TOLLESON, Ariz. – As part of a $1.5 billion investment plan, Ashley Furniture Industries is expanding its furniture manufacturing operations to Tolleson, Arizona, a city in the greater Phoenix area.

The company has leased a 225,000-square-foot facility and manufacturing is expected later this month. The company plans to hire more than 200 workers and has begun the hiring process.

The new location expands Ashley’s national network of 13 production facilities servicing the United States. The company’s multi-million-dollar investment will be put toward updating the facility along with machinery and equipment costs. The Tolleson location is set to begin manufacturing upholstery furniture later this month.

“The high demand for furniture has led us to increase our manufacturing, distribution and retail operations,” said Todd Wanek, president and CEO, Ashley Furniture Industries.

The residential furniture manufacturer is the top-ranked company on the FDMC 300, a listing of the largest wood products producers in North America.