MS: Jones Chooses Hattiesburg for National HQ, With 200+ New Jobs | Trade and Industry Development

MS: Jones Chooses Hattiesburg for National HQ, With 200+ New Jobs

Dec 10, 2021
Jones announced that it will construct a new $40 million corporate headquarters facility in Midtown Hattiesburg across from The University of Southern Mississippi. Jones portfolio companies including Codaray Construction, FV Recycling, Jones Logistics, Jones Lumber, Jones Power, PortaBull Storage, Spot, and Big Black River Holdings will be headquartered in this highly ammenitized, Class A building. The project is the culmination of an extensive site selection process and facility design that reflects the dynamic, entrepreneurial culture of Jones but also embraces the vision and architectural integrity of the Midtown master plan. This 80,000 sq. ft. headquarters office will serve as a beacon for southern MS.
 
Jones traces its roots back to a small, family-owned hardwood sawmill in rural southwest MS. From those humble beginnings, Jones has steadily grown, turning opportunities into businesses, and turning businesses into industry leaders. Jones strives daily to “build the legacy” by remaining true to the timeless values and hard work that brought us here, and by embracing change that all dynamic businesses face. Jones currently employs over 400 people in the State of MS with more than 800 employees total with operations all across the United States.
 
The new headquarters facility will serve as the primary office for over 230 employees for the Jones portfolio of companies headquartered in South MS. By providing Class A office space with state-of-the-art amenities and extremely competitive wages, Jones has earned a reputation for being a premier employer. Jonathan Jones, CEO, states “Our announcement today will have a generational impact on our company and Hattiesburg, MS. Bringing our portfolio companies leadership teams together under one roof will create synergies, efficiencies, and creative collaboration that will foster sustainable growth for Jones.”
 
According to State of Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves, “Jones’ decision to invest $40 million and create more than 200 jobs in Hattiesburg is yet another major economic win for Mississippi and further proof our state’s economy is thriving. It’s clear – Mississippi has the capable workforce and business-friendly environment companies need to succeed. My administration will continue to be unwavering in its commitment to increasing jobs that offer above average wages. With this project, that’s exactly what’s happening.”
 
Mayor Toby Barker, City of Hattiesburg, adds “Being a premier city in the Gulf South means having a collective spirit to go after big things and get them. Both the history and the leadership of Jones lends itself to that spirit. Today’s announcement is not only a big play for Midtown, but it’s a major step in diversifying and enhancing the availability of quality jobs in our community.
 
In addition to Southern Miss, Forrest General Hospital and Hattiesburg Clinic, this new headquarters will help anchor Midtown’s redevelopment, amplifying the momentum we’ve seen in this area.”
 
David Hogan, President, Forrest County Board of Supervisors, states “Forrest County has been involved in redeveloping Midtown Hattiesburg since day one and the Jones announcement is a culmination of years of work to ensure that Midtown Hattiesburg is a lucrative spot for new corporate investments. The average pay at the headquarters will be double our local average, so I can’t overemphasize the importance of this project to the future of Hattiesburg and Forrest County.”
 
Rob Tatum, 2021 ADP Chair, indicates “The 230+ employees at this location, will work, shop, dine, and in some cases reside in Midtown Hattiesburg, helping fuel additional growth of goods and services provided in this awesome redevelopment area. The ADP was pleased to play a small role in helping this project come to fruition by coordinating with our allies at the Mississippi Development Authority, City of Hattiesburg, and Forrest County.”
 
The Jones headquarters is slated to begin construction in Summer 2022 and will take 18 months to complete with occupancy expected in early 2024.