Biewer Sawmill-Newton LLC celebrated its new $85 million, state-of-the-art sawmill in Newton with its official opening Tuesday.

Company President Tim Biewer, Gov. Phil Bryant and other state and local political representatives were among around 100 people attending a ceremony at the facility, which began operating in December.

“Biewer Lumber’s opening is an exciting milestone for the company, the area’s residents and the entire state as it will continue to spur economic growth and create direct and indirect jobs in East Mississippi,” Bryant said in a statement.

Biewer Sawmill-Newton LLC operates four sawmills in the Midwest, as well as three lumber treating/distribution centers, according to the Mississippi Development Center. This is its first facility in the South. It plans to employ 125 workers.

“I would like to thank Governor Phil Bryant, Mississippi Development Authority, Mid-Mississippi Development District, Newton County and the city of Newton for their hard work and creativity in helping make this project a reality,” Biewer said in a statement. “We are excited to begin operation at the mill and we look forward to a long and successful relationship with the community.”

The Mississippi Development Authority provided assistance in support of the project for site preparation and rail and road improvements. Newton County and the city of Newton also assisted with the project, according to the news release.

“Mississippi offers numerous advantages to agribusiness companies, including 19.7 million acres of forestland. The state’s abundant timber resources allow Biewer Lumber to compete successfully in today’s global economy,” MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough Jr said in a statement. “We thank the teams at the Mid-Mississippi Development District, the city of Newton and Newton County for working with MDA since day one to ensure Biewer Lumber’s seamless transition into the East Mississippi business community.”