Southern Designs and Gifts, manufacturer of home décor items, is locating operations in Natchez. The project is an over $2-million corporate investment and will create 30 jobs.
Southern Designs and Gifts manufactures items for brands like Metal Unlimited, CutMaps and Carter + Main. For the past 13 years, the company has operated in Vidalia, Louisiana, where it produces laser-cut and powder-coated metal décor, laser-cut wood décor and custom-printed items. Southern Designs and Gifts recently doubled its workforce, prompting the need to expand into a larger facility. The company is expanding into the former K-Mart facility in Natchez, where it will house a portion of its manufacturing and shipping operations.
Governor Tate Reeves said, “Natchez has a prime location on the Mississippi River with access to major highways and a skilled workforce. It provides an ideal environment for Southern Designs and Gifts to expand manufacturing and shipping operations. The collaboration between public and private partnerships in the region has been key to bringing new job opportunities and this economic development win to Natchez.”
The Mississippi Development Authority and the city of Natchez are providing assistance for access road improvements. Southern Designs and Gifts also qualifies for the Advantage Jobs Rebate Program, which is for eligible businesses that create new jobs exceeding the average annual wage of the state or county in which the company locates or expands.
“MDA is glad to welcome Southern Designs and Gifts as the newest member of the Natchez business community and newest corporate partner to the state. In Natchez, the company found the ingredients needed to accommodate its growth, and I am certain its new location will serve the company well for generations to come. We appreciate our partners at Natchez, Inc., and the city of Natchez for working with MDA to ensure Southern Designs and Gifts’ successful expansion in Adams County, said MDA Executive Director John Rounsaville.
Southern Designs and Gifts’ existing workforce will relocate from Vidalia to Natchez. The company plans to fill the additional 30 jobs by 2023.
“We are excited to expand our business into Natchez and the state of Mississippi. Vidalia and Natchez are essentially one town, separated only by a river,” said Southern Designs CEO Tance Hughes. “We intend to continue growing at both of our facilities and advancing the cause of regionalism for the Miss-Lou.”
Mayor Dan Gibson said, “The growth of Southern Designs and Gifts exemplifies that the Natchez and Vidalia region is pro-business and a partner for business growth. We couldn’t be more excited about Southern Designs and their expansion into Natchez. Their growth from one location to two, along with the rapid success of these young entrepreneurs, is truly an American success story. And the promise of new jobs and new industry is a win-win for the Miss-Lou.”
