Photo courtesy of Mississippi.org
Unified Brands, a commercial kitchen equipment manufacturer, is expanding in Vicksburg.
The company’s expansion represents a $9.5 million investment and the creation of 250 jobs. Unified Brands already employs 175 workers in Byram, bringing their total number of Mississippi employees up to 425. As Mississippi’s unemployment rate remains at historic lows, Governor Bryant said that this is another example of growth in the state.
“Mississippians are hard workers who take pride in a job well done, as evidenced by Unified Brands’ decision to grow its operations in our state and create hundreds of new jobs in Warren County. Vicksburg has enjoyed recent economic growth, and this exciting announcement continues that momentum,” Gov. Phil Bryant said.
Unified Brands is a leader in professional food equipment design, manufacturing and service of products including cooking equipment, refrigeration systems, ventilation/utility distribution systems, meal delivery systems and more. The company is relocating its operations from Byram, where it has reached full capacity, to Vicksburg where it will locate in the former Simpson Duravent building. Unified Brands is also creating 250 new jobs with new product launches and transferring work to Vicksburg from company locations in Oklahoma and Michigan.
“We’re looking forward to the expansion to Vicksburg,” said Dave Herring, president of Unified Brands. “This facility will enable us to improve the work environment for our employees, increase operational efficiencies and provide a foundation for long-term growth.”
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for equipment relocation and workforce training. The city of Vicksburg is assisting, as well. Unified Brands will also take advantage of an Entergy Mississippi rider intended to help companies firmly establish their operations during the first years by discounting their bill based on usage.
“As a strong manufacturing state, Mississippi with a dedicated workforce show consumers every day that ‘Made in Mississippi’ is truly a stamp of craftsmanship and quality,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough, Jr. “MDA is pleased to support Unified Brands’ growth in Mississippi as the company creates hundreds of new career opportunities in Vicksburg which will have a positive effect on the region’s economy for many years to come.”
Unified Brands plans to be fully operational in its new facility by Jan. 2019.
For those interested in applying for a job, the company will host a job fair Thursday, Sept. 6 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at its facility, which is located at 88 Armory Road in Vicksburg. A second job fair will be held later this fall.
