(Photo from Industrial Timber website)
Industrial Timber is expanding its operations in Ripley with a corporate investment of more than $2.6 million that will create 11 new jobs and strengthen the company’s manufacturing capabilities in North Mississippi.
The project includes the rehabilitation of Industrial Timber’s existing Ripley facility, construction of a new 36,000-square-foot building and the addition of machinery and equipment to support domestic manufacturing needs, particularly the production of bed slats for major furniture brands.
Industrial Timber is the nation’s largest independent furniture frame manufacturer and supplier of custom wood-based solutions. The company also operates facilities in Pontotoc and Tupelo.
“For more than 25 years, North Mississippi has been an integral part of Industrial Timber’s story, and we’re proud to continue investing in the people and communities that have helped shape our company,” said Kevin Wiley, president and CEO of Industrial Timber. “As we looked at this next chapter of growth, we saw a meaningful opportunity to reinvest in Ripley — building on the workforce, relationships and manufacturing heritage already here while adding new capabilities and creating additional jobs.”
Wiley said the expansion also will increase the company’s ability to support domestic furniture manufacturing.
“This expansion will also strengthen our ability to help bring more furniture production back to the United States and support the growing domestic manufacturing needs of major furniture brands,” Wiley said. “We’re excited about what this investment means for our employees, the Ripley community and the future of manufacturing in Mississippi.”
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. Tippah County also is supporting the project.
“Furniture manufacturing has helped shape North Mississippi’s economy for generations, with companies like Industrial Timber continuing to create jobs for hardworking Mississippians,” Gov. Tate Reeves said. “With three locations in our state, the company’s latest investment speaks to the momentum of our manufacturing sector and the workforce that powers it.”
Reeves said reinvestment projects such as Industrial Timber’s expansion create opportunities for workers while contributing to Mississippi’s economy.
MDA Executive Director Bill Cork said the project demonstrates the continued investment of companies already operating in the state.
“One of the clearest measures of a strong business climate is when companies already operating in Mississippi choose to invest again,” Cork said. “Industrial Timber knows what Mississippi can deliver, and it’s putting another $2.6 million behind it.”
Cork said MDA is supporting the company’s expansion as part of efforts to strengthen domestic production.
Tippah County Development Foundation Executive Director Chris Lewellen said Industrial Timber has played an important role in the county’s industrial community for many years.
“Industrial Timber has been a long-standing anchor of industry in Tippah County,” Lewellen said. “We are not only thankful for the reinvestment into our community, but also the great jobs they have provided for families for many years.”
Lewellen said the county is pleased with the company’s continued commitment to Ripley.
“We are excited that they are growing and are committing new capital investment into our community and creating new jobs,” he said. “Tippah County is also thankful for the support of MDA in these expansion efforts and TCDF will continue to support Industrial Timber in any way that we can.”
Industrial Timber plans to complete the Ripley expansion this fall.