New Way Trucks, Inc., an Iowa-based manufacturer of refuse trucks, has announced plans to expand its operations with a new 152,000-square-foot facility at 1 Wolverine Drive in Booneville, Mississippi. This initiative, initially referred to as “Project Wolverine,” is a collaborative effort with the Mississippi Development Authority to establish a strategic location for manufacturing.
Operational Plans and Product Lines
New Way CEO Mike McLaughlin expressed enthusiasm about the move, stating, “We are thrilled to be working with the team from Booneville, Prentiss County and the state of Mississippi who have already made us feel at home.” The company anticipates beginning operations within the next three months, starting with the production of its Cobra and Viper rear loaders, followed by additional product lines. New fabrication equipment is scheduled for delivery and installation at the new facility.
Strategic Advantages and Workforce Opportunities
Johnathon McLaughlin, Executive Vice President of New Way Trucks, commented on the facility’s strategic significance: “Our products are in high demand, and a new Mississippi facility provides a strategic advantage that will benefit our customers and extensive dealer network.” He added that the new manufacturing site enables New Way to set a new industry standard for efficient and timely solid waste equipment deliveries.
The selection of the Booneville site was driven by several critical factors. It is essentially move-in ready, featuring necessary infrastructure such as overhead cranes, adequate lighting, and sufficient power supply. Additionally, the 40-acre site allows for future expansion if needed. Workforce availability also played a crucial role in their decision-making process. New Way Trucks plans to initiate hiring shortly, with job listings set to appear on the company’s website and partnerships established with local job networks and Northeast Mississippi Community College to recruit talent.
Economic Growth and Community Impact
Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant highlighted the significance of this expansion for the state’s economic landscape, stating, “The addition of New Way Trucks to the Booneville business community shows industry leaders around the country that Mississippi is the place where manufacturing companies seeking a top-notch, skilled workforce and supportive business environment can expect growth and success.” He emphasized the state and local leadership’s commitment to economic development, as evidenced by New Way’s creation of 100 jobs in Prentiss County.
Further updates regarding the expansion’s progression will be provided in the future, reinforcing the ongoing relevance of Mississippi in the manufacturing sector.