Two Rivers Lumber Plans Second Alabama Mill

Two Rivers Lumber Co. plans to invest $115 million to build a state-of-the-art sawmill in Coosa County as the company’s second operation in Alabama. Demopolis-based Two Rivers Lumber has committed to creating 130 jobs at the new Alabama sawmill, which will specialize in the production of southern yellow pine dimensional lumber.

Two Rivers was established by the McElroy family, owners of McElroy Truck Lines in Cuba, Ala., and Roy Geiger, owner of Sumter Timber in Jefferson, Ala. The company opened its first sawmill in Marengo County in 2017, with a current annual capacity of 200MMBF and 145 full-time employees.

“We are happy to be expanding Two Rivers in the state of Alabama and in Coosa County,” says Jay McElroy. “We spent over a year searching for a site and planning the project—we look forward to starting up the new operation in August 2025. The local and state support has been great throughout this process.”

Peak North America is leading construction of the facility in Kellyton, with a start set for June.

“Our team has a longstanding relationship with the team at Two Rivers, based on trust, integrity and a shared commitment to a thriving forest industry,” says Peak North America CEO Leif Norrgard. “We look forward to working together on this innovative project.”

To support the project, the Lake Martin Area Industrial Development Authority is donating 110 acres of land, valued at $2.2 million. In addition, AIDT, the state’s primary workforce development agency, is providing services to the company.

Denise Walls, executive director of the Lake Martin Area Economic Development Alliance, says Two Rivers is a perfect fit for the Lake Martin Regional Industrial Park, which is a partnership between Alexander City and Coosa County.

“I appreciate the support that the Coosa County Commission and Alexander City Mayor Woody Baird and his team have shown me throughout this almost 10-month recruiting process,” Walls adds. “We all felt like this was a project worth fighting for, and we are excited that Two Rivers will make Coosa County their new home. The local impact of this project will be profound and far-reaching.”

The company also considered Mississippi as a potential location for the sawmill.