Washington Furniture coming back better and stronger after fire

PONTOTOC, MISS. (WCBI) – A longtime Northeast Mississippi furniture manufacturer is rebuilding at the same spot that was ravaged by fire less than a year ago.

Pontotoc’s Washington Furniture has kept its employees working, met important goals and is looking to the future in a new and improved facility.

For Tony Farr, the ceremonial groundbreaking is a symbol of the attitude and culture at Washington Furniture.

“We’re still strong and as a company and we come together as a family, we keep our head up, no matter what happens, struggle or anything,” Farr.

Last year, Farr and more than 300 fellow workers went through struggle and uncertainty after a fire leveled much of the Pontotoc plant. Employees were off the job for about three weeks, but company officials moved production lines to a building not damaged in the fire, meaning steady pay for employees.

Washington also moved quickly to rebuild.

The new facility will be a 400,000  square foot warehouse, with enhanced safety and security features.

“There’s an upgraded fire sprinkler system, firewalls, divided into compartments so if there is a fire it will be contained in one area,” said Colin Maloney, of Century Construction.

Washington Furniture has made sure its employees have been taken care of during the ongoing rebuilding process, and at the same time, the company has also been able to meet production and sales goals.

“We have been able to stay focused, determined and our retail partners have not left us, they supported us when we needed them the most,” said John Beard, vice president of sales for Washington Furniture.

Pontotoc’s Mayor and Fire Chief said it’s great to see the company coming back stronger than ever.

“It is a testament to management and employees here, management said we will not let this defeat us, employees bought into it and said this company means something to us,” said Mayor Bob Peeples.

“To watch the building go up as fast as it’s going and state of the art facility they’re building is investing back in Pontotoc, it’s awesome to see,” said Fire Chief Lance Martin.

Washington Furniture should be in its new warehouse by the end of the year.

The fire was ruled arson and the investigation into the arson is still active. There are rewards totaling $15,000  for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist.