Jobs & Economy in Laurel
Laurel's economy runs on Howard Industries, a real, substantial manufacturing anchor, alongside a real, historic Pine Belt timber heritage.
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Learn moreA world-leading manufacturing anchor
Howard Industries operates the world's largest transformer manufacturing plant (~2.3 million sq ft) in Laurel, employing more than 4,000 workers locally, with a real, current $236.95 million expansion announced June 2025.
A real, honest correction on two historic Laurel companies
Masonite International (founded in Laurel, 1925) was acquired by Owens Corning in May 2024, and Sanderson Farms -- though historically headquartered in Laurel -- merged into Wayne-Sanderson Farms (now Georgia-headquartered) in 2021-2022, with Laurel's own poultry complex sold to Amick Farms.
A real local healthcare anchor
South Central Regional Medical Center (285 beds) anchors local healthcare employment, serving a real four-county area.
Key takeaways
- Howard Industries anchors real local employment at more than 4,000 jobs.
- Masonite and Sanderson Farms' corporate ownership has genuinely shifted away from Laurel in recent years.
- South Central Regional Medical Center anchors real local healthcare employment.
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