Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with England, Inc. officials announced the furniture company will celebrate its 50th anniversary in Tennessee by expanding their presence in New Tazewell, Tenn. England will invest $17.5 million and hire 300 new employees over the next five years in Claiborne County.
“Tennessee’s reputation is synonymous with quality workmanship around the world. We are known for a level of craftsmanship that is increasingly more difficult to find. England has tapped into our high quality workforce where the Tennessee tradition of pride and commitment to excellence remains second to none,” Hagerty said. “I congratulate England on fifty years of success here in Tennessee and appreciate the jobs they have created and will continue to create into the future.”
England Furniture is one of the largest employers in Claiborne County, employing 1,050 people. The company is expanding due to the addition of new product lines.
“We want to thank the leadership at the state and county level for facilitating our plan to increase the employment base in our local community,” England, Inc. President Otis Sawyer said. “We look forward to 50 more years of manufacturing quality furniture.”
“It is a great honor to have an established business such as England/La-Z-Boy providing jobs for the people of Claiborne County, and as the Mayor, I commend England for their accomplishments,” Claiborne County Mayor Jack Daniels said.
“I want to congratulate England, Inc. on this significant announcement and thank the company for its continued investment in Claiborne County,” Claiborne County Chamber of Commerce Director Dennis Shipley said. “England, Inc. has played a key role in the continued growth and support in our community. I am pleased with the company’s plans to expand in Claiborne County and proud that the Chamber of Commerce was able to assist in this project.”
England is committed to making its products in America. During the recent economic downturn, England accelerated its investment in technology and transportation equipment to gain an edge on the competition. The company’s ongoing strategy is to leverage the advantages of being an American-focused manufacturing and distribution entity. Rapid delivery, coupled with selection, service and quality, continues to pay dividends and has helped England keep jobs in Tennessee.
People interested in applying for a job can apply directly at England’s Human Resource Department located at 995 England Industrial Rd. in New Tazewell Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
About England, Inc.
Since 1964, England Inc. has been building quality, upholstered furniture in the foothills of East Tennessee. England was founded by Arnold Dwight England whose goal was to provide non-farm related employment to the people of Claiborne County. From humble beginnings, England has grown to employ over 1,000 people in multiple factories all located in Tennessee.
England, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of La-Z-Boy Incorporated, located in Monroe, Mich.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies, which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: www.tn.gov/ecd. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/tnecd.