Area Development
A manufacturer of some of the most complex parachutes in the government inventory, Columbia Parachute Company is expanding its operations and will occupy 11,000 square feet of an existing facility at the Marion County BusinessPlex in Columbia, Mississippi.

The project represents a $300,000 corporate investment and will create 26 new jobs, bringing the total number employed by the company to 50.

“Columbia, Mississippi has a rich legacy of textile manufacturing, and Columbia Parachute Company is proud to be able to help grow that tradition. With the help of the Marion County Development Partnership, Mississippi Development Authority and the Marion County Board of Supervisors, we were able to find an excellent location for our manufacturing facility,” said Columbia Parachute Company President Brad Boyles. “This partnership will enable Columbia Parachute Company to keep its current employees in Columbia and provide the extra space needed to support future growth.”

The Mississippi Development Authority provided assistance in support of the project for building renovations. Marion County also provided assistance.

“I appreciate Columbia Parachute Company for choosing to expand in Marion County and creating these new jobs for the area’s workforce,” Governor Phil Bryant said. “When our existing companies grow, it demonstrates to the world that great things are happening here and Mississippi is open for business. I wish the company many more years of success in Columbia and look forward to watching their continued growth.”

“Successful economic development requires the collaboration of units of government and economic developers at all levels, and Columbia Parachute Company’s expansion is a shining example of that,” said MDA Executive Director Brent Christensen. “MDA is glad to have assisted this great company as it strengthens its roots in the state, and we thank our partners in Marion County and at the Marion County Development Partnership for working with us to help Columbia Parachute Company expand and create new job opportunities for the residents of Marion County.”