Story courtesy of Jan Griffey of The Natchez Democrat
NATCHEZ — Bishopric Industries announced Thursday that it will invest $5.75 million to expand its Natchez manufacturing facility, creating dozens of new jobs while positioning the company for continued growth in aerospace and other industrial markets. Company officials, joined by representatives from the Mississippi Development Authority, Natchez Inc., the City of Natchez and the Adams County Board of Supervisors, celebrated the expansion during a groundbreaking ceremony at the company’s industrial park facility.
Chandler Russ, executive director of Natchez Inc., the area’s economic development agency, said the expansion will bring approximately 28 new jobs averaging pay of $62,000 per year. The Mississippi Development Authority is offering Bishopric tax credits through its MFLEX program of approximately $300,000. In addition, the MDA will fund approximately $400,000 in infrastructure improvements at Bishopric, covering water lines, sewer lines, some needed drainage and site preparations.
Adams County has offered its standard tax abatements on machinery and equipment. And finally, Accelerate and Copiah-Lincoln Community College will be involved in workforce training and assistance, Russ said.
Bishopric Industries President Andy Koening said the expansion includes millions of dollars in new equipment and capabilities and represents a long-term commitment to Natchez.
“This expansion is already under way, and it’s going to continue over the next couple of years,” Koening said. “We’re going to keep hiring, keep investing and keep growing right here in Natchez.” Koening said increasing customer demand, particularly a significant aerospace project, helped drive the investment.
“The work is real. It’s coming in,” he said. “One of the major drivers behind this investment is a significant project in the aerospace industry.”
He said the project demonstrates the confidence major industries have in the Natchez workforce.
“If you think about that just for one second, Natchez, Mississippi, and the folks here are being trusted with some of the most technically demanding work in the entire country,” Koening said. Bishopric Industries has operated in Adams County since 2012 after locating in the former DynaSteel building in the county industrial park near the Port of Natchez. The company was previously known as Enerfab. Koenig said the company, which is 100 years old, is going back to its original name and roots by changing its name to Bishopric.
Russ said existing industries often provide the greatest economic development successes because they continue reinvesting in the communities where they already operate.
“Today’s announcement … is more than investment in equipment and facilities. It’s a vote of confidence in the workforce of Adams County. It’s a vote of confidence in this community, and it’s a vote of confidence in the future of Southwest Mississippi,” Russ said.
Drew Duncan of the Mississippi Development Authority said expansions by existing businesses create some of the most meaningful economic growth for Mississippi communities.
“When companies like Bishopric make the decision to grow and invest in Natchez, it demonstrates the confidence that they have in this community, the workforce here and the future of this region,” Duncan said. Project Controls Manager Duncan Guedon, born and raised in Natchez, said the investment strengthens the company’s ability to compete while creating opportunities for local workers.
“We’re expanding our capabilities, improving efficiency and strengthening the services we provide, allowing us to take on more complex projects,” Guedon said. “These investments show that Bishopric Industries is confident in the Natchez team.”
Adams County Board of Supervisors President Angela Hutchins thanked the company for continuing to invest locally.
“Today, through this $5.75 million expansion, they are making it clear that they truly believe in us. They believe in our workforce. They believe in our potential. They believe in our future,” Hutchins said. Mayor Dan Gibson called the expansion another example of what he described as the continuing “Natchez renewal,” praising partnerships among city, county, state and economic development leaders.
Company officials said the expansion will be completed over the next several years as Bishopric continues adding equipment, expanding production capacity and hiring additional employees.
