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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

CalStar Products Opens Columbus, Mississippi, Manufacturing Plant

10/24/2014
CalStar Products, manufacturer of low-energy, low-carbon masonry products, opened its 100,000 square foot Columbus, Mississippi, manufacturing plant situated on 23-acres in the Golden Triangle Industrial Park.

The company is running two lines at the plant, each utilizing the company’s sustainable manufacturing process. The dry-cast line manufactures all of CalStar’s brick and Thru-Wall units, as well as Holland pavers; the semi-automated wet cast line produces cast stone trim and accent pieces.

“Columbus has proven to be the ideal second home for CalStar, with a central location in the South, a talented pool of labor, and strong local business leadership,” says CalStar CEO Joel Rood. “As CalStar continues its rapid growth trajectory, we knew a second plant was key to expanding production and capabilities. We couldn’t be happier with our decision to open up in Columbus.”

“We are thrilled to welcome CalStar to the Golden Triangle,” says Joe Max Higgins, CEO of the Golden Triangle Development LINK. “Their unique innovation and commitment to bring quality jobs to our community are two of the many reasons we’re looking forward to working with them as they make Lowndes County their home.”

According to state officials, CalStar masonry products incorporate up to 37 percent recycled content, eliminating the need for kiln-firing, typical of traditional clay brick, or the use of Portland cement, used to bind concrete masonry products. As a result, each product requires up to 81 percent less energy to make while emitting up to 84 percent less CO2. This reduced environmental footprint comes with no sacrifice to aesthetics or performance, and the raw material and energy savings equate to more affordable per-unit costs.

“Today is truly a great day for economic development here in Columbus and the Golden Triangle region,” Brent Christensen, Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority, told attendees. “These new jobs and this new facility will certainly have a strong, positive impact on the local community and economy for years to come.”

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