Economic Development

Recent Business Development Announcements

The Accelerator

The University of Southern Mississippi has opened the doors of The Accelerator, a 60,000 sq.ft. high tech business incubator.  The Accelerator is located in The Garden, the university’s innovation and commercialization park.  The Accelerator offers access to office space, laboratories, production space, and state of the art lab equipment for high-tech startup companies.

Stion

In January of 2011, Stion Corporation announced they would be locating in Greater Hattiesburg, bringing a $500 million investment and 1,000 jobs within six years.  Stion manufactures high-efficiency, low-cost, thin-film solar panels based on proprietary materials and device expertise, and proven production equipment and processes.   Stion’s product has a simple, low-cost integrated circuit design, and is suitable for use in all major market segments. 

On September 16, 2011 Stion Corporation along with Gov. Haley Barbour, The Mississippi Development Authority, and The Area Development Partnership held a ribbon cutting to officially open the doors at the new facility.  Stion has hired over 100 employees and their capital investment will exceed $100 during the first phase.  (See full story here)

Bracco Diagnostics

Bracco Diagnostics will establish a presence in the Greater Hattiesburg.  The company will occupy space in The Accelerator, which is in The Garden, The University of Southern Mississippi's Innovation and Commercialization Park.  Bracco will produce a lotion that neutralizes chemical warfare agents that can be hazardous to military troops.  (See full story here)

Resinall

Resinall, Inc. announced the expansion of their Hattiesburg plant, resulting in retaining the current 120 jobs, adding 10 new jobs and an overall capital investment of $17 million.  The Hattiesburg manufacturing plant will begin a new product line tapping into two primary markets: high grade packaging adhesives and personal hygiene adhesives.  (See full story here)

Ridge at Turtle Creek

National retailers and restaurants continue to flock to Greater Hattiesburg. The Ridge at Turtle Creek, a $25 million investment bringing appoximately 225 new jobs, is the latest addition and is anchored by Academy Sports with a Cheddar's restaurant.