An Industrial Timber expansion in Ripley will bring 11 new jobs and more than $2.6 million in new investment to Tippah County, the Mississippi Development Authority announced. The furniture frame manufacturer plans to rehabilitate its existing Ripley plant, put up a new 36,000-square-foot building and install new machinery to make bed slats for major furniture brands.
The company plans to finish the project this fall, according to the MDA announcement released Sept. 18.
What the Industrial Timber Expansion Includes
Industrial Timber describes itself as the largest independent furniture frame manufacturer in the country. It also supplies custom wood-based products. The Ripley project is built around bed slat production for furniture makers that want more of their supply made in the United States.
Investment: More than $2.6 million
New jobs: 11
Construction: A new 36,000-square-foot building plus rehabilitation of the current Ripley facility
Equipment: New machinery and equipment for bed slat production
Timeline: Completion expected this fall
Besides Ripley, the company runs operations in Pontotoc and Tupelo, giving it three locations in North Mississippi.
State and County Support
MDA is helping with the project through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive program, known as MFLEX. Tippah County is also supporting the project, according to the state.
Gov. Tate Reeves pointed to the region’s long history in furniture making. He said reinvestment projects like this one create new opportunities for workers and help keep Mississippi’s economy growing.
MDA Executive Director Bill Cork said one of the clearest signs of a strong business climate is “when companies already operating in Mississippi choose to invest again.”
What It Means for Tippah County
Company leaders said the decision came down to what Ripley already has. Industrial Timber President and CEO Kevin Wiley said North Mississippi has been part of the company’s story for more than 25 years. He said the expansion builds on the workforce, relationships and manufacturing history already in Ripley, and will help the company bring more furniture production back to the U.S.
Chris Lewellen, executive director of the Tippah County Development Foundation, called Industrial Timber “a long-standing anchor of industry in Tippah County.” He thanked the company for reinvesting in the community and for the jobs it has provided local families over the years. He said the foundation will keep supporting the company however it can.
The MDA announcement did not say when hiring for the 11 new positions will begin. Anyone interested in working there can contact Industrial Timber directly or watch for postings through the Tippah County job listings page.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
