New Furniture Jobs Announced for Calhoun County

In the midst of a troubled year, there is some good news for the Mississippi furniture industry. MPB's Patty Davis reports new jobs and a new Mississippi made product are on the way in Calhoun County.

United Chair in Bruce, Mississippi already employs about 180 people. But it's parent company, Haworth (HAY-worth) Corporation is adding another 125 full time positions. Welcome news for Calhoun County Board of Supervisors President, Barney Wade.

"We've lost a lot of garment industry, plus furniture. But, we'd had been proud to get twenty jobs, much less a hundred twenty five. And the hope expectancy this might even create maybe up to two hundred jobs. Because of the workforce that we have... they have identified that and that's why they want to get larger in Calhoun County".

Unlike some recent economic development projects, Gov. Haley Barbour says this North Mississippi's expansion will not require additional funding from lawmakers.

"Part of the funding that we are able to give Hayworth and United Chair to move their operation here, comes from the Appalachian Regional Commission, which is Federal money, along with some state MDA funds. And we're grateful to both Bruce and Calhoun County, who are making a significant investment in this expansion of United Chair".

Hayworth's facility in Bruce will create Mississippi's newest furniture product, The Zody Office Chair. For MPB News, I'm Patty Davis