Jackson Furniture opening 2 new plants

JACKSON, Miss. — Upholstery producer Jackson Furniture has opened one new plant in northeastern Mississippi and plans to start operations soon at a second facility, according to company officials.

The plants represent an investment of $2 million, and the company said it will hire a minimum of 250 employees.

Jackson is currently producing at a 186,000-square-foot plant in Mantachie, Miss. A 160,000-square-foot facility in Myrtle, Miss., was set to start operations this week.

The Mississippi Development Authority is giving the company $750,000 for renovation and relocation costs, as well as worker training valued at $1.016 million. The Appalachian Regional Commission is giving $300,000 for infrastructure improvements.

Jackson Furniture, based in Cleveland, Tenn., makes sofas, recliners, chairs, tables and rugs under the Catnapper and Jackson brands. The company introduced a line of Duck Dynasty-branded furniture this fall.

"Jackson Furniture is excited about expanding production in northeast Mississippi, the ideal location for us based on an excellent labor pool of experienced living room furniture makers," company CEO Ron Jackson said in a statement.

The Mississippi facilities give the company seven U.S. factories.