In 1924 engineer William H. Mason discovered a process to convert wood chips into a thin, high density material that became known as masonite. He established the Mason Fibre Company soon after his discovery. The company changed its name to the Masonite Corporation in 1928 and went on to become one of Mississippi's largest industries and employers. Masonite products have been used in airplanes, parachutes, camping equipment, boats, munitions, explosives, and home building materials.