Power distribution products manufacturer ALUMA-FORM started construction on its new $6.7 million manufacturing facility and distribution center in the Walnut, Mississippi, Industrial Park. The project is expected to create 125 new jobs in Tippah County.

From the Walnut location, ALUMA-FORM will manufacture and distribute its overhead power distribution products to its domestic and international customer base. “We are excited about our expansion in Walnut and our partnership with the local community and the state of Mississippi,” said Fred Newman, CEO of ALUMA-FORM. “We feel that Walnut’s dedicated, quality workforce, combined with the pro-business environment, will put us in a position to take on the challenges of a dynamic, competitive marketplace. I would like to thank the state of Mississippi, Tippah County and the Walnut community, the Appalachian Regional Commission and TVA for their support.”

“I am grateful to the team at ALUMA-FORM for selecting a Mississippi location for its new manufacturing facility and for placing their confidence in our business climate and creating so many new job opportunities for the area’s workers. Mississippi is always pleased to welcome new businesses to the state, and it is especially exciting to welcome a company that plays an important role in the energy industry,” Gov. Phil Bryant said. “This has been a great year for economic development in Mississippi, and I appreciate ALUMA-FORM for helping us close out 2013 with another economic development win. I wish the company many years of success in north Mississippi.”

The Mississippi Development Authority provided assistance in support of the project for relocation needs, site preparation, infrastructure improvements and workforce training. In addition, the town of Walnut, Tippah County, the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Appalachian Regional Commission assisted with the project, as well.

“We are pleased to welcome ALUMA-FORM as Mississippi’s newest business partner, and we appreciate the company for its investment in our state and in our workforce,” said MDA Executive Director Brent Christensen. “The MDA team thanks our local partners in Walnut and Tippah County and at the Appalachian Regional Commission and TVA for strong teamwork that helped bring this great company to north Mississippi.”