TUPELO, Miss. - Contract furniture manufacturer KI, number 19 on the FDMC 300, will shut down its manufacturing plant in Tupelo, Mississippi - laying off 18 employees.
In a notice to employees, the company said the reason for the closure is the plant's lack of overall production volume. The facility will close in September or October.
Production is set to be moved from Tupelo to the company's manufacturing locations in Wisconsin in an effort to consolidate. This will allow for improved customer experience and overall freight savings, the company said.
"Although this decision is a logical, financially sound business decision, it was still difficult due to the dedicated individuals who have supported KI-Tupelo for many years," said VP of Manufacturing Operations Tom Abrahamson. "We have 18 wonderful employees with almost 400 years of service!"
KI is one of the biggest contract furniture makers in North America. The company operates seven manufacturing plants throughout the continent. It reached sales of $650 million in 2020 and employs around 2,000.
KI's products include chairs, ergonomic seating, conference tables, filing/storage, university/classroom furniture, auditorium seating, wall systems, adjustable work surfaces, and healthcare furniture.
KI is also one of the nation's largest employee-owned companies.
Have something to say? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.