NEARLY 200 NEW JOBS COMING TO PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY
Ison Furniture to Establish New Manufacturing Operation
Governor Ralph Northam announced today that Ison Furniture Manufacturing Inc., will establish a new manufacturing operation in Pittsylvania County. The project will create 150 new jobs and result in $3.5 million in capital investment. Ison will take up residence in the former A.C. Furniture Company facility in Pittsylvania. Additionally, Dogwood Global, LLC, a supplier for Ison, will create an additional 45 jobs and invest $500,000 to locate in a 30,000 square foot building onsite.
The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is supporting this project with an $86,500 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant.
Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball said, “Ison Furniture’s decision to establish its newest furniture production operation in Pittsylvania County is great news for Southern Virginia, and it demonstrates the infrastructure and workforce advantages that continue to attract high-quality manufacturers. We thank Ison and supplier Dogwood Global for creating valuable job opportunities, and we are confident the region will deliver a sustainable talent pipeline to facilitate the growth of both companies.”
Tobacco Commission member, Dr. Alexis Ehrhardt added, “The fact that our region successfully competed for this project demonstrates that the investments we have made to ensure that Southern Virginia is a great place to do business are paying off. We have a skilled workforce ready to start on day one, and I look forward to seeing Ison Furniture begin the hiring process.”
Ison Furniture Manufacturing, Inc. produces contemporary furniture for consumer and hospitality markets. The company has two facilities in North Carolina, and the new operation represents its first in Virginia. The former A.C. Furniture Company in Pittsylvania County operated from 1977 to March 2020 and developed a strong textiles and furniture workforce in the region. As part of the project, Ison will also utilize excess upholstery and sewing capacity at the facility to manufacture personal protective equipment products to support the local COVID-19 response.
President of Ison Furntiure Manufacturing, Akira Ison said, “Ison Furniture Manufacturing, Inc. is excited to become part of the historic Virginia furniture industry. Southern Virginia is known for having some of the finest furniture craftsmen in the country, and Virginia has led the way in providing a foundation for businesses and employees to grow and prosper together. Local and state government that embraced our concept of designing a COVID-conscious facility, and our family-owned business looks forward to helping over 150 employees prosper and take care of their families.”
Chairman of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors, Bob Warren added, “This announcement is yet another demonstration of the excellence of Pittsylvania County’s workforce and the effectiveness of our efforts to bring high-quality manufacturing jobs to our locality and region. We are thankful that Ison Furniture, as well as Dogwood Global, LLC, have decided to expand into Pittsylvania County, and we are excited to see the positive and long-term impacts for our citizens that come from this project.”
The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the regions we serve. Southern Virginia has long been known as a center for manufacturing and furniture manufacturing in particular. The Tobacco Commission is pleased to be able to support this project that will create jobs and help keep this important industry alive in Southern Virginia.
Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jbutler@revitalizeva.org
Website: www.revitalizeva.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/26/2020