Its strategic location provides direct access to vital transportation networks, major U.S. markets and global trade routes. Waterways like the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway and the Mississippi River connect businesses to domestic and international markets through 15 strategically located ports, including the deepwater ports of Gulfport and Pascagoula located on the Gulf of America.
The state’s impressive infrastructure network also features extensive rail lines, a comprehensive highway system and 80 airports, including international airports in Jackson and Coastal Mississippi.
Whether in agriculture, automotive, aerospace or emerging technologies, each economic development win contributes to the powerful “Mississippi Momentum” driving the state’s economic growth. With Mississippi’s leadership working continuously to keep companies a step ahead of the game, it only makes sense that they depend on the state to help them go from investing money to making money — fast.
Abundant Natural Resources for Agriculture
Agriculture — a cornerstone of Mississippi’s economy — continues to drive growth in every region of the state. From eggs, soybeans, corn and cotton to the more than 19 million acres of timberland that support a thriving lumber industry, Mississippi offers abundant natural resources that help producers succeed. Southeastern Timber Products is just one of the latest companies to capitalize on the state’s rich agricultural legacy. In February, STP announced a $120 million expansion that will more than double its production capacity and create 40 new jobs in Choctaw County.
Smaller businesses like Salad Days Produce, which specializes in hydroponically grown lettuce, also spotlight the diversity of ag-related companies growing in Mississippi. Salad Days Produce recently invested in a new 65,000-square-foot hydroponics facility, positioning the company to quadruple its production and expand into larger grocery chains. The investment also significantly boosts the market presence of Salad Days Produce’s Mississippi-grown products.
Sipcam Agro is another company driving the growth of Mississippi’s agriculture industry. Specializing in fungicides, herbicides and other advanced agricultural solutions, Sipcam Agro is establishing a new 12,000-square-foot automated plant for formulating and packaging fungicides and insecticides. Located in Waynesboro, the project created 26 new jobs and retained 88.
Food production is a primary focus of Mississippi’s agriculture sector, and it ensures the state remains an important link in the global food-supply chain. Late last year, Koch Foods, one of the nation’s largest poultry processors, expanded its Morton, Mississippi processing and distribution operations. This U.S.-based retail, wholesale and industrial foodservice provider is investing more than $145 million and creating 128 new jobs to support its growth.
One of Mississippi’s greatest strengths in agriculture is its deep-rooted expertise and continued investment in agtech innovation. The state’s university system plays a key role, with dedicated research centers advancing sustainable farming practices and agricultural science. Institutions like Alcorn State University’s College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences Research Unit and Mississippi State University’s Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station and Genetics and Sustainable Agriculture Research Unit are at the forefront of this work. Their groundbreaking research is improving crop production and boosting commodity yields while addressing the needs of rural communities and promoting environmental stewardship for future generations.
A Star on the Automotive Stage
In addition to agriculture, Mississippi’s automotive industry continues to excel. Since Nissan opened its Canton manufacturing plant in 2003, Mississippi has been a star on the world’s stage. Nissan’s decision to locate in the state prompted other global automotive giants like Toyota, Continental and Yokohama to invest in Mississippi, creating thousands of jobs in their communities. In fact, Mississippi remains the only state that is home to both Nissan and Toyota plants and is now ranked as a top state for automotive production.
One of Mississippi’s recent substantial automotive wins is Amplify Cell Technologies, a $1.9 billion electric vehicle battery cell joint venture between Accelera by Cummins, PACCAR and Daimler Trucks & Buses. Amplify will produce EV battery cells in Marshall County
beginning in 2027.
Another recent win comes from Mississippi-based Ergon, which announced it is investing $400 million and creating 20 jobs to support the safe, reliable production of gasoline at Ergon Refining in Vicksburg, where it has been in operation for nearly 50 years. Ergon Refining supplies petroleum-based products to more than 100 countries.
New Heights for Aerospace in Mississippi
Mississippi also is taking the aerospace industry to new heights — literally — as Mississippians at Stennis Space Center and in communities throughout the state are working to return humans to the Moon and eventually to Mars. The state’s stellar legacy in aerospace got its liftoff nearly 100 years ago when Pioneer Aerospace began producing military parachutes in the late 1930s, sparking a tradition of aerospace innovation that continues today. Along with growth from major players like Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and Aerojet Rocketdyne, Mississippi also has welcomed growth in unmanned aerial systems.
California-based defense technology company Anduril Industries produces a variety of defense applications with a specialty in advanced autonomous systems. Anduril recently invested $75 million to enhance its propellant mixing and solid rocket motor production so the company can produce more than 6,000 tactical-scale solid rocket motors annually. The expansion created 60 exciting, quality jobs in Stone County.
Aerosystems manufacturer Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing subsidiary, has called Columbus, Mississippi home for two decades. The company, which builds and flies advanced aircraft and enabling technologies for commercial and defense applications, is investing nearly $44 million to add 50,000 square feet of new manufacturing space onto its existing aerosystems production facility. Aurora Flight Sciences is also refurbishing 40,000 square feet, adding new high-tech equipment and machining and improving its automated fiber placement technology. The project will bring 63 new jobs to Lowndes County upon completion.
Projects like these are a nod to Mississippi’s pro-growth policies, which are fueling private-sector expansions and creating transformative opportunities for the state’s residents. With a supportive business climate, a pipeline of productive talent and access to outstanding natural and logistical advantages, companies in Mississippi compete — and win — in the global marketplace.
Discover why some of the world’s biggest names are “breaking new ground” in Mississippi. Visit mississippi.org or contact our Locate team at 800-360-3323 to get started. T&ID
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