Key Industries

A Launchpad for Advanced Industry

Mississippi’s business climate doesn’t just welcome industry — it accelerates it. Automotive, aerospace, advanced manufacturing and other high-growth sectors are expanding here because the state delivers what companies need most: fast, predictable permitting, low operating hurdles and hundreds of strategic sites ready for development. With deep industry expertise and a skilled workforce to match, the state empowers businesses to launch big ideas and scale them with confidence.

Advanced Manufacturing

Hardworking and well-trained Mississippians are the backbone of the state’s advanced manufacturing industry. Approximately 96% of Ole Miss students co-op with local businesses through the University of Mississippi’s Center for Manufacturing Excellence, which prepares them to be competitive leaders, innovators and problem solvers in the field.

Aerospace and Defense

Since the earliest days of the NASA Apollo space launch program, Mississippi has been a leader in the field of aerospace. Today, close to 20 aerospace companies in the state manufacture everything from commercial flight components to unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

Agribusiness

Mississippi is the perfect place to grow an agriculture, food or beverage business. The state’s vast timber and fishing resources reduce the need for imports, and the research coming out of the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory keeps employers informed about sustainable practices.

Automotive

Starting in 2003, Nissan, PACCAR and Toyota each have established a presence in Mississippi, and many other parts manufacturers produce such commodities as tires, crankshafts and seating. Over 15,000 skilled workers are employed in the automotive industry throughout the state.

Blue Economy

Mississippi boasts the nation’s third highest concentration of Blue Economy jobs. Our strengths in maritime industries like shipbuilding, fishing and seafood processing, combined with university-based research and development, advanced technology and business incubators, help you scale up rapidly to realize potential – and revenue.

Chemicals

Mississippi’s Tier 1 university network supports the chemical sector with world-class research & development. The Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory, a state research agency, conducts testing, evaluation, and registration of food, fertilizers, pesticides, and petrochemical products sold in the state.

Logistics

Distributors find the perfect mix of space and infrastructure in Mississippi. A comprehensive, multi-modal network of road, air, river, ocean and rail help keep products moving throughout the state and abroad.

Energy

Mississippi is a powerhouse of energy production, innovation and opportunity. With more than $7.7 billion in annual energy goods and services, we are your literal and metaphorical pipeline.

Forestry

Mississippi leads the way in the forestry industry. With 65% of the state covered in timberland and 800 active companies in the wood products sector, we offer an environment suited for rapid growth.

Shipbuilding

Mississippi builds ships at epic scale, and we have built an industry and pipeline of talent to match. In fact, Mississippi has the highest concentration of shipbuilding jobs in the U.S.