JACKSON, MS — Furniture frame manufacturer Industrial Timber announced it is expanding operations at two of its plants in Mississippi. The expansions represent a $1.5 million investment and will create 80 new jobs, according to a Dec. 4 statement from the Mississippi governor's office.

Industrial Timber officials said the firm is adding manufacturing lines at its facilities in Shannon and Ripley, MS, to meet the supply needs of residential furniture maker Jackson Furniture, which recently announced a $2 million investment to open two plants in northeast Mississippi. According to the statement, Jackson Furniture will enlist Industrial Timber as its preferred vendor.

Assistance for the project was provided by the Mississippi Development Authority and Three Rivers Planning and Development District.

“Industrial Timber has been in operation for 14 years, and this new partnership with Jackson Furniture, combined with our skilled, dedicated workforce, will help ensure the company enjoys many more years of success in northeast Mississippi,” Gov. Phil Bryant said in the statement.

Founded in 1999 and based in Hiddenite, NC, Industrial Timber manufactures frames for the upholstered furniture industry as well as wood frames for local manufacturers. According to Bloomberg Business Week, Industrial Timber has manufacturing facilities in New Albany and Shannon, MS; Cleveland, TN; Hamburg, PA; and Hiddenite, NC.