Master-Bilt is growing in New Albany, Mississippi, by manufacturing more refrigerated cabinets at the company’s Union County facility. The project is a $1 million investment and will create 30 jobs over three years.
“Mississippi is a hard-working manufacturing state with a steady focus on growing this important sector. Master-Bilt’s expansion and the addition of 30 new jobs at its New Albany plant positions the company, as well as our state, for continued growth and success,” Governor Phil Bryant said.
Master-Bilt is a refrigeration manufacturer providing food service equipment for restaurants, retail stores, convenience stores and more. Standex International, Master-Bilt’s parent company, is expanding the New Albany operations by relocating the production of refrigerated cabinets from Hudson, Wis., to the Union County facility. The move creates a “focused factory concept” for Master-Bilt’s refrigerated cabinet manufacturing operations. The expansion adds two production lines, which will increase cabinet production volume by 25 percent.
The Mississippi Development Authority provided assistance for equipment relocation.
“Master-Bilt’s expansion with the creation of new career opportunities for Mississippians in Union County spotlights the winning formula for success manufacturing companies enjoy throughout our state,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough, Jr. “We salute the teamwork of our partners at Three Rivers Planning and Development District, Union County and the city of New Albany for working with MDA to bring these new careers to the people of North Mississippi.”
Master-Bilt’s expansion is a two-phase project. Phase I began in May with the production of prototype samples which were evaluated to be approved for full production beginning in June. Phase II began in late May with the transfer of equipment, marking the start of a 9-24 month plant expansion. The project also includes the reorganization and layout of the current facility to improve plant operations, efficiency improvements and equipment modernization.
Master-Bilt currently employs 322 employees, both hourly and salaried, at its New Albany facility.