The Mississippi Development Authority made two sizeable economic development announcements this week which will create a total of 50 new jobs.
Elkay Manufacturing – Olive Branch
Plumbing and water delivery products manufacturer Elkay Manufacturing is locating distribution operations in Olive Branch. The project is a $3.22 million corporate investment and will create 25 jobs.
Founded in 1920, Elkay is America’s No. 1 selling stainless-steel and quartz sink provider. The company also offers an extensive line up of faucets, water coolers and drinking fountains, as well as Smartwell Water Delivery Systems and the award-winning ezH2O bottle filling stations. In addition, the Elkay Interior Systems division is a global leader in designing and building branded retail environments and commercial systems, such as stainless-steel products for commercial kitchens for leading international brands in the retail, hospitality, restaurant and education markets.
Elkay Manufacturing is locating its new Southeast U.S. distribution center in Olive Branch’s Scannell Logistics Park. The company chose the location so it could better service the southeastern market.
The Mississippi Development Authority has certified Elkay Manufacturing through the Advantage Jobs Rebate Program, which is available for eligible businesses that create new jobs exceeding the average annual wage of the state or county in which the company locates or expands. DeSoto County and the city of Olive Branch also are assisting with the project.
Elkay Manufacturing expects to begin operations in Olive Branch in September and plans to fill the 25 new jobs over the next two years.
Governor Tate Reeves said, “I am proud to welcome Elkay Manufacturing as the newest business partner to the state of Mississippi. Not only will the company’s prime DeSoto County location ensure products are quickly and efficiently delivered to its customers throughout the Southeast, but the skilled workers found in the area will play a key role in the company’s long-lasting success in our state, just as they have with the other numerous industry leaders that call DeSoto County home.”
“We are humbled, proud and grateful for the trust the state, county and the city have placed in us and are thrilled to play a part in the region’s continued success and future expansion,” said Ken Blazer, Elkay Director of Global Logistics. “All the infrastructure aspects that attracted us to the area in the first place are within easy reach of Olive Branch. Elkay’s first-ever Logistics Center in this area is well served by one of the most robust logistics infrastructures in the U.S., and its location will allow us to reach large population centers within two days.”
Olive Branch Mayor Ken Adams stated, “Olive Branch is pleased to welcome Elkay Manufacturing and are certain they will enjoy the amenities and labor market of this area as other successful companies have.”
Parker Hannifin Corporation – Holly Springs
Parker Hannifin Corporation’s Engine Mobile Original Equipment Division is expanding its existing facility in Holly Springs to expand its product development center. The project represents a significant investment from Parker and is expected to create 25 new product development jobs.
The Holly Springs location manufactures all first-fit OEM assemblies for fuel, air and crankcase ventilation filtration products. For the expansion, the division will construct an addition onto its current facility to accommodate additional product development team members. The division last expanded in Holly Springs in 2017.
The Mississippi Development Authority has certified Parker through the Advantage Jobs Rebate Program, which is available for eligible businesses that create new jobs exceeding the average annual wage of the state or county in which the company locates or expands. Marshall County also is assisting with the project.
Parker expects to complete the expansion by mid-2022.
“Parker Hannifin’s decision to expand its Engine Mobile Original Equipment Division product development center in Holly Springs is a strong testament to our supportive business environment, which provides the winning formula for lasting, sustainable growth in Mississippi,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “The state values its partnership with Parker Hannifin and thanks the company for once again entrusting our workforce to continue its legacy of product development and manufacturing top-quality products.”
Sudheer Ghadiyaram, General Manager, Parker EMOE Division said, “Parker is excited to announce this investment in the future of our Holly Springs facility. By expanding the product development center and expanding our manufacturing storage and production areas, this project will enable us to increase our production and inventory capacity and continue providing our customers with advanced technology solutions. We greatly appreciate the support of our partners at the Mississippi Development Authority and Marshall County Industrial Development Authority for their help in making this initiative possible.”
Justin Hall, Executive Director, Marshall County Industrial Development Authority stated, “We are pleased to have Parker Hannifin continue to invest and expand operations in our community and create great career opportunities for our residents. Parker Hannifin’s expansion and investment will contribute to Holly Springs’ and Marshall County’s growth for years to come.”