IT IS THE LARGEST JOB CREATION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCEMENT IN WARREN COUNTY IN 15 YEARS
Vicksburg, Miss. (Aug. 24, 2018) – Commercial kitchen equipment manufacturer Unified Brands is investing $9.5 million and creating 425 jobs in Warren County, Miss. The announcement was made by Governor Phil Bryant at the former Simpson Duravent Building located on 88 Armory Road, at the CERES Industrial Park. The project represents the largest manufacturing job creation project announced in Warren County in more than 15 years.
“Mississippians are hard workers who take pride in a job well done, as evidenced by Unified Brands’ decision to grow its operations in our state and create hundreds of new jobs in Warren County. Vicksburg has enjoyed recent economic growth, and this exciting announcement continues that momentum,” Gov. Phil Bryant said.
Unified Brands is a leader in professional food equipment design, manufacturing and service of products, including cooking equipment, refrigeration systems, ventilation/utility distribution systems, meal delivery systems and more. The company is relocating 425 jobs to Warren County with new product launches and by transferring work to Warren County from company locations in the States of Oklahoma, Michigan, and Byram, MS. Unified Brands is a Division of Dover Corporation, a publicly held company with annual revenues of approximately $7 billion.
Mississippians are hard workers who take pride in a job well done, as evidenced by Unified Brands’ decision to grow its operations in our state and create hundreds of new jobs in Warren County. Vicksburg has enjoyed recent economic growth, and this exciting announcement continues that momentum
“We’re looking forward to the
expansion to Vicksburg,” said Dave Herring,
president of Unified Brands
“This facility will enable us to improve the work environment for our employees, increase operational efficiencies and provide a foundation for long-term growth.” The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for equipment relocation and workforce training. The city of Vicksburg is assisting, as well. Unified Brands will also take advantage of an Entergy Mississippi rider intended to help companies firmly establish their operations during the first years by discounting their bill based on usage.
“As a strong manufacturing state, Mississippi with a dedicated workforce shows consumers every day that ‘Made in Mississippi’ is truly a stamp of craftsmanship and quality,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough, Jr. “MDA is pleased to support Unified Brands’ growth in Mississippi as the company creates hundreds of new career opportunities in Vicksburg which will have a positive effect on the region’s economy for many years to come.”
Pablo Diaz, President & CEO of the Vicksburg Warren Economic Development Partnership added, “We are excited that Unified Brands selected Warren County to consolidate its operations and create jobs. Our economic development team worked tirelessly and closely with the MDA to win this project for Mississippi and for Vicksburg and Warren County. We look forward to supporting Unified Brands as they ramp up and grow in our community.”
Unified Brands plans to be fully operational in its new facility by Jan. 2019. For those interested in applying for a job, the company will host a job fair Thursday, Sept. 6 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at its facility, which is located at 88 Armory Road at the CERES Industrial Park. A second job fair will be held later this fall.
The Vicksburg Warren Economic Development Partnership brings together the Vicksburg Warren County Chamber of Commerce, the Warren County Port Commission, and the Warren County Economic Development Foundation to lead Warren County’s and the City of Vicksburg’s Economic Development Efforts. Pablo Diaz is the President & CEO of the Vicksburg Warren Economic Development Partnership.
