SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. - Furniture giant La-Z-Boy has expanded operations at a manufacturing plant in Arkansas, adding a second shift and 125 jobs.

 

The expansion follows the closure of a manufacturing plant in Newton, Mississippi. That plant's production will be shifted to three other plants - including the one in Arkansas.

 

“La-Z-Boy’s decision to add a second shift is great news as we work to increase economic momentum within the state,” said Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston. “Businesses continue to take note of our dedicated workforce and pro-business environment. La-Z-Boy has been a strong community partner for decades, and we are looking forward to continuing that relationship as it embarks on this new endeavor.”

 

The Siloam Springs plant has been in operation for 43 years. Around 420 employees worked there before the pandemic hit. Now, 300 employees have returned. When all laid-off employees return - and when the second shift is added - around 545 employees will work there.

 

Like many of the other companies in our industry, La-Z-Boy took a big hit when COVID-19 hit back in March. It implemented major production halts around the country laying off 6,800 employees - or 70 percent of its total workforce. It began reopening late April.

 

Founded in 1927 and headquartered in Monroe, Michigan, La-Z-Boy Inc. markets furniture for every room of the home. The La-Z-Boy Upholstery segment companies are England and La-Z-Boy. The Casegoods segment consists of three brands: American Drew, Hammary, and Kincaid. The company-owned Retail segment includes 155 of the 355 La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries stores. Joybird is an e-commerce retailer and manufacturer of upholstered furniture.

The company is ranked #13 in the latest FDMC 300 list of largest North American wood products manufacturers.