Albany Industries, an upholstered furniture manufacturer, plans to increase its presence in Mississippi by locating its manufacturing and shipping operations in Calhoun City, officials said Tuesday.
The project will create 85 jobs, officials said.
At a bill signing two weeks ago, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said two big job announcements for rural areas would be coming up. The first announcement last week was that Enviva would invest $250 million to bring 100 jobs to Stone County to create wood pellets, a sustainable energy product.
Tuesday’s announcement was the second promised announcement.
In other news:Ridgeland, library system reach agreement about funding after book display standoff
‘He is a monster’:Mississippi man smashes state record with 131-pound blue catfish
Albany Industries currently also has manufacturing operations in New Albany, where the company was started in 1995 with 15 employees.
“These 85 new jobs are the product of Mississippi’s pro-growth business environment and Albany Industries’ continued commitment to our state and its people,” Reeves said. “I want to thank the entire Albany Industries team for choosing to invest in our home state.”
Today, more than 700 employees produce the company’s upholstered furniture at four factories in three states. Albany Industries’ new Calhoun City operations will be located in a 52,388-square-foot facility, which the company will lease the facility from the city.
South Mississippi development: Wood pellet company invests $250 million, creates 100 jobs
“We are excited about the opportunity to be in Calhoun City. This is not only a good business opportunity for Albany but an excellent opportunity to work with the great people of the Calhoun City area,” said Matt Ruth, Albany Industries’ vice president of operations.
Ruth said the company was impressed with Calhoun City on a site visit and decided soon after that they wanted to locate their next operation there.
“We are very appreciative of the efforts the city made to secure us a location we could begin operating in as quickly as they did,” Ruth said. “We look forward to growing with and being part of the community there for many years to come.”
The Mississippi Development Authority and Appalachian Regional Commission are providing assistance for building renovations. The city also is assisting with the project.
Weather news:Severe weather to impact Mississippi Tuesday, Wednesday. What to expect
More:Ecoshed gives small businesses room to grow with shared commercial kitchen, coworking space
Mississippi unemployment at all-time low, here’s what experts say is driving it
“We are delighted that Albany Industries has chosen to expand in Calhoun County. They are an exceptionally stable and financially sound company that manufactures great products. Their company officials have worked very hard to assure this expansion could come to fruition,” said Sheila M. Freely, director, Calhoun County Economic Development Association.
Albany Industries plans to begin production in Calhoun City and fill the 85 new jobs by the end of this year.
