Koinonia, a startup plastics manufacturer, is establishing manufacturing operations in Drew with a $7.7 million investment expected to create 18 jobs over the next five years.
The company will manufacture products for the agricultural chemical packaging industry, with plans to expand into other packaging applications as demand grows. Koinonia is purchasing and rehabilitating an existing 40,000-square-foot facility in Sunflower County, installing new equipment and preparing approximately 150,000 square feet of surrounding concrete surface to accommodate future expansion.
The company plans to begin operations by January.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves welcomed the investment, citing its potential to create jobs, revitalize existing industrial property and strengthen the local economy.
“It’s great to see new investment taking shape in Sunflower County as the Mississippi Momentum continues statewide,” Reeves said. “We’ve created an environment where businesses of all sizes can succeed. Projects like this create jobs, put existing industrial assets back to work and strengthen local economies. I’m proud to welcome Koinonia to Mississippi.”
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. Sunflower County is also supporting the project.
MDA Executive Director PJ Waldrop said the company’s investment in the facility and surrounding property positions it for future growth.
“Koinonia isn’t just launching a new business; it’s building with the future in mind,” Waldrop said. “The company’s investment in this facility and surrounding property creates room for expansion as demand grows. MDA is proud to support companies that think long term and are committed to growing in Mississippi.”
Koinonia’s management team credited local and state economic development officials with helping the startup establish its operations in the Mississippi Delta.
“It was truly a pleasure working alongside Sunflower County Economic Development District Director Steve Rosenthal,” the management team said. “His guidance, paired with assistance from MDA project manager Jake Bell and the rest of the MDA staff, made us feel genuinely supported in our efforts to kick off our business in the Mississippi Delta.”
The team said the company’s goal is to provide value to local industry while building a foundation for future growth.
“We are excited to bring our vision to life, which is to bring meaningful value to local industry and grow out and up from there,” the management team said.
Rosenthal said Koinonia’s plans reflect an understanding of the agricultural chemical industry’s needs and confidence in the ability of local manufacturing to compete.
“We are proud of these local entrepreneurs who have studied the needs of the local market and developed a solution to better serve the agricultural chemical industry,” Rosenthal said. “They understand that products manufactured locally, by local people, can compete in both price and quality.”
Rosenthal said the company’s investment in equipment and its workforce demonstrates confidence in manufacturing opportunities in the Mississippi Delta. He added that the 18 planned positions, which are expected to include benefits, could provide meaningful opportunities for employees and their families.
“These positions will not only strengthen the company and our local economy but can also create life-changing opportunities for the employees and their families,” Rosenthal said.
Sunflower County Economic Development District helped facilitate the project and will continue to support the company’s efforts as it begins operations and works toward future expansion.