Company to create 60 direct jobs in Neshoba County
Project represents corporate investment of about $8.14 million
Two companies that make equipment to support the lumber industry are investing $8.14 million to open a facility here and will create 60 new jobs, officials announced Friday morning.
The companies are The New York Blower Company, an industrial fan manufacturer, and Kiln Drying Solutions & Components, a company specializing in both hardwood and southern pine markets with leading-edge kiln drying technology systems.
In making the announcement, Gov. Tate Reeves said, “New York Blower and KDS’ new facility in Neshoba County will bring not only good-paying jobs but also new opportunities to the area’s residents and local community.
“We welcome them to Mississippi and look forward to the bright economic future of these companies and our state.”
The two companies manufacture batch and continuous lumber drying kilns, wood waste heat plants and industrial air movement products.
New York Blower and KDS selected Mississippi as the location of its new Southeast operations due to the numerous sawmills that have announced new locations or expansions in Mississippi recently, officials said.
The new joint venture will be known as New York Blower/KDS.
The operations will be located in the former Richardson Molding facility in Philadelphia. The companies are presently renovating the facility’s interior and exterior and installing equipment.
“We look forward to our expansion into Mississippi and the opportunity to create quality jobs in Philadelphia,” said Tim O’Hare, President and Chief Executive Officer, New York Blower. “We are appreciative of the state of Mississippi and Neshoba County for their partnership in making this possible.”
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for building improvements. The New York Blower/KDS also has been certified for the Advantage Jobs Rebate Program, which is designated for eligible businesses that create new jobs exceeding the average annual wage of the state or county in which the company locates or expands.
The city of Philadelphia, Neshoba County and the Tennessee Valley Authority also are providing assistance with the project.
“When established companies like New York Blower and KDS choose to locate in Mississippi, it demonstrates their confidence in our transportation systems, workforce and our quality of life,” said MDA Deputy Executive Director Laura Hipp. “MDA is glad to support this project as it will help create a more vibrant community through its significant investment and creation of dozens of new jobs.”
Local officials welcomed New York Blower to the community.
"We welcome New York Blower to the city of Philadelphia,” said Mayor James A. Young. “Thanks to Gov. Tate Reeves and the staff of MDA, the hard work of David Vowell of our local Community Development Partnership and the support of city and county governments made this possible. Quality manufacturing will bring new opportunities to the citizens of Philadelphia.”
The county was appreciative as well.
“The Neshoba County Board of Supervisors appreciates New York Blower for locating its new manufacturing facility in our community, and we look forward to a continued partnership to promote their success and to expand the manufacturing jobs that are available to the citizens of Neshoba County and East Central Mississippi,” said Kevin Cumberland, president of the Neshoba County Board of Supervisors.
Local officials thanked state officials and others.
"We want to thank all of those involved with New York Blower and KDS as they locate here in Neshoba County,” said David Vowell, executive director of the Community Development Partnership. “The MDA staff, Neshoba County, city of Philadelphia and Tinsley Real Estate were all very instrumental in this project. We look forward to working more with NYB/KDS in the future months to bring more opportunities to our community.”