Hazlehurst, Georgia– The Beasley Group, headquartered here, is a vertically integrated forest products company, which starts with growing the trees to shipping the lumber. The company’s story is a story of rapid growth and success built on family, faith, and foresight over the last 50 plus years. From the beginning, the company has grown into an organization operating six different business segments utilizing the entire tree.
In 1968, the founder of Beasley Timber, Rabun Beasley, decided he wanted to make a career change from selling insurance and made the decision to move into the logging business selling timber. In the beginning, Mr. Rabun and his wife, Jo Claxton Beasley, operated the company and built lifelong relationships with others in the industry, many that the company still enjoys today. To look at the business today it is hard to believe it all started from a few chainsaws and a log truck.
Mr. Rabun developed a harvesting method used in low lying areas that eventually became known as “Swamp Logging.” Today, this area of the company still operates as Beasley Timber Company, led by family member Zachary Johnson. Other operations within this division include Logistics, Logging and Timber Management.
In 1997 the shuttered Louisiana Pacific sawmill located in Hazlehurst was purchased by the family and in 1998 began operations as Beasley Forest Products (BFP). Rabun’s son, Darrell, became President and CEO of BFP and a new chapter of the business began. Darrell’s vision has been, and continues to be, growth through diversity and synergy. Beasley Forest Products has grown to be recognized as one of the largest hardwood sawmills in the United States. Darrell stated, “The key to our continued success is with our team of 1,500 employees, my family, faith and the hard work of each and everyone who works with us. We have a lot of great people that are dedicated to our customers and to our hardwood and softwood business.”
The Beasley Group continues to be a family-owned business moving into the third generation. In addition to several of Darrell’s children, Grant, Jordon, Truss, Christin and Daniel, his sister, Deborah Johnson, and her husband Zachary also have key roles in the ongoing business success.
In 2018 a major woodyard and sawmill expansion and optimization project launched, and the new operations started up in mid-year 2020. This expansion allows BFP to utilize the latest optimization equipment, allowing the operation to more than double the previous board footage produced in a more cost-effective and efficient manner. With the additional volume, more jobs were created throughout the value stream from logs to lumber.
The manufacturing segment includes five sawmills located in Hazlehurst, GA (2), Sandersville, GA, Denmark, SC and Ashland, WI. These operations are very diverse in the species used and the products produced. Nine different species are cut – Ash, Red Oak, White Oak, Poplar, Hickory, Maple, Cypress, Mixed hardwood and Pine. The company serves many different domestic and worldwide customers by supplying grade lumber, pallet stock, cross/switch ties, and access mats. Products are sold kiln-dried, green, and heat-treated.
Other operations within the manufacturing segment are Beasley Flooring, producing both solid and engineered hardwood flooring with locations in Franklin and Bryson City, NC and Melbourne, AR. The Group also produces veneers at the Truax Veneer location in Lyons, GA and wood flour at Wood Fiber Technologies located in Macon, GA.
The Mats/Access business segment produces mats and provides access services to the energy transmission, utilities, and construction industries. These products and services are utilized in all areas of North America.
The Energy segment produces biofuels, electric and steam generation, and animal shavings. The segment consists of seven different entities, all located in Georgia.
The Beasley Group is committed to procuring materials from sustainable sources.
The company’s loyal customers are considered long-term partners that appreciate the consistency and focus on product quality, customer service and attention to detail.
The Beasley Group believes in and understands the importance of investing in their employees and communities. Their employees are also leaders in the industry and are considered the most valued asset. With their knowledge, commitment, and experience – matched with world class operations – the Beasley Group will be serving the industry for generations to come.
The Beasley Group are supportive members of the National Hardwood Lumber Association, Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association, Hardwood Manufacturers Association, and the American Hardwood Export Council.
For more information visit www.beasleygroup.com.
