Milwaukee Tool brings 800 new jobs to Grenada County
04/20/2021
Grenada, Miss. (April 20, 2021) – Milwaukee Tool is expanding in Mississippi by constructing an accessories manufacturing facility in Grenada County. The project is a $60 million corporate investment and will create 800 jobs at the Grenada location. Milwaukee Tool is also committed to creating 400 more jobs to be added to any of its existing Mississippi locations in Greenwood, Jackson, Olive Branch, or at the new Grenada location for a total growth of 1,200 new jobs.
"When an industry leader such as Milwaukee Tool chooses to grow its footprint in Mississippi by building a new manufacturing facility – in addition to its existing facilities – it sends a strong message to the world that we take business seriously and work hard to ensure companies' long-term success in our state," Gov. Tate Reeves said. "This newest investment by Milwaukee Tool in Grenada County will benefit the region and its 800 new employees well into the future, just as Milwaukee Tool once again will benefit from having the best workforce in the nation producing the high-quality tools and accessories for which the company is known around the world,” stated Governor Tate Reeves.
Milwaukee Tool is an industry-leading manufacturer of heavy-duty portable electric power tools and accessories for consumers worldwide. In recent years, the company has invested significantly in its Greenwood, Jackson, and Olive Branch operations, creating hundreds of jobs for the regions' workers. The company last expanded in Mississippi in February 2020, adding a new distribution center in Olive Branch.
John Rounsaville, Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority stated, "Grenada County offers businesses a multitude of benefits, such as a talented pipeline of workers, close proximity to major metropolitan areas, and access to a robust transportation network. Milwaukee Tool recognized these attributes and aptly chose Grenada as the new location of its accessories manufacturing operations and 800 new jobs. MDA thanks the Milwaukee Tool team for once again choosing Mississippi. We also appreciate the teams at the Grenada Economic Development District, Grenada County, Delta Strong, Tallahatchie Valley Electric, and the Tennessee Valley Authority for their hard work in bringing these new operations and jobs to our great state."
“Our people and our culture have clearly made the difference in our growth and success. As we seek out new opportunities to attract, retain, and recruit the best talent in the country, the State of Mississippi has continued to be a valued partner. We look forward to bringing more jobs to this state.” Milwaukee Tool Group President Steve Richman
MDA is providing assistance for building construction. Grenada County and TVA also are assisting with the project.
“Long-term economic advancement is the core mission of the Greater Grenada Partnership,” said Matthew Harrison, who serves as the CEO of the Greater Grenada Partnership, President of the Grenada Chamber of Commerce, and executive director of the Greater Grenada Foundation for Economic Development. “As a world-renowned brand, the Milwaukee Tool company is set to bring quality careers and significant capital investment to Grenada County. Our office is proud to bring a project of this caliber to the citizens of Grenada County that will measurably move the economic needle in our community, region, and state. No project of this size is ever done in a vacuum. For the last sixteen months, we have worked tirelessly with all of our partners to make this project a reality. I want to thank the Grenada County Board of Supervisors, Governor Reeves, Kevin Horan, Lydia Chassional, and MDA for remaining dedicated to seeing Grenada County blossom. The great news, we are just getting started with the growth in Grenada County. ”
"We are excited to welcome Milwaukee Tools to Grenada County," said Michael Lott, President of the Grenada County Board of Supervisors. "I am proud that our community continues to be a destination for manufacturing companies seeking to expand and create jobs. The Grenada County Board of Supervisors has worked diligently to create a pro-business community. With an announcement such as this, we are seeing our investments bring about a great return."
The new 500,000 sq ft facility will be situated within the Grenada County Business and Technology Park located on Interstate 55. Available jobs will include machine operators, technicians, warehousing/inventory, shipping/receiving, engineering, and management roles. TVA and TVEPA have steadily worked with the economic development agency to market the industrial park to potential clients.
“TVA and Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association congratulate Milwaukee Tool on its decision to expand operations and create hundreds of jobs in Grenada, Mississippi. Helping to create job opportunities and investment in the Valley is fundamental to TVA’s mission of service. We are proud to partner with Grenada County, Mississippi Development Authority and Greater Grenada Partnership to help further that mission and support Milwaukee Tool’s business success in the region.” – TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley
“It really sets the table for future growth as well. Having the capacity and ability to make Milwaukee product right here is a huge feather in the county’s cap,” said Keith Mitchell, Chairman of GGFED. “If you look at the landscape of manufacturing in Grenada, this new addition to our community is a testament to our ability to provide the needs of world-class manufacturers. News likes this will continue to place us as a top location for industrial growth in the Delta.”
The new project will receive support from the local school district and the community college system in preparing a pipeline of potential employees.
Dr. David Daigneault, Grenada School District Superintendent, is ready for the new operation, “The Grenada School District is excited to provide the educational needs for this new industry in Grenada. The support offered by our district, including the Career and Technical Center, will be unparalleled by others. We are committed and enthusiastic about offering all of our industry partners the necessary access and instruction for our students who will be the future employees of this industry in Grenada.”
Dr. Jim Haffey, President of Holmes Community College echoed that support, “Holmes Community College is thrilled that a company with such a stellar reputation has chosen the Grenada county area to locate. Milwaukee Tools will provide outstanding opportunities for residents and potential students for most of HCC’s nine-county district. The College has a long-standing history of providing high-quality training for Milwaukee Tools, and our career and technical students will have the ability to intern, collaborate, and hire on with one of the premier manufacturers in the country. We are pleased to partner with the company, county, and others to bring this opportunity to our citizens.”
Milwaukee Tools has had a long history of success and expansion across the Mississippi Delta, particularly in Greenwood Mississippi. That success helped lay the foundation for further growth across the state of Mississippi.
“This expansion, by Milwaukee Tools, is an example affirming that the business case in Mississippi is strong and ultimately they chose a location that provides the best return on their investment,” says Wade Litton, Chairman of the Delta Council Development Department. “Milwaukee Tool’s commitment and expanding footprint in this region and State are tremendous. We will work hard with them and everyone to ensure that we deliver results. Delta Strong is proud to have played a small role in this effort and commend the Grenada community, and Governor along with his team at MDA for their persistence in landing this project.”
Milwaukee Tool expects to finish construction of the new Grenada facility by 2022.