Video: AIA Countertops To Bring Investment, Jobs To Lee County

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – As economic, civic and government leaders gathered for an announcement at the Lee County Board of Supervisors office, work was well underway preparing this building at the Harry Martin North Lee Industrial Complex for AIA Countertops.

“The city will be willing to work with them any way we can, and just excited about the jobs,” said Baldwyn Mayor Michael James.

AIA Countertops is part of Patrick Industries, which will invest 600 thousand dollars into its Baldwyn plant, eventually creating 60 jobs.

“In Mississippi, we make things, Governor Bryant loves to say, made in Mississippi, it’s perfection, stamp of quality, worldwide,” said Glenn McCullough, Jr., Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority.

Initially, AIA will use about half of the 110,000 square foot facility, but there is lots of room for growth. Their biggest customer, is Tiffin Motor Homes out of Red Bay, Alabama.

“The RV industry is on its sixth straight year of double digit growth, RV industry will manufacture around 390,000 RVs throughout the United States, this will be our 15th state we will grow into,” said Jeff Rodino, COO of Patrick Industries.

Economic development leaders say the announcement also means a more diversified industry base.

“We’re being known as a manufacturing center for automated and advanced manufacturing. That continues to grow, and that will also increase the workforce skill level in our region, to be able to meet new demands of the 21st century,” said David Rumbarger, President of the CDF.

AIA is on track to start its manufacturing operations in Lee County by September. AIA is hiring now. For more information, go to your local WIN Job Center.