3/22/17 Bassett Furniture Announces 22 New Jobs

Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission

Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia

BASSETT FURNITURE ANNOUNCES 22 NEW JOBS

Will Expand Henry County Operation

Richmond, VA – Bassett Furniture announced today that due to increasing demand it will expand its Henry County operation with 22 new jobs and a $1.5 million investment in new equipment. Bassett currently operates 91 stores across the country with plans to have 95 stores open by the end of the year.
The 22 new positions will be located at the company’s corporate offices in Bassett, at the Bench*Made production line, also in Bassett, or at their Martinsville table plant known as Plant 11. The capital investment will include the purchase of a new finishing system for the Martinsville location, expansion of the Bench*Made operation, which produces custom made solid red leaf maple furniture, and upgrades to the company’s corporate offices.

The Tobacco Commission awarded a $95,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant to assist with the expansion in addition to $53,502 in Enterprise Zone grants from Henry County.

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Stanley said, “Bassett Furniture has always been a firm cornerstone of Southside Virginia in every way, for so many years. Since the day it was founded, Bassett Furniture has never wavered in its commitment to the people in our region, and remains to this day as the premiere name in furniture manufacturing. The Tobacco Commission is proud to support this great company as it expands its operations in Henry County.”

Mark Heath, President and CEO of the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp. added, “With today’s announcement, Bassett Furniture continues its remarkable turnaround in a globally competitive market. For more than 100 years, Bassett has been a market leader, and we are thankful for its continued investment and growth in Martinsville-Henry County.”

Jim Adams, Chairman of the Henry County Board of Supervisors said, “Bassett Furniture is one of the leading corporate citizens in Henry County and we are excited about this expansion. Today’s announcement reinforces the idea that advanced manufacturing can flourish here, and we look forward to Bassett’s continued success.”

Bassett Furniture has a long history in the Henry County area and the Tobacco Commission is proud to support a company that has continued to invest in Southern Virginia. As the Commission strives to develop a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia it is vitally important that we continue to support those companies that have invested in the region and shown long term commitment to its growth and prosperity.

Jeb Bassett, Senior Vice President of Bassett’s Wood Division said, “I have been impressed with the local Economic Development Corp. and thank them and the Board of Supervisors in Henry County and the Tobacco Commission for recognizing and supporting long-time local industries in addition to the work they do in supporting and attracting new industries.”

 

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jordan.butler@tic.virginia.gov
Website: www.tic.virginia.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/22/17