Industrial Timber expanding its Ripley operations with $2.6 million investment

Industrial Timber expanding its Ripley. Industrial Timber expanding its Ripley operations with $2.6 million investment.

Key points

• "Furniture manufacturing has helped shape North Mississippi's economy for generations, with companies like Industrial Timber continuing to create jobs for hardworking Mississippians, " Governor Tate Reeves remarked.
• The Tax Foundation's Index compares each state on more than 150 variables in the five major areas of taxation.
• Industrial Timber was founded in 1999 by Mike Ruch.
• General Atomics confirmed second expansion this year, bringing 125 more jobs to Shannon.
• Former Ole Miss Chancellor Jones files amicus brief opposing Mississippi's anti-DEI law.

Meanwhile, the independent furniture frame manufacturer and supplier additionally maintains operations in Pontotoc and Tupelo. This latest expansion in Mississippi will create 11 more jobs.

For context, the Mississippi Development Authority confirmed Friday that Industrial Timber is expanding its operations in Ripley, creating 11 new jobs with an investment of over $2.6 million.

Kevin Wiley, President & CEO of Industrial Timber, remarked for more than 25 years, North Mississippi has been an integral part of Industrial Timber's story, and they are proud to continue investing in the residents and communities that have supported shape the business.

"As we looked at this next chapter of growth, we saw a meaningful opportunity to reinvest in Ripley – building on the workforce, relationships and manufacturing heritage already here while adding new capabilities and creating additional jobs, " Wiley remarked. "This expansion will additionally strengthen our ability to assist bring more furniture production back to the United States and backing the growing domestic manufacturing needs of major furniture brands. We're excited regarding what this investment means for our employees, the Ripley community and the future of manufacturing in Mississippi." Industrial Timber aims to complete the project this fall.

Industrial Timber was founded in 1999 by Mike Ruch. This person retired in 2019. The firm, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is the nation's largest independent furniture frame manufacturer and supplier of custom wood-based solutions. The firm additionally maintains operations in Pontotoc and Tupelo.

MDA remarked the Mississippi expansion includes the rehabilitation of the company's Ripley facility, the construction of a new 36, 000-square-foot building, and the addition of new machinery and equipment to backing the domestic manufacturing needs of major furniture brands' bed slat production.

"Furniture manufacturing has helped shape North Mississippi's economy for generations, with companies like Industrial Timber continuing to create jobs for hardworking Mississippians, " Governor Tate Reeves remarked. "With three locations in our state, the company's latest investment speaks to the momentum of our manufacturing sector and the workforce that powers it. Reinvestment projects like this create new opportunities for workers and support keep Mississippi's economy growing."

While Tippah County is supporting the project as well, the Mississippi Development Authority remarked the state agency is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. Regarding the Author(s).

Cass Rutledge is a law student at the University of Mississippi. A native of Madison, Mississippi, he now resides in Oxford with his wife, Julie. News Frank Corder September 9, 2026. Mayo Clinic Laboratories investing $30 million, creating 234 jobs in Southaven.

"This location was selected to support efficient national logistics and strengthen our ability to serve clients, " the firm stated earlier this year. More From This Author. News Cass Rutledge September 11, 2026. PEER points to reservations with MAGCOR, MDOC reporting. News Cass Rutledge September 8, 2026.

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For now, industrial Timber expanding its Ripley operations with $2.6 million investment remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.