The expansion of a local railcar services company will create 75 new jobs in Brookhaven and bring more than $23.36 million in corporate investment to the community.
AIT Railcar Services LLC announced the expansion this week and said the company chose to expand in Brookhaven due to the availability of land at the company’s site and direct service from the CN Railroad.

“We at AITX value our outstanding working relationship with Brookhaven, Lincoln County and the state of Mississippi,” said John C. Ward, vice president-repair services, AITX. We are grateful to the mayor’s office, the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors, the Brookhaven-Lincoln County EDA Executive Director, MDA and Governor Reeves for all the support provided to bring this expansion to Mississippi. We look forward to a long-term successful operation at a full-service Brookhaven facility.”

As part of the expansion, The Mississippi Development Authority will provide assistance with the expansion of a rail spur.

“MDA is glad to support AITX as the company brings 75 new jobs to Brookhaven,” said MDA Executive Director John Rounsaville. “ While 2020 was certainly filled with challenges, 2021 is booming with new opportunities for the citizens of Mississippi, such as these new jobs being created by AITX. We appreciate the company’s leadership for choosing to grow in Mississippi and are excited for its future growth and success. We are proud to see yet another announcement of new jobs coming to southwest Mississippi and applaud the region’s local leaders for their efforts.”

The company has operated in Bude since 1974 and expanded to Brookhaven with a maintenance facility in 2013. The Brookhaven facility currently complements the activities of the Bude facility, providing light maintenance activities, cleaning and ‘quick turn’ light repair capabilities geared toward expediting railcars back into service. The Bude facility performs wreck repair, wheel and axle repair, cleaning, interior lining and painting services.

The expansion will allow for a full range of services at the Brookhaven site for AITX’s customers, including coatings and heavy repair.

“On behalf of the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors and the city of Brookhaven, we are pleased that AITX has chosen to expand the Brookhaven facility. AITX is a great corporate citizen that continues to build on legacy of a major employer and investor in Brookhaven and Southwest Mississippi,” said Garrick Combs, Executive Director, Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce and Industrial Development Foundation.

AITX plans to fill the 75 new jobs within approximately two years of completing the expansion.

“AITX has been a valued employer in southwest Mississippi for nearly five decades. The company’s latest expansion in Lincoln County serves as an excellent example of a supportive business environment and strong workforce combining to provide businesses like AITX with the right environment for lasting growth and success” said Gov. Tate Reeves.