Innovators and high-tech manufacturers are increasingly finding their niche in Mighty Mississippi, and those that already have a presence in the state continue investing in their operations and generating jobs in their communities. From globally renowned automotive leaders like Toyota and Nissan to locally owned technology companies like high-tech sensor developer Hyperion Technology, advanced manufacturers are developing next-generation products in the heart of the South—Mississippi —where the business climate is just as hospitable as the people who call the state home.
Corporate decision makers are choosing Mississippi in droves, realizing the success some of the advanced manufacturing industry’s heaviest hitters have found in the Magnolia State. Mississippi’s diverse and dynamic business climate supports tens of thousands of advanced manufacturing jobs, which contribute to more vibrant and charismatic communities, an improved quality of life and, of course, more resilient economies.
Mississippi boasts a mighty strong portfolio of premier incentives and unparalleled business advantages, including low utility and tax rates and no red tape. Mississippi also is a dream location for companies with extensive shipping needs. Being “halfway to everywhere” in the U.S., Mississippi’s central location between the East and West coasts allows for easy access to major U.S. markets, like Atlanta, Dallas and New Orleans. Mississippi also is replete with options to efficiently get products to market. Six U.S. interstates, 14 U.S. highways, an extensive rail system and 15 ports, including two deep-water ports on the Gulf of Mexico, all provide exceptional solutions for quickly getting goods to consumers in domestic and international markets.
Mississippi’s strongest business advantage, and quite possibly the state’s greatest asset, is its dedicated manufacturing workforce. Advanced manufacturing is an economic powerhouse in Mississippi, and more than 140,000 Mississippians keep advanced manufacturers like ABB, General Atomics, Milwaukee Tool, Navistar Defense, Olin Corporation, View Glass, Viking Range and so many more at the forefront of their sectors. In turn, these leading companies continue investing in their Mississippi operations, putting even more Mississippians to work making some of the absolute best-quality products in the world.
Recently, Milwaukee Tool officials announced the company was investing $60 million in advanced technology and manufacturing equipment to support a new 500,000-square-foot accessories manufacturing facility in Grenada County, which is being constructed to meet an increase in capacity for the company’s power tool accessories and power tool business. As part of the investment, Milwaukee Tool is creating 1,200 jobs throughout its Mississippi locations, with 800 being at the new Grenada County facility and the remaining 400 across its existing manufacturing, distribution and operations presences in the state. The company also recently delivered on its 2017 commitment to create 660 jobs over four years in Mississippi.
Another advanced manufacturer, Navistar Defense, recently increased its employment level by 500 at its West Point facility. Navistar manufactures and sustains tactical wheeled and commercial off-the-shelf military vehicles for the U.S. government and NATO allies. The company’s decision to invest in its West Point operations and add hundreds of new jobs is part of its commitment to establishing a long-term presence in Mississippi.
The Middleby Corporation, a global leader in the foodservice equipment industry, relocated Lynx Grills’ headquarters and manufacturing operations to the Viking Range facility in Greenwood, a project that is generating 200 new jobs in the Mississippi Delta city. The Middleby Corporation cited the expertise and ability demonstrated over the years by the Viking Range team as its primary reason for locating Lynx Grills’ operations to Greenwood.
The list of advanced manufacturers that have recently grown or located in Mississippi goes on, and the reasons are crystal clear: Mississippi offers highly competitive business advantages that can’t be replicated anywhere else, and the best workforce in the country – with its ‘can do’ attitude – is found in the state. For the last two decades, in fact, Mississippi has ranked as a Top 10 state in job growth because of manufacturing exports, a shining example to the fact ‘Made in Mississippi’ is a stamp of quality worldwide and a testament to a workforce that takes great pride in a job well done.
With the goal of not only maintaining its supportive business environment but further developing it to plan for future growth and innovation from new and existing industry partners, the Mississippi team also is hard at work developing shovel-ready sites so companies are ready to turn dirt as soon as they choose a location in the state. Mississippi’s Site Development Grant Program, administered by the Mississippi Development Authority, awards funding to economic development organizations and local governments to develop more available greenfield sites for industrial development on publicly owned property. MDA also utilizes ZoomProspector.com, the national site selection portal that helps companies find the ideal Mississippi location for their operations – right down to the zip code.
For generations, leaders in the advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, agribusiness/food and beverage, automotive, distribution and logistics, and forestry/energy/chemicals industries have enjoyed the many unique benefits of doing business in Mississippi. Looking to the future, the state is not only preparing to ensure these companies have all they need for continued success, it also is paving the way for the industries of tomorrow, like the Blue Economy, renewable energy, knowledge-based industries and mobility technology innovation, to plant roots and grow in Mississippi.
No matter what a company makes, Mighty Mississippi can get it done – always has, always will. Mississippians make warships, cars, helicopters and unmanned aircraft systems – just to name a few – and the state stands ready to propel the success of future industries. The Mississippi team of economic developers, legislators, research universities and community colleges, utility partners and local governments is ready to get to work for you.
Contact the Locate Mississippi team at 1.800.360.3323 or locateinms@mississippi.org to start mapping out your future in Mississippi. You’ll be glad you did.
