SMITHVILLE, MS -- Townhouse Home Furnishings, whose upholstered furniture factory was heavily damaged by an April 27 tornado, is relocating to a publicly-owned building in Mantachie, MS.

The move will quickly put approximately 150 people back to work.

"I appreciate the decision of Townhouse executives to remain in Mississippi and quickly put people back to work," said Gov. Haley Barbour. "I am pleased we were able to provide assistance to help Townhouse move forward quickly following these devastating storms and to rebuild in Smithville."

Tony Watson, CEO of Townhouse, said, "Due to the damage sustained at the Smithville plant, we are moving production to the new Mantachie plant. However, we are committed to Smithville and will rebuild the plant there. The demand for our Townhouse product will allow us to continue operations at the Mantachie location and rebuild the Smithville plant in the future."

Townhouse also has a facility in Amory, Miss., in Monroe County, which was not damaged by the April 27 storms and will continue to operate.

The tornado struck two months after Townhouse Home Furnishings, announced plans to add a new access road and undertake other infrastructure improvements to accommodate future growth.

Posted by Rich Christianson