Cooper Marine and Timberlands (CMT) was honored to host Governor Kay Ivey at its Carrollton Sawmill on Tuesday, May 10, as part of her tour to promote the importance of the forestry and recreation industries to the state’s economy.

“Carrollton, Alabama, has got a lot of timber and that’s a good thing,” Ivey said. “It’s an honor to be here and to celebrate this combination of wood products, waterways, and our port to Mobile.”

Upon meeting with representatives from the company and giving remarks, Governor Ivey toured the facility, which displayed the vital importance of Alabama’s timberlands and river system, not just to the community, but to the state as a whole.

“She understands what forest products are all about and so for her to care about this county and care about what we do is very special,” said Angus Cooper III, President, The Cooper Group of Companies.

CMT’s forestry footprint extends across the southeastern United States and consists of saw mill, chip mill, wood yard, procurement, in-woods chipping, biomass export, and logging operations. In addition to utilizing state-of-the-art forestry equipment, the company’s team is comprised of an experienced timber procurement staff and skilled logging crews. CMT’s pine sawmill in Carrollton specializes in producing 1” rough-cut lumber for domestic and export markets.

Alabama Forestry Association President and CEO Chris Isaacson said the event was meant to highlight the facility creating jobs in Pickens County as well as highlighting the river system that feeds into Mobile.

“Having Governor Ivey here today allows us to showcase one of the premier facilities we have in this part of the world,” Isaacson said. “This was an older facility. Cooper Marine and Timberlands took it, revamped it and has turned it into a showcase for what a small sawmill can be.”