England, Inc., a subsidiary of La-Z-Boy furniture, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in East Tennessee by expanding the company's New Tazewell, Tenn., plant and adding 300 employees over the next five years.
The furniture maker, already one of the largest employers in Claiborne County with 1,050 workers, announced Thursday it will invest $17.5 million in its Tennessee plant as part of its commitment to keep production in the United States. During the recent economic downturn, England accelerated its investment in technology and transportation equipment to gain an edge on the competition, according to England, Inc. President Otis Sawyer said.
"The company's ongoing strategy is to leverage the advantages of being an American-focused manufacturing and distribution entity," Sawyer said in a statement Thursday. "Rapid delivery, coupled with selection, service and quality, continues to pay dividends and has helped England keep jobs in Tennessee."
Founded in 1964, England Inc. has been building upholstered furniture in the foothills of East Tennessee for a half century. England was founded by Arnold Dwight England, whose goal was to provide non-farm-related employment to the people of Claiborne County.
"Tennessee's reputation is synonymous with quality workmanship around the world," Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty said. "We are known for a level of craftsmanship that is increasingly more difficult to find.
People interested in applying for a job can apply directly at England's Human Resource Department at 995 England Industrial Road in New Tazewell Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.