Theater seating manufacturer VIP Luxury Seating is restarting factory operations in New Albany, Mississippi. The project is expected to create 100 new jobs.

The project is a $180,000 corporate investment at the site of the former VIP Cinema seating factory. The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for building improvements and to consolidate the company’s operations into one facility.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Governor, MDA and Randy Kelley and his wonderful team at Three Rivers for their continued support of industry in Northeast Mississippi,” said VIP Luxury Seating Executive Chairman Stephen Simons. “It’s also appropriate to mention the incredible support Union County has provided VIP since the original company started in 2008. The true credit for the company’s success goes to the superior skilled workforce of Union County. They have been great partners and deserve much of the credit.”

“VIP Luxury Seating is a prime example of a homegrown Mississippi company that is truly dedicated to building a stronger community through job creation and investment. The company’s employees always have taken pride in quality craftsmanship, and I know its new employees will continue VIP’s legacy of crafting superior products,” said MDA Interim Executive Director John Rounsaville. “MDA appreciates the hard work of Randy Kelley and his team at Three Rivers Planning and Development District. Their efforts, along with those of MDA, are paying off for the people of New Albany with this exciting economic development victory.”

VIP Cinema Seating was started in New Albany in 2012 with 30 employees and eventually grew to employ more than 500 workers. The original company was then sold to a private equity group, which subsequently filed for bankruptcy in February. The original founders, along with two additional investors, purchased the majority of the assets to rebuild the company and bring jobs back online in New Albany.

“The commitment by the VIP Luxury Seating team to the people of Union County is evident as they revamp operations and bring back so many jobs for the area’s workforce,” Governor Tate Reeves said. “As a strong manufacturing state, VIP could not have chosen a better location to manufacture its luxury seating. Their expertise in this sector will benefit the local community, economy and its workforce for years as it generates revenue and jobs, especially as local economies recover what has certainly been a challenging year for economic growth.”