In today’s manufacturing environment, advanced technology is only as effective as the workforce behind it. At Gloster Forest Products, investing in employee training has been key to improving operations, strengthening maintenance practices, and preparing the company for continued growth.
With support from AccelerateMS, Gloster Forest Products expanded training opportunities for employees across its sawmill and lumber manufacturing operations, ensuring its workforce could confidently operate and maintain modern equipment while building long-term career skills.
From November 2023 through June 2026, employees participated in specialized training on advanced lumber processing equipment through hands-on and classroom instruction provided by industry vendors in South Carolina. Industrial maintenance staff also received training on computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), completing online, onsite, and offsite instruction to better manage the mill’s increasingly sophisticated equipment. Wage reimbursements allowed employees to focus on training without interrupting operations.
As the company implemented new technologies, it recognized the need for a stronger maintenance management system. After identifying limitations with its original training provider, Gloster Forest Products transitioned to a new CMMS platform that offered more comprehensive instruction and maintenance best practices. The investment has strengthened equipment reliability, reduced downtime, and improved overall operational efficiency.
The results have been significant. A total of 67 employees completed 408 training courses, including 35 employees who participated in specialized vendor training in South Carolina. Employees also completed 373 online training courses, expanding technical knowledge across the organization and creating new opportunities for professional growth.
The impact extends beyond the mill.
By investing in workforce development, Gloster Forest Products is helping demonstrate that advanced manufacturing careers can flourish in rural Mississippi. Employees have gained valuable skills in automation, process optimization, and modern manufacturing systems while contributing to safer, more efficient operations.
The company has also strengthened partnerships with local schools and community colleges, introducing students to careers in modern manufacturing and helping build a pipeline of skilled workers for the future. These efforts support the broader economy by sustaining quality jobs and reinforcing Amite County as a competitive location for advanced manufacturing.
Looking ahead, Gloster Forest Products plans to continue investing in its workforce and adopting new technologies that improve productivity and operational excellence. By combining innovation with employee development, the company is positioning itself as a leader in the forest products industry while creating lasting opportunities for workers and the communities they call home.